529 Writing courses in Bushey delivered Live Online

Legal Writing and Drafting Skills Why Attend There is a misconception that legal writing and legal drafting is the same but there is a substantial difference between the two. While legal writing typically deals with persuasive documents such as court briefs and legal letters, legal drafting involves creating documents such as contracts. They are both equally important in legal practice.  Legal writing is an important skill needed in every practice area of law. Words are used to advocate, inform, persuade and instruct. Are you giving the right impression? Are your clients receiving the right message? This course focuses on clear legal writing for a global audience. Effective communication with English speaking lawyers is about more than simply words. It entails understanding the unique way these speakers think and approach the legal, political, and business world. Did you know that most international commercial agreements are drafted in English, irrespective of the nationality of the contracting parties. Drafting contract skills is ideal for lawyers working in English as a foreign language who need to draft, explain or interpret contract clauses written in English. During the course, delegates will look at a wide variety of commercial agreements through to practical drafting sessions. This course will help participants to draft confidently and effectively in English regardless of the governing law. This is a practical course with many exercises and examples in order to achieve an interactive and stimulating outcome. The course's activities involve the production of typical work-place legal documents. Course Methodology The course consists of group discussions as well as individual and team tasks. There will be writing practice throughout the exercises. Course Objectives By the end of the course, participants will be able to: Apply plain English style of writing to all legal documents Recognize the need for legal clarity in different types of legal documents: legal letters, emails, memorandum and opinions Apply good legal writing practice Demonstrate the register of legal writing Correct common mistakes in legal writing Dispense and deal with pitfalls and issues relating to the use of legal jargon Proofread effectively Target Audience This course is for lawyers, legal secretaries, commercial managers, contract managers and anyone who must draft, amend or update contracts, legal letters and legal opinion. The course is suitable for non-native English speakers looking for a better understanding of English legal terms. Target Competencies Drafting letters Proofreading Writing in plain English Understanding legal terms Legal writing practice Note The Dubai Government Legal Affairs Department has introduced a Continuing Legal Professional Development (CLPD) programme to legal consultants authorised to practice through a licensed firm in the Emirate of Dubai. We are proud to announce that the Dubai Government Legal Affairs Department has accredited EMG Associates as a CLPD provider. In addition, all our legal programmes have been approved. Legal Drafting Signs of a well drafted contract: The simple rules! The language of drafting: Will v Shall v Must Identifying the legal formalities for a binding contract Structure and formation of a commercial contract: follow the formula and you won't go wrong The importance of Boilerplate clauses: No waiver Notices Assignment v Novation Governing v Jurisdiction Force majeure - are we covered for viruses (covid19)? Dispute resolution clause: Litigation v Arbitration v Mediation The preliminary documents in international transaction - using Heads of Terms effectively Vague words and expressions in commercial contracts- know the pitfalls! Best endeavors v All reasonable endeavors v reasonable endeavors Overview of cross border contracts: Distribution v Joint venture v Agency agreements Share Purchase Agreements Warranties and indemnities Allocating risks and liabilities between the buyer and seller Negotiating warranties from a Share Purchase Agreement Plain English in Legal Correspondence Good legal writing practice Moving from legalese to Plain English Unnecessary archaic and meaningless phrases Collocations Importance of collocations in legal writing Pitfalls and issues relating to the use of legal jargon in legal writing Writing short emails Writing long emails Writing formal emails Writing A Legal Letter Layout of a letter Body of a letter Putting a letter together The register of letter writing Typical sentences in legal letters The letter writing clinic: looking at the ten most common problems Rewriting letters Rewriting informal sentences to modern alternatives Correcting common mistakes in letter writing Legal Writing Troubleshooting The problem of English idioms Rephrasing English idioms Easily confused words Cutting unnecessary words Use of consistent terminology Ambiguity: how to avoid it Vagueness: how to avoid it Misuse of preposition in dates Problem words Constantly litigated words Rewriting sentences to remove gender specific language

