Whether it’s a masterclass on finding a literary agent, a seminar on improving your social media skills, or a workshop on self-publishing, investing in some training can give your writing career a massive boost – so long as it’s the right training.

I’ve been running training courses in copywriting for 20 years and have attended many courses for my own development, too. There are lots of things you can do to make sure that the course you’re considering is right for your needs, assuring that you receive the maximum bang for your buck.

You can address a lot of my points by contacting the provider with a few questions beforehand. The way they respond will tell you a lot about whether they’re a good fit for you.

Look hard at the track record of the trainer

Is your trainer being an admirable practitioner of what they teach? If they’re teaching creative writing, what have they actually published themselves? If they’re offering a marketing course, what do their own promotional materials look like? Check their Amazon rankings and read reviews of their work.

Talk to others who’ve done the training

Personal recommendations help you understand if the course is really right for people in your situation. Look hard at case studies and testimonials. Do they seem credible and recent, or does the same worn quote get used time and again? Are the names only initials, or are testimonials signed by names like “a previous student”?

Find out if you can discuss requirements before the course

This isn’t always possible, depending on the group size, but it’s a great sign if a trainer shows interest beforehand in what you hope to get out of the course. Some will send out a pre-questionnaire and even ask you to do a bit of pre-work. Always complete these, so they can be aware of your requirements and even customize the course content.

Find out if the training and materials are up to date

Trainers are sometimes guilty of using the same materials and syllabus for years on end. It’s worth asking the training provider if the course is kept up to date – check for instance, if a new development or recent topic will be covered. This is especially important in any training related to digital and even publishing, where the landscapes are constantly evolving.

Ask if the trainer welcomes feedback

Good trainers always provide a simple mechanism for attendees to give feedback, which shows an interest in wanting to improve and update what they do.

Check who will actually be doing the training

Training companies sometimes lure people in on the promise of teaching time with a very Big Name in their field – and price their courses accordingly. In some cases, however, the Big Name may turn out to make only a very limited appearance. This isn’t always an issue, as other trainers may be very good too, but it’s worth checking so you can set your expectations and weigh the expense.

Ask about follow-up materials 

Good trainers usually provide follow-up resources and materials that trainees can access afterward. This can add a lot of value to the experience and help extend the learning from the course into your day-to-day activity.

Check out the venue

Many training companies hire out space from another company or use generic meeting rooms. Spend a bit of time studying the joining instructions and researching the route to the venue, either physical or online. You don’t want to waste the first 15 minutes wandering around a labyrinthine office block or hunting for links!

BIO – Dan Brotzel (@brotzel_fiction) is co-author of a new comic novel, Kitten on a Fatberg (Unbound). As a reader of this newsletter, you can pre-order Kitten on a Fatberg for a ten percent discount – quote KITTEN10