5 Questions to Ask Before You Lead a Writing Workshop

Most of us are flattered when we're asked to speak to a group or lead a creative or expressive writing workshop. But before you sign that instructor contract, start that pre-class conversation. Ask questions.

As a writing workshop facilitator, I’m excited to create the space in which new or seasoned writers can develop the craft of writing for creativity or wellness.

So when a new organization or client contacts me with a workshop inquiry, I want to fast track to the information about content, target audience and curricular needs.

However, I remind myself to take a breath and start the biggie conversation.

As part of that conversation, here are four questions to ask:

1. What is Your Budget for this Writing Workshop? This up-front question saves potentially wasted conversations and time. Free classes are under-appreciated. No, they don't "offer great exposure," or "look good on your CV or resume." Instead, no-cost often means no-show or partially engaged learners. So name your fee. Then, document that fee and your invoicing terms and payment due date(s) in your formal contract. If you agree to a no-fee workshop, it should be for an organization whose mission you support.

2. Narrow the Topic: Sometimes, a host or events person contacts you with, "We want to offer a writing class." or, "We saw your book and would love to do something on writing." Nudge them to define and narrow the focus. A well-defined topic will be much easier for the host organization to market and will make it simpler for students to grasp, conceptualize and prepare.

3. Ask About the Writing Workshop Venue and Setup: Nothing interrupts learner engagement more than presentation rooms that are cold, musty, overcrowded or windowless. In fact, there’s research to support the fact that the room setting matters. If possible, ask to visit or video-visit the venue to check it out beforehand. Ask if other programs are being offered simultaneously or next door. Finally, document your specific audio-visual needs right in your workshop contract. If the program is virtual, ask about the platform and who will be hosting the event and coordinating chat and questions.

   4.Who Owns the Workshop Content? This is a big one. Make sure that your class content, resource list and slide deck are yours—and yours only. Post-session, if they plan to give access to a recorded version, ask (a) to whom and (b) for how long. Only unethical organizations steal your work or use it for a later session—or hand it over to another instructor. So have this legal conversation.

   5. Who’s Boss Here? When the host stays for the workshop and interrupts at every opportunity, guess what happens? The attendees are like children who want to listen to one parent, but keep glancing over their shoulders for the other parent’s consent or approval. I feel honored to lead writing workshops that are dynamic and participatory, but someone needs to be the designated and consistent leader. So in your pre-workshop call, ask if your host will be there. If yes, ask what their on-the-day role will actually be.

Writing workshops, retreats and classes are fun and energizing. But before you agree to be the leader or teacher, ask what you need to know before you say, "yes” or sign that contract.

Interested in setting up a wellness or creative writing workshop for your organization?

Read some of my student testimonials. Then, get in touch.