LOOKING FOR: ADULT FICTION, NON-FICTION Publisher / editor Scott Pack is now in his third decade working in the world of books. During that time he has been Head of Buying for Waterstones, worked for publishers big and small - including a lengthy spell at HarperCollins - and taught numerous workshops and classes on all aspects of writing. These days he splits his time between writing his own books, editing other people's, teaching the editors of tomorrow as part of the Oxford Brookes University MA in Publishing, and he is one of the question setters for BBC's Mastermind. His latest book, Tips From A Publisher, is out now.  As a publisher, Scott has published across most genres in fiction and a wide range of non-fiction and is happy to read any style of writing. He will assess your sample and provide feedback on any issues he identifies, the manuscript's commercial potential and what steps he would advise before you submit to agents or publishers. Scott is very direct with his feedback, so expect robust, but always constructive, comments! Scott would like you to submit your fiction as a covering letter, 1-2 page synopsis and the first 5,000 words of your manuscript in a single word document.  For non-fiction, he would like to see:- 1-page synopsis – to give an overview of what the book will offer the reader and how it's different from other books out there on this topic A detailed proposed contents list, including proposed sub-section headings as well as chapter headings – to give a sense of the overall reader journey 1000-1500 words of intro text - to showcase context, tone etc 1000-1500 words from later in the book - to showcase the progression of the book (In addition to the paid sessions, Scott 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: Monday 12th May 2025

PARTICIPANTS WILL ENGAGE IN A TRAINING SESSION TO IMPROVE AND REFINE THEIR RÉSUMÉS. OPPORTUNITIES TO ENGAGE IN ONE-ON-ONE RÉSUMÉ BUILDING & REVIEW SESSIONS CAN BE OFFERED AS WELL. It’s time to move on—or maybe you’ve been “in transition” for too long. Either way, you need some input so that you know what others see when they look at your résumé, and what they hear when they interview you. Participants will engage in a training session to improve and refine their résumés. Opportunities to engage in one-on-one Résumé Building & Review sessions can be offered as well. Part I Data Collection and Organization – assessing work/activities and IMPACT (results) Success Story Format (Situation, Action, Results) Writing With Impact – how to tie actions to results Choosing The Right Words – transferable skills and powerful words Sales 101 – How will these skills benefit the hiring person’s organization? Part II UB4I Writing (“YOU”/ “YOUR,” not “I,” “me,” “my”) Reference list Principles of networking Cover Letter and Résumé Formats – margins, font, type size, small caps, etc. Role Play – Mock Interviews Participants will be able to: Create a complete and correct résumé, a marketing device to attract attention, generate interest, describe accomplishments, and invite contact. Discover, correct, and improve self-marketing messages, leading to a systematic assessment of specific work-related skills. Examine transferable skills and increase personal alignment with prospective organizational mission and goals. Online Format—Résumé Writing, Networking, & Interviewing Workshop 4-hour interactive virtual class. Register for this class and you will be sent ONLINE login instructions prior to the class date. After a two-day seminar, our attendees remained in their seats wanting more from Dr Atkins. His direct, yet challenging approach to presenting topics seemed to mesmerize the participants. Many very lively discussions were part of our workshop’s context. Personally, I am very interested in re-booking this type of experience every year for new leaders to undergo! Michael J. Whitlock, Director of Fay Corey Union & ConferencesSUNY Cortland

