Creative Writing Courses at Creative Hats Press
Write bravely. Polish deeply. Get ready to be published.
Our small, practical courses are designed for writers who are serious about sharing their work with readers. Whether you have a finished manuscript or an idea that won’t leave you alone, Creative Hats Press is here to guide you from draft to publication with clarity, kindness, and industry know-how.
Getting Publish Ready
This course is for writers who are close to “The End” and want to confidently send their work into the world. Together, we’ll turn your draft into a polished, professional manuscript and demystify what happens once you hit send.
What you’ll learn
- How to self-edit your manuscript for clarity, pacing, and voice before professional editing.
- Proofreading strategies to catch errors, inconsistencies, and formatting issues.
- The essentials of the publishing landscape: imprints, indie presses, agents, and more.
- How to write a compelling query letter that showcases your story and your credentials.
- What literary agents look for and how to research the right agents for your work.
- How book proposals work (especially for non-fiction) and what they must include.
- The pros and cons of self-publishing versus traditional publishing, and how to decide.
- How to prepare a professional submission package that stands out for the right reasons.
- Formatting your manuscript to industry standards so it looks professional everywhere it goes.
Course highlights
- Duration: 6 weeks of live online teaching and guided independent work.
- Format: Weekly workshops, Q&A, and step-by-step support with your submission materials.
- Resources: Templates for query letters, synopses, and submission trackers.
- Group size: Intimate cohorts so you receive personalised feedback.
- Extras: Optional one-to-one consultation on your submission strategy.
Who this course is for
Ideal for writers with a complete or near-complete manuscript who are ready to move from hopeful to strategic. If you’re unsure how to approach agents, presses, or self-publishing platforms, this course will give you a clear roadmap and the confidence to act.
Useful links & tools
- QueryTracker – research and track literary agent submissions.
- Publishers Marketplace – follow book deals and discover active agents and editors.
- Writer’s Digest – articles, webinars, and industry insights for writers.
- Reedsy – vetted editors, designers, and tools for self-publishing.
- Writers’ & Artists’ Yearbook – essential directory of agents, publishers, and writing advice.
Writing to be Published
This course focuses on the craft and strategy behind building a sustainable writing life. You’ll learn how to write with intention, understand the market, and shape a portfolio that opens doors to publication in journals, magazines, and with presses.
What you’ll learn
- How to write with your audience in mind without losing the heart of your work.
- Understanding genres, subgenres, and current market trends to position your writing.
- Developing a distinctive voice that feels authentic and memorable.
- Building a writing portfolio that showcases your range, strengths, and interests.
- How to write for magazines and journals, from idea to pitch to submission.
- Finding and entering competitions and prizes that suit your work and stage.
- Working with beta readers, critique partners, and writing groups to improve your drafts.
- Building lasting relationships with editors and publishers, online and in person.
- Creating a sustainable submission rhythm that supports your creativity.
Course highlights
- Duration: 8 weeks of live workshops and at-home writing experiments.
- Format: Craft lessons, market-focused discussions, and structured submission challenges.
- Resources: Submission trackers, pitch templates, and genre-specific reading lists.
- Group size: Supportive cohorts so you can share work and receive constructive feedback.
- Extras: Optional accountability check-ins to help you build a steady writing rhythm.
Who this course is for
Perfect for emerging and returning writers who want to develop publishable work across short stories, essays, poetry, or hybrid forms. If you’re ready to take your ideas seriously, submit with intention, and grow your craft alongside a community of peers, this course is for you.
Useful links & tools
- Duotrope – searchable database of journals, magazines, and publishers.
- The Writer magazine – craft articles, publishing advice, and market listings.
- Poets & Writers – calls for submissions, contests, and in-depth resources.
- Submittable – platform used by many journals, prizes, and presses.
- Mslexia – magazine, awards, and resources for women and non-binary writers.
Ready to take the next step with your writing?
Choose the course that matches where you are now — or combine both for a full journey from first draft to submission-ready. We keep groups small, conversations generous, and feedback focused so you can grow in confidence and craft.
Not sure which course is right for you? Email Creative Hats Press with a few lines about your project and we’ll help you find the best fit.