International Writing Retreats
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NEXT MENTORSHIP STARTS 1 FEBRUARY 2019

​Are you ready to finally write your book and get it out into the world? This is a unique, high-level and personalized mentorship.

It is an extraordinary, supported process that will get you to create, plan, write and COMPLETE your book as you join a community of writers from all over the world -  together we will travel this exciting journey.  
 
This is our first level mentorship, and it is a very tightly-held course that holds you to your promise to write your book.  We set the targets and deadlines and show you how to write with clear focus and intent. This is the first step all writers must take down the path to publication. 
 
This is not a generic online course. We work intimately with writers over the entire first draft process. We do not use pre-recorded video lessons via Teachable or Infusionsoft. Over and above structured lessons via emails, you get LIVE mentorship calls, a closed accountability group and highly sought after one-on-one sessions.
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That means you get to see our faces and really become part of a small group that is going to start, and more importantly finish, together. The small and personal nature of this is why we have close to 100 published authors come through our mentorships  - and that is pretty remarkable.
 
This intense mentorship programme will prompt, push and hold you to your promise to write your book. Are you IN? We have limited spaces for each mentorship because of the high level of support we offer. This is not a mass online programme where you feel four like a number, or do not get the support to complete your book.  
 
This is about a COMMITMENT TO WRITE YOUR BOOK no matter what.



We have: 
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1. 
Four Month Complete Your Book Mentorship for all writers. 

2. Due to writer's demand we now also offer the Six Month Memoir / Non Fiction Platinum Mentorship 

You all start together, but the six-month stream has an additional intensive two months where you can get your book to a second draft quality with a professional editor. We recommend this for our non-fiction authors. 

APPLICATION FORM

"I would tell any other aspiring writer, if you want to get any closer to your biggest dream, to be a writer, look no further. This is your answer."  Rena Rauch 2017

Four Month Complete Your Book Mentorship 
Deposit  €400 
Full Mentorship €990 

Six Month Memoir / Non Fiction Platinum Mentorship 
Deposit  €400 
Full Mentorship €1,600
 * payable over three installments


I'M IN! I KNOW THIS IS RIGHT!
PAY YOUR DEPOSIT AND SEND THE FORM LATER

PAY DEPOSIT IN EUROS HERE
SOUTH AFRICAN WRITERS PAY IN ZAR RATES HERE


Why is this mentorship so successful? 
Sarah has fifteen years of getting writers to produce the most publishable version of their books and selling these to publishers. She is a literary agent and editor and really will support you to write your book. Kate is on her 4th book and is an international author, speaker and brand expert. She will lovingly hold you accountable to your OWN promise to make this dream a reality.

This is truly a remarkable, hand-held process that will get your book out there and start to walk you down the road to getting your book published.

So what happens?
 In a nutshell, you will plan, write and produce your first draft over four months. Writers choosing the Platinum option will have a further two months where your book will be assessed by a professional editor and you will start to build your author brand 
 
This mentorship is honestly a massive juggernaut. Once we start, you are going to be coached, cajoled, loved and pushed to get to the end of your book. We would like to take you all the way to publication with our more advanced mentorship, but we can chat about that later. Nothing happens without your first draft completed!

 
  • We start with a live call explaining the process and a lesson in how to write a book, what publishers are looking for and how to begin to structure your thoughts into a contents list.
  • In the second week, we will stream writers into fiction and non-fiction depending on your chosen genre.
  • The core of the communication happens via structured email lessons you will receive twice a week. Novelists will be on a fast-track to plot, plan and write and will receive an email instruction every day to get your plot points adequate and your words flowing.   
  • There are monthly live video conference calls on book structure, plotting and technique. These also form the backbone of support, as writing can be a very lonely journey.
  • Each writer has four personal sessions. The two with Sarah will work directly on your book structure, positioning, plot, and concept. One will happen early in the course to get your book on the right track from the start. The others will happen later to resolve and refine the book.
  • The sessions with Kate will cover target-setting, emotional and confidence blocks, how to move forward and set accountability challenges. The second session will be a focused look at your author brand and how to build and leverage this.

During the first four months, the entire focus will be on your word count and getting your draft down (aka writing your book).
 

THE MEMOIR / NON-FICTION PLATINUM VERSION INCLUDES MORE!

