The Write a Children's Book Course | Part 2

$ 1 495.00

Write a Children’s Book Course Part Two

The Write a Children's Book Course | Part Two

Get the skills, expert guidance and support you need to complete your children’s book

Fast-track your progress by studying with a successful author of over 60 children's books

This follow-on course from Writing Books for Children Part One will provide the tools and support you need to complete your chapter book for 8- to 12-year-olds.

On this course, you will receive the necessary guidance to complete, edit and polish your children’s book. You will also receive insider information on how to get published in this challenging market.

Furthermore, with the help of an award-winning writer as your tutor, you will finish your manuscript of up to 40,000 words. The primary aim of this course is to complete your manuscript through regularly handing in text instalments.

Each submission you make will be critiqued and, once the manuscript is complete, you will receive a final critique of the whole story.

The Write a Children’s Book Course Gives You...

No Automated Marking

We use traditional methods of assessing work, as editors at publishing houses would. No generic feedback!

A Flexible Schedule

Work wherever and whenever you want. You can easily fit our courses around work and other commitments.

Relevant, Usable Content

Easy-to-digest course notes that capture a lifetime of writing experience, ready for you to apply to your own writing.

Ongoing Assessment

Your writing is assessed continuously as your course progresses.

Expert, Individual Feedback

Get prompt, honest, detailed feedback on every assignment from an award-winning writer. We focus on your unique writing strengths.

No Peer Reviews!

You will only be assessed by your tutor, a leader in their field. No more guessing and wondering how to write; you'll be guided line by line.

Complete your manuscript with ease

All the tools to edit, polish and finish your children's book

Over ten modules, complete a manuscript of up to 40,000 words (this includes the first 4 000 words from the first course).

In this course, you will learn how to:

  • build on your creative writing skills developed in Writing Books for Children Part One
  • edit and polish your manuscript

You’ll get line-by-line feedback and mentoring from Helen Brain, which will bring about noticeable improvements to your writing.

As Helen explains:

‘I’ve made every possible mistake in my writing career, most of them multiple times. I’ve discovered that it’s better to think through a plot thoroughly before you start writing and that having a detailed plan to follow will help you get to the end without running out of steam. 

I’ve learnt tricks for overcoming writer’s block and for pushing my ideas further, even if – especially if –  it means leaving my comfort zone. Mostly, I’ve discovered that being kind to myself helps my creativity. 

In this course I will teach you what I wish I’d learnt when I first started writing. And I’ll stand by you and support you as you plot out and write your book for children.’

NB. If your word count will be over 40 000 words, we will invoice you per 1 000 words above this.

Complete your manuscript with ease

All the tools to edit, polish
and finish your children's book

Over ten modules, complete a manuscript of up to 40,000 words (this includes the first 4 000 words from the first course).

In this course, you will learn how to:

  • build on your creative writing skills developed in Writing Books for Children Part One
  • edit and polish your manuscript

 

You’ll get line-by-line feedback and mentoring from Helen Brain, which will bring about noticeable improvements to your writing.

As Helen explains:

‘I’ve made every possible mistake in my writing career, most of them multiple times. I’ve discovered that it’s better to think through a plot thoroughly before you start writing and that having a detailed plan to follow will help you get to the end without running out of steam. 

I’ve learnt tricks for overcoming writer’s block and for pushing my ideas further, even if – especially if –  it means leaving my comfort zone. Mostly, I’ve discovered that being kind to myself helps my creativity. 

In this course I will teach you what I wish I’d learnt when I first started writing. And I’ll stand by you and support you as you plot out and write your book for children.’

NB. If your word count will be over 40 000 words, we will invoice you per 1 000 words above this.

‘Helen gave me wings to fly. Having her as my tutor was a blessing. She did a great job teaching me what I needed to know in order to write a children’s book. I travelled a long, incredible journey under her guidance.’

Theresa Becht, Write a Children’s Book Course Part 2

Course Overview

COURSE FEE

$ 1 495

Price includes GST

NUMBER OF ASSIGNMENTS

10

These are regular chapter submissions and a final edit.

NUMBER OF MODULES

10

The focus of this course is on developing your manuscript. The theory component is minimal.

COURSE DURATION

12

Work at your own pace – up to a maximum of 12 months.

START DATE: ANYTIME

Working with an individual tutor means you can start the course at any time.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

  • Basic writing skills are essential.
  • Computer skills, e-mail and Internet access required.
  • No previous tertiary qualification required.

