ANNOUNCING A SHORT COURSE IN THE WRITING CRAFT, EDITING PROCESS AND THE BUSINESS OF PUBLISHING

Open Call for Applications

Deadline for Applications: Monday 23^rd September, 2024.

African Writers Trust will hold a short course in the writing craft, editing process and the business of publishing, which will take place from 15^th to 20^th October, 2024 at Hotsprings Villas Hotel, in Kampala, Uganda. The course will focus on the entire book cycle: the creation, production and reception of the book.

Purpose of the course

The purpose of the course is to enable participants gain an understanding of the possibilities of creative writing, by expanding their knowledge of writing, reading and critical thinking across key genres; equip the participants with the knowledge and skills needed in editing and preparing manuscripts for publication, and to introduce participants to the business of publishing.

Tutors

The course will be facilitated by leading experts in the industry, and will be delivered using a variety of methods including, assignments, group presentations, reading and writing exercises, peer reviews, and one-on-one consultations with tutors to discuss writing goals and feedback on assignments.

Who Can Participate?

The programme is open to writers of fiction, majorly novels and short stories from East Africa and the Horn of Africa. Participants will be selected from the following countries: Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somalia, Djibouti, South Sudan, Sudan and Somaliland.

Criteria for selection

Applicants must have an ongoing writing project, or a manuscript they are working on with the goal of publishing it.
Applicants should be fluent in written and spoken English. All sessions will be conducted in English.
Applicants must commit to be fully available to participate for the entire duration of the course.
Quality and strength of writing sample submitted

Benefits of Participating

Selected writers will engage in a transformative process to polish their manuscripts and elevate their writing to new heights. They will be equipped with, and benefit from the following:

Skills to write publishable short stories and novels.
Knowledge and skills to undertake structural editing, copy editing and proofreading.
Knowledge and skills for undertaking basic tasks in the publishing cycle.
Skills to create a book marketing plan and generate sales in the targeted area and audience.
An opportunity to pitch their manuscript to industry professionals and receive personalised, editorial feedback.

What is offered

Selected candidates will be offered the following for the duration of the course:

Full board accommodation at Hotsprings Villas Hotel, Kampala from 15^th to 20^th October, 2024.
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Training materials and handouts

Please note that travel costs will NOT be catered for. Participants will be required to pay for their own travel costs, to and from the venue (Hotsprings Villas Hotel, Kampala)

How to Apply

To apply, please fill in this form here.