EVERYTHING as included in the 4 Month Complete Your Book Mentorship – see above

PLUS the additional two-month’s journey will fast-track your book with:
 
A full professional assessment of your first draft with written feedback from an international book editor (we will match editor with your book)
1 month to refine your book and implement your feedback from the editor.
2 months to start building your author brand (what all publishers need)
Additional 2 live mentorship calls with Kate and Sarah and invited guests for platinum tier only
 
During month five your focus changes: while you get an appraisal on your working draft from a professional editor, you shift gears to start thinking about your author brand and getting a head start on being “publisher ready”. Your manuscript will receive a thorough professional read-through and a detailed assessment and reader report. These are high-level structural assessments to help you refine and improve your first draft. Please note this is not a full edit of your book but an assessment and report. This is invaluable for an author!
 
The last month is a hard push and opportunity to implement and rework your book using the advice and feedback.
 
At the end of 6 months you will have a highly workable draft of your book. Now you can kick into the next phase of getting ready to be published / self-published. We have a 10-week bootcamp called PITCH TO PUBLISHED designed for this phase.

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SARAH BULLEN

Sarah Bullen is an international writing coach and author who has worked with over 2,000 writers since 2005. She runs international writing retreats and workshops and works with writers and publishers all over the world to help them find and tell their best story - in any format. Sarah has written six books and writes for magazines internationally. She is a regular guest on talk shows and a keynote speaker at writing workshops internationally and does one-on-one writing coaching. Sarah’s clients are based all over the world and she runs courses and retreats in the UK, US, Greece, Ireland and South Africa. 
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Sarah says..

"After many years of teaching writing and coaching writers I have found this Mentorship has changed my entire view of the process. I have always advocated writing alone but the group dynamic of these courses takes on a life of its own. It has been a break-out success and the constant push towards the finish has kept writers going. The support is incredible and writers who are clear they want to write a book will get there on this course.” 
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KATE EMMERSON

Kate Emmerson  - known as THE QUICK SHIFT DEVA shares her enLIGHTening ideas of LIVE LIGHT LIVE LARGE around the globe. She a global clutter expert, sought after international speaker, professional lifestyle coach, mentorship facilitator for writers and runs retreats and masterminds in idyllic locations, including Greece, Rome, Dubai, USA and South Africa. She has 3 books published. She was interviewed in an award winning film, “The Secrets of the Keys”, alongside the world’s self development leaders Brian Tracy, Johan Assaraf and Don Miguel Ruiz.
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Kate says..

​“When I wrote my first book, I literally had a green light from my publisher from a 2 page proposal that I submitted, and had zero input from specialists of any kind - just a deadline to hand it in. I literally sat and wrote on my own, but I am naturally massively disciplined and can simply trust my own process when I have big deadlines, plus I have the personal skills to overcome any negative self-talk that gets in the way of most writers. Writing my second book was a whole lot harder! I know this process is not that easy for most of you. My role is to keep you on track and to get your book out of you! I am very firm.. but kind."


​The mentorship is highly successful because of the many accountability factors we have in place. ​

These are the real day-to-day nudges to keep you writing, keep you inspired and most importantly help you over writing slumps.
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  • A step-by-step structure to follow specific TASKS twice - weekly for 4 months, then bi-weekly for the next 2 months
  • 4 x one-on-one sessions with your mentors
  • Fixed and scheduled writing time and deadlines. 
  • Scheduled bum days built into your schedule for deep immersion in your book
  • Professional industry experts that give you insight on writing and publishing.
  • A private Facebook group for weekly support, feedback and accountability.​
  • A writing group to share ideas and deadlines
  • Weekly or monthly word count tracking
  • Write your pitch and get feedback from other writers​

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?


This entire course is a learning curve You will start to understand what needs to be in a book to make is readable, and ultimately publishable.  This includes: 
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  • BOOK STRUCTURE: This is both a course and a mentorship and Sarah is a structure fanatic who will show you that a strong structure is the gift that sets your writing free. 
  • Kate is all about supporting you to stay confident and release any "stuff" that niggles its way into your brain or heart, so you get on with the job of writing! Dealing with EMOTIONS of writing, procrastination or overwhelm that will kick you to touch if you don’t know how to handle it.
  • Building YOUR BRILLIANT AUTHOR BRAND (with our international author branding expert and strategist)
  • Publishers will share expertise on traditional publishing and what makes a successful book work.
  • E-book publishing and your options
  • Navigating the author’s PR game - the difference between when you traditionally published or self-publish
  • What is editing books all about? How the editing process works with top international editor Sean Fraser. 
  • Plus additional interviews and advice from authors and experts who have been there
and done it.​

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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 


How much time do I need to put aside for this? 
This mentorship works around your current life. We are not expecting you to quit your job. We do like you to be on the live calls once a month but other than that you are going to have to work out how much writing time will get your book completed. For some writers it’s a slow and steady hour a day, others may find they block-book a series of weekends away to get up the word count. You will also need to update on the Facebook group every week and take approx 20 minutes to support your fellow writers. Note: it is this community of support that past authors swear by, as a way to keep going!
 