Arabic Legal Writing and Drafting Skills Why Attend This course focuses on clear legal writing in Arabic. Effective communication with lawyers is about more than simply words. It entails understanding the unique way lawyers think and approach the legal, political, and business world. During this Arabic course, a number of legal documents are discussed, including drafting contracts, letters, policies and company bylaws. Participants also look at a wide variety of commercial agreements during practical drafting sessions. This course helps participants to draft confidently and effectively in Arabic regardless of the governing law. Course Methodology The course consists of group discussions as well as individual and team tasks. There will be writing practice throughout the exercises. Course Objectives By the end of the course, participants will be able to: Apply a plain Arabic style of writing to all legal documents Recognize the need for legal clarity in different types of legal documents: legal letters, emails, memorandum and opinions Apply good legal writing practice Use best practice techniques to write contracts, letters, policies and company bylaws Correct common mistakes in legal writing Address and deal with challenges and issues relating to the use of legal jargon Proofread effectively Target Audience The course is suitable for Arabic speakers looking for a better understanding of how to write Arabic legal documents. This course is for lawyers, legal secretaries, commercial managers, contract managers, HR executives and managers, purchasing managers, tender executives and anyone who must draft, amend or update contracts, legal letters and company policies and bylaws.  Target Competencies Drafting letters, policies, company bylaws and contracts Proofreading Writing in plain Arabic Understanding legal terms Legal writing practice Note The Dubai Government Legal Affairs Department has introduced a Continuing Legal Professional Development (CLPD) programme to legal consultants authorised to practice through a licensed firm in the Emirate of Dubai. We are proud to announce that the Dubai Government Legal Affairs Department has accredited EMG Associates as a CLPD provider. In addition, all our legal programmes have been approved. Basic legal writing concepts and contract drafting The various types of legal documents Tips in writing bilingual legal documents Signs of a well drafted contract; the simple rules! The language of drafting Identifying the legal formalities for a binding contract Structure and formation of a commercial contract: following the formula The importance of Boilerplate clauses Plain Arabic in legal correspondence and writing a legal letter Good legal writing practice Pitfalls and issues relating to the use of legal jargon in legal writing Writing different types of emails Layout of a letter Body of a letter Putting a letter together Typical sentences in legal letters The letter writing clinic: looking at the ten most common problems Writing a legal policy or company bylaw and legal writing troubleshooting Layout of a policy or bylaw Body of a policy or bylaw How to write the best policy or bylaw Understanding the principles of legal interpretation The four defects that affect legal writing Use of consistent terminology Easily confused words How courts react to legal writing and what to expect

Writing Clear Business Communication: In-House Training This program is about learning about the writing process and covers the full spectrum of documents used when corresponding in the workplace. The ability to write effectively comes naturally to some people, but for the vast majority, it is a task often approached with a mixture of trepidation and dread. Effective writing seldom, if ever, 'magically materializes' on the spot. In reality, it is most often the product of planning, writing, and rewriting. This is why writing is called a process; it must go through a series of steps before it is clear and complete. This program is about learning about the writing process and covers the full spectrum of documents used when corresponding in the workplace. The ability to write effectively comes naturally to some people, but for the vast majority, it is a task often approached with a mixture of trepidation and dread. However, the ability to communicate in the written word, for whatever purpose, is an important part of our working and personal lives and can have a direct impact on our ability to persuade, gain commitment or agreement and enhance understanding. Good writing sounds like talking on paper, which is why this program is focused on getting the message across and achieving the desired results using the 'keep it simple and direct' approach. What you Will Learn At the end of this program, you will be able to: Write effective e-mails, letters, memos, and reports Clearly articulate the message Achieve desired results from correspondence Organize content for maximum impact Format for enhanced understanding Choose the appropriate communication medium for each document Revise documents to increase clarity and impact Foundations Concepts Business writing as a form of professional communication How business writing compares to other forms of writing Characteristics of good business writing Challenges with business writing The Project Environment Business writing in the project environment The concept of art, science, and optics of business writing Art Economy Precision Action Music Personality Science Purpose, simple, compound, and complex sentence structures Techniques to engage the reader Point of view: tone, attitude, and humor Organization: opening, body, and closing Support and coherence Optics Visual optics Sound optics Feel optics Effective optics Efficient optics Email Formal vs. informal emails Suggestions for improving email communication Instant and text messaging Reports Common types of reports created Formatting of reports Guidelines for meeting minutes Contracts Types of contracts Common agreements Procurement documents Templates, Forms, and Checklists Templates Forms Checklists Other Formatting Good Documentation Practices Good documentation practices Data integrity in business communication