Face-to-face feedback sessions

This course includes the fantastic opportunity to have two face-to-face online feedback sessions with Helen. These in-depth, individual sessions will focus on your manuscript and polishing it to a high standard. This is on top of the written feedback you will receive.

For the face-to-face option, you will need a device with a camera and microphone. The meeting will take place viaGoogle Meet – it’s free and really simple to set up. We’ll provide guidelines if you haven’t used it before.

Tutor for this Course

Helen Brain

I’ve been writing for 25 years, and teaching creative writing for 11. I’ve seen over a thousand students graduate from my courses, and have an exceptionally high completion rate.

I’m very interested in the craft of writing and believe that this is something that can be learned and practised so that the story that appears on the page correlates more closely with the story in your head.    

I love teaching one-on-one, and supporting my students as they stretch themselves creatively and technically.

Achievements:

  • Over 60 books published for children, young adults, 1997 – 2023
  • Here be Lions, a memoir, published 2006
  • Fiery Spiral trilogy acquired by US publisher Catalyst Press 2018
  • Film rights optioned for Fiery Spiral TV series 2023
  • Ibby South Africa Honours list multiple years
  • ATKV Award for her teen novel Tamara
  • Multiple books have been selected for the SACBF (South African Children’s Book Forum) Honours List
Creative Writing tutor at NZ Writers College

Course Curriculum

Module 1

Text Instalment 1
  • Submit next complete chapter up to 3 600 words
  • 30-minute Google Meet video call with tutor

 

Module 2

Text Instalment 2

  • Submit next complete chapter up to 3 600 words
  • Rewrites: Previous chapter

 

Module 3

Text Instalment 3

  • Submit next complete chapter up to 3 600 words
  • Rewrites: Previous chapter

 

Module 4

Text Instalment 4

  • Submit next complete chapter up to 3 600 words
  • Rewrites: Previous chapter

Module 5

Text Instalment 5

  • Submit next complete chapter up to 3 600 words
  • Rewrites: Previous chapter

Module 6

Text Instalment 6

  • Submit next complete chapter up to 3 600 words
  • Rewrites: Previous chapter
  • 30-minute Google Meet video call with tutor

 

Module 7

Text Instalment 7

  • Submit next complete chapter up to 3 600 words
  • Rewrites: Previous chapter

 

Module 8

Text Instalment 8

  • Submit next complete chapter up to 3 600 words
  • Rewrites: Previous chapter

 

Module 9

Text Instalment 9

  • Submit next complete chapter up to 3 600 words
  • Rewrites: Previous chapter

 

Module 10

Text Instalment 10

  • Edit and proofread complete manuscript
  • Submit final manuscript for assessment

 

NB

  • Two individual Google Meet sessions are included in the course fee. Additional Google Meet sessions are available.
  • If your total wordcount exceeds 40 000 words, an additional fee will be charged per 1 000 words.

Bonus session!

Attend a group video meeting

Helen runs four Google Meet face-to-face sessions per year for all of her students. You will be invited to attend while you are on the course. This is not compulsory (but a lot of fun).

 

