The Write a Non-Fiction Book Course
One-to-one mentoring from a bestselling non-fiction author
12–24 Months
Beginner–Advanced
10
- Risk-Free for 30 days
- 12 000+ Writers trained since 2005
- Rated 5/5 on Google Reviews
Write a Non-Fiction Book Course
One-to-one mentoring from a bestselling non-fiction author
12-24 Months
Beginner-
Advanced
10
- Risk-Free for 30 days
- Rated 5/5 on Google Reviews
- 12 000+ Writers trained since 2005
Turn Your Knowledge or Passion into a Non-Fiction Book
The Fastest Way to Plan, Write and Edit Your Non-Fiction Book
Have you spent years holding onto an idea for a book, but feel unsure of how to actually get it onto the page?
Whether you want to share a deeply personal memoir, write an inspiring self-help guide, record a local history or write a book that positions you as an expert in your field, the Write a Non-Fiction Book Course gives you a clear, step-by-step roadmap and one-on-one editorial guidance to bring your book to life.
Working with an award-winning mentor, you will plan, write, edit and polish the first 10,000 words of your manuscript, going from a vague idea to a tangible, publishable reality.
What You’ll Master on This Non-Fiction Book Course
- Validate and refine your book idea: Identify your target audience, hone your core theme, and define a compelling hook before you write tens of thousands of words.
- Build a bulletproof chapter outline: Create a clear narrative structure and roadmap so you never hit writer's block or lose your way mid-draft.
- Master scene-building and exposition: Learn how to blend real-life facts, dialogue, narrative arcs and research seamlessly into engaging prose.
- Develop your authoritative voice: Cultivate an authentic, compelling writing style that resonates deeply with readers and publishers alike.
- Produce 10,000 polished words: Complete key chapters of your manuscript with line-by-line editorial critiques and guidance.
- Demystify the publishing industry: Understand traditional publishing proposals, literary agent queries, self-publishing and e-book distribution in the UK and internationally.
- Establish a consistent writing routine: Gain research strategies, editing tools and confidence to complete your full draft long after the course finishes.
What You’ll Master on This Non-Fiction Book Course
- Validate and refine your book idea: Identify your target audience, hone your core theme, and define a compelling hook before you write tens of thousands of words.
- Build a bulletproof chapter outline: Create a clear narrative structure and roadmap so you never hit writer's block or lose your way mid-draft.
- Master scene-building and exposition: Learn how to blend real-life facts, dialogue, narrative arcs and research seamlessly into engaging prose.
- Develop your authoritative voice: Cultivate an authentic, compelling writing style that resonates deeply with readers and publishers alike.
- Produce 10,000 polished words: Complete key chapters of your manuscript with line-by-line editorial critiques and guidance.
- Demystify the publishing industry: Understand traditional publishing proposals, literary agent queries, self-publishing and e-book distribution in the UK and internationally.
- Establish a consistent writing routine: Gain research strategies, editing tools and confidence to complete your full draft long after the course finishes.
What makes studying with us different?
No Automated Marking
We use traditional methods of assessing work with a real writer assessing your words. 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 work is assessed continuously, so your tutor can track your development and build on your strengths in real time.
Expert, Individual Feedback
Every assignment is read and assessed by a multi-award-winning writer who knows what editors want, what publishers look for and exactly what is holding your writing back.
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.
This course is for you if:
- You have a non-fiction book idea – a travelogue, biography, how-to/self-help guide, history or educational text – and want a proven system to write it.
- You've tried writing a book on your own but got lost in research, hit writer's block or lost structure along the way.
- You want honest, constructive feedback from an experienced professional writer who can point out exactly what's working and how to fix what isn't.
- You want authentic, expert mentoring — not AI-generated fluff or peer responses
- You need flexible, self-paced online learning without rigid class times or deadlines.
- You want easy-to-digest course notes that capture a lifetime of writing experience, ready for you to apply to your own writing
Course curriculum
Module 1: Defining your vision, core concept & target market
Uncover your core premise, define your unique angle, identify your ideal reader and test the commercial/literary feasibility of your book.
Module 2: Structuring & outlining your non-fiction blueprint
Learn how to organize raw ideas and research into a logical chapter-by-chapter outline that keeps readers engaged.
Module 3: Getting started as a writer
Ready, set, write! How to set up your writing space and device for success.
Module 4: Research techniques & gathering source material
Discover how to conduct effective research, organise interviews, verify facts and integrate reference material smoothly without slowing down your prose.
Module 5: Crafting the opening chapter & hook
Master the art of gripping your reader from page one. Learn how to open strong with narrative scenes, provocative questions or compelling anecdotes.
Module 6: Storytelling techniques in non-fiction
Apply fiction techniques such as pacing, dialogue, setting and characterisation to real-life stories, biographies and informational books.
