Writing, Book Formatting, & Marketing Classes

Have you ever thought of taking classes to improve your writing? Are you a self-publishing author who wants to personally work with an editor on your book manuscript? Do you need information about starting a freelance writing business? If so, you are in the right place.

The writing instructors on Writers in the Sky Creative Writing Services (WITS) team are available to work one-on-one with you by phone or email (or in person if you are in the Nashville area). Online and group teleclasses are also offered.

Kristen House offers online tele-seminars and Nashville-area fiction writing workshops throughout the year during which she provides coaching that helps students find their unique writing style and take their writing skills to the next level. Students will be given encouragement and help in specific areas of need.

Ghostwriter and developmental editor Yvonne Perry has written, edited, formatted, or proofread more than 40 books during her seven-year career as a freelance writer. She offers online classes about starting a freelance writing business and marketing a non-fiction book. See the list of classes below.

Many a writer aspires to be a published author, but what most new authors don’t realize is that once a book is published, it requires a lot of time, effort, and money to market it. The book won’t sell itself; it has to be presented to its target market over and over. Promoting a book can become a lot like owning a business.

A book is a product and must be sellable. A poorly-written book, with a so-so cover, or an ambiguous title/subtitle that lacks keywords is not as marketable as a page-turner that jumps off the shelf and causes the reader to say, “This is just what I’m looking for.” That reader becomes a fan and automatically starts helping you promote your book.

Authors Yvonne Perry and Carol Batey conducted a teleconference "Authors Must Learn to Sell What They Write." In it, they taught what it takes to sell the books you have written.

Make a payment of $25 using the PayPal button below. When the transaction is complete, you will be taken to a page where you may download the MP3 and the handouts for this instructional audio class.

In this online class, students will learn at their own pace the basics for starting out as a new writer for hire. This online writing business course provides audio recordings, handouts, and one hour of one-on-one telephone coaching to help writer refine their writing skills and learn to operate a business.

Participants will complete assignments such as writing a business proposal, press releases, articles, biographical sketches, book reviews, and promotional pieces needed to get a business off the ground. Students add these pieces to their writing portfolio. The best written assignments may be featured in WITS blog or newsletter.

The following topics are covered:

• What writers need to know to become a professional freelance writer
• Setting rates for freelance writing gigs
• Closing the deal on potential leads
• Public relations with clients
• Collecting payment
• Finding a niche market
• Promoting an online business
• Building a reputation
• Networking and online social marketing
• Writing a business proposal and building a portfolio

The cost for this 6-week course is $300 per student payable at $50 per week for six weeks or in full prior to participation. No refunds will be given for missed classes or to those who drop out after the first week.

Materials required for each level include: access to a computer with a word processing program compatible with MS Word 2007 or 2010, email service (preferably Outlook), long distance telephone service (if you are outside the local Nashville area), and a desire for learning.

Contact us for more information.

Private One-on-one Instruction– You may bring your own piece of writing to Dianna or Kristen who will give you individualized pointers on how to improve your manuscript or document. Either instructor can assist with development of a book manuscript, the mechanics of writing, establishing your own voice, working with first and third person, writing dialog, setting the scenes, developing plot and character, and more. She can help you write your book proposal or publisher query letter. Contact us for more information.

Sarah Moore is a former high school teacher and college academic advisor available to work with students who need tutoring to improve their essays, term papers, and reports before turning in assignments. She is also able to work with professors and doctors who would like an extra set of eyes to edit proofread their piece before submitting to medical journals or industry magazines. Contact Sarah now.