How to write bestselling non-fiction with Simon Garfield

Invaluable advice on writing popular non-fiction from Simon Garfield, author of On the Map and Somerset Maugham Prize-winning The End of Innocence

Do you love getting stuck into a great non-fiction book? Fancy writing one yourself? Don’t miss out on this unique masterclass with award-winning writer Simon Garfield. In the space of just three hours, you’ll receive invaluable advice on how to originate, structure and compose exciting non-fiction books. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss your own projects and ideas, with a view to encouraging progress and resolving common dilemmas.

This fun and informative class is suitable for writers of all levels. Whether you’re interested in developing your expertise into a book, or have already started writing, you’ll leave with a clearer picture of how to compose a book worth reading and a stronger understanding of what publishers are looking for. Over the course of his career, Simon has written and edited 17 works of non-fiction including The End of Innocence, which won the prestigious Somerset Maugham Prize. Don’t miss out on his first ever Guardian Masterclass – book your place now and learn how to write a non-fiction book that both readers and publishers will love.

Content

• What makes a good work of non-fiction?
• Developing ideas
• How to write the perfect synopsis
• What do editors want – and why?
• Some tips on working with agents
• The architecture of a book – what works and what doesn’t
• A few pointers on what to expect in terms of advances and payment
• How important are sales figures?
• Common problems – and how to overcome them
• Simon shares what he’s learned from his extensive experience writing and editing non-fiction, drawing up on his own books
• Open discussion – attendees have the opportunity to talk about their work (if they wish) in a supportive environment
• Q&A

This masterclass is for you if…

• You’re interested in developing a work of non-fiction for publication
• You’re a writer, with some experience of publishing, who wants to learn how to make your work more attractive to publishers
• You have an area of expertise that you’d like to transform into a work of popular non-fiction

Preparation

• Before you arrive at the Guardian, you’re encouraged to have thought about the book that you’d like to write or are working on – although this is not essential

Speaker 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 On the Map and To the Letter, and his study of Aids in Britain, The End of Innocence, won the Somerset Maugham Prize. His latest title is A Notable Woman: The Romantic Journals of Jean Lucey Pratt.

Full course and returns information on the Masterclasses website