12 writing courses you can start right now
As the new year approaches so too comes the rush of excitement and motivation to achieve all of your writing goals. Don’t waste it! Here are a host of on-demand courses that you can do all in your own time, at your own pace. The best part is, you don’t even have to wait for a new course date to roll over, it’s available to you immediately. So take a look at the 12 writing courses that you can start RIGHT NOW.
What it's about: If you’re going to put in all the time to write a book, you probably want people to buy your book. In the current digital age this involves marketing your book long before it’s been published, even before you’ve finished writing it. Build Your Author Platform will guide you in the process of creating and growing your own author platform. With the exact steps to get more readers, all that’s left for you to do is write the book!
Ideal for: Anyone thinking about being an author one day – and who wants their books to sell.
2. Pitch Your Novel: How to Attract Agents and Publishers
What it’s about: Almost finished with your novel? Thinking about the possibility of having it published but don’t know where to start or who to ask? Then join the fabulous Natasha Lester – author of the 2016 hit book A Kiss From Mr Fitzgerald, which started a bidding war between four publishers – in her Pitch Your Novel course and find answers to all those questions relating to how to attract agents and publishers. She’ll share with you the insider knowledge on where to pitch, who to pitch to and how to prepare your manuscript for publishing. Give all your hard work the best chance of success!
Ideal for: Writers at any stage of the writing process.
What it’s about: First impressions do count. You’ve put so much blood, sweat and tears into your manuscript, don’t be be let down by a poorly-designed, amateur cover. Don’t worry, with the guidance of respected book cover designer Julia Kuris you’re just a click away from understanding the five key cover elements, how to design for your target audience and expert advice on imagery. So let this course help you design the perfect cover for your book.
Ideal for: Self-published authors who want to stand out for all the right reasons.
What it’s about: Publishing isn’t what it used to be, there is now a whole new landscape for authors to consider. The Inside Publishing course will show you the secrets behind the publishing industry and is an essential for anyone looking to publish a novel. You’ll complete the course understanding your rights, exactly the kind of book deal you’re looking to land and what you should be getting paid for your writing. Don’t just jump in – take the time and understand the workings of the market first so that you can tailor your approach to achieve the best result.
Ideal for: Anyone interested in maximising their chances of landing a book deal.
What it’s about: With all the new technology available these days, why not just self-publish? The Successful Self-Publishing course will teach you the ins and outs of publishing your own manuscript. By the time you’re done, you’ll know about all the different platforms available for your use, international style formats and what is required inside your book. Most suitable for nonfiction or business books, Successful Self-Publishing will show you the ropes of the industry, whether you want a print or ebook – complete with screenshots on exactly what you need to do.
Ideal for: Speakers, authors, entrepreneurs and thought leaders
6. Anatomy of a Crime: How to Write About Murder
What it’s about: Are you fascinated by all things crime? Delve deep into the nitty-gritty details with crime buff and award-winning author Candice Fox as she walks you through the psychological, forensic and legal aspects of true crime. Not only will you be taken into the criminal world for detailed research, but you will also use these graphic scenes to complete assignments. Anatomy of a Crime is the ideal way to gear your mind toward creating those deep, dark fictional monsters that draw in such a huge audience.
Ideal for: Writers looking to write crime that sounds and feels authentic.
What it’s about: There are so many different software tools to choose from nowadays, but among the greatest is Scrivener. Often you waste countless valuable writing hours, sitting frustrated in front of a computer. But Natasha Lester will take you through the basics in only 2 short hours. Take the time to transform your writing process today!
Ideal for: Anyone who wants to master the industry-favoured software tool for writers.
What it’s about: Curious as to what all the fuss surrounding the mysterious ‘blogosphere’ is? Well Blogging for Beginners is the perfect taster to show you the ropes of what goes into a blog, how to structure one of your own and how to gain a community of followers. This course shows you the technical aspects of blogging that will help you get your foot in the door of the blogosphere.
Ideal for: Any newbies looking to venture into the world of blogging.
9. How to Get More Blog Readers
What it’s about: Dreaming of having your own blogging empire? None of that comes without having a plan, and the How to Get More Blog Readers course will teach you just that. You’ll learn to write compelling content, structure your posts and know which sponsors to approach. If you’re looking for ways to grow your readership so that you can potentially monetise it one day, this is the place to start!
Ideal for: Bloggers looking to take their blogs to a wider audience.
10. The Business of Freelancing
What it’s about: So you’ve just finished a Magazine and Newspaper writing course, now you’re ready to turn your writing into a business. This course The Business of Freelancing will take you through all the steps of creating invoices, organising your interviews, keeping track of your work and managing your cashflow. Another must-have for any aspiring writers looking to turn their writing into a lucrative business.
Ideal for: Freelance writers seriously looking to turn their writing into a business.
What’s it about: We can’t all be full-time writers, earning millions each year and spending hours of free time poised on the beach writing whenever inspiration hits. The reality for most modern writers involves juggling a full-time job, kids and occasionally finding the time to squeeze in some writing. This course is aimed at killing that ‘it’s too hard’ attitude and using the practical strategies of other authors to motivate you to find the time to write.
Ideal for: Anyone taking the time to read this blog post instead of writing.
What it’s about: Are you looking for a career change? Or are you just stuck on a writing project that you can’t seem to find the words to finish? Either way Reinvent Yourself is a comprehensive workbook and audio package created by our very own founder Valerie Khoo, who reinvented herself from an accountant to a full-time writer. This is an essential toolkit for inspiration and motivation. The best time to start is NOW!
Ideal for: Anyone stuck at a crossroads looking to turn a writing dream into a reality.
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Australian Writers' Centre Team
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