Writing for Publication - Evening
This course considers the different possible ways to have your work published so that it can be discovered by a public readership. Subjects such as copyright law, adaptation rights and legal contracts are all covered. In addition to the publication process itself, the course will consider what is involved in effective authorship after your book is released into a highly competitive market, looking at publicity, events and building a personal profile as a writer.
Attendees will gain knowledge of what is involved in considering a career as a writer, including working with publishers, publicists and literary agents. Copyright law, financial matters and licensing rights will all be addressed, as well as the types of post-publication matters which might be expected once a book is on sale.
The lecturer is a director of an independent publishing house which has been named Independent Publishing Company of the Year at the Scotland Prestige Awards in 2021/22, 2022/23 and 2023/24, and Publisher of the Year at the Innovation and Excellence Global Awards 2024.
Evening courses are term-time only - please refer to our term dates here.
Content
In Writing for Publication, you will learn to:
- Approach literary agencies and publishing companies in the most effective way.
- Work in a collegiate way with editorial staff and other publishing representatives.
- Evaluate publishing contracts and know how, where and when to seek legal advice.
- Discern how royalties and advances are paid out by publishers.
- Understand the complexities of copyright law, including ‘Fair use’, public domain and Creative Commons licenses.
- Find out how to gain clearance for images, including from stock photography archives.
- Protect your own copyright from others, such as when and how to register a trademark.
- Build your social media presence, including podcast interviews and video promos to publicise your work.
- Negotiate translation rights and adaptation rights for your work.
- Appreciate what is involved in book signings and literary events, including giving readings and taking part in Q&A sessions.
Entry requirements
- No formal entry requirements
More Info
Course places are only secured after payment/funding has been arranged.
As per the College Tuition Fees and Refund Policy, tuition fees are non-refundable except under exceptional circumstances. Refer to our Tuition Fee Refund and Withdrawal Procedure on the College website.
Student Paying Fees
Fees of less than £150 must be paid in full. Payment by instalment is available, provided the course fee is £150 or greater. You can access a direct debit form here.
Instalments must be paid via direct debit over a 4-month period and an initial 30% deposit is required in order to secure your place. You will not be able to apply online if paying by direct debit please contact Evening Admissions - eveninginfo@forthvalley.ac.uk.
Employer Paying Fees
If your employer is paying for your tuition fees, an Employers Agreement Form or letter from your employer must be submitted prior to or on enrolment. You can access the Employer Agreement Form here. We ask that you complete the Employer Agreement Form and return via email to - eveninginfo@forthvalley.ac.uk.
Stirling Campus
6
Evening
17 February 2026
24 March 2026
18.00
20.00
£50.00