School of Writing and Publishing Excellence
The Fortham School of Writing and Publishing Excellence is a professional training and development institution dedicated to training writers at all levels—whether novice, aspiring, or established authors—developing professional editors, strengthening publishing capacity, and equipping individuals with practical knowledge in book marketing and distribution.
We raise professionally grounded writers, editors, publishers, and book professionals equipped with structure, publishing mastery, marketing intelligence, and strategic positioning to produce impactful works that shape society and compete confidently on the global stage.
INSTITUTIONAL OVERVIEW
The Fortham School of Writing and Publishing Excellence is a professional literary, publishing, and book development institution established to strengthen writing standards, editorial competence, publishing capacity, and book marketing and distribution systems within Nigeria and beyond.
We exist to transform writing from a casual activity into a structured, strategic, and impactful discipline, while also building strong editorial capacity, advancing publishing systems, and strengthening book visibility, sales, and distribution.
We go beyond teaching writing as a skill—we develop a complete book ecosystem, equipping individuals within clearly defined professional areas.
Our training supports:
* Individuals who want to learn and master writing
* Individuals who want to become professional editors or strengthen their editorial competence
* Individuals who want to build or strengthen publishing capacity
* Individuals who want to specialise in book marketing and distribution
Each pathway is independently structured, ensuring depth, clarity, and professional relevance.
Our focus spans the full journey of books—from development and editing to production, visibility, sales, and distribution across local and global markets.
About The School
Who We Are
The Fortham School of Writing and Publishing Excellence is a professional literary and publishing development institution established to strengthen writing standards, editorial competence, publishing practice, and book industry development within Nigeria and beyond.
The school is an initiative of Fortham Publishers Limited, a reputable publishing company headquartered in Abuja and recognised for producing high-quality books across diverse genres.
The company provides:
* Structured Editorial Guidance
* Professional Book Production
* Strategic Publishing Planning
* Comprehensive Author Support
The school continues to expand its scope to support the wider literary ecosystem, including training in writing, editing, publishing, book marketing, and other professional areas within the global book industry.
Our Mandate
We are committed to:
* Raising disciplined and structured writers
* Developing editorial competence to professional standards
* Training aspiring and established publishers
* Equipping individuals with book marketing and distribution strategies
* Supporting the production of globally competitive books and written materials
* Strengthening communication across public, private, and development sectors
Our Vision
To become a globally respected centre for writing, editing, publishing, and book industry development, raising professionals equipped with structure, publishing mastery, and strategic positioning to produce impactful works that shape society and compete confidently on the global stage.
Our Institutional Strength
Backed by Fortham Publishers Limited, the school operates with strong industry expertise and provides:
* Structured Editorial Guidance
* Professional Book Production
* Strategic Publishing Planning
* Comprehensive Author Suppor
PROGRAMMES
Our Training Structure
Participants can enrol in any of the following specialised schools:
✍🏽 FORTHAM WRITING SCHOOL
For novice, aspiring, and established writers
Focused on training individuals from foundational to advanced levels in writing, including structure, clarity, content development, and complete manuscript development.
Programme: Beginners – Writing and Publishing Masterclass
A comprehensive programme designed to guide participants from idea development to manuscript completion and publication.Focus Areas:
* Idea development and structuring
* Writing techniques
* Editing and proofreading
* Publishing processes✏️🏽 FORTHAM EDITORIAL SCHOOL
For aspiring and professional editors
Focused on developing strong editorial competence, a keen attention to detail, and a high level of accuracy and consistency in handling written content, including manuscript editing, content structuring, proofreading, and adherence to publishing standards.
📚 FORTHAM PUBLISHING SCHOOLFor aspiring and established publishers, and organisations
Focused on building and strengthening publishing capacity and professional publishing practice.
