James,
You are right to be cautious of individuals and agencies offering their professional help in the world of writing. Not all of them are as professional as they claim, for a start! Literary agent Simon Trewin said that we should avoid people offering to proof read manuscripts for a fee because there's no way of knowing who they really are.
With the Writers Bureau I feel it is a little different. They are recognised by the education system as a proper course and they do promise that you will earn back the fee before you complete the course (and if they think you can't cut it, they will tell you and reclaim the modules/assignments and give you a full refund).
I would say that if you are able to sign up to a creative writing course at college/university, do so. But if there is no way you can do it (as I couldn't - I was unemployed in 1996, had no money and no self-confidence), something like the Open University or the Writers Bureau might do the trick. They not only teach you how to write creatively, but also how to sell your writing.
As for the fee, it was £200.00 in 1996 (and my mother enrolled me on the course as a gift), and I believe it's something like £300.00 now. I guess in dollars it is half a grand.
I would say that it all depends on how hard one is willing to work. I'm sure there have been many people over the years who signed up to the WB, did a couple of assignments, and then never did anything more with it (in fact, I know of one young man whose parents paid the fee to encourage him and he has yet to write a single word!) and are lining the WB's pockets. But if you get on with it, you will progress quickly, and get somewhere with your writing.
Alternatively, if you know people who are well versed in English language and grammar, who are willing to look at your work, and who know how to present it and pitch it, by all means use them instead.
It really is a matter of weighing up the pros and cons. For me, it was a worthwhile investment.
Best,
Will.
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