(D) One Day Get Published Workshop, Sat 22nd Mar 2025, 1pm-5pm

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.

Some reviews and comments from students that have attended Nicola's Creative Writing Workshops here at LSA

" I absolutely loved doing the course and you're style of tutoring was so encouraging and genuine. You yourself created such a sense of ease and fun in the class, which helped everyone feel safe and shine."

"I really enjoyed today's workshop, and found it very helpful.

When you finish the first draft of your book, you think it is a great achievement, but it is only the start of the journey to publishing. Your workshop is very important in filling that gap, and providing the help and support needed to progress.

It was good to have written information to take away, as well as having the opportunity to discuss our individual books, difficulties, and issues. The written information was clear, concise, and comprehensive. I have no doubt I will be referring to it in the days to come.

Thank you again for your genuine interest, and for your help and encouragement. It meant a lot to me."

"I am absolutely overwhelmed by your generosity regarding my writing. Thank you. I enjoyed your coaching so much, and have learned so much. I feel I've got the writing bug now, and have been writing every day. I am so glad our paths crossed, and I do hope I get to work with you again, in the near future. Thank you again. With warm regards always"

"It has been fantastic. I have done other creative writing courses but now I finally have an idea of where I can go with what has been on my mind for years and how to do it. Thank you Nicola."

" I feel like you opened me up to the belief that I can write. I am so blessed to have found your course, the way you teach is just made for the people who have lost faith in themselves and need a hand to guide them back. I don't know how to thank you enough. All I can say is I hope I make you proud because you have put me back on the pathxxxx."

Exclusive Opportunity: Private One-on-One Writing Mentorship with Bestselling Author Nicola Kearns

At Leitrim School of Art Writing Hub we keep the class sizes small. This means that each particapant receives sufficient attention and guidance in realising their writing potential and achieving their goals. However we recognise that for various reasons such as the nature of the work and individuals preferred learning styles that some of our students may prefer one to one mentoring sessions with Nicola.

We're thrilled to offer our students the opportunity to receive personalized guidance from Nicola

Deep Dive into Your Manuscript: Before your session, the author will take the time to thoroughly review your work in advance. This allows for a truly tailored experience, with the author coming prepared to address your specific strengths and areas for development.

Unlock Your Storytelling Potential: In your private workshop, the author will provide insightful feedback on your manuscript, offering expert advice on taking your work to the next level. They'll delve into all aspects of the writing craft, including:

• Plot Construction: Craft a captivating storyline that keeps readers engaged from the first page to the last.
• Character Development: Bring your characters to life with depth, complexity, and believable motivations.
• Dialogue that Sizzles: Master the art of vibrant dialogue that drives the story forward and reveals character personalities.
• World Building: Create an immersive setting that transports readers into your fictional world.
• Proofreading and Editing: Ensure your manuscript is polished and professional, free of grammatical errors and with a clear, concise writing style.

This unique mentorship program is designed to empower you as a writer, equipping you with the skills and confidence to complete your manuscript and pursue your publishing dreams. Don't miss out on this chance to learn from a best-selling author who has enabled many writers to become published.

For further details of one to one mentoring with Nicola please email Michael. michael@leitrimartschool.ie or call 085 853 5115

Leitrim School of Art (LSA)

Deposits, Missed Days and Missed Classes Refund Policy from December 2022 (Revised April 2023)

(a) Due to substantial increases in business costs LSA cannot offer discounts, refunds, or alternative places on future events for missed classes within class blocks, or missed days within workshops and camps

(b) A request for a refund of a deposit may be considered if the refund request is received by LSA at least 10 days before the start of the event.

(c) A request to transfer a deposit to another event may be considered if the request to transfer is received by LSA at least 10 days before the start of the originally booked event.

(d) Requests for refunds or transfer of deposits must be notified to LSA by email to michael@leitrimartschool.ie

(e) Requests for refunds will be responded to by LSA within 3 days of the request being notified to us.

(f) Your statutory rights as a consumer are not affected and LSA will “make good” on its obligations to consumers for failure to provide classes or workshop and camp days (e.g., event cancellation).

(g) Booking of an event at LSA, through Eventbrite or otherwise, constitutes your acceptance of this policy.