Writing Clear Business Communication: Virtual In-House Training This program is about learning about the writing process and covers the full spectrum of documents used when corresponding in the workplace. The ability to write effectively comes naturally to some people, but for the vast majority, it is a task often approached with a mixture of trepidation and dread. Effective writing seldom, if ever, 'magically materializes' on the spot. In reality, it is most often the product of planning, writing, and rewriting. This is why writing is called a process; it must go through a series of steps before it is clear and complete. This program is about learning about the writing process and covers the full spectrum of documents used when corresponding in the workplace. The ability to write effectively comes naturally to some people, but for the vast majority, it is a task often approached with a mixture of trepidation and dread. However, the ability to communicate in the written word, for whatever purpose, is an important part of our working and personal lives and can have a direct impact on our ability to persuade, gain commitment or agreement and enhance understanding. Good writing sounds like talking on paper, which is why this program is focused on getting the message across and achieving the desired results using the 'keep it simple and direct' approach. What you Will Learn At the end of this program, you will be able to: Write effective e-mails, letters, memos, and reports Clearly articulate the message Achieve desired results from correspondence Organize content for maximum impact Format for enhanced understanding Choose the appropriate communication medium for each document Revise documents to increase clarity and impact Foundations Concepts Business writing as a form of professional communication How business writing compares to other forms of writing Characteristics of good business writing Challenges with business writing The Project Environment Business writing in the project environment The concept of art, science, and optics of business writing Art Economy Precision Action Music Personality Science Purpose, simple, compound, and complex sentence structures Techniques to engage the reader Point of view: tone, attitude, and humor Organization: opening, body, and closing Support and coherence Optics Visual optics Sound optics Feel optics Effective optics Efficient optics Email Formal vs. informal emails Suggestions for improving email communication Instant and text messaging Reports Common types of reports created Formatting of reports Guidelines for meeting minutes Contracts Types of contracts Common agreements Procurement documents Templates, Forms, and Checklists Templates Forms Checklists Other Formatting Good Documentation Practices Good documentation practices Data integrity in business communication

LOOKING FOR: ADULT FICTION Clare set up the Liverpool Literary Agency in 2020 to help address inequality and underrepresentation in the publishing industry. With more than 15 years’ experience of writing and editing professionally, including the publication of two novels, Definitions (2015) and We Are of Dust (2018 - which has received development funding from the Liverpool Film Office for a TV adaptation), she has developed an in-depth knowledge of what commissioning editors and publishers expect to see from a submitted manuscript. With a background in PR and marketing, alongside teaching on creative writing programmes, Clare also has extensive experience in pitching and promoting writers and has been nominated for the Romantic Novelist Association Agent of the Year Award! Clare would love to see historical fiction, crime fiction, psychological thrillers and women’s fiction, but she is open to all great writing with a strong hook in any area (excluding non-fiction, children’s and YA). She actively encourages submissions from writers who have been traditionally under-represented. Clare 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, Clare 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: Wednesday 14th May 2025

