Roscommon Writing for Publishing Course Successfully Concluded

Post date: May 29, 2013 10:15:47 AM

Last Thursday (23rd May), saw the successful conclusion of the Writing for Publishing course, which we had been running at Roscommon County Library since April. The course was sponsored by Roscommon VEC and supported by SiarScéal, with assistance also from Roscommon County Library, who provided us with the venue and equipment. 

A healthy attendance was in evidence throughout the eight-week run. Over 60 people in total turned out, with an average of about 30 participants for each night of the course, which addressed all the most important and pertinent aspects of writing and publishing today. The attendance figures, along with the lively discussion that took place each night, were most encouraging: testimony to the degree of interest and the value that people place on the material and topics that were covered. Course modules included:

• creative writing,

• presentation and design,

• writing as a career,

• overview of the publishing process,

• self-publishing,

• e-publishing and the rise of the e-book,

• building and managing your web presence as an author, writer, independent publisher.

Among the favourable reactions that we received, included comments that the course was "most instructive and enjoyable" with, "anecdotes and diversions greatly helping in the assimilation of all that material." Judging from feedback, the aspects of the course that covered writing and publishing in the modern era, were most eagerly sought and best received. Participants also appreciated the fact that, despite the apparently 'high tech' nature of some of the material covered, lack of computer literacy did not present a barrier to understanding. 

With the completion of the Roscommon course, we will be taking a short break, but only to work out a programme of events for the autumn period (September to December). We welcome bookings or expressions of interest, from libraries, writers groups, literary organisations, anyone who is able to provide a venue and facilities for audio-visual presentation. If you are interested in organising a course in your area, please get in touch with us via Writing for Publishing - see website for more information, including contact details, course outline and material. 

Writing for Publishing is an Irish-based educational initiative organised by The Manuscript Publisher. It is aimed at authors and writers, interested in gaining a readership by writing to and for a public audience. Further information is available from the website - www.WritingforPublishing.com. You can contact the course director, Oscar Duggan, by e-mail or by telephone - 01 8569566 and 087 7604547