Module 7: Self-editing & line-by-line refinement
Learn professional editing techniques to trim fluff, tighten sentence structure, clarify complex points and polish your prose.
Module 8: Decide on the best publishing option for you
Explore your publishing options: writing a non-fiction proposal for traditional publishers and UK agents, or formatting for self-publishing and e-books.
Module 9: Building your draft to 10,000 words & beyond
Synthesise your completed chapters, refine the overarching narrative thread and establish a long-term plan to complete the full manuscript.
Module 10: Tying up loose ends
Complete your book proposal ready for a publisher’s desk.
You can either select a tutor when you apply, or we will assign a tutor based on your area of interest.
Justin is a bestselling author who has published over 35 books, spanning humorous travel memoirs, Kiwi slang dictionaries, and children’s fiction. Bowling Through India and Kiwi Speak (Penguin Random House) were two of three bestsellers he had in a single year. In 2012 he won a notable books award for his junior novel Shot, Boom, Score! (Allen & Unwin.)
Having ghostwritten memoirs for prominent CEOs, Justin Brown attracts business leaders to his non-fiction course who want the opportunity to write their own story.
Justin thrives on chasing unusual stories and believes that curiosity is a writer’s superpower.
Rosemary Hepözden
Rosemary Hepözden has three decades of editing, writing and teaching experience. Between 2006 and 2011, she taught English Grammar at the Auckland University Centre for Continuing Education, including the courses ‘Getting to Grips With Grammar’ and ‘Working With Words’. She also taught at the Auckland Community Learning Centre and was director of studies at Auckland Language Link.
As an editor, she has worked on many publications, including More, Plenty, Little Treasures, Pacific Way (Air New Zealand), Yellow Front Door (the Yellow Pages home improvement magazine), More Food Cook Book and More Fashion Book.
She has written articles for a wide range of consumer and trade magazines and has authored four non-fiction books.
She is also the director of her own editing business, The Word Factory.
Arja Salafranca
Arja Salafranca has been a writer and journalist for over 20 years. She was the lifestyle and arts editor for ‘The Sunday Independent’ from 2003 to 2016. In her role as editor, she contributed travel articles, theatre, book and film reviews as well as profile interviews. She also encouraged the submission of a wide genre of work, from traditional journalism to groundbreaking personal and travel essays. A number of writers won awards for their non-fiction articles under her editorship. A keen supporter of creative non-fiction, she has encouraged writers to incorporate creative techniques in their factual writing. She is currently working on a collection of her own non-fiction writing, including travel essays, personal essays and journal excerpts, to be published by Modjaji Books in 2020.
Our Graduate Students' Successes
When Lesley Sefton from Derbyshire first picked up her pen to write, she was trying to make sense of her daughter’s gruelling battle with drug and alcohol addiction.
Lesley first began by blogging, but as her blog and community of readers grew, she realised her family’s private struggle was a story shared by thousands of parents suffering in silence.
To turn her raw blog posts into a cohesive, publishable manuscript, Lesley enrolled in the Write a Non-Fiction Book Course.
Working one-on-one with her tutor, she received line-by-line editorial feedback, constructive encouragement and the structural tools needed to complete her story.
The result? Lesley published her moving debut memoir, Addict Child: A Mother’s Journey, offering comfort and community to families navigating addiction around the world.
The book has gone on to connect with readers well beyond Lesley’s own circle, currently holding a 4.5-star average from 315 Amazon reviews. Readers describe it as searingly honest and impossible to put down, with several saying it changed how they understood addiction within their own families.
Lesley’s journey proves that no matter where your story begins, whether in personal experience, professional knowledge or creative passion, with the right mentorship, you can turn your words into a published book.
More Graduate Students' Successes
We are proud of our graduates who have achieved success. Here are a few among dozens of our writing success stories.
Madeleine's memoir 'Hold My Hand, Rosie. Don’t Let Go', co-written with her daughter, was published in 2024. Her tutoring team at the Writers' College attended the book launch in Ponsonby, Auckland.
COURSE FEE
£ 945
Price includes GST
NUMBER OF ASSIGNMENTS
20
The writing assignments vary in length.
NUMBER OF MODULES
10
These modules include around 200 pages of course notes.
COURSE DURATION
24
Work at your own pace – up to a maximum of 24 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.
Get These Additional Benefits
Lifetime Course Access
Benefit from free lifetime access to future course updates and access to our writing resources.
Work at Your Own Pace
Our courses work around you. You can pace your course around your busy life.
Be the First to Know About Writing Competitions
We'll help you keep up to date with the latest competition announcements
500+ Bonus Articles on Our Blog
A superb, constantly updated resource with articles on writing and interviews with writers.
Work Opportunities
Top students are invited to join our writers and editors for hire service.
Join a Community of Writers
You will have access to our friendly Facebook community, daily writing tips and writing inspiration.
You will receive an approval email and invoice within one working day.
