Finished by Christmas

FAQs // Terms and Conditions

FAQS

How much does it cost?

£250 - this pays for four one hour workshops plus two x line edits on 3k words and access to my ‘office hour’ every week for six months. There are fifteen spaces in the workshop. After that I will operate a waiting list.

Please note: the two low/no income spaces at £75.00 are now reserved. I am operating a waiting list in case either of the places are re-released. Please do get in touch to be added.

Will there be loads of audience participation?

Only as much as you’re comfortable with. I would never pick on anyone who doesn’t want to share but I do ask that everyone introduce themselves at the beginning of the workshop even if you ultimately decide to switch your camera off and just listen in. In my experience these things always work better the more interactive the group are and can be brilliant places to make a group of writer friends.

Is there a code of conduct?

Please be mindful and respectful of all attendees. My workshops are a safe space to share work and questions without being subject to any discriminatory behaviour or language of any kind including but not limited to: homophobia, transphobia, racism, ableism, fatphobia, ageism or sexism. If I determine that someone is making the space uncomfortable or unsafe for myself or other attendees I reserve the right to remove them from the course at any time. My decision is final.

How do I sign up?

You just fill in the form below. I’ll send you payment details and all the information! Please keep scrolling to read Ts and Cs before signing up.

Terms & Conditions: Finished by Christmas Six-Month Novel Writing Course

1. Introduction

These Terms and Conditions apply to all bookings for the Six-Month Novel Writing Course (“the Course”) delivered online by Laura Kay (“the Tutor”, “we”, “us”). By booking a place, participants (“you”, “the student”) agree to these Terms in full. Please read them carefully before enrolling.

2. Course Overview

The Course runs from 1 July to 31 December and includes:

• Four online workshops (each 1 hour)

• Two accountability check-ins, each with 3,000 words of student writing and personalised feedback

• A weekly one-hour “office hour” via Google Chat for informal questions and support

• Access to any materials shared during the Course

The Course guides writers from early idea development through first drafts, editing, and preparing to query agents.

3. Booking & Payment

3.1. Booking confirmation
Your place on the Course is confirmed only once full payment has been received by the deadline provided to you by the Tutor.

3.2. Payment methods
Payment must be made via the methods listed on the booking page. We cannot accept payment by cheque or cash.

3.3. Eligibility
Participants must be aged 18 or over.

4. Cancellations, Refunds & Transfers

4.1. Cancellation by the student

You have the right to cancel your booking within 14 days of purchase (the “cooling-off period”). If you choose to begin accessing any part of the Course, including workshops, materials, or office hours, you expressly consent to the service beginning immediately and acknowledge that you waive your right to cancel.

After the 14-day cooling-off period has expired, no refunds will be offered for any reason, including non-attendance, changes in personal circumstances, or failure to participate in the Course.

4.2. Transfers
Places may be transferred to another student or to a future course, provided that you notify the Tutor in writing at least 30 days before the Course start date. Transfers are subject to availability and are permitted only once. After the Course has begun, no transfers to other students or future courses will be permitted under any circumstances.

4.3. Discretionary refunds
We may consider exceptional circumstances at our discretion, but we are not obliged to issue refunds outside the policy above.

4.4. Cancellation or rescheduling by the Tutor
We reserve the right to reschedule workshops and change delivery platforms. If the entire Course is cancelled, you will receive a full refund. We are not responsible for any additional costs incurred.

5. Course Delivery

5.1. Workshops
Workshops take place online via the platform specified in advance. All times are given in UK time, and students are responsible for local timezone conversions.

5.2. Recordings
Workshops may be recorded for the benefit of enrolled students.

• Recordings will only be accessible to participants and will not be used publicly.

• Recordings will remain available for a limited time.

• Students must not make their own recordings without explicit permission.

5.3. Office Hours
Weekly office hours are optional drop-ins via Google Chat. Times may vary over holiday periods; any changes will be communicated in advance.

5.4. Accountability Check-Ins
Students may submit up to 3,000 words for check-ins in September and November.

• Work must be submitted by the deadlines provided.

• Late submissions may not receive feedback.

• Missed submissions cannot be rolled over or replaced.

5.5. Scope of Feedback
Feedback consists of line edits and approx. 500 words of notes. This is an educational service, not a professional editing or sensitivity reading service, and does not constitute editorial endorsement.

5.6. Technology Requirements
Students are responsible for:

• Reliable internet access

• A device capable of joining video calls

• Software for reading/viewing documents

We cannot be held responsible for technical issues on the student’s side.

6. Student Responsibilities

6.1. Active participation
Attendance at workshops and office hours is encouraged but not compulsory.

6.2. Meeting deadlines
Students must submit work on time for accountability check-ins. Non-submission does not entitle the student to a refund or alternative feedback.

6.3. Respectful behaviour (Code of Conduct)
We aim to create an inclusive, supportive environment. The following behaviour is strictly prohibited:

• Harassment, bullying, or discriminatory language

• Aggressive or disruptive conduct

• Sharing other students’ work without permission

• Recording sessions without consent

Violation may result in removal from the Course without refund.

7. Confidentiality & Intellectual Property

7.1. Your work
All writing you share remains your intellectual property. We will not use, reproduce, or share it without your explicit consent.

7.2. Other students’ work
You must treat all shared writing as confidential. It may not be copied, reproduced, or discussed outside the Course.

7.3. Course materials
Course materials are the intellectual property of the Tutor and provided for personal use only. They may not be shared, republished, or used for teaching purposes.

8. Accessibility

We strive to make the Course accessible. If you have access needs, please contact me before booking so we can discuss reasonable adjustments.

9. Liability

We provide educational guidance but cannot guarantee:

• Completion of a novel

• Securing an agent

• Publication

• Any particular creative, professional, or commercial outcome

Our liability is limited to the amount paid for the Course. We are not responsible for technical difficulties, loss of data, or interruptions beyond our control.

10. Data Protection

We handle all personal information in accordance with relevant data protection legislation. Your details will never be sold or shared except where necessary for course delivery (e.g., payment processors or communication platforms).

11. Amendments

We reserve the right to update these Terms as necessary. Any changes affecting your participation will be communicated directly to you.