LOOKING FOR: ADULT FICTION / NON-FICTION Ciara McEllin is building her list as a Junior Agent at Watson Little. She reads widely across book club, upmarket and literary fiction. Within these areas, she is drawn to novels that examine family and relationship dynamics, sexuality, identity, and vulnerability. Ciara is keen to hear from writers who take a fresh approach to these themes, whether that be a new perspective on a traditional narrative or a focus on characters and voices that remain underrepresented: think Kairos by Jenny Erpenbeck, Asymmetry by Lisa Halliday or Monkey Grip by Helen Garner. She will always want to read beautifully written novels with a strong sense of place, tangible characters and an essence that stays with you – living deep in your bones – long after you’ve finished reading. Recent reads Ciara has enjoyed include: Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry, Enter Ghost by Isabella Hammad, Close to Home by Michael Magee, Siblings by Brigitte Reimann, Trespasses by Louise Kennedy, The Idiot by Elif Batuman, Highway Blue by Ailsa McFarlane and My Phantoms by Gwendoline Riley. At the moment Ciara is particularly eager to see: - Sexy, sensual and seductive stories that explore desire and sexual boundaries not often represented in literature such as Little Rabbit by Alyssa Songsiridej, Cleanness by Garth Greenwell and Mrs. S by K Patrick - An atmospheric and existential thriller in the vein of Intimacies by Katie Kitamura, In The Cut by Susanna Moore and Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead by Olga Tokarczuk - An intoxicating coming of-age-tale that captures the aliveness, intelligence and wildness of girlhood like Brutes by Dizz Tate, The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides and The Girls by Emma Cline - Books that are joyful or brutal, particularly those that are both, similar to Headshot by Rita Bullwinkel, Kick the Latch by Kathryn Scanlan and Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan - Stories exploring an Australia or Ireland that is rarely seen in literature for example A Loving, Faithful Animal by Josephine Rowe and Wild Houses by Colin Barrett In non-fiction, Ciara enjoys narrative, memoir and essay collections. She is interested in hearing from experts, academics, critics and journalists writing about society, culture and food, and excited by writers seeking to revise, reshape or revolutionise the conversation in their area of expertise. Some of her favourite non-fiction titles include How To Survive A Plague by David France, The Transgender Issue by Shon Faye, the Living Autobiography Series by Deborah Levy, Last Witnesses: Unchildlike Stories by Svetlana Alexievich, King Kong Theory by Virginie Despentes; and she particularly enjoys the work of M.F.K Fisher, Annie Ernaux, Natalia Ginsburg and Helen Garner. Ciara is not looking for Children’s, YA or Fantasy. Ciara would like you to submit a covering letter, 1 -2 page synopsis and the first 5,000 words of your completed manuscript in a single word document. (In addition to the paid sessions, Ciara 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 8th May 2025

Writing Clear Business Communication (Virtual) Effective writing seldom, if ever, 'magically materializes' on the spot. In reality, it is most often the product of planning, writing, and rewriting. This is why writing is called a process; it must go through a series of steps before it is clear and complete. This program is about learning about the writing process and covers the full spectrum of documents used when corresponding in the workplace. The ability to write effectively comes naturally to some people, but for the vast majority, it is a task often approached with a mixture of trepidation and dread. However, the ability to communicate in the written word, for whatever purpose, is an important part of our working and personal lives and can have a direct impact on our ability to persuade, gain commitment or agreement and enhance understanding. Good writing sounds like talking on paper, which is why this program is focused on getting the message across and achieving the desired results using the 'keep it simple and direct' approach. What You Will Learn You'll learn how to: Plan and prioritize each day's activities in a more efficient, productive manner Establish strategies to execute priorities and overcome procrastination Understand how to make trade-offs when faced with fire drills How to set and communicate boundary conditions Getting Started Introductions Course orientation Participants' expectations Foundation Concepts Exercise: A day in your life Resources to implement change o Mind-set o Tool-set o Skill-set What is your time really worth? The dynamics of procrastination The myth of multi-tasking Brain Rules - how to optimize your efficiency Organization and Prioritization Time management best practices Goal setting Exercise: Identifying your priorities The importance of organization Time management framework Prioritizing time Time Management Techniques Tips for managing time Nine ways to overcome procrastination The STING technique Managing your time o Handling unplanned urgencies o Dealing with information overload Delegation and managing others' time Creating your personal action plan

Join Matt Rivers in his Soul Writing for Creativity course and learn to explore your imagination and discover your natural creative voice.