Preparing for Publication (eight-week course)

Module one – Where, what, how and why?

In this introductory session, you’ll begin the journey of taking your writing from the private to the public realm, identifying what you need most to help you move forwards.  

You’ll identify your individual goal for publishing, as well as what might be holding you back, exploring questions such as: what your writing will add to the marketplace, who your intended reader is, where your stumbling blocks might lie – from the purely practical to deeper issues such as imposter syndrome. 

Module two – Options for publication

This module is all about the different ways to publish, from traditional and self-publishing routes, to hybrid, independent, journals, digital and publishing excerpts, essays or short stories. You’ll look at how to navigate the pros and cons of each to help identify which will work best for you. 

You’ll also be encouraged to undertake some self-examination about what success actually looks like for you and tackle the inevitable inner critic.

Module three – Working with feedback 

‘To write is human, to edit is divine’ – Stephen King 

This module focusses on why feedback matters, answering the question of why this quote is not just one of the most famous about writing, but also one of the most important.  

You’ll explore what a beta reader is and how to find them, when to share your work and crucially, how to deal with feedback and use it to strengthen your writing and your confidence. You’ll also be encouraged to swap short feedback pieces with fellow students.

Module four – Producing a professional submission package

In this module, you’ll learn more of what agents and editors are looking for, and how you can give your submission the best chance of hitting the mark. You’ll look at the do’s and don’ts of the work itself, your covering letter, pitch and blurb, and examine some different examples.  

You’ll also address the all-important synopsis, practise different ways of writing one and be offered a chance to pitch to one another. This module will include your first assignment. 

Module five – Guest agent session 

The idea of agents – gatekeepers, as they’re often described, of the industry – can be scary. They’re frequently the first rung on the ladder to being published, although some writers prefer to go it alone.  

In this module, you’ll learn more about what an agent does and you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions before refining your own submission, or identifying what you need to go your own way.

Module six – Final polish: Formatting to industry standards 

You want to give your work the best chance of being read, tempting an agent or editor to read on, or place your work. In this module, you’ll look at why final edits matter and tools to make your writing sparkle.  

You’ll learn what ‘industry standard’ formatting involves in different disciplines, what to look for in your final checks – and how to nail that final one-line pitch. 

Module seven – Mindset: Building your writer’s toolkit 

This module encourages you to start building your own ‘writers’ toolkit’ to address issues most writers face when prose moves from passion project to the public sphere. You’ll learn strategies to help you cope with rejection and bolster resilience, share practical considerations of the writing life and learn why writing community is so vital (and how to find it).  You’ll also work on a writing manifesto! 

This module will include your second assignment. 

Module eight – What next?

This module will include your one-to-one tutorial with Jenny, and feedback on your written assignment.  

You’ll get a chance to ask any questions, ask for more information on anything from the course, and discuss what comes next for you.