Is there a collaborative controling body, college or institution?
e-cottage is not a registered education institution. The aim of this
tutorial is to provide an aspiring writer with enough background information
to embark on a potentially lucrative career - full-time or freelance - as a writer.
Working through the various modules, the writer will discover his or her
niche.

Is there a syllabus that needs to be followed?
The tutorial is divided into numerous modules, some including titles of
publications that should be read and online links to relevant web sites.

Are there projects that I would need to complete?
Two assignments are included that may be forwarded to e-cottage for comment.

Who would I contact for advice?
e-cottage invites you to keep in touch to let us know how your writing career progresses. The tutorial/course implies an ongoing mentorship and continuing guidance. View the South African Writers' Network for articles, links and online writing jobs.

Do I write exams?
No examinations are written. By forwarding the two assignments for comment
you will benefit from practical guidelines and names and contact
details of editors and publishers. The South African Writers' Network is a platform
for established and beginner writers, which includes information and contact
details for both local and international job markets, guidelines on how to
market your work and web sites for writers.

Do I get any form of qualification?
Since the aim of this tutorial is to "awaken" your latent talent as a
writer, your "qualification" will be in the form of producing articles or
features that are accepted for publication - in print or on the Internet. The
emphasis of this tutorial is not on attaining paper qualifications, but
rather on real and practical results. "Proof of the pudding ... " kind of stuff.

What about time-management?
You work at your own pace, within your personal time constraints.

How do I order?
Indicate which of the self-study tutorials you wish to receive by contacting Theresa. An Order Form/Invoice will be forwarded to you so that the amount due may be deposited into the e-cottage bank account. Our bank details are outlined in the order form/invoice.

In what format are the self-study tutorials?
You may receive any of the tutorials either on computer diskette, CD-ROM, hardcopy (printed manual), PDF (a password will be forwarded to you).

How long does it take one to complete the tutorial, or do we go at our own
pace?
This is a self-study course and the trainee completes the modules at his or
her own pace. Modules are dealt with separately, which means that the user can focus on specific areas as required. The information contained in each module is comprehensive, yet concise. Due to the practical nature of the exercises, the trainee can easily work through the steps and apply the lessons to suggested assignments.

Do we have a mentor to guide us through each module?
The course material is written in practical language with examples and
assignment exercises. Further enquiries may be directed to the South African
Writers' Network via e-mail, with a same-day response. Assignments may
be forwarded to Theresa or mailed to P. O. Box 2720, Port Alfred
6170 EC for comment. Please allow 1 - 2 weeks for feedback.

Are there any exams or tests?
There are no official examinations or tests on conclusion of the tutorial. The true test lies in creating an effective Résumé that includes samples of your writing and offering your writing services to editors. Once your work is published online this information is included in your résumé, with links to the published work.

Is there some sort of certificate presented on completion?
Since the South African Writers' Network is not a registered educational facility,
it is not in a position to issue an official certificate. These self-study tutorials are meant to guide the novice writer to acquaint him or herself with the tools of the trade to becoming a professional writer. The tutorials are written by Theresa Lütge-Smith - published author and freelance writer and Gary B. Smith (M.A. English).The tutorials are based on real-life writing experiences and practical knowledge, as well as feedback from other experts in the field.