12 Courses in Sheffield delivered Live Online

Ever wondered what it takes to publish your own children’s book? Join Alexandra Fowler of Cornish Books and get started now!

Course Overview The "Creative Writing Course: Writing Storybooks for Children" is designed to guide aspiring writers through the process of crafting captivating children's storybooks. This course covers essential aspects of writing for a young audience, including coming up with creative ideas, mastering writing mechanics, and understanding the specific requirements of children's literature. Participants will gain insight into various types of children's books and advanced fiction techniques to elevate their storytelling. By the end of the course, learners will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to begin creating engaging, well-structured, and age-appropriate narratives for children, enhancing their confidence in writing for the children's literature market. Course Description This course takes learners through the fundamental steps of writing children's storybooks. It starts with generating ideas for stories, exploring the mechanics of effective writing, and addressing key technical issues that are crucial in writing for younger readers. Learners will examine different types of children's books, from picture books to chapter books, and gain an understanding of how to tailor their writing for different age groups. Advanced fiction techniques will be introduced to help learners develop a unique voice and create compelling narratives. Throughout the course, learners will engage with practical exercises and examples that refine their writing skills. By the end, participants will be confident in their ability to craft engaging stories that resonate with children, understanding both the creative and technical aspects of children's literature. Course Modules Module 01: Introduction Introduction to the course and key objectives Overview of the children's book market Understanding the target audience for children's books Module 02: Coming Up With Ideas Techniques for generating story ideas Understanding children's interests and developmental stages Crafting a compelling central theme Module 03: The Mechanics of Writing Essential writing techniques for children's books Building engaging plots and subplots Developing well-rounded characters Module 04: Important Technical Issues Addressing language and style in children's books Formatting and structure considerations Navigating word count and pacing Module 05: Types of Children's Books Overview of different children's book genres Writing for picture books, early readers, and chapter books Genre-specific writing tips and techniques Module 06: Advanced Fiction Techniques Incorporating advanced storytelling techniques Creating depth and emotional impact Writing memorable endings Module 07: Conclusion Final thoughts on writing children's books Preparing for submission or publication Next steps for budding authors (See full curriculum) Who is this course for? Individuals seeking to write children's storybooks Professionals aiming to develop their creative writing skills Beginners with an interest in writing for children Writers looking to specialise in children's literature Career Path Children's book author Children's editor or publisher Freelance writer for children's media Creative writing teacher or tutor Literary agent specialising in children's books

LOOKING FOR: MG, ADULT FICTION Jo Williamson has been in publishing for over 25 years. Having worked in Children’s books PR for Dorling Kindersley, HarperCollins and Orion, she started as an agent with Antony Harwood in 2008. She feels very privileged being with authors at the very start of their publishing journey and enjoys close working relationships with all her clients. From editorial help, general advice on the publishing world, guiding careers long-term and general cheerleading, she feels she has the perfect job. Although nothing is off limits and she loves being surprised by submissions. In middle grade children's fiction, Jo is particularly looking for books with heart, epic adventures with voice-led characters, and younger funny fiction with series potential.  In adult fiction, page-turning Commercial Women’s and Book Club fiction are right up Jo's street, including psychological suspense, thriller, cosy crime and books that don’t quite fit the mould. Above all, she wants stories that linger long after the final page has been read. Jo is not the right fit for police procedurals. Jo would like you to submit a covering letter, 1 page synopsis and the first 5,000 words of your manuscript in a single word document. (In addition to the paid sessions, Jo is kindly offering one free session for low income/underrepresented writers. Please email agent121@iaminprint.co.uk to apply, outlining your case for this option which is offered at the discretion of I Am In Print).  By booking you understand you need to conduct an internet connection test with I Am In Print prior to the event. You also agree to email your material in one document to reach I Am In Print by the stated submission deadline and note that I Am In Print take no responsibility for the advice received during your agent meeting. The submission deadline is: Wednesday 3rd September 2025

Taking Your Book To School® Walkie-talkie Style! Access to me for a full day, 9–5, to move your book closer to school. So, you’ve written a children's book and now you’re trying to get it from your shelf to the classroom and into the hands of children … Now what? You know that schools are the gatekeepers of your target market: children and their families and you know that teachers and school visits should be on your radar. How do you get in, though?

In this live course, I share my insights from my experience as a school librarian and governors’ clerk, into how teachers use children's books in the classroom, what they are looking for in school visits and how to prepare for them. I will be joined by voice coach, Cat Clancy, and confidence coach, Vie Portland.

