Courses & Workshops

We are thrilled to be running our poetry course for the second time! This 7-week course will take place from Monday 31st March to Sunday 18th May. Each week, attendees will participate in an online workshop led by a different Broken Sleep Books author, covering various aspects of creating a poetry manuscript. In addition, week 6 will feature a special guest speaker, alongside resources, exercises, and access to a course-exclusive group chat.

 Each week's session will take place at 2000 (8pm) on a Monday, though we will endeavour to find the most suitable timing for attendees and tutors.​

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Poetry Course Structure

1. Aaron Kent – From Blank Page to Poem
   Kickstart your poetry journey with tips and prompts to help transform ideas into words.

2. Stuart McPherson – Strengthening Imagery
   Learn how to create vivid, compelling images that leave a lasting impact.

3. Jessica Mookherjee – Finding Your Voice
   Explore how to develop your unique poetic voice and discover a poem’s true path.

4. Yousif M. Qasmiyeh – Structuring Your Book
   Dive into themes, motifs, and the art of ordering poems within a manuscript.

5. JLM Morton – Straying from the Margin
   Experiment with form and find new ways to push the boundaries of poetic structure.

6. Hannah Copley – Publication-Ready
   Learn how to put together a strong manuscript ready for submission.

7. James Byrne – Finetuning
   Master the art of editing—both your own work and others’.

(In Week 6, Fran Lock will lead an exclusive guest masterclass, offering insights and expertise from one of contemporary poetry’s most dynamic and important voices.)​

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Overview

This seven-week online poetry course is designed to guide you through the process of assembling a poetry manuscript—whether it’s your first time or you’re an experienced poet looking to refine your work.

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Led by a team of accomplished poets, the course provides both inspiration and practical guidance, covering everything from generating ideas to structuring, editing, and preparing for publication. Upon completion, participants will have the opportunity to submit a fully finished manuscript to Broken Sleep Books’ editorial team (though submission does not guarantee publication).

 

Over the course of seven weeks, you'll explore different poetic forms, styles, and themes while honing essential skills in editing, structuring, and finalising your manuscript. You’ll be part of a supportive online community, sharing work and feedback in a course-exclusive Discord group. Each week’s tutor will drop in to offer guidance, answer questions, and provide feedback.

 

All sessions will be recorded, ensuring that if you miss a live session, you can watch it back at your convenience. While workshops are scheduled for Monday evenings, we strive to accommodate the most suitable timings for both attendees and tutors.

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Benefits

• Access to a dedicated Slack group for discussion, feedback, and sharing work.

• A welcome package from Broken Sleep Books, including a selection of publications & goodies.

• A final manuscript submission opportunity to Broken Sleep Books.

 

By the end of the course, you’ll have a polished collection of poems, a deeper understanding of the craft, and the confidence to continue your poetic journey. Whether you’re just starting out or have been writing for years, this course is a valuable opportunity to develop your skills and connect with fellow poetry enthusiasts.

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Enrolment & Fees

To ensure participants get the most from this experience, enrolment is by application.

• Cost: £499 (payment can be made in instalments or as a lump sum via debit card, credit card, PayPal, or Klarna).

• Bursary Spaces: 2 fully funded places are available for those who would not otherwise be able to afford the course.

• Application Deadline: 7th March 2024.

• Applicants Notified By: 14th March 2024.

 

We look forward to hearing from you and can’t wait to embark on this poetic journey together!