Breaking Into Books: A Non-Fiction Writing Workshop for Journalists

$2,000.00

Apply Now

Breaking Into Books: A Non-Fiction Writing Workshop for Journalists

Turn your reporting into a compelling non-fiction book concept with guidance from acclaimed author and Columbia Journalism School professor Samuel G. Freedman. This intensive workshop will equip you with the skills to develop your book proposal, navigate the publishing industry and make the leap from journalist to author.

June 10, 2025– June 12, 2025

Overview

  • This in-person-only program takes place June 10-12 in St. Petersburg, Florida, at the Poynter Institute.
  • Space is intentionally limited to maximize feedback and coaching, so apply soon. The deadline is April 25, 2025.

$2,000.00

Apply Now

Learning Outcomes

In this course, you will:

  • Understand narrative non-fiction techniques.
  • Gain insights into the publishing world.
  • Build resilience for dealing with rejections.
  • Learn from published writers about working with an agent.
  • Begin work on your own book proposal.

$2,000.00

Apply Now

Overview

  • This in-person-only program takes place June 10-12 in St. Petersburg, Florida, at the Poynter Institute.
  • Space is intentionally limited to maximize feedback and coaching, so apply soon. The deadline is April 25, 2025.

Training five or more people?
Check out our custom training.

As a journalist, you’ve spent your career uncovering stories that matter—now it’s time to write the book. This exclusive training is designed to help you bridge the gap between reporting and writing narrative non-fiction, equipping you with the tools to craft longform stories that captivate readers and publishers alike.

Guiding you on this journey is Columbia Journalism School professor Samuel G. Freedman, a celebrated author and former New York Times columnist. Freedman has helped more than 100 students secure coveted book contracts, and now he’ll be sharing his expertise with you. A finalist for both the National Book Award and the Pulitzer Prize, Freedman has written 10 acclaimed books on subjects ranging from politics and civil rights to sports and religion. His most recent work, Into the Bright Sunshine (2023), explores Hubert Humphrey’s impact on the Civil Rights Movement.

Through expert-led in-person sessions, you’ll gain insights into the publishing world, learn the realities of working with an agent and build resilience to navigate inevitable rejections. Most importantly, you’ll begin developing your own book proposal with guidance from experienced writers who have successfully made the leap from journalism to authorship.

If you’ve ever dreamed of turning your reporting into a book, this is your opportunity to take the first step. Apply now and start writing your next chapter.

Questions? Email info@poynter.org.

Application deadline for the program is Friday, April 25, 2025.

Accepted participants will be notified at the beginning of May.

This in-person-only program takes place June 10-12 in St. Petersburg, Florida, at the Poynter Institute. Poynter will host an evening reception on June 10, and two full days of learning, June 11 and 12. Lunch, snacks and coffee will be provided during the seminar.

Accepted applicants must plan to arrive on site no later than the start date and time and should expect to dedicate uninterrupted time to the program for its duration.



Who should apply? 

Writers who are seriously interested in writing non-fiction books. 

Cost

Tuition for this program is $2,000. It includes an evening reception, two full days of in-person learning, and lunch and snacks.

Participants (or their employers) will be responsible for the cost of travel and accommodations. Poynter works with local hotels to ensure a fair rate. More details will be shared with selected applicants.

Application process

The process to apply is straightforward and simple. No letter of recommendation or reference is required. Please be prepared to answer questions about your professional experience, areas of interest and basic demographic information and to share a 500-750 word description of the book you’re interested in pursuing. No other material from the prospective book is required at this time.

The deadline to apply is Friday, April 25, 2025 .

Instructors

Lead Instructors

  • Kristen Hare
    Faculty, Director of Craft and Local News, The Poynter Institute
    Kristen Hare is the Poynter faculty’s director of craft and local news and the author of Local Edition, Poynter’s weekly newsletter for and about local...
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  • Samuel Freedman
    Award-winning author, columnist and professor of Journalism, Columbia Journalism School
    Samuel G. Freedman is an award-winning author, columnist, and professor. A former columnist for The New York Times and a professor at Columbia University, he...
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Instructors

  • Eric Deggans
    TV Critic, NPR
    Eric Deggans is NPR’s first full-time TV critic, also serving as media analyst and guest host, appearing on all the network’s shows, including “Morning Edition,”...
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  • Roy Peter Clark
    Senior Scholar, Poynter
    Roy Peter Clark is known as America’s writing coach, devoted to creating a nation of writers. A PhD in medieval literature, he is widely considered...
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  • Dalia Colon
    Host and executive producer of "The Zest" podcast from WUSF
    Dalia Colon is the author of The Florida Vegetarian Cookbook and the host and executive producer of "The Zest" podcast from WUSF, Tampa Bay's public...
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  • Stephanie Hayes
    Columnist, Tampa Bay Times
    Stephanie Hayes is a columnist with the Tampa Bay Times and syndicated nationally via Creators Syndicate. She was named best columnist in the state by...
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  • Gloria Muñoz
    Colombian American writer, translator, and advocate for multilingual literacy
    Gloria Muñoz is a Colombian American writer, translator, and advocate for multilingual literacy. She is the author of This is the Year, Your Biome Has Found You,...
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  • Craig Pittman
    Best-selling author, a podcaster and an award-winning environmental reporter
    Craig Pittman is a native Floridian, a best-selling author, a podcaster and an award-winning environmental reporter. Born in Pensacola, he graduated from Troy State University...
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  • Kerry Sheridan
    Reporter with the Tampa-based NPR station, WUSF 89.7
    Kerry Sheridan is a reporter and local co-host of All Things Considered at the NPR member station WUSF 89.7 in Tampa, FL. Prior to joining...
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