What Our Students Say

Michelle BeaterWrite a Children’s Book Course
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I found the course informative and challenging. I enjoyed writing, but I went through a moment of feeling uncertain as to how to continue. I told my tutor Helen, and she gave me good advice. I could then enjoy my writing again and creativity flowed easily. I might go over my course material again and see what other stories come to me now. Helen was very prompt and helpful. I felt at ease discussing topics with her. She has a wealth of knowledge I’m sure I have barely tapped into. Overall, I would describe the course as being very tough, but rewarding.
Jody EllisWrite a Children’s Book Course
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I found this course very beneficial. It had a good progression from Part 1, where I was expected to work more independently, which was excellent. Working with my tutor … was great. Her feedback was always helpful and I learnt a lot from every email contact I had with her. She was very thorough in her marking and feedback and her wealth of knowledge was invaluable. I felt she understood what I was trying to achieve with my story and I am very grateful for all her help along the way. I now have a very good idea of what it takes to write a book and I have grown my writing skills more than I expected. I found the online course to be a highly effective way of learning the skills I needed. All aspects of my dealings with The Writers College were professional and positive. Many thanks.
Lyn McNameeWrite a Children’s Book Course
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Overall, I would describe the course as fantastic. The most useful part was the feedback I received from Helen. I knew most of the content but the application of it to my own children’s book was what I needed help with. Helen was so helpful; I feel like she became a friend and mentor on the journey.
Jessica HarveyWrite a Children’s Book Course
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The course was wonderful. I learnt so much, and I’m sure I can put all these new-found skills to great use. Many of the skills I developed can be applied to writing, not just for children but for teenagers or adults too, and therefore are a very valuable asset to have! It was hard work at times, but definitely worth the effort. My tutor was fantastic. She really pushed me to be better, and I appreciated that she was honest about what needed changing, but supportive enough that I wasn’t crushed by criticism. She was directive and helpful, but always made sure that I was the one putting in the effort, so that I could develop better writing skills under my own steam. With her help I feel like I have developed, bigger “writing muscles” and more confidence. Thanks Helen! I now have a finished manuscript that I’m very happy with. It was a fantastic experience, I recommend it to anyone who is even considering it – worth every penny!
Lauri ThorburnWrite a Children’s Book Course
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My experience with the course was invaluable. I learnt so much. The course content and assignments have made me a much stronger writer. My tutor Helen was amazing, incredibly inspiring and insightful. She gave me a different perspective on writing and my final manuscript wouldn’t have been half as strong if it wasn’t for her; I owe her a lot. The Writers’ College is professional, credible and well worthwhile. The course absolutely met all of my objectives and more! It has made me a much more critical, thorough and refined writer and it has motivated me to reach my writing goals.
Michelle RandallWrite a Children’s Book Course
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When I started the course, my goal was to begin a book and see it through to the end. My vague knowledge of how to do this was clarified by the course notes, but it was the step-by-step process of actually writing a book, and the feedback from my tutor, that I found most valuable. I would never have completed my book without Helen’s guidance. She was forthright and challenging; her input insightful. Whenever I felt that my story wasn’t good enough – or that I wasn’t a good enough writer, she was there to pound me back into shape. Essentially, Helen provided me with the self-confidence to see a story through to its end… and more importantly, the courage to start the next one. I am halfway through my new book and I have Helen to thank for it. Overall, I would describe my experience with the College as absolutely brilliant. I loved the back-and-forth process of feedback and rewriting. I am a MUCH better writer for it. I would do it again in a heartbeat. Thanks!
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Complete the Application Form to Enrol on the Write a Children’s Book Course Part 2

You will receive an approval email and invoice within one working day.

Should your form not submit, please let admin know at admin@nzwriterscollege.co.nz

Questions?
We've Got Answers

During the course, you will be required to submit a number of text instalments in order to complete your manuscript. The number of chapters and the word count will vary from student to student, based on the project. The hand-in schedule will be agreed upon between you and your tutor. 

Once a text instalment has been completed and emailed to your tutor, you will receive feedback. A final review of all submitted work will be done at the end of the course.

Absolutely. You have direct communication with your tutor for the duration of the course. The more questions you ask, the more you will get out of the course.

You will get lifetime access to the course. You will also benefit from future updates and improvements to the course.

For the majority of our courses, only your tutor will see your work. It will remain completely private unless you get it published. The journalism courses might see your work published in the public domain, but you do have the final say as to whether or not this happens.

You will receive a Writers College Certificate upon successful completion of the course, provided you meet the following conditions: 

  • You must have completed all of the writing assignments.
  • The course must have been completed within 12 months of registration.
  • A minimum average of 50% must be achieved.
  • Students must have successfully completed the Part 1 Course.
  • Computer skills as well as email and Internet access are required.
  • Use of Microsoft Word and the Track Changes function.
  • No previous tertiary qualification is required.
  • Access to a library or a bookshop.

Because you will work with an individual tutor, you can start your course as soon as your application has been approved. There are no specific start dates as would be the case with a traditional college.

An application is usually approved within one working day. Once we receive proof of payment, your can start your course.

You could be starting your course today!

The speed at which you work is entirely up to you and will depend on the complexity and word count of your project.

Once your application has been approved, you will receive notification of approval and an invoice via email. As soon as we receive proof of payment, the first module as well as your tutor’s email address and your login details will be sent to you. Your tutor will also be in touch to welcome you.

Any work created on our courses is owned by you. We will never make a claim to anything you produce. We follow the rule that copyright subsists with the creator (you).

‘The course has given me more confidence in my writing and in my ability to understand children’s literature in depth. The Writers’ College has allowed me to see the potential I have in writing. I have gained so much insight. I am now determined to complete my manuscript.

Surani Ramachandra, Write a Children’s Book Course

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