Is this for novels or non-fiction? 
Ah, good question! That makes my heart sing as it shows you know already where your book is heading. You understand genre. The answer is BOTH novels, and non-fiction writers can apply. Novel writers will be on a fast-track process to plot, outline and write the book. Memoir and non-fiction writers will be on an equally fast course to finish, but with their own lessons.

To what extent do Kate and Sarah read my work and edit or give feedback on it? 
Each writer gets TWO sessions with both Kate and Sarah. These are 45 mins each. Sarah's includes 45 mins of reading time with each session. Most of the feedback is structural, with a focus to getting you to write a publishable book with refinements to structure, plotting, characters, and story arc.  The opportunity to get focused reading time with feedback happens in month five when your first draft will be sent to a professional editor for appraisal (not editing).

Can Sarah edit my book? 
Not at this point during this mentorship. This is the first step on the road to publication. Sarah does take on certain books to edit, but you first have to finish your book. ... most often your first, second and third draft before it is ready for an edit. 

Can I do this if I am already published and want to write a 2nd book? 
Of course. We have some writers who had done this three years in a row.

Can Sarah take on my book as an agent?
This is not part of the mentorship. Sarah's does take on some of our graduates but this is not part of this process and taking part does not imply she can place your book. Submissions to an agent will happen separately and independently of this course, after the PITCH TO PUBLISHED BOOTCAMP. 

What if I don't finish my book in the allotted time? 
Hmmm, we like to think you will, and experience has shown us that you can, and most likely will. If you don't finish, however, the chances are you will be a LOT further along than before we started! We would like you to complete and will do our best to make sure you do. 
 
What if LIFE gets in the way and I need to stop the mentorship?
The fee is non-refundable. However, you will continue to receive all the lessons and recordings of live calls, and still be able to use your personal coaching sessions with Kate and Sarah within the 6-month mentorship. When life eases up, you can pick up your book where you left off and continue with your lessons. Often writers take us up on the highly subsidized “re-sit” fee to come and enjoy the group support and weekly deadlines to get back on track again FAST! We want you on the group, on the calls and engaged with us and your book so that you go all the way.
 

CLICK HERE FOR AN APPLICATION FORM 


Graduates say..


WHAT AUTHORS SAY

I LOVED everything. The structure and the accountability. I loved the combination of Kate's inspiration and Sarah's taskmaster writing challenges. I loved hearing other people's progress and stories – it inspired me to carry on. Also was great as a forum to discuss some of the structural aspects of writing and really narrowing the focus of your book's core.

The one-on-one sessions were brilliant as it really kept me believing I could do it and gave me good ideas to implement going forward. For someone who wants to do it but isn’t sure how or if they have it in them, this is the perfect way to test yourself. 
Leigh Taylor 

I have challenged myself to test a dream. I loved it. This mentorship is extremely supportive & well structured so one is not left in the wilderness and wondering what to do or write next”. The weekly tasks are very well thought through and keep one on track and it’s wonderful to connect with other writers. It is a non-judgmental course and process and therefore you can explore your writing without fear. 
Caroline Menell 


“Sarah is the master at showing you how to write for a reader” 
Khanyisa Malungana

I’m no writer but had a story I needed to tell.  If you have a book “inside” you and you have determination then catch a ride with Sarah and Kate.  Hold on tight – it won’t be easy, and it does take time, but if you do it their way –
and do everything they say, you will get your first draft done.  Their wealth of knowledge on the craft of writing, the industry, and process and the motivation around it all was priceless.  Book 2 to follow soon and no doubt 
through this process again with them. 

Costa Carastavrakis - From Addict to Athlete.

To turn your dreams into reality one needs to take action. This helps you to do just that. It gets the words moving from your head onto paper and your book becomes a reality.
Theresa Robberts - Blind and Brilliant 

Sarah and Kate’s writing mentorship is the stick of dynamite you need to stop gazing at your own navel and instead gaze at a finish line that gets steadily closer. If you’ve been struggling to get your ideas out of your head and onto the page, this mentorship will prove invaluable.  

Meg Chronis

“I never knew how to share my story, and then like a divine gift from the universe, came Kate and Sarah. From book structure and editing to publishing, branding and PR I did it! And if I can, you can. What an incredible experience – let them show you how. It’s a life-changing journey.
Jennifer Cole - Beautiful Children in a Ugly World

You have motivated me to fulfill my dreams:  

Hannelie Bronkhorst.

What an amazing and inspiring experience it has been. After sitting for years with bits and pieces of my second book done, I now have a completed first draft in my hands. 

