Non-fiction is a great way to share your expertise and research with the world. This interactive class with bestselling author and BBC broadcaster Tessa Dunlop is ideal for anyone who wants to write a book based on family genealogy, local history or a particular field of historical research.
Over the course of the day, you’ll learn how to improve your research skills, fine-tune your story idea and structure a work of non-fiction. By the end of the class, you’ll have a checklist of things to think about before approaching publishers and agents, and a clear strategy for how to promote your book in the press.
Content
- Essential research skills for non-fiction writers
- Archives, libraries and organisations that can help you with your research
- The importance of factual accuracy, photographs and permissions
- Tips on how to improve your writing style – and make it engaging for readers
- Guidance on how to structure your book
- How to establish a manageable writing routine and hit your own deadlines
- Advice on how to make your book appealing to publishers
- Promoting your book via local television, magazines, newspapers and radio
- Practical exercises and opportunities for informal feedback during the class
Course preparation
- You’re encouraged to arrive at the class with some notes on your area of expertise or the true story you want to tell – as well as a clear idea of what non-fiction interests you
- If you’ve started work on a book proposal to send to an agent or publisher, you’re welcome to bring that along too (two pages maximum)
Tutor profile
Tessa Dunlop is an author, broadcaster and historian. Her books include the memoir To Romania With Love and The Bletchley Girls, a story that weaves together the lives of fifteen women selected to work in one of Britain’s most secret organisations, Bletchley Park. Tessa has also presented numerous history documentaries including BBC Two’s award-winning Coast and Radio 4’s Crossing Continents. She tweets @Tessadunlop.
You may also be interested in…
Sign up to our newsletter and you’ll be among the first to find out about our latest courses and special offers. You can also follow us on Twitter, and read our latest articles and interviews on our blog.
Details
Date: Saturday 5 March 2016
Times: 10am-4pm
Location: The Guardian, Kings Place, 90 York Way, London N1 9GU
Price: £249 (includes VAT, booking fee, lunch and refreshments)
Event capacity: 16
To contact us, click here. Terms and conditions can be found here.
Returns policy
Tickets may be refunded if you contact us at least 14 days before the course start date. Please see our terms and conditions for more information on our refund policy.
