Apr 20-25
The Hurst
Residential Writing Course: Poetry and Memoir
Truth and lyricism
Ready to move from manuscript to book deal? During this two-hour live webinar you’ll learn all about how the publishing industry really works in the UK, directly from those in the know – an agent, editor and author who all work together. They will demystify the process of publication and explain the steps you’ll need to take in order to give your work the very best chance of appearing in print – with plenty of opportunities for you to ask questions along the way.
You’ll hear from literary agent Sophie Lambert (C&W) and publisher Francesca Main (Phoenix Books) about the relationship between agent and editor, about what excites them in a submission, and the pitfalls to avoid when pitching. You’ll also hear from Tom Newlands, whose debut novel Only Here, Only Now was represented by Sophie, published by Francesca, and was selected as a Guardian Book of the Year, shortlisted for the Gordon Burn Prize, and won the Society of Authors McKitterick Prize. He’ll talk about his experience of the path to representation and publication, about his life as a writer and how he sustains his practice.
You’ll receive clear and practical advice on how to know when your manuscript is ready to submit, on crafting convincing query letters, knowing who to approach and how, positioning your work, understanding genres and market trends, and managing rejection in a competitive industry. By the end of the session you will have greater knowledge of how the industry works, a plan on the next steps for your idea or manuscript, as well as the confidence to present yourself and your work in a professional way.
Is this session for me?
Our masterclasses are regularly attended by writers who:
What will I gain?
How does it work?
The Masterclass will be delivered via Zoom webinar, so you can take the session at your own pace, without the pressure of having your video or camera on. You can contribute via the chatbox with your tutor and other writers attending the session. Sessions are also recorded so if you are unable to attend live, you will have access to the recording afterwards. Masterclasses can be accessed from anywhere in the world. Just translate the UK time to your local time zone.
Why Arvon?
Arvon is a not-for-profit charity that has been running since 1968.
At Arvon, everyone who crosses the door of one of our writing houses is a writer – no matter what their age or writing experience – and all are welcome.
For more information About Arvon – Home of Creative Writing since 1968 – Arvon
Tutor
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Francesca Main is the publisher of Phoenix. Authors she has edited and published include Jessie Burton, Adam Kay, AJ Pearce, Naomi…
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Tom Newlands is a neurodivergent writer from Scotland. His debut novel Only Here, Only Now won the McKitterick Prize,…
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Sophie Lambert is a Director of literary agency C&W. She started her career as a bookseller on Charing Cross Road and…
Online: £40
Concessions: £20
As part of our effort to increase participation in the arts, half-price concessions are available for this course at checkout. There are a limited number of free subsidised places for those who cannot afford the concession price.
We are committed to making our Arvon at Home programme accessible to as many people as possible.
Our FAQ page may also helpful.
Across all of Arvon at Home
Writing Weeks and Writing Months
A note on the use of AI and recording
Subject to funding/permissions/availability (please contact arvonathome@arvon.org for more details)
If you have any access needs that we have not covered here, please contact us on access@arvon.org
See here for more access information.
"These zoom opportunities are really helping to open my world and keep me inspired to write."— Masterclass participant
"Arvon at Home creates a model to participate in inspirational tutoring for writers, at a distance. The feeling of attending to my writing life in an excellent fashion, and still having a half-day for my work and caring responsibilities at home, felt like a good balance."— Masterclass participant
"It was an absolutely brilliant session and very very useful. And it made me realise how much I’ve missed this kind of workshop because of having children and family that I can’t leave. Now we’re all in the same boat the online stuff is truly transformative."— Masterclass participant
Residential Writing Course
Residential Retreat (Tutored)
Residential Retreat (No Tutors)
Online Writing Week
Online Writing Month
Online Writing Day
Masterclass
Residential Writing Courses take place at our houses in Devon, Shropshire and Yorkshire and span a range of genres. You'll work closely with two tutors, each week consisting of workshops, one-to-one tutorials and evening readings. You’ll have time and space to write, and plenty of support. Long after you leave, your creativity will grow.
View CoursesOur residential tutored retreats are designed to allow you the time and space to focus on your writing from our houses in Devon, Shropshire and Yorkshire. Tutored retreats allow you plenty of self-guided writing time without workshops. You'll benefit from one-to-one tutorials with your tutors in the afternoons and a guest on Wednesday.
View CoursesCapturing the transformative power of a traditional Arvon week, you’ll experience a week of workshops, one-to-ones, social gatherings and readings delivered live by two Arvon tutors online. You’ll connect with a small group of fellow writers and unleash your imagination, all from the comfort of your own home.
View CoursesPerfect if you want to commit time to your writing but can only manage a couple of hours a week. Our Online Writing Months unpacks our popular 5-day Online Writing Week over a month of evening classes. You’ll have a weekly workshop, one-to-one tutorials, socials and How I Write sessions. You will develop a network of fellow writers and give your writing a transformational boost.
View CoursesNeed a boost while you tackle your latest writing project? These one-day courses are aimed at writers who already have a work in progress, or a current working practice and would like a concentrated bolt of creative inspiration. Delivered live via Zoom and recorded for you to watch back later.
View CoursesTwo-hour online creative writing workshops delivered live by acclaimed writers. With a mix of reading, discussion, and writing exercises, you’ll get new words onto the page, tighten your technique, and become the writer you were meant to be. You can also access an on-demand back catalogue of past Masterclasses.
View Courses