How it works

  • What is Backdraft?

    Backdraft is an online professional development course. Its content and pedagogy have been developed and refined over more than 20 years by a team of experienced professional writers. Backdraft teaches you to look back impartially at your first draft to identify the flaws that weaken your writing. Hence the name Backdraft.

  • How does Backdraft work?

    You can complete the Backdraft course at your own pace. The training focuses on 36 writing lessons. Each is introduced with a detailed explanation, including a short, animated video. You then practice what you’ve learned in six examples. After every six fumbles, you will be tested on your growing knowledge. A final review will challenge you on your awareness of all 36 fumbles.

  • Is Backdraft an artificial-intelligence system?

    No. AI writing training tools are impressive. They can help improve your writing, but they won’t make you a better writer. To do that, you need to be the one who spots and diagnoses problems. With Backdraft, you become the app. You develop an editor’s skill to see deep into your writing. You come to understand what makes your writing weak, and how to fix it—for good. That’s how you truly improve as a writer.

  • What will I learn?

    Backdraft focuses on the 36 problems (we call them fumbles) that affect 95% of bad writing—especially in first drafts. You will learn to spot, diagnose and fix each of these fumbles. This approach helps you develop vital insight into your own writing, and that of any other writer whose work you review. With fresh awareness of your own weaknesses, you can quickly eliminate bad habits for good.

  • How long does the course take?

    It depends on your writing skill. We encourage users to take their time. The more you can focus on the training, the more you will get out of it. Expect to spend between 18 and 24 hours on the course.

  • Will I receive any type of certification or accreditation?

    Yes. Writers who successfully complete Backdraft receive a certificate to mark the achievement.

Who it's for

  • Who uses Backdraft?

    Writers use Backdraft daily as a writing quality-control system. They use Backdraft codes as marginalia when marking up hard copies of their work, and that of colleagues. Backdraft has been taught by the curriculum development team for more than 20 years across four continents. Clients have included governments, major financial and insurance companies, banks, and law-enforcement agencies.

  • Who should take Backdraft?

    Backdraft is valuable for anyone who wishes to improve the quality of their writing and become a better writer. Most AI writing programs help improve your writing, but do nothing to make you a better writer. Backdraft helps you learn the vital diagnostic skills to diagnose and repair the weaknesses in your writing—no AI required. Given Backdraft’s plain language focus, the course is ideal for anyone wishing to create content that is accessible and inclusive.

  • Are there any prerequisites or language requirements?

    Backdraft requires a reasonable understanding of the English language. The system is ideally suited to intermediate-level writers, which may include those who have made significant progress studying English as a second language.

Registration and payment

  • How much does Backdraft cost?

    CDN $995.00. This is a one-time cost, which gives you lifetime access to the system and all updates.

  • How do I register and purchase the course?

    Send our team an email to purchase the course.

  • What methods of payment are accepted?

    Get in touch with us to learn about our accepted payment methods.

  • Is Backdraft available as a trial?

    No, but if your organization is interested in learning more about the training, get in touch with us.

  • When does the course expire?

    Your subscription to Backdraft will never expire. You can revisit the system as often as you like. In fact, writers who have used Backdraft for decades recommend refreshing your awareness of the 36 fumbles regularly.

Technical and user support

  • How do I receive technical support during the course?

    Click on this link for help to address basic technical issues on Thinkific support. If you're still having difficulties, contact us.

  • What curriculum-based support is available during the training?

    Feel free to contact us if you have questions about course content. Send us an email.

  • What equipment will I need?

    To take the Backdraft course you will need a desktop or laptop computer and internet access. It is best if you can wear headphones to reduce background noise, especially during video lessons.

  • Can I use a smartphone to complete the course?

    Yes, you can complete the course on a smartphone; however, the learning experience is best on a desktop computer or laptop.

  • What internet browser should I use?

    The platform that hosts Backdraft is called Thinkific. Thinkific is supported by Chrome, Firefox, Safari and Microsoft Edge. It is not supported by Internet Explorer. If you are having any difficulties accessing Thinkific in your browser, you may find useful information here.

  • What English-language rules does Backdraft follow?

    Backdraft is a plain language system. It values brevity, simplicity and clarity above all else. Although English continues to evolve as a global language, Backdraft is grounded in its Canadian roots. Spelling is a mid-Atlantic blend of British and American influences (see the Oxford Canadian Dictionary). We follow -re, -our, -ous and -ize spellings. We write labelled, not labeled. We do not enforce the serial comma, as we believe the specifics of a sentence should dictate the need for it.

    Yet with Backdraft we strive to remain neutral. That’s why you will encounter many reminders about style guides as you proceed through the program. The organization you write for may have its own guide. Or it may adhere to an existing guide, such as the Chicago Manual of Style, or the Associated Press Stylebook.

    The Language Portal of Canada, a product of the Government of Canada’s Translation Bureau, is our default style guide. It is comprehensive, non-prescriptive and easy to use for anyone who wants to improve their language skills. Learn more about the portal here.