From Draft to Dream: A One-Day Guide to Getting Your Book Ready for Publishing

With Nicola Kearns – International Best-selling Author

So you've poured your heart and soul into a manuscript, crafted a world, and unleashed unforgettable characters. But the journey from passionate writer to published author doesn't end there. The world of publishing can feel overwhelming, leaving you wondering, "What next?"

This one-day workshop aims to bridge that gap, equipping you with the essential tools and knowledge to transform your manuscript from draft to polished gem, ready to captivate readers and impress agents or publishers.

Morning Session: Manuscript Makeover

Sharpening Your Story: We'll delve into the fundamentals of plot structure, character development, and ensuring your story resonates. Through interactive exercises and group discussions, you'll gain the ability to identify and address weaknesses within your manuscript.
Editing Like a Pro: From grammar and syntax to flow and clarity, we'll explore the art of editing. Learn effective techniques for self-editing and discover when to consider professional editing services.
Formatting Fundamentals: Understanding formatting guidelines is crucial for both traditional and self-publishing routes. This session will equip you with the knowledge to format your manuscript for submissions or self-publishing platforms.

Afternoon Session: The Path to Publication

Navigating the Publishing Landscape: Whether you're aiming for a traditional publishing deal or considering self-publishing, this session will provide a clear roadmap. We'll discuss the pros and cons of each approach, along with key steps involved in each path.
Crafting a Winning Query Letter (Traditional Publishing): For those seeking a traditional route, mastering the query letter is essential. Learn how to write a concise, impactful letter that grabs an agent's attention and showcases your manuscript's potential.
Book Design and Production (Self-Publishing): If self-publishing is your chosen path, this session will cover the basics of book design, cover creation, and production considerations. Explore various self-publishing platforms and discover tools to help you create a professional-looking book.

By the end of this one-day workshop, you will be:

Equipped with the knowledge to edit and polish your manuscript to a professional standard.
Confident in navigating the publishing landscape, whether your goal is a traditional deal or self-publishing.
Empowered to take the next steps on your journey to becoming a published author.

This workshop is ideal for:

Writers with completed manuscripts seeking guidance on getting published.
Aspiring authors who want to understand the publishing process.
Anyone looking to refine their self-editing skills.

Don't let your dream of becoming a published author stay on the shelf. This one-day workshop is your chance to turn your manuscript into a polished masterpiece, ready to take the publishing world by storm!

Nicola is only running these courses for a short time and due to high demand will be taking first come first served orders. She will be keeping classes small to ensure all participants receive personal attention.

Also see below for details of our one to one writing mentoring scheme

Below is a review of Nicola's coaching skills from Leitrim writer Seamus O'Rourke, and reviews from some of Nicola's Leitrim School of Art's past students.

(B) One Day Get Published Workshop, Sun 18th May, 10:30am-2:30pm