Past Courses

Structural editing of fiction—All aboard the Arc ?

In this workshop, we’ll look at the traditional and modern forms of narrative, particularly the narrative arc and how editors reveal and confirm the story’s journey, the characters’ development and the resolution of a riveting plot. Join us to delve into fiction works and discover the joy of having a finely tuned ear for dialogue, eye for detail and nose for a good story! Details

Structural editing of non-fiction—Location, location

Good writing needs clear thinking. And, in the hands of a good structural editor, the writing can be shaped and formed so its best features shine and readers want to keep reading. Of course, working with non-fiction can bring its own challenges and thrills. In this day’s workshop, we’ll expand the skills we have to dissect the ‘architecture’ of a piece and enhance its meaning and clarity. And we’ll look at how to develop good editing practices and a ‘kitbag’ of techniques so editors feel equipped to tackle any job, any size, any content (!) Details

Honing your craft: Advanced copyediting & proofreading

Editing? Want to advance and add skills? All editors (books, magazines, websites) now need to keep up with changing roles and the rapid expansion of technology and its effects on publishing (print and online). If you want to deepen your skills working with and analysing texts; understanding the market, and using all you have to make your publication the best it can be, then join us! It will be an intensely fun (and intensely productive) day. Details

Writing and illustrating Bilingual Picture Books

This workshop is ideal for writers who want to understand how to develop plot and language to create an unforgettable story for young readers aged 0 to 6. Details

Write a Memoir to Remember

This workshop is suitable for those who are considering writing their memoirs and want to make it readable and exciting! Learn easy and inspiring techniques and hone your skills in the craft of writing to make memoirs come alive. Details

Staying Ahead in the Digital Revolution (even if you haven’t started the race yet)

This two-day workshop is intended for publishers and authors taking their first steps in ePublishing. You will examine your preparedness for ePublishing, your market’s preparedness and expectations, and how to exploit these to your benefit. You will look at the need to transition from ‘e’ to ‘i’ and how even the most technophobic publisher can keep pace with the technology revolution in publishing.
 Details

Using the Internet as a tool for publishing and promoting your book

This workshop has been devised for mainstream--‐unpublished authors and ‘talents in the wings’ who have a book inside them waiting to break out. Your facilitator will walk you through the stages of building your following through the act of publishing, to marketing your work and collecting your revenue. Suitable for budding authors of any genre, the workshop will be structured in such a way as to provide ample time for questions and sharing from the floor to ensure that you get the chance to talk about concerns that are specific to your situation. Details

Cooperative Learning Techniques for Classroom Teaching

Through cooperative learning, students learn how they can as a member of a group or team use their knowledge and skills to ensure their group’s success, thereby ensuring their own success in any task or subject. Students work cooperatively together to maximise their own and each other’s learning. Details

Writing Workshop: Young Adult’s Fiction Fantasy

The workshop aims to help new writers and aspiring writers get up to speed with the essentials of writing fiction for the young adult market in the fantasy genre. Major building blocks of the craft such as plot, dialogue, character, setting and pace will be explained by the facilitator in a full-day 6.5-hour workshop. Details

How to teach using comics

Comics are good at grabbing attention from younger learners, and some teachers are interested in comics as part of their classroom teaching. After all, a poorly-drawn Hello Kitty may be more appealing than a photo of famous real people! Details

Build Your Student’s Strengths in Narrative Writing

Drawing from his vast experience as a writer, Felix Cheong will introduce strategies to help you help your students who have weaker writing skills improve their narrative writing. Using a multi-media approach, Felix will take you through the basics of narrative writing, from the structure of plots to the use of descriptions, and offer suggestions for prewriting games as well as writing exercises you can use in the classroom. Details

Travel Writing In Digital Age & Publishing Your Own Travel Guide

This course applies to all publishing formats from printed books to eBooks, websites and apps. It will provide practical tips on what tools are available and how you can (and will) get published, with a focus on modern, digital formats. Details

Reading Stories Aloud

This workshop covers all areas of reading aloud either to children or to adults, including vocal tone, clarity, pausing, emphasis, rhythm and shaping a spoken piece. Details

Introduction to Copyediting for Non-fiction

The course will introduce participants to BSI (British Standards Institution) proof reading symbols. There will be several practical exercises and time for discussion. Suitable for anyone copy-editing newsletters, marketing materials and similar non-fictional content. Details

Understanding Copyright Law and Contract Law in Publishing Industry

The speaker will, in this workshop, unravel the complexities behind both Copyright and Contract law and share his experience and provide practical tips on how to avoid legal minefields, especially in the digital world. Details