Sandy Fussell

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Course, assessments and mentorships. Find the right ones and they're worth every dollar

There are many writing courses to choose from - on-line, university, writing colleges. Ask your writing friends for advice. Buzz Words and Pass It On are great sources of information.

When you feel you have something that works - have it professionally assessed. Make sure you use a reputable assessment service. Again, Buzz Words and Pass It On will steer you in the right direction.

I went to Sally Odgers at Affordable Assessments first. I admired Sally's writing (if you like fantasy and haven't read Candle Iron, read it soon!) and the rates were very reasonable. Sally was encouraging and honest - one of my manuscripts was described as 3/4 very good and 1/4 rubbish. I loved this feedback. It meant she really did think 3/4 was good - and the rest -well I could rewrite that.

Next I went to Dr Virginia Lowe at Create-a-Kids book. It was more expensive but a different, more formal style of assessment. At the end of the process I had three letters of recommendation to editors. It got my manuscript on desks and some positive rejection letters - but - no one was looking for a ms about Dodos.

I met Di Bates, who became my mentor. My writing improved dramatically. A good mentor is like having a personal trainer - they are with you every step of the way. And at the end of the process you have a polished manuscript - and maybe a friend.

I have a young family and no time to attend face to face courses. I did an excellent comprehensive correspondence course with Affordable Assessments. I did a number of informative e-courses with the NSW Writers Centre and I signed on for Marg McAllister's Carrer Booster program - a mix of coursework and mentorship followed by access to an on-line community of writers. All of these I wouldn't hesitate to recommend.

Courses, assessments and mentorships are an investment in your writing future.