A UNIVERSITY is to coach aspiring writers to release the next ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ hit.

The University of Central Lancashire, which has a campus in Burnley, has launched an MA in self-publishing to equip budding writers and novelists.

The course aims to teach students how to become the next E.L. James, the self-published author of Fifty Shades of Grey.

It is thought to be the first of its kind in the UK, and teaches a self-published author how to handle their own finances and sales, digital eBook publishing options, how to market themselves and their work, self-editing, and production, layout and design.

Course leader Debbie Williams, of UCLan Publishing, said: “Self-publishing is becoming a global phenomenon and we are proud to be able to offer the UK’s first degree in this exciting area.”