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The National Academy of Writing

Magazine

The National Academy of Writing

The National Academy of Writing was set up ten years ago to offer writers the same quality of training available to actors at RADA and musicians at the Royal College of Music. Specialised training both individually and in groups, always by working practitioners, is the accepted start for actors, musicians and visual artists. Now emerging writers with demonstrable talent can benefit from a similar approach.

The Academy's Director, novelist and non-fiction writer Richard Beard, has initiated a series of Conservatoire-style Masterclasses based on the advanced guidance offered to trainee musicians.  These Masterclasses are a central component of the Academy's new course starting at London's Free Word Centre in April 2011. The Academy has designed a specialist course for committed writers seeking to publish a book-length work in either fiction or non-fiction. Up to eighteen writers will be selected each year as members of The National Academy of Writing.

The Academy has close links with the world of publishing and is supported by leading writers. Editors, agents and other industry professionals will also give presentations offering insights into their work.

'Natural creative talent is not enough. Writers need to learn their skills and perfect their craft. That's the task of The National Academy of Writing, to convert promise into achievement.' Jim Crace, Novelist & Academy Patron.

The aim of the founders is for the Academy to become a showcase for national and international writing talent. The Academy is led by practising writers and has extensive contacts in the industry through the NAW Board of Trustees, Patrons and Partners.

The fee for the course is £4,000 and the closing date for applications is 31 December 2010.

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© Chris HolifieldManaging director of WritersServices; spent working life in publishing,employed by everything from global corporations to start-ups; track record includes: editorial director of Sphere Books, publishing director of The Bodley Head, publishing director for start-up of upmarket book club, The Softback Preview, editorial director of Britain’s biggest book club group, BCA, and, most recently, deputy MD and publisher of Cassell & Co. She is also currently the Director of the Poetry Book Society; During all of this time aware of problems faced by writers, as publishing changed from idiosyncratic cottage industry, 'occupation for gentlemen', into corporate business of today. Writers encountered increasing difficulty in getting books edited or published. Authors create the books which are the raw material for the whole business. She believes it is time to bring them back to centre stage. 2010