Focus Areas:
* Publishing strategy and business models
* Book production processes
* Editorial and production standards
* Institutional publishing
* Publishing systems and operations📢 FORTHAM BOOK MARKETING AND DISTRIBUTION SCHOOL
For individuals and organisations interested in book visibility, sales, and distribution
Focused on equipping participants with practical strategies for marketing, selling, and distributing books locally and globally.
Focus Areas:
* Book marketing strategies
* Sales and revenue generation
* Distribution systems (local and international)
* Book positioning and visibility
* Market access and global opportunitiesAdditional Professional Programmes
Strategic and Policy Writing
Designed for professionals in government, NGOs, and corporate sectors.Focus Areas:
* Policy briefs
* Reports and documentation
* Public communication
* Institutional writingEditing and Content Development
Professional training in:* Manuscript editing
* Content structuring
* Publishing standardsAdvanced Programme – Professional Writing and Publishing
An advanced programme designed for individuals seeking to produce high-level written work with clarity, authority, and strategic relevance.
CERTIFICATION
Participants receive professional certification upon successful completion of their chosen programme.
Each school offers a distinct and specialised certificate, reflecting the specific area of training completed:
* Certificate in Writing (Fortham Writing School)
* Certificate in Editorial Practice (Fortham Editorial School)
* Certificate in Publishing (Fortham Publishing School)
* Certificate in Book Marketing and Distribution (Fortham Book Marketing and Distribution School)These certifications validate competence, enhance professional credibility, and position participants for opportunities within the local and global book industry.
FACULTY AND RESOURCE PERSONS
Our Faculty
The Fortham School of Writing and Publishing Excellence draws on a network of experienced professionals across the writing and publishing ecosystem.
Our faculty includes:
* Professional writers and published authors
* Experienced editors and manuscript developers
* Publishing consultants and book production specialists
* Policy and communication experts
* Academics and industry practitionersOur Approach to Instruction
Our resource persons are not just instructors—they are practitioners actively engaged in writing, editing, publishing, and communication. They bring:
* Real-world experience
* Practical insights
* Industry standards
* Mentorship-driven teachingWhat This Means for Participants
Participants learn directly from professionals who:
* Have written and published books
* Have edited and developed manuscripts
* Understand the publishing pipeline
* Operate within real institutional and communication environmentsPAST EVENTS AND PROGRAMMES
Our Track Record
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The Fortham School of Writing and Publishing Excellence has successfully conducted high-impact training programmes, bringing together aspiring writers, editors, publishers, professionals, and communication experts.
These programmes have:
* Equipped participants with structured writing skills
* Strengthened editorial competence
* Guided participants through publishing processes
* Inspired purposeful and impactful writingFeatured Training
Fortham School of Writing and Publishing Excellence Training
Writing with Purpose and Strategy. Publishing with Excellence. Positioning for Global Impact.
Abuja (On-site) + Virtual
March 14–15, 2026Training Outcomes
Participants from past editions have:
* Developed clearer writing structures
* Begun or advanced their manuscripts
* Improved professional communication skills
* Gained confidence in publishingLearning Experience
Our trainings combine:
* Lectures and guided sessions
* Practical writing exercises
* Editorial feedback
* Interactive discussions
* Mentorship engagement
* Strategic connectionsWHY FORTHAM
What Makes Us Different
We do not teach writing as a hobby—we develop writers, editors, publishers, and book professionals.
Our Distinct Advantage
* Structured and systematic approach
* Direct pathway from writing to publishing and distribution
* Industry-backed training
* Strong focus on clarity, purpose, and impact
* Integration of writing, editing, publishing, marketing, and distributionOur Outcome
We produce individuals who can:
* Think clearly
* Write effectively
* Edit professionally
* Publish strategically
* Market and distribute books effectively
* Influence meaningfullyADMISSIONS
Who Should Apply
* Aspiring writers and authors
* Established writers seeking advancement
* Students and graduates
* Aspiring and established publishers
* NGO and development practitioners
* Editors and content creators
* Individuals interested in book marketing and distribution
