Pen to Paper: Guide to Writing Romance


Pen to Paper: Guide to Writing Romance is an immersive ten-month collaborative learning experience working together in weekly small group live, on-line sessions with published authors guiding the way. This intensive, hands-on program grounds you in writing romances so you can quiet the inner critic and go from a story idea to first draft with confidence.

Please see the calendar for important Pen to Paper program dates 

Please read all the information provided before you enroll. If you have questions about the program, please email p2p@rwa.org with your questions prior to enrolling.


ParticipantsPen to Paper logo


Please read all the information provided before you enroll. If you have questions about the program, please email info@rwa.org with your questions prior to enrolling.

Curious about the Pen to Paper program?
Check out the recording of the informational session we hosted on October 1.


View Info Session

Download presentation slides (PDF)



Who Can Participate?

Pen to Paper is open to people who meet the following criteria:

  • Unpublished in novel/novella length fiction in a commercial market.
  • Not under contract or have an active pre-sale.
  • Prepared to meet the participation requirements, writing commitment, and assignment due dates for the program.
  • Agree to abide by the RWA Code of Ethics.


Can Non-members Participate?

Yes. Non-members can participate provided that they meet the criteria listed above. Non-member participants agree to follow RWA's Code of Ethics for the duration of the program.


How Are Participants Chosen?

Participants are chosen on a first-come, first-served basis, with the number of participants contingent on the number of Guides available.

A wait-list will be established in case of additional availability during the first two weeks of the program.


What’s Expected of the Participants?

Participants should be prepared to commit to the entire program.

Participants should be prepared to meet minimum attendance requirements and complete assignments as outlined in the syllabus in order to remain in the program.

Participants will be expected to commit to approximately 4 hours a week, including weekly Partner Circle meetings.

All participants are required to receive critiques on their manuscripts, and are required to critique the work of other participants.

At the end of each course, participants complete an evaluation, to provide immediate feedback that facilitates continuous improvement in the program.

 

By participating in the Pen to Paper program (“Program”), you agree to release, waive, and discharge the Romance Writers of America (“RWA”), including its directors, employees, and agents, from liability from any and all claims relating to your participation in the Program, including misappropriation or misuse of any intellectual property or breached expectations of confidentiality regarding your submitted works.

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Testimonials
Here's what last year's participants said about their experience.

 

 

“I need a better grounding in my craft, so I can write faster and smarter from the first page to the last. Pen to Paper is perfect for me!”

- Susan Guest, unpublished romance author

 

“We set up Pen to Paper specifically for unpublished authors who aren’t sure their good idea will make a good book. You don’t even need a complete manuscript to participate. By the end, you’ll have a great first draft and be ready for programs like RAMP.”

- Erin Novotny, committee member