Published Pupils

What do you get?

Published Pupils events take place in four stages:

1. Workshop
2. Creating
3. Editing
4. Publishing

Workshop

The workshop begins with a brief talk about a story’s journey from idea to bookcase. The pupils will have a chance to ask questions before we move on to the main section: Creating stories. Of course, stories hinge around characters. We’ll spend a while exploring strategies for constructing interesting characters. Then we will consider a couple of techniques for building a plot around those characters. There will be opportunities for pupils to ask questions and seek specific help throughout.

Creating

Stage 2 is very much over to the pupils. They will spend a few weeks (as fits your class schedule) writing, redrafting and crafting their stories. During this time I will be available (via email, etc.) to answer any questions that arise and offer any help that’s needed.

Editing

As the stories are completed I will begin editing. During this phase I will mark-up the documents with suggested improvements including: top-level plot and structural improvements; stylistic suggestions; and simple corrections. I will, of course, take the chance to say what I think has worked and been done well. The documents will then be returned to the pupils for final edits. The children should feel free to accept or reject any of my suggestions – after all, it’s not the editor’s name that goes on the story!

Publishing

In this stage, I will proof-read, correct typos and similar errors, then typeset the book. After final approval by school staff, the book will be uploaded for printing and made available for purchase. Friends and family can place orders via the school with me.

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Copyright and other legalities

The copyright to all material within the book (stories and illustrations) will be solely retained by the individual creators. I will be granted a limited license to publish the material on a non-profit basis. A permission letter will be provided to this effect. My profit comes solely from the event fee itself.

Pricing the book at a whole number of pounds is easier for buyers. Any difference between the costs, (printing + shipping) and the sale price will be donated either to the school, (ideally for the school library) or to the Scottish Book Trust or other literary charity if you prefer.