What exactly is a book proposal—and why might you need one? In the world of publishing, a well-crafted proposal is often the key to securing a contract, particularly for non-fiction projects. Instead of writing an entire manuscript before approaching an agent or publisher, the proposal serves as a persuasive business case for your book, demonstrating its market potential, structure, and unique value.

Although proposals are most commonly associated with non-fiction, the skills developed in this course extend well beyond that category. Fiction writers, too, will benefit from understanding how to present their work in a clear, compelling, and commercially minded way. By the end of the course, you will not only understand the essential components of a professional proposal but also how to adapt these techniques to suit your own writing journey.

The course includes downloadable resources to support your learning, along with a short quiz to help you consolidate your knowledge and test your understanding of the key principles.

Writers often approach the synopsis with dread, but when understood properly, it becomes one of the most valuable tools in your creative and professional arsenal. Far more than a mere summary, the synopsis serves different purposes depending on its form and audience, and mastering it can transform the way you develop and present your work.

In this course, you will gain a clear understanding of what a synopsis can—and cannot—achieve for your project. You’ll discover why there are two distinct types of synopses and learn how each functions in practice. The course explores the Working Synopsis, which guides you through the writing process itself, as well as the Submission Synopsis, designed to convince agents and publishers of your book’s strength and marketability.

You will also be introduced to two practical approaches: the Big Picture Synopsis, which distills the overarching structure of your work, and the Rope Ladder Synopsis, which breaks the narrative into carefully linked steps. Each method will be explained in detail, with examples and guidance to help you apply them effectively.

The course includes downloadable resources to support your learning and ensure that by the end, you’ll be equipped to approach synopses not as a burden, but as a joyful and empowering part of your writing journey.

A powerful title can make all the difference to the success of your work. It is often the very first point of contact with potential readers, and its impact can determine whether someone chooses to engage with your book or pass it by. Yet for many writers, the process of creating a memorable, effective title feels daunting and uncertain.

This focused course will give you the confidence and clarity to approach title-writing with purpose. You’ll discover how to draw on the writing skills you already possess to generate titles that capture attention, communicate the essence of your work, and resonate with your audience. Rather than forcing the process, you’ll learn how to create the right conditions for strong titles to emerge naturally—often at just the right stage of your creative journey.

The course also features a special guest appearance by Alan Samson, former Publisher and Chairperson of Weidenfeld & Nicolson, who brings unique insights from inside the publishing industry. Whether you are pursuing a traditional publishing route or preparing to self-publish, the strategies you will learn here are essential for maximizing your book’s visibility and appeal.

Downloadable resources are included to support your learning and ensure you leave the course equipped to craft titles that stand out and sell.