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

By The Guardian Masterclasses

Date and time

Saturday, April 23, 2016 · 10am - 4pm GMT+1

Location

The Guardian

Kings Place 90 York Way London N1 9GU United Kingdom

Refund Policy

Contact the organizer to request a refund.

Description

An unmissable opportunity to receive guidance on your writing from Simon Garfield, one of the UK’s most successful non-fiction authors and winner of the Somerset Maugham Prize

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 15 April 2016. 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.

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.

Full course and returns information on the Masterclasses website

Organized by

Welcome to Guardian Masterclasses – a unique programme of learning embedded within one of the world's most forward-thinking media organisations.

We offer a broad range of short and long courses across a variety of disciplines from creative writing, journalism, photography and design, film and digital media, music and cultural appreciation.

Harnessing the expertise and specialisms within the organisation, our courses are led by first class and award winning guardian professionals whilst also drawing on the skills and expertise of other leading figures at the forefront of the creative and digital industries.

The programme is aimed at anyone interested in personal or professional development whether that be refining your skills, focusing your ambition or simply broadening your mind and gaining inspiration.

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