Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Culture vultures

Get tips on theatre and art from other Mumsnetters on our Culture forum.

Original poster

writers bureau

12 replies

tarotmum · 03/01/2007 12:39

Hi, anyone done the writers buraue course? I've never done a postal/ online course before so just wondering if it's worthwhile...

OP posts:
VoodooBiltong · 03/01/2007 16:15

I am a bit sceptical about those courses...

Why is it you want to go on one?

To learn more about writing, to get critiques or ?

McDreamy · 03/01/2007 16:15

A friend of mine is doing that and seems to be getting on very well with it.

scatterbrain · 03/01/2007 16:18

My SIL did it and did really well on it - but sadly it didn't lead to anything ! She gave up trying to get anything published after the first 100 rejections !

Maybe she was targetting wrong publications - I don't know - but she nevre got her money back which she was promised at the start !

Not sure if they still make that promise !

pudding77 · 03/01/2007 16:42

Depending on what you're looking to get out of the course what about a distance learning one through the open university or somewhere else? I think they have a better reputation than the writer's bureau (no personal experience but heard they're not very good)

Original poster
tarotmum · 03/01/2007 21:40

Thanks. Just want to do something productive whilst being SAHM. Have repressed my writing desires for long time now and feel that now is the time to get creative! Have so many ideas for stories, etc but literally don't know where to start in terms of getting on with it IYKWIM.

OP posts:
zippitippitoes · 03/01/2007 21:51

don't know if expat did a course but doesn't she write romantic stories?

Psychobabble · 03/01/2007 21:55

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

BaileysMilkshake · 03/01/2007 22:12

I love writing and applied for an info pack from the WB. They sent one but at the time - and still I can't afford the fee's.

They keep writing to me now they know who I am so in the future I might try - but am also sceptical of throwing money down the drain. But if I remember rightly if you dont make your fee's back within the year you get a refund or something!

AspiringAuthor · 16/01/2007 19:16

I have just started the WB course at the moment. I had looked at the ads for years and thought "sod it" and took the plunge... they do have a moneyback guarantee... but to be honest I just think of it as a hobby, if nothing comes of it, at least I've kept my mind active.

If you can afford it then I say go for it. Go for it, and if nothing comes of it, at least you can say you had a go??

Good luck.

Original poster
tarotmum · 21/01/2007 12:35

Thanks mums for your tips. Idecided to just go for it - there's a special offer on at mo; just £24 a month for 6 months, so won't be out of pocket. I'll keep you posted if I get my novel published

OP posts:
Auntylisa · 24/01/2007 20:32

HI all,

I'm a magazine editor and just wanted to say that if it's features writing that you hope to do the London College of Printing course, the short three month one is excellent; i'm always unsure about these courses as they often make wierd recommendations (like send in full features, with word counts, etc) which is totally unappropriate and signals people out as unprofessional. An open university course is probably better if you want to go professional. good luck.

AspiringAuthor · 27/01/2007 12:28

AuntyLisa,

The Writers Bureau states that you shouldn't send full features in unless you are certain that the publication accepts unsolicited manuscripts. I believe some publications, like The Lady, do accept unsolicited material.

Can I ask, why is it inappropriate to send material with a word count?

It's great that you have taken the time to recommend other courses. Do you ever accept work from untried writers?

New posts on this thread. Refresh page