LOOKING FOR: PICTURE BOOKS, YOUNG FICTION, CHAPTER BOOKS, MG, YA Alice set up Alice Williams Literary in 2018 after representing children's books for over ten years at David Higham Associates. She is especially keen to consider playful, funny books for all ages, and is on the lookout for heartwarming, empowering stories, whether in a realistic, contemporary setting, or a wildly imaginative fantasy world - or somewhere in-between. Alice is offering 121 sessions for young fiction, middle grade, YA and picture book writers. For chapter books, MG and YA fiction, please submit a covering letter, synopsis and the first three chapters of your manuscript in a single word document. For picture books, please submit a covering letter and two texts, or for illustrators one dummy and examples from your portfolio or a link to your website. Alice is only seeking to discuss texts/novels with writers living in the UK and Ireland. English does not need to be your first language, but you must be living within the UK or Ireland. (In addition to the paid sessions, Alice is kindly offering one free session for low income/under-represented writers. Please email agent121@iaminprint.co.uk to apply, outlining your case for this option which is offered at the discretion of I Am In Print).  By booking you understand you need to conduct an internet connection test with I Am In Print prior to the event. You also agree to email your material in one document to reach I Am In Print by the stated submission deadline and note that I Am In Print take no responsibility for the advice received during your agent meeting. The submission deadline is: Thursday 11th September 2025

LOOKING FOR: CHILDREN'S: PICTURE BOOK TEXTS, NON-FICTION, POETRY Lucy Brownridge is Editorial Director at Wide Eyed Editions and Frances Lincoln Children’s Books, and formerly Thames & Hudson where she helped to establish the Children’s list. She specialises in highly illustrated picture books and non-fiction (including poetry) for children. She has commissioned and edited books which have gone on to win the Carnegie Awards, The British Book Awards, the Klaus Flugge Prize, the Blue Peter Prize and have been translated into over 30 languages. She has been editor to Alan Ahlberg, Quentin Blake, Mariajo Ilustrajo, Yuval Zommer and Children’s Laureate Joseph Coelho among many others. She is the author of The Fantastical Safari and The Cat Family series, and many other books for children. She is interested in the history of illustrated children’s books and is always looking for innovative ways to use the book format. ABOUT YOU Include a covering letter, in a Word document, telling Lucy about yourself and your sources of inspiration. If you have one, include a link to your website. She is keen to read stories she hasn't seen before or see artwork with a distinctive style rather than something that fits with trends. She has particular experience with picture books and illustrated narrative non-fiction. PICTURE BOOKS Please send one or two (max) full manuscripts, in a Word document, starting with a short summary/blurb. Make the summary punchy and engaging. Remember that the best picture book stories are simple and every word should count. Do you see this book as part of a series? NON-FICTION PROPOSALS Please send a paragraph explaining your idea, a contents list, if appropriate, and a sample piece of text. (In addition to the paid sessions, Lucy is kindly offering one free session for low income/under-represented writers. Please email agent121@iaminprint.co.uk to apply, outlining your case for this option which is offered at the discretion of I Am In Print).  By booking you understand you need to conduct an internet connection test with I Am In Print prior to the event. You also agree to email your material in one document to reach I Am In Print by the stated submission deadline and note that I Am In Print take no responsibility for the advice received during your agent meeting. The submission deadline is: Monday 15th September 2025 at 10:00am UK BST

Join us for this one-day online course and discover what makes quality teaching of history by exploring how to ensure coverage of the National Curriculum through practical creative methods.

Course Overview Unlock your full creative potential with Creative Writing: Write Stories Like a Professional Writer! This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the art and craft of writing across a wide range of genres. Whether you aspire to write novels, poetry, children's books, or compelling non-fiction, this course offers practical insights and structured guidance to elevate your writing skills. Learners will explore key techniques for character development, dialogue creation, and story structuring, while gaining a deeper understanding of critical thinking and business writing. By the end of the course, you will be equipped with the knowledge and confidence to write professionally, refine your work through editing, and pursue opportunities for publication. Course Description Creative Writing: Write Stories Like a Professional Writer! takes you on an enriching journey through the world of creative writing. Covering fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and professional writing, the course develops both foundational and advanced writing techniques. Learners will engage with modules on writing horror and thriller stories, creating believable characters, crafting realistic dialogue, and understanding the publishing process. The course also introduces vital skills such as critical thinking and business writing to enhance versatility. With a focus on structured development and creativity, learners will build the confidence to produce polished, compelling pieces that meet professional standards. This course is suitable for individuals at all stages of their writing journey, offering the tools needed to transform ideas into powerful written works. Course Modules Module 01: Introduction to Creative Writing Module 02: The Development of Creative Writing Module 03: Novel Writing Module 04: Writing Non-Fiction Module 05: Creating Fictional Characters Module 06: Writing Realistic Dialogue Module 07: Writing Horrors, Thriller and Murder Stories Module 08: Writing for Children Module 09: Writing Poetry Module 10: Proposal Writing Module 11: Critical Thinking Module 12: Business Writing Module 13: Other Writings Module 14: Editing, Evaluating and Getting Published (See full curriculum) Who is this course for? Individuals seeking to master creative writing and storytelling techniques. Professionals aiming to enhance their communication and writing skills for diverse applications. Beginners with an interest in exploring the field of creative writing. Writers looking to prepare manuscripts for publication or self-publishing. Career Path Author Copywriter Content Writer Scriptwriter Editor Publishing Assistant Communications Officer Journalist Creative Writing Tutor

Classic Novels & Critical Writing: To Kill a Mockingbird