If you have been on the internet for any length of time, you have most likely come across MasterClass and have wondered if they are worth the subscription. Hopefully, this MasterClass review will help you determine if the platform is worth your time and money.
In this MasterClass review, we will be answering some important questions such as:
What is MasterClass?
How much is MasterClass?
And is MasterClass worth it?
As a self-publishing company, we’ll take a look at some pros and cons of joining as a writer, the pricing plans available, and an alternative option to improve your writing skills. This MasterClass review isn’t just helpful for aspiring authors though, it’s a full review that can help anyone trying to decide if the services at MasterClass are right for them.
What is MasterClass?
MasterClass is a platform of online classes that brings the world’s experts straight to your laptop. So what is MasterClass known for? Classes on everything from interior design to makeup artistry to writing.
In fact, there are a lot of classes for current or aspiring writers, but should you join?
The first thing you need to know is that MasterClass is a legitimate platform. The point of MasterClass is to learn from some of the best people at the absolute top of their fields.
MasterClass is not a scam. You will get exactly what they promise when you sign up: access to the minds of the world’s greatest talent.
MasterClass offers top-notch production quality and workbooks to go through, and you can set your own pace for your own courses.
With that being said, one of the top things you need to keep in mind that is a drawback to MasterClass is not every single person is good at teaching.
Teaching is its own skillset and some classes are not completely helpful. Just because someone is talented does not mean they know how to teach what they do.
Most of us do not have access to those kinds of talented people so MasterClass set it up for you to learn from them through their platform instead.
Some examples of MasterClass classes include:
- Anna Wintour teaching creativity and leadership
- Neil Gaiman teaching the art of storytelling
- Sara Blakely teaching self-made entrepreneurship
- Jodie Foster teaching filmmaking
- Gordon Ramsay teaching cooking
- Joyce Carol Oates teaching the art of the short story
Those classes are just the tip of the iceberg of options when it comes to classes.
As mentioned, being able to get in front of any of the people listed above would be hard, and possibly take years, and your chance of them mentoring you is slim to none.
So, MasterClass steps in as the middle ground between you and the people you want to learn from the most.
The video lessons are available anytime and you can stream them on any of your compatible devices, which includes: smartphones, personal computers, Apple TV, FireTV, or any other streaming media players.
Which MasterClass classes are for writers?
MasterClass has a category for writing classes, and let’s take a look at some of the options out there (at least, as of writing this article, check their website for the complete updated list).
Keep in mind, these go across a variety of writing mediums, so they might not all apply to you and your writing goals, but it gives you a good idea of what is available.
Current writing teachers on MasterClass:
- James Patterson teaching writing
- David Mamet teaching dramatic writing
- Judy Blume teaching writing
- Malcolm Gladwell teaching writing
- R.L. Stine teaching writing for young audiences
- Margaret Atwood teaching creative writing
- Dan Brown teaching how to write thrillers
- Walter Mosley teaching fiction and storytelling
- Billy Collins teaching reading and writing poetry
- Neil Gaiman teaching the art of storytelling
- David Baldacci teaching mystery and thriller writing
- Salman Rushdie teaching storytelling and writing
- David Sedaris teaching storytelling and humor
- Shonda Rhimes teaching writing for television
- Roxane Gay teaching writing for social change
- Amy Tan teaching fiction, memory & imagination
- N.K. Jemisin teaching fantasy and science fiction writing
- Joy Harjo teaching poetic thinking
- Amanda Gorman teaching writing and performing poetry
As you can see, some of the most successful writers of our generation are on that list.
There are very few chances you will have in life to hear from such a long list of successful writers to learn how they approach their work and do what they do.
You might even sign up to watch the class of a writer that you are not sure about just to learn a new writing technique you never knew before.
MasterClass review: pros and cons
Here are some benefits and drawbacks of MasterClass so you can answer the question: “Is MasterClass worth it?”
Pros of MasterClass
High-quality content: MasterClass provides access to classes taught by experts in various fields, including cooking, writing, music, and more.
