Advanced Writing: Developing a Book-Length Project (Fiction and Creative Non-Fiction)
Classes
Wednesday 07 October - Wednesday 25 November 2026,
8 sessions - Check class timetable
Overview
The Advanced Writing: Developing a Book-Length Project course will guide you through the skills of initiating, developing and sustaining long-form writing in fiction or creative non-fiction. Through weekly lectures, guided discussions and constructive feedback workshops you will closely examine form, voice, structure, audience and other key story elements, with a focus on how these work within a book-length project.
The course will enhance your understanding of how books evolve, including craft and industry-related topics such as:
- burning questions, opening 'hooks' and goal setting
- narrative voice: who is telling your story and why?
- story structure and shape
- writing at chapter level and writing scenes as miniature stories
- point of view, characterisation and dialogue
- practical strategies for drafting and redrafting.
The Advanced Writing: Developing a Book-Length Project course is an excellent fit for writers developing a long-form project and seeking an opportunity to focus on writing while joining a supportive intellectual community. Taking this course will allow you to further develop an existing manuscript or shape a coherent proposal from early material.
The course aims to meet you at the stage you are at in your journey, to help you make meaningful progress on your project and gain greater clarity about its direction, form and next stages. You will also explore possible next steps, by understanding how books and stories end, what it means to finish a long-form project, and publication tips. The collaborative aspect of sharing stories amongst like-minded peers enables you to make meaningful connections and gain valuable insights for your writing.
As a learner on this course, you will study alongside fellow professionals wishing to enhance their knowledge in the subject area, giving you the opportunity to make connections with like-minded colleagues and network.
You will receive a Birkbeck certificate of participation upon completion of the course.
This course is non-credit bearing, so carries no credit points.
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Entry requirements
Entry requirements
Upon booking this course, please send a brief paragraph outlining what you hope to achieve from the course, along with a short excerpt of your writing (500-1000 words) to the Innovation Support Unit.
This short course has no prerequisites.
As part of the enrolment process, you may be required to submit a copy of a suitable form of ID.
International students who wish to come to the UK to study a short course can apply for a Visitor visa. Please note that it is not possible to obtain a Student visa to study a short course.
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How to apply
How to apply
You can book directly onto the short courses you would like to take, using the Register button above which will direct you to the relevant booking page. Courses are filled on a first-come, first-served basis - so apply early if you're interested.
We offer a 20% discount to those who are members of Birkbeck’s alumni, as well as the student and staff community. If you are eligible to claim this discount, please contact the Innovation Support Unit so that we can process your booking.