Jacqui Holmes

D-Day – Wow! What a journey. Yes I have a first draft! 89 000 words! 

Carmen Tina Schneider.

I absolutely loved the process with Kate Emmerson and Sarah Bullen. Not having been an author before, the experience gave me the grounding I needed to complete three chapters for a co-authored book and get started on my first book. 
Bettina Pickering, The Emotion Coach 2016

“Anyone who feels they have a book buried inside should be part of this course to dig deep and uncover the book that needs to be written”. 

Jacqui Bourne

This has started me on a journey that I dreamed of from an early age but hadn’t felt confident enough to act on. The whole process of writing and publishing has been de-mystified and made ever so do-able. It is no longer an intimidating out of reach dream, finishing my book is now an attainable goal. 

Viki Runge

"I want to thank you for putting together this course material, the course itself and without a doubt, for the magnificent support, inspiration, nurturing, friendship and confidence that both you Kate, and you Sarah have afforded us during this ‘a journey into the unknown world of writers’. This has been one of the best things to have happened to me for a long time! There is no doubt that I attract fabulous people into my life. Bravo! "

Rose McClement

I absolutely loved the book mastermind with Kate Emmerson and Sarah Bullen, the guest speakers and my fellow aspiring authors. Not having been an author before, the mastermind experience gave me the grounding I needed to complete three chapters for a co-authored book and get started on my first book. 
Bettina Pickering 


This group has started me on a journey that I dreamed of from an early age but hadn’t felt confident enough to act on. The whole process of writing and publishing has been de-mystified and made ever so do-able. It is no longer an intimidating out of reach dream, finishing my book is now an attainable goal. 
Viki Runge 2017

This course was a big eye opener for me! It showed me that I can definitely write and publish a book, and that it’s also not an exercise for the faint of heart! However, with the Mastermind structure it’s much more accessible that just doing it in the dark… having the guidance, expertise, and intense delivery context is definitely a potential game changer. 

Brad Shorkend  -  We Are Still Human (And Work Shouldn't Suck)

“Kate cracks the whip and Sarah moulds your book into shape” 
Sandra Buckingham
 

“Sarah is the master at showing you how to write for a reader” 

Khanyisa Malungana

“You are in for a ride of fun and learning, hard work, sleepless nights as well as the rousing and wondrous highs of 
meeting your own commitments in getting YOUR book done as you steadily come into your home run - your finish run -  the draft of your book! Get your ticket now.” 
Hester Bergh Appoyer - Being Nice isn't Enough! 
 
Kate and Sarah will help you up on your feet and moving in the right direction. 

They are kind, but clear; wise, but pragmatic. 
I recommend this to anyone who is ready to take their writing dream and turn it into a reality!

Anel Hamersma - The Creativity Midwife

I want to tell aspiring writers that it's actually easier than they think - to write, that is. And that a course like this, with a deadline and access to writers and industry professionals is worth every penny!   
Sandra Buckingham

The people, the community that was formed, the honesty and vulnerability and the opportunity we had to share stories, realizing that it wasn’t just us, we weren’t alone, sharing celebrations.  What really worked was the commitment to the regular posts and you holding that firmly; the consistency was epic. 
Wendy Ward. Metamorphic Coaching and Presilience

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Sometimes the story you have to share is one you don’t want to face yourself, but you have taken your life journey for a reason- to experience the challenges and the pain yourself, in order to be able to truly share with others from a place of understanding, and to give them hope. I never knew how to share my story, and then like a divine gift from the universe, came Kate, Sarah and their army of expert teachers. From book structure and editing to publishing, branding and PR, I had no idea how hard it would be to write a book and what the whole process entails, but with Kate’s insight and guidance I did it! And if I can, you can. What an incredible experience – let them show you how. It’s a life-changing journey.  Jen Cole 2016
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All copy and material copyrighted to Sarah Bullen The Writing Room
​Please send me an email if you use it and credit in full and link to the site. 

  • About
    • About Us
    • Ghostwriting
    • Sarah Bullen
    • One on One Coaching
    • Book a Session
    • Book Submissions
    • What Graduates Say
    • How to Pay
    • No coffee
  • Dates
  • QuickShift Publishing
  • Retreats
    • Greece Retreats >
      • About the Island
      • What writers say
      • Itinerary
    • Writing Retreat Morocco
    • Walk and Write in Spain
    • South Africa Writing Retreats
  • Online Courses
    • The Mentorship
    • Pitch to Published Bootcamp
    • Write a Book in 100 Days >
      • Write a Book in 100 Days FAQs
    • Non Fiction Online Course
    • Manuscript Appraisals
  • Writing Tips
    • Video Lessons