Celebrity instructors: Classes are often taught by well-known figures, which can be a draw for those interested in learning from celebrities.
Variety of topics: MasterClass offers a wide range of classes, allowing users to explore different subjects and learn new skills.
Production value: The production quality of MasterClass is typically high, with well-produced videos and supplementary materials.
Community and interaction: Users can engage with instructors and other students through the platform, fostering a sense of community and collaboration.
Cons of MasterClass
Cost: MasterClass requires a subscription fee, which may be prohibitive for some users. There is also no monthly subscription available; the full annual amount is due to sign up for MasterClass.
Limited interactivity: While there is some opportunity for interaction, such as asking questions, the format is primarily lecture-based, which may not suit all learning styles.
Not suitable for advanced learners: Some users find that the classes are more suited to beginners or those looking for introductory-level content rather than advanced instruction.
Access limitations: Users need an internet connection to access the classes, which may be a limitation for those in areas with poor connectivity.
Subjective value: The value of MasterClass depends on individual preferences and how much users engage with the content, so it may not be worth the cost for everyone. Just how much is Masterclass? We’ll cover that in the section below.
How much does MasterClass Cost?
Next in our MasterClass review, let’s take a look at the pricing structure at MasterClass. They have a few pricing tiers that provide different options, depending on what you need.
So how much is MasterClass? Let’s break down their subscription options:
Standard
- $10 per month (billed annually)
- 1 account which can be used on one device
- Access to all classes and Sessions by MasterClass
Plus
- $15 per month (billed annually)
- 1 account which can be used on 2 devices
- Able to download videos for offline viewing
- Access to all classes and Sessions by MasterClass
Premium
- $20 per month (billed annually)
- 1 account which can be used on 6 devices
- Able to download videos for offline viewing
- Access to all classes and Sessions by MasterClass
Is MasterClass worth it?
It depends on your budget, but there are so many classes you can take in such a wide variety of subjects that even just a class here or there that teaches you something that helps improve your journey as an author can be worth it.
There are many classes out there that are hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars, and MasterClass is cheaper as an option in comparison.
With that being said, you can try to find deeper MasterClass reviews online about specific classes if you want to find out if they are worth it. You will want to do that if you are really only looking at one course to take.
Who should use MasterClass?
MasterClass is for everyone at any skill level.
If you are just getting started as a writer, or you are already a veteran to the space, you might find a course that can help you move your career along.
How long does a MasterClass take?
On average, a MasterClass class lasts between two to five hours.
Each of the individual lessons range from two to five minutes with each class receiving a class workbook, interactive assignments, and depending on the class, community activities.
Can a beginner take a MasterClass?
People just getting started with writing could benefit from a MasterClass subscription.
It can help to hear what some of the best people in the industry would suggest to writers so you can start to test and apply their ideas or methods to your own writing.
The classes are designed to be accessible to all skill levels.
Other Masterclass reviews
Don’t just take our word for it. Let’s take a look at some other MasterClass reviews to see what students think of the service:
Well that was a glowing MasterClass review – particularly for writers. Let’s look at another positive MasterClass review:
Unfortunately, not all MasterClass reviews are so positive… Here are some decidedly negative MasterClass reviews:
As you can see, MasterClass reviews are extremely mixed. Some people find the class content to be very helpful, but the subscription model? Not so much.
Alternatives to MasterClass
Do you need something a little more hands-on than a MasterClass class?
Want one-on-one and more interactive courses to help you publish your book and reach your goals as an author?
If so, you will want to check out the services page at selfpublishing.com which shows you all the various ways our team can help you become the successful author you want to be. At selfpublishing.com, we can assist with writing ideas, editing, book cover design, your book marketing plan, how to self-publish a book, and more!
If this MasterClass review has left you feeling uncertain at all about the offerings at MasterClass, you can reach out to our team for a free strategy call today. We can help you discover how to turn your dream book into a bestselling reality.
Did you find this MasterClass review helpful? Check out our other reviews for business owners and authors: