Orla Kelly Publishing Training Portal/Strategic Writing Workshop Level 2

Join the Strategic Writing Workshop Level 2 for €495 x 3 months

€495/month for 3 months

Strategic Writing Workshop

Level 2

This is a 3-month program for people who are serious about writing their book. If you’re ready to move from exploring ideas to actually writing your book, this is for you. Great books don’t just happen, they’re planned and structured before they’re written.

Includes a 6-month Finish Line Accountability Call (90 days after the workshop ends) to celebrate your completed manuscript.

By the end of 3 months, you’ll:

  1. Have focus, clarity, and a solid book structure that aligns with your passion or profession.

  2. Write in a way that truly connects with your readers.

Is this for you?

This workshop is perfect if:

  • You’re committed to writing your book.

  • You already have a clear idea of what your book is about.

  • You’re ready to start writing, refine and organise your material.

  • You care about quality and coherence, not just speed.

This workshop isn’t for:

  • Beginners still exploring ideas (Level 1 is better for that).

  • Casual writers looking for accountability.

  • Line-by-line editing or ghostwriting services.

What will you achieve?

By the end of 3 months, you’ll have:

  • A clear understanding of who your book is for and what makes it distinctive.

  • A strong, well-defined promise of transformation for your readers.

  • No more scattered notes or half-formed ideas — you’ll have a clear outline and structure for your book.

  • Real manuscript progress, with several chapters or sections already drafted.

  • A well-organised manuscript and a clear path for completing the book.

How Does It Work?

Month 1

Define Your Position and Shape Your Book Idea

In the first month, we focus on clarity and direction so your book has a strong foundation before you begin writing in depth.

I’ll help you figure out:

  • What makes you an authority on your topic.

  • Who your readers are and what they need.

  • What makes your book stand out.

  • The promise your book delivers.

You will also begin shaping your book by creating:

  • A clear working outline.

  • A list of proposed chapters and key themes.

This ensures you start writing with confidence and direction.

By the end of Month 1:
Your book has a clear purpose, audience, positioning, and a working outline to guide your writing.

Month 2

Build the Book Structure and Start Writing

In Month 2, we turn your outline into a clear framework and begin developing the manuscript.

You’ll design:

  • The overall structure and flow of your book.

  • A logical framework for presenting your ideas.

  • The purpose and focus of each chapter.

You will also begin actively drafting sections of your manuscript, using the structure developed in Month 1 to guide your writing.

By the end of Month 2:
Your book has a strong framework and your manuscript is underway.

Month 3

Refine and Develop the Manuscript

In the final month, we focus on strengthening and developing what you’ve written and ensuring your book connects clearly with your reader.

We’ll refine:

  • Your book’s tone and how it connects with your audience.

  • The clarity and flow of your ideas and arguments.

  • The direction and development of your manuscript.

You will continue writing and developing sections of your book during this stage.

By the end of Month 3:
You have substantial manuscript progress, if not a completed draft, and a clear path for completing the book.

After Month 3

6-Month Finish Line Group Call

(held 90 days after the program ends) celebration of completed draft + next-step plan

Manuscript Feedback

You can submit up to 2,500 words per month for feedback.

We’ll focus on:

  • Structure and flow.

  • How well your book connects with your audience.

  • Whether your ideas are clear and logical.

What’s not included:

  • Line editing or copyediting.

  • Rewriting or unlimited revisions.

Each submission receives one round of feedback per month up to 2,500 words broken into no more than 2 blocks.

Investment

€495/month for 3 months

Total: €1,485 ex VAT

What’s Included

  • 1:1 Kickoff Call (Private Book Roadmap Session): To get to know you, your book idea and what you would like to achieve.

  • 12 live sessions.

  • Exercises and frameworks to guide you.

  • Each participant receives a downloadable workbook.

  • Group discussions with your cohort.

  • Feedback on up to 2,500 words per month.

  • A clear path to progress.

  • Bonus: 6-Month Finish Line Call (post-program accountability)

This workshop is your step-by-step guide to turning your book idea into a well-structured manuscript.

Frequently asked questions

You've got questions. We've got answers.

When will the program start?

The program will start on September 2 from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM IST (Irish Standard Time, UTC+1).

Who is this workshop for?

This programme is for people who are serious about writing their book and ready to begin the process.

