Charlie Fish, editor of Fiction on the Web, says he appreciates any indication in cover letters that a writer takes their craft seriously. This includes mentions of classes they've taken in the past. If I understood correctly, you're saying that you disagree, that for you, it really doesn't matter. Is that right?
Hi Nikita - I agree that writers should mention writing programs they are involved with, especially if their literary credentials are on the lighter side. It's the name-dropping of specific teachers that tends to irk editors. Saying "He has been taking classes at The Writers Studio for the past 5 years" is different from "He has studied with Pulitzer Prize winning poet Philip Schultz". The first is focused on showing the writer's dedication to craft (5 years!), whereas the second is focused on name-dropping a famous writer they took class with as if it's an indication of the quality of their own work.
@Janelle,
Charlie Fish, editor of Fiction on the Web, says he appreciates any indication in cover letters that a writer takes their craft seriously. This includes mentions of classes they've taken in the past. If I understood correctly, you're saying that you disagree, that for you, it really doesn't matter. Is that right?
Hi Nikita - I agree that writers should mention writing programs they are involved with, especially if their literary credentials are on the lighter side. It's the name-dropping of specific teachers that tends to irk editors. Saying "He has been taking classes at The Writers Studio for the past 5 years" is different from "He has studied with Pulitzer Prize winning poet Philip Schultz". The first is focused on showing the writer's dedication to craft (5 years!), whereas the second is focused on name-dropping a famous writer they took class with as if it's an indication of the quality of their own work.
I understand now. Saying "I had a year long residency" is not the same as saying "I took a class with BIG NAME."
Exactly!