How to develop your book and get published

Stuck in a rut or suffering with writer’s block? Reconnect to your enthusiasm and see your book through to the final page in this unique one-day masterclass that also gives you the tools for attracting a publisher.

When you start writing your book, you can forgive yourself for getting swept away in the energy and excitement that comes with fresh ideas. But what do you do when that enthusiasm ebbs and the doubt sets in? How can you tackle writer’s block and regain that initial momentum?

Enter Philippa Pride, writing coach and accomplished book editor. Having worked with the likes of Stephen King, there is no one better placed to help you with your book.

She will be leading this full-day class aimed at writers who have a book-in-progress that they’d love to see published, but who are in need expert guidance through technical or motivational issues. Employing traditional coaching and neuro-linguistic programming techniques, Philippa will help you to zap your inner critic, set a manageable regime for completing your work, and equip yourself with the tools for first draft revision.

You will also receive invaluable advice on how to approach and make your work attractive to literary agents and publishers, and will come away with access to reserves of motivation and discipline you didn’t know you had.

Content

• Create a punchy elevator pitch and learn how to write a first-rate submission letter

• How to keep writing and enjoy the process, chapter after chapter

• Enhance the quality of your book - small changes for major effect

• Learn how to engage the reader

• Take stock: when to “push through” and look back

• How to make your characters come alive on the page

• What editors are looking for: the science, the art and the passion

• Revision: how to switch from the intuitive first draft to the analytical rewrite

• Understanding the publishing process and basic legal matters

• How to attract an agent, publisher and readership

• Feedback on your early pages

• Writing exercises and Q&A

Please note this course is suitable for people who have already started work on their novel. If you’re looking for a beginner-level class with Philippa, you may be interested in her course Free your creativity and get started on your book.

All Guardian Masterclasses are fully accessible but please contact us at masterclasses@theguardian.com if you have any queries or concerns.

Full course and returns information on the Masterclasses website