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.
MasterClass is a platform that brings the world's experts into your home to learn from. There are a lot of classes for current or aspiring writers, but should you join?
In this MasterClass review, we will be going over what it is, pros and cons of joining, the pricing plans that are currently available, and everything you need to know as a writer if you are considering joining MasterClass.
MasterClass Review
What is Masterclass?
The point of MasterClass is to learn from some of the best people at the absolute top of their fields.
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
- David Mamet
- Judy Blume
- Malcolm Gladwell
- R.L. Stine
- Margaret Atwood
- Dan Brown
- Walter Mosley
- Billy Collins
- Neil Gaiman
- David Baldacci
- Joyce Carol Oates
- Salman Rushdie
- David Sedaris
- Shonda Rhimes
- Aaron Sorkin
- Issa Rae
- Roxane Gay
- Amy Tan
- N.K. Jemisin
- Joy Harjo
- Amanda Gorman
As you can see, some of the most successful writers of our generation are on that list and if you look up to any of them, that might be enough to draw your attention to signing up.
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
The first thing you need to know is that MasterClass is a legitimate platform.
It is not anywhere near a scam or a red flag, so you can trust that by signing up, you will get exactly what they promise: access to the minds of the worlds greatest talent.
There is also no secret payment plans or surprise fees, you get exactly what you pay for when it comes to MasterClass.
MasterClass offers top-notch production quality, 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.
Pros And Cons Of MasterClass
Pros of MasterClass:
- Excellent production quality
- Self-paced courses
- Can learn about a ton of subjects out there, outside of the main courses you want to take
Cons of MasterClass:
- Not all people at the top of their fields are good teachers
- No monthly subscription available, the full annual amount is due to sign up for MasterClass
How Much Does MasterClass Cost?
When it comes to subscribing to MasterClass, they have a few pricing tiers that provide different options, depending on what you need.
Individual Plan:
- $15 per month (billed annually)
- 1 account which can be used on one device
- Access to all classes and Sessions by MasterClass
Duo Plan:
- $20 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
Family Plan:
- $23 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 the subscription 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 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.
What Are The 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 our services page which shows you all the various ways Self Publishing can help you become the successful author you want to be.