Should your form not submit, please let admin know at admin@ukwriterscollege.co.uk
We are so confident that you will love your course that if you’re not 100% satisfied with the quality of our training, simply ask for a refund within 30 days.
How does the course work?
The course consists of ten modules. Detailed course notes covering the content of each module are emailed to you. At the end of each module, you will be required to complete writing exercises.
In total, the course includes 20 written assignments of varying length (including a chapter outline, book synopsis, book timeline, editing skills exercise and cover letter), building toward roughly 10,000 words of your manuscript. An optional Advanced Course extends this to 60,000 words.
Once the writing assignment has been completed and emailed to your tutor, an assessment and feedback will be sent to you and the module will be considered complete. You will then download the next module from the Student Centre.
Is it interactive? Can I ask my tutor questions?
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.
For how long will I get access to the course?
You will get lifetime access to the course. You will also benefit from future updates and improvements to the course.
Will anyone else see my work?
For this course, only your tutor sees your work. It stays private unless you choose to publish it.
Why would I pay for this when I can use AI?
AI can only give you generic, formulaic input.
We’ve been doing this since 2005, long before AI existed. Our methods work because writing is learned through practice and genuine, expert human response, not through machine-generated content.
Every assignment you submit is read by an expert: a published, award-winning, human author, someone who has sat where you’re sitting, struggled with the same craft problems and built a writing career from scratch.
Your tutor reads your work, responds to your unique voice and gives you hours of feedback focused on your writing.
It’s vital to remember that AI can only scrape from existing content on the web. It cannot create authoritative, unique, nuanced books.
What are the conditions of certification?
Students will receive a Writers’ College Certificate upon successful completion of the course, provided they meet the following conditions:
- Students must complete all 20 writing assignments
- The course must be completed within 24 months of registration
- Students are expected to attain a minimum average of 50% for the course
What are the admission requirements?
- Good writing skills are essential.
- You must be proficient in the English language.
- Computer skills as well as email and Internet access are required.
- No previous tertiary qualification is required.
When can I start a course?
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, you will be sent your first module.
You could be starting your course today!
What is the minimum estimated time commitment?
The speed at which you work is entirely up to you.
We estimate a minimum of 120 hours of writing time across the ten modules. You’re looking at about five hours of research, five hours of writing and roughly equal revision time per 1,000 words. That works out to roughly 10 hours a month over 12 months.
Who owns the rights to the work I produce?
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).
What if I choose the wrong course?
During the application process, we get a good idea of your suitability for the course you have chosen. If we feel there is an alternative course that will serve you better, we will always recommend that you consider that course before we approve your choice. We provide plenty of detail on each of our courses online so that you can make an educated choice as to which course will suit you best. If you want advice before you apply, just ask us. We have a lot of experience in determining your needs as a writer and finding the most suitable course for you.
If you do embark on a course and find that it is the wrong choice, then we will happily transfer you to another course, as long as it is early on in the course (i.e. within the first module). If you change your mind later on in the course, we will charge you pro rata for the modules you have completed as well as an administrative fee.
What makes this the best online writing course for writing a book in the UK?
Unlike many writing courses that rely on peer reviews, generic videos or automated grading, our program matches you with an award-winning writer for individual, line-by-line feedback.
Students can select a tutor when applying, or one will be assigned based on area of interest. One of the tutors is Justin Brown, a bestselling New Zealand author who has published over 35 books, spanning humorous travel memoirs, Kiwi slang dictionaries and children’s fiction. His titles Bowling Through India and Kiwi Speak (Penguin Random House) were two of three bestsellers he had in a single year, and in 2012 he won a notable books award for his junior novel Shot, Boom, Score! (Allen & Unwin). He has ghostwritten memoirs for prominent CEOs and has been described by the NZ Herald as ‘one of New Zealand’s highest-profile creatives’.
Will this course help me get published in the UK?
The course itself doesn’t guarantee publication. What it does give you is a solid start to a manuscript and the knowledge to pursue the right path for it.
Specifically:
- You’ll finish with real material. By the end of the ten modules, you’ll have around 10,000 words of your manuscript written and edited, plus supporting assignments like a synopsis, chapter outline and cover letter, the actual documents publishers and agents ask for.
- You’ll understand your publishing options. One full module walks you through the book industry and the different routes available: submitting to traditional publishers, self-publishing, e-book publishing or privately printing and distributing your book, so you can make an informed choice rather than guessing.
- You’ll get feedback from someone inside the industry. If you work with Justin Brown, you’re learning from a bestselling author who has been traditionally published (Penguin Random House, Allen & Unwin).
What the course won’t do is submit your manuscript for you or promise a book deal.
Traditional publishing in the UK (and everywhere) is competitive and selective regardless of how well-written a manuscript is. But you’ll come out with a stronger manuscript, a clearer sense of which publishing route suits your book and the writing craft to give yourself a genuinely better shot, whichever path you choose.