When you’re in the throes of writing your first book, you’re not necessarily thinking about what happens when you’re done. But that day will come. You’ll write the last sentence of your final chapter. You’ll lean back in your chair, stunned. And you’ll ask yourself, Now what?

This online course with Tiffany Tsao will help you prepare for the next stage in your writing journey: finding a suitable publisher or literary agent and getting them interested in your work.

Is this course right for you? Read our FAQ >>

In addition to learning critical information about finding a publisher or literary agent, you will practise crafting the materials you’ll need to catch an agent’s/publisher’s eye. These materials include:

• an ‘elevator pitch’
• a convincing query letter
• a succinct, compelling, and accurate synopsis
• a captivating sample

The course material has been designed for writers of prose fiction, though non-fiction prose writers may find it informative as well. Please note that a finished manuscript is not necessary to participate in this course. In fact, taking this course will help those in the midst of writing make informed artistic decisions about their current project. It will also help those who do have a finished draft revise their manuscript in preparation for publication.

This online course involves submitting short writing exercises, and giving and receiving peer feedback. Participants will receive limited tutor feedback.

Expected Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, participants will:

1. possess foundational knowledge about the process of getting published
2. have either a polished or draft version of the materials they’ll need in order to find a publisher or literary agent
3. know how to talk about their writing project in a clear and confident manner
4. be able to make informed decisions about their current writing project.

Participant Requirements

We’ve designed this online course to meet your learning needs. You can work through the lesson material, ask questions, and engage with fellow writers throughout the course. Internet access and confidence using basic computer software are essential for this program. Please read our FAQ before enrolling. There are no live meetings during this course. 

You do not need to log into the course at a specific time. You will receive an email with an invitation link to join the online classroom by 10am on the day the course starts.

• Participants will work through several lessons, which will open sequentially over the first few days of the course (see course dates in the blue box above).
• You can complete the lesson material in your own time.
• This course includes short writing assignments and the opportunity to give and receive peer feedback. Some assignments will receive tutor feedback if completed by the deadlines provided.

Please expect to spend a minimum of six hours on the course, noting that the amount of time needed to read, respond to discussions, write, revise and critique will vary from person to person. We recommend allocating an hour a day to the course while it is running. By setting aside this time, you will get the most out of the course, and be able to engage with other participants and the tutor.