Coaching and courses

Short courses & workshops:

I’m currently an Advisory Fellow for the Royal Literary Fund, mentoring professional writers working in universities across the southeast. I’ve been a Writing Fellow at St. Mary’s University, Twickenham, taught creative non-fiction at the National Centre for Writing (NCW), been a guest lecturer at Reading University, Bath Spa University, Cambridge University, and at CAPA Global Education Network in London, a college for American students. I’ve also run writing-relating workshops on varied themes, including for the Lit Platform, Canongate (Publisher) at the Edinburgh Festival and at the Findhorn Foundation’s New Story Summit. In addition to my insight as a writer, I bring a wealth of experience across book publishing and the media to my sessions.

I have a ready to go workshop on the theme of Journeys in Non-Fiction.

In it, we:
*look at how journey literature has evolved over time, with an emphasis on post-colonial travel memoir
*explore the work of authors from the diaspora and others
* do a few writing exercises to get the juices flowing
* delve into the practicalities of research when on the road
* consider the requirements of agents and editors

Suitable for experienced writers and beginners. Drop me a line if you’d like me to run one for your university or writing school/ group/college/ continuing education centre.

I also offer on-demand workshops focusing on the nuts and bolts of writing a book proposal.

One-to-one Coaching:

Path to publication:

I coach aspiring non-fiction writers through the vital early stages of brainstorming and shaping ideas which can be transformed into book proposals that publishers will want to read.

I explain the often opaque publishing ‘journey’ for first-time non-fiction authors hoping for a book deal, and the steps involved in writing a book proposal. I offer tips and insights gleaned from a wealth of experience, as an award-winning author of two non-fiction books, as a journalist, book prize judge and occasional book reviewer, and as a former copy editor and copywriter, working for publishers including Penguin Books and Macmillan.

I enjoy working with people from underrepresented backgrounds, those who’ve had a career outside of publishing and now have an idea for a book, those hoping to make the leap into a career as an author with their first non-fiction book, and journalists eager to make the transition to author.

A one-to-one session lasts an hour, will be tailored to meet your needs and takes place online.


Spread the word

Why put blood, sweat and tears into writing a book and then make no effort to get it into the hands of readers? Whether your publisher has assigned you a publicist or not, your own efforts and input will yield enormous benefit. I advise authors of non-fiction on ways to spread the word in the crucial run-up to book launch day, and in the weeks afterwards. This is an incredibly useful investment, ideally taken up no later than six months before publication. I’ll provide you with ideas, resources, tips, and key insights. You’ll leave feeling empowered and more confident about maximising opportunities to get your book into the hands of readers. Sessions, conducted online or in person (in the London area) last an hour.

Pitching brainstorm

For non-journalists:

Have you an idea relating to your lifestyle business that you’d love to pitch to print or digital media, but no clue as to how to go about approaching editors on these publications? Then this session is for you. We’ll take a closer look at your idea, help you to hone it, look at angles, show you how to write a pitch and offer suggestions for editors/publications to approach.

For more information and rates, email: jini@jinireddy.co.uk

Testimonials

“I attended your fab workshop on Saturday which I really enjoyed! I thought you had just the right mix of historical context, authors to explore, types of travel writing and useful, targeted exercises.”
– Moira Johnson

”Just a quick note to say how much I enjoyed your writing workshop which you presented last Saturday in Norwich. I must say that when I left the centre my head was buzzing with lots of different ideas”
- Ian King

“I first came across Jini at an online book event where her grounded and approachable nature really stuck a cord. I went on to read her second book ‘Wanderland' and felt a real connection with her engaging and truthful tone of voice. This prompted me to ask her if she would offer a one off phone mentoring session for a book idea I had. I am so glad I did. Jini is supportive and encourages you to be truthful in your writing (especially non-fiction narrative). She inspires you to see different angles for your book idea, many of which I hadn’t considered. This hour has definitely opened up my mind to how I might structure my book and also the important questions I need to ask myself when writing it.  I found her advice invaluable and cannot wait to work with her again in the future” - Sumayya Usmani, author and food educator, Glasgow, Scotland.

“I really enjoyed the session with Jini, she’s incredibly knowledgable and I really appreciated all the research she did on my brand before the call commenced. It was a very fruitful session and no time was wasted. Jini had lots of very useful and interesting ideas of who I should approach (many of which I’d never have thought of) and a wealth of contacts that she generously shared. She is a great listener with a sharp mind, and I feel lucky to have come across her. Thank you Jini, I’m left feeling bouyed by your support and expertise. A hugely valuable hour.” - Kat Mahale

 “Jini has a wealth of industry knowledge and writing experience. The bespoke tutorial was pitched well to meet my requirements and there was real added value in being able to meet and discuss my queries in person. Her warm nature made me feel instantly at ease and throughout our discussion she provided tailored advice. It was an insightful session into the industry highs and challenges and I came away stocked with lots of tips and ideas to work with and develop.”
– J.C.

“As an entrepreneur in the travel sector at the time of Coronavirus, my 2 x 1h sessions with Jini were just what I needed to boost my flagging motivation and to give me some optimism at this difficult time. The media contacts that she has passed on to me out of her not so little black book are absolute gold and the personal introductions that she has already made are invaluable. Her expert assistance in helping me niche down on my USPs and her guidance on the best way to pitch ideas to the press were also great takeouts from our sessions. But above all else it has been an absolute pleasure to connect with Jini who I feel is very much a kindred spirit in this crazy world. You really can't put a price on such things!"
– Penny Walker, founder, Adventure Creators

“Jini has brainstormed lots of ideas to get my "Inner Leadership - Outer Change" work into the media and to make connections more widely. She's given bags of great practical suggestions, helped me to formulate and pitch ideas (which has been empowering!) and has offered lots of reassurance around the whole process.  She is warm, encouraging and has been super helpful in all sorts of ways. She also ‘gets’ both mainstream and more alternative perspectives.  I highly recommend her - working with her would be a brilliant investment to get your work out more widely into the world.”
– Debbie Warrener