It is designed for professionals, experts, and individuals with meaningful experience who want to develop their ideas into a structured manuscript.

Do I need to have completed Level 1 first?

Not necessarily.

Some participants come through Level 1, while others join Level 2 directly if they already have a clear book idea and are ready to begin writing.

If you are unsure which level suits you best, you can discuss this before enrolling.

What will I achieve during the programme?

By the end of the three months you will have:

  • A clear understanding of who your book is for

  • A compelling promise that defines what your book offers readers

  • A structured outline and framework for the book

  • Several drafted chapters or substantial sections and time to finish the book before our final call, 3 months after the live sessions end

  • A manuscript that is organised and ready for the next stage of development

Will I be writing during the programme?

Yes.

From Month 2 onward you will begin actively drafting sections of your manuscript, guided by the structure developed in Month 1.

The programme is designed to move you from idea → structure → writing → refinement.

How much time should I set aside for writing?

Most participants find that 4–6 hours per week outside the sessions is sufficient to make steady progress.

The programme provides structure and guidance, but the writing itself happens between sessions.

Will you edit my manuscript?

No.

The programme provides strategic manuscript feedback, focusing on:

  • structure

  • clarity

  • reader connection

  • logical flow

It does not include line editing, copyediting, or rewriting.

How does the manuscript feedback work?

You may submit up to 2,500 words per month.

This can be divided into two separate sections if needed.

Each submission receives one round of feedback focused on strengthening the structure and clarity of the material.

Are the sessions live?

Yes.

All sessions are delivered live online in a small group setting, allowing discussion, questions, and shared learning.

Will the sessions be recorded?

No.

The programme is designed as a live working environment, encouraging commitment and participation.

What happens after the programme finishes?

By the end of the programme you will have meaningful manuscript progress and a clear path forward.

Participants may choose to:

  • continue writing independently

  • join a further support programme (if available)

  • move into 1:1 mentoring for deeper manuscript development and publishing guidance

What if I’m still unsure about my book idea?

If you are still exploring whether a book is right for you, Level 1 is the better starting point.

Level 2 is designed for those who are already committed to writing the book and ready to begin developing the manuscript.

Is this a writing accountability group?

No.

While the programme provides structure and momentum, its purpose is not simply to keep people writing.

It is designed to help participants develop a serious, well-structured manuscript, with careful attention to audience, message, and clarity of ideas.

Participants are expected to be committed to developing their book thoughtfully rather than simply producing pages quickly.

Is this suitable if I just want motivation to write?

This programme works best for people who are already committed to writing their book and want professional guidance to shape and structure it properly.

If you are still exploring whether you want to write a book, Level 1 is a better starting point.

Level 2 is for those who are ready to begin developing the manuscript itself.

What if I’m not a confident writer?

You don’t need to be a professional writer to take part.

What matters far more is the quality of your thinking, experience, and insight. The programme focuses on helping you shape your ideas, structure them clearly, and communicate them in a way readers can follow.

Many strong books begin with people who have valuable experience but little formal writing background.

What if I start and then lose momentum?

This is exactly why the workshops are structured.

Writing a book alone can feel overwhelming. The programme provides clear milestones, guidance, and accountability, helping you make steady progress rather than letting the idea sit unfinished.

Participants often say that having a structured environment and a defined timeframe is what finally moves their book forward.

What if my idea isn’t strong enough for a book?

This question is more common than you might think.

Level 1 is specifically designed to help you answer that question honestly. By the end of the four weeks you will have clarity on whether your material has the depth, relevance, and meaning required for a serious book.

If it does, you can move forward with confidence.
 If it doesn’t yet, you will understand what needs to develop further.

What if I don’t finish my book during Level 2?

That is completely normal.

The purpose of the three-month programme is to ensure you have:

  • a clear structure

  • a strong direction

  • real manuscript progress

Very few serious books are written in a few months, but by the end of the programme you will have a manuscript that is well underway and a clear pathway for completing it.

Can this help if I want to publish professionally later?

Yes.

The structure you create in the programme is the foundation required for serious publishing, whether you eventually choose:

  • traditional publishing

  • professional independent publishing

  • or writing the book as part of your professional work.

Tell me more about the 6-month call?

It happens approx. 90 days after the live workshop ends. Finishing well requires revision time. This is the built-in finalisation checkpoint to allow time for the draft to be completed.