Writers Bureau v's SFEP

Nicola · Jul 19, 2012

Hi,

Has anyone taken the Writers Bureau courses? I am considering one of the editing ones. However, someone else said they would recommend the sfep version. I would appreciate your guidance on this.

Thanks,

Nicola

Fallen · Jul 19, 2012

I took the WB, but to be honest, I would much, much rather go SFEP way. To me, it is far more recognised.

I know I'd much rather have the SFEP on my CV. Damn, I meant to look in to that....

Other people may disagree.

Would this be better in freelance?

Nicola · Jul 19, 2012

I appreciate your honesty here, Fallen. I know the WB do distance learning, which is why I was particularly interested in this one. I am unsure whether SFEP do distance.

Old Hack · Jul 19, 2012

In my opinion, the WB course isn't of a professional standard.

The SfEP course is much more highly thought of.

If the SfEP doesn't run a distance-learning course then the WB course is not a substitute.

Fallen · Jul 20, 2012

Old Hack said:
In my opinion, the WB course isn't of a professional standard.

OH puts it far better than I do. I wasn't impressed with WB. I learned more with on-the-job training.

Nicola · Jul 22, 2012

Thanks so much for the feedback. After much research I have decided to go for ChapterHouse - hope I made the right choice!

WriterDude · Jul 22, 2012

I bought the writers bureau course but never had time to do any of it, so it was a monumental waste of money for me.

And thinking about it, I don't even know where it is now, but I might try flogging it on ebay if it turns up. Ten years after buying it, I still think there was more value in a 'teach yourself writing a book' book I bought for a fiver at WH Smith.

Old Hack · Jul 22, 2012

Nicola said:
Thanks so much for the feedback. After much research I have decided to go for ChapterHouse - hope I made the right choice!

ChapterHouse? Oh dear. If I were you I'd cancel my subscription.

In my opinion, if you want to edit professionally, the SfEP is the only option. Writers' Bureau and ChapterHouse are not going to help you develop the expertise you need.

wazzujim · Jan 10, 2013

Old Hack said:
In my opinion, the WB course isn't of a professional standard.

The SfEP course is much more highly thought of.

If the SfEP doesn't run a distance-learning course then the WB course is not a substitute.

Revisiting an old post here...

Is there a U.S. version of SfEP that is as highly recommended as SfEP is in the UK? I would be limited to online courses of which there is only one available.

Interrobang · Jan 28, 2013

The SfEP has recently opened an on-line shop where you can buy various editing guides (editing fiction, for example). They're quite cheap (£5 plus P&P). Might be worth a look before you book a course.

Old Hack · Jan 28, 2013

Bear in mind, though, that those guides cannot replace proper training or experience.

wazzujim · Jan 29, 2013

Absolutely. Proper training is what I am seeking, but I live in Virginia, not the UK. I can't seem to find a decent, reputable training source in the U.S. or online that is equivalent to the SfEP.

Writers Bureau v's SFEP

Nicola

Fallen

Stood at the coalface

Nicola

Old Hack

Such a nasty woman

Fallen

Stood at the coalface

Nicola

WriterDude

Writer?

Old Hack

Such a nasty woman

wazzujim

Interrobang

Old Hack

Such a nasty woman

wazzujim