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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
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Writing non-fiction: A one-day workshop with Simon Garfield

Simon Garfield with Jean Lucey Pratt's journals.
Simon Garfield with Jean Lucey Pratt’s journals. Photograph: the Observer

If you’ve got an idea for a work of non-fiction, don’t miss out on this fantastic course with Simon Garfield, bestselling author of On the Map and To the Letter. During this interactive workshop, you’ll learn how to structure and compose an exciting non-fiction book that will appeal to both readers and publishers. You’ll receive advice on everything from content to commercial viability. Plus you’ll learn what editors and publishers tend to look for in submissions.

Ahead of the course, you’ll have the opportunity to submit a short outline of the book you’re working on, or want to write. On the day, Simon will offer guidance on how to resolve common problems with the writing process, and give tailored advice on individual projects. For non-fiction writers, this is an unrivalled opportunity to learn from one of the UK’s most successful authors. Book your place now and make a commitment to developing your idea into a truly compelling non-fiction book.

Content

  • A guide to different genres within non-fiction
  • The architecture of a non-fiction book – what works and what doesn’t
  • The writing process – how to resolve problems when you get stuck and when to stop writing
  • Detailed advice on how to put together a convincing submission document to send to an agent or publisher
  • Writing the perfect synopsis
  • What editors look for in submissions – and why
  • Advice on the commercial market for non-fiction
  • Opportunity for some tailored feedback on your idea for a non-fiction book
  • Q&A

Course preparation

  • Ahead of the course, you’re encouraged to submit an outline of your current project if you have one – but this is not essential. If you would like to submit an outline, it should be no more than 500 words in length.
  • Please email your outline to masterclasses.support@theguardian.com by 4pm, Friday 18 December 2015. Or, if you sign up after this date, as soon as you can after you have bought your ticket.
  • If you do not wish to submit a written outline, please arrive at the class with a clear idea of the project you’d like to write or are already working on.

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Tutor profile

Simon Garfield is the author or editor of 17 works of non-fiction, ranging from works on the music industry to railways and personal memoir. His titles include A Notable Woman: The Romantic Journals of Jean Lucey Pratt and The End of Innocence, which won the Somerset Maughan Prize.

Details

Date: Sunday 10 January 2015
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.

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