Where will this course lead?

This Bootcamp equips participants with the skills to plan, write, edit, and self-publish their own nonfiction book.

By the end of the course, you will have a sustainable writing and book marketing plan, a solid outline, detailed plans of each chapter, and a good first draft of at least 3 chapters of your book. You will also have a good understanding of how to start editing, how to find other professionals to help you create your book, how to self-publish your book (or how to find an agent if you want to go the traditional publishing route), and you'll have started building your marketing and launch platform and email list.

Additional Benefits

This Bootcamp will also give you a solid grounding in marketing and promoting your work, whether for this book or for your wider business or art. You'll also have the opportunity to network within the region and collaborate with talented professionals across the area.

What will I study?

The Bootcamp is a comprehensive, hands-on course that guides participants through the entire book planning, writing, editing, and publishing process, from everything you need to do before you even start writing, through to choosing your publishing platform and beyond.

Bootcampers will acquire essential skills in creative writing, outlining and planning, editing, time-scheduling, building a marketing platform, and the foundations of email marketing for authors.

The course includes frameworks to help you plan, write, and create your nonfiction book and you will work on it live with your tutor and fellow Bootcampers, getting feedback and encourgement throughout. You will fully develop your book idea and thoroughly test it from every angle, making sure it's the right one for you to work on now.

You will not only come out having made good progress on your manuscript, you will also have skills for life that will serve you in communication, marketing, and critical thinking, setting you apart from the flood of AI-generated content currently drowning so many creative professionals and marketers.

What does this Bootcamp cover?

Kickstart your book: Explore and clarify your idea, your plans and goals for your book, your business, and your personal development, and create a sustainable writing plan you'll actually stick to. You'll discover the pros and cons of traditional publishing vs independent publishing, and make a decision as to your publishing path.

Reader Journey: Focus on your ideal reader, ensuring your idea is specifically tailored to your goals as a writer and your reader's goals.

Outlining: You'll learn how to create a detailed outline of your manuscript - and a detailed outline of each chapter, making the writing process much simpler than staring at that blank page.

Creative writing: You'll learn techniques for hooking your reader, building tension and creating emotional journeys, and finishing strong so your reader experiences the transformation you want them to experience.

Editing: Basic editing skills all writers need to know - and how to choose and work with an external editor.

The book details: A finished and successful book is more than the words inside it - you'll learn all about the different elements that make up a book and how to avoid looking like an amateur if you decide to independently publish your work.

Your author platform: Whether you publish independently or traditionally, the bulk of marketing your book will fall on you. You'll learn how to create an author platform, start an email list (that can get you paid before you publish), how to plan a launch, and how to use social media to build an eager waiting list.

Publishing skills: We'll go through the different options and what you need to independently publish your book.

Benefits:

• Creative writing and communication skills: There is no aspect of life or business that is untouched by writing skills. What you learn here will be applicable through everything you do.
• Professional Growth: Develop and refine your skills through targeted training and workshops.
• Networking Opportunities: Build valuable connections with industry professionals and peers.
• Collaborative Projects: Work on real-world projects with a diverse team of creatives.
• Community Engagement: Become an integral part of the Creative West Midlands community.
• Access to Resources: Gain insights into industry trends, tools, and resources for continued growth.

How will this course be delivered?

This ten-week Bootcamp will run twice a week, on Tuesdays, typically 10-4pm and Thursday evening online . Blending practical training, mentorship, and real-world experience.

How will I be assessed?

There is no formal assessment.

How do I get a place on the course?

Applicants are invited to enrol on the link below. Limited spaces are available. Applications now open. Apply now to register interest.

What are the entry requirements?

To qualify for this FREE* course, you must be over 19 years of age, live in the West Midlands Combined Authority area postcode (Birmingham, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall and Wolverhampton)

Applicants may come from a diverse range of backgrounds and motivations, including:

• Industry Professionals in the West Midlands: Professionals currently working in the creative industry in the West Midlands region who want to broaden their skillset.
• Freelancers who want to expand their skillset and network within the field.
• Job Seekers Seeking Skill Enhancement: Individuals actively seeking employment opportunities who wish to gain new skills, bolster their confidence, and accumulate valuable industry experience.

This bootcamp offers a versatile learning environment that caters to a broad range of applicants with varying levels of experience and career objectives.

What else do I need to know?

This course is Free if you are aged 19+ and live in West Midlands.

*Free subject to eligibility criteria

What can I do after this course?

To qualify for this FREE* course, you must be over 19 years of age, live in the West Midlands Combined Authority area postcode (Birmingham, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall and Wolverhampton)

Applicants may come from a diverse range of backgrounds and motivations, including:

• Industry Professionals in the West Midlands: Professionals currently working in the creative industry in the West Midlands region who want to broaden their skillset.
• Freelancers who want to expand their skillset and network within the field.
• Job Seekers Seeking Skill Enhancement: Individuals actively seeking employment opportunities who wish to gain new skills, bolster their confidence, and accumulate valuable industry experience.

This bootcamp offers a versatile learning environment that caters to a broad range of applicants with varying levels of experience and career objectives.