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The Advanced Outline Class

Master your story

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Time
1 year. 30 lessons
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Price
$
599
£
499
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Suitable for
Intermediate and experienced writers
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Ideal for
Anyone who has been writing for a while

Prepare to write your best novel

Suitable for intermediate or more experienced writers in need of refreshment, refinement or inspiration.  

Whether you write professionally, for personal pleasure, or you’re a published author already, The Advanced Outline Class will help elevate your writing game, your confidence, and your chances of success.

Reignite the magic. Realize your potential.

Get the inside track

Establish a high-stakes drama for your next best novel yet. With this class, you’ll gain absolute control of your story to outline your plot.

We’ll take an insider’s look under the bonnet of Pulitzer and Booker Prize-winning novels to consider how to bring the best storytelling techniques to adult fiction to find the sweet spot of acclaim and bestseller status.

Literary agency books fiction
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Your standout story

Why The Advanced Outline Class is the perfect fit for you

Say it with economy and style  

With The Advanced Outline Class, you’ll learn who you are (or will be) as an author and how to play to your unique strengths. You’ll hone your writing skills and discover new-to-you techniques. You’ll take absolute control of your plot and its players.

But most importantly, you’ll reignite your passion for prose.

Say hello to your new writing chapter

When you sign up for The Advanced Outline Class, you get far more than an online writing program. You gain a global and supportive community of like-minded writers, editors, publishing professionals and cheerleaders.

In fact, we’re the largest online writing community exclusively for novelists.

Here at The Novelry you’ll find everything (and everyone) you need to write better, and write happy—from workshops, networking opportunities and annual party get-togethers, to feedback sessions and safe spaces for sharing the ins and outs and ups and downs of the novelist’s affliction.

Write from the edge of your seat, and people will read from the edge of theirs

Writing for pleasure is one thing. Writing for commercial success quite another.

In The Advanced Outline Class, you’ll learn the trade secrets of the bestseller. And our Story First Method™ will ensure the tale you want to tell has commercial appeal before you begin telling it.

You’ll discover the key ingredients required for readers to stay gripped to each and every word. All before you even put pen to paper.

This saves you a whole lot of time and trouble, so you can hit the page writing, with confidence.

Not all writing classes are created equal

A great online writing class will go beyond general theory or tips and tricks. It’ll help you make smarter progress, faster. A great writing class will:

  • Teach tried-and-true techniques and invaluable skills that you won’t have encountered yet.
  • Be given by an award-winning author. (Who’s been around the block!)
  • Enable you to get your novel done. (And done well.)
  • Welcome you to a global and supportive writing community.
  • School you in the vital requirements of your genre.
  • Put you on a defined path to publishing.

With a great writing class you’ll get all the answers you require, the inspiration you want and the support you need to thrive.

On your terms. At your pace.

Achieve your writing ambitions

From awards listings and commercial sales figures to creative fulfilment. Whatever success looks like for you, The Advanced Outline Class will give you the insider’s advantage and a springboard for success.

Imagine having an award-winning, bestselling author vet your storyline before you start writing.

Your class includes a coaching session with a published, bestselling and award­-winning author of your choice. AII our authors are experts in their genre. They will be able to advise you on how to make sure your story is the strongest it can be for today’s publishing market.

Nail your idea and theme for the vital organs of a story

Outline your story and plan your plot to go from stage to page

Flesh out your storyline with in-depth casting and a B Story

Submit a final plan for your novel or memoir

Schedule a session with an author coach to get feedback

The Advanced Outline Class

Master your story

Outline your novel to ensure you have a commercially sound base for a story that readers, literary agents and publishers will love.

Lessons: 30 (1 hour each)
1 x writer coaching session
Module
1

Welcome

Dear author
2
lessons
Module
2

The Vital Organs

Organize your story
7
lessons
Module
3

The Working Plan

From stage to page
7
lessons
Module
4

The Depth Chargers

Your plot and players
7
lessons
Module
5

Magic and Mastery

Smoother writing: economy and style
7
lessons

‘Let me live, love, and say it well in good sentences.’

—Sylvia Plath

Our coaching team

Their books have hit the New York Times and Sunday Times bestseller lists and have been adapted for screen and optioned for major motion pictures.

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Portrait image of author Kate Davies, writing coach at The Novelry.

Kate Davies

Polari Prize-winning and Times ‘book of the year’ author of contemporary fiction and children’s fiction

Portrait image of author Michael Mammay, writing coach at The Novelry.

Michael Mammay

Acclaimed author of multiple science fiction novels with starred reviews and one of Library Journal’s Best SF Books of the Year

Portrait image of Andrea Stewart, writing coach at The Novelry.

Andrea Stewart

Sunday Times instant bestseller author and finalist for the British Fantasy Awards, praised by Sarah J. Maas

Portrait image of author Piers Torday, writing coach at The Novelry.

Piers Torday

Bestselling author and Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize winner

Portrait image of author Clare Mackintosh, writing coach at The Novelry.

Clare Mackintosh

No.1 global bestselling New York Times and Sunday Times award-winning crime author with more than 2 million copies sold

Portrait image of author Bea Fitzgerald, writing coach at The Novelry.

Bea Fitzgerald

Sunday Times bestselling author and winner of the RNA Romance Novel of the Year

Portrait image of author Anissa Gray, writing coach at The Novelry.

Anissa Gray

New York Times acclaimed author of contemporary fiction novels, a Marie Claire Book Club Pick optioned by Sony Pictures, and a DuPont and Emmy award-winning journalist

Portrait image of Evie Wyld, writing coach at The Novelry.

Evie Wyld

The multiple prestigious literary prize-winning author of the Miles Franklin Award, the Stella Prize for Fiction, the John Llewellyn Rhys Prize, and the Betty Trask Award

Portrait image of author Heather Webb, writing coach at The Novelry.

Heather Webb

USA Today bestselling author of historical fiction and Goldsboro RNA Award finalist, translated into 17 languages

Portrait image of Libby Page, writing coach at The Novelry.

Libby Page

Sunday Times bestselling author of Up Lit and winner of the WHSmith Thumping Good Read Award

Portrait image of Tasha Suri, writing coach at The Novelry.

Tasha Suri

Award-winning author of multiple fantasy novels, including one of TIME magazine’s best fantasy novels of all time

Portrait image of author Melanie Conklin, writing coach at The Novelry.

Melanie Conklin

Award-winning children’s fiction author and winner of the International Literacy Association Teacher’s Choice Award

Portrait image of L.R. Lam, writing coach at The Novelry.

L.R. Lam

Sunday Times and USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of fantasy and science fiction

Portrait image of author Kate Riordan, writing coach at The Novelry.

Kate Riordan

Sunday Times bestselling author of contemporary thrillers published by Penguin, Apple Fiction Chart No.1. fiction bestseller, and Richard and Judy Book Club pick

Portrait image of author Katie Khan, writing coach at The Novelry.

Katie Khan

Acclaimed book-to-movie author of speculative fiction and finalist for the Romantic Novel Awards and Brave New Words Award

Portrait of Gina Sorell, writing coach at The Novelry.

Gina Sorell

New York Times Book Review Editor’s Choice and Read with Jenna acclaimed author of contemporary fiction

Portrait image of author Mahsuda Snaith, writing coach at The Novelry.

Mahsuda Snaith

The Observer New Face of Fiction award-winning author and Costa Awards judge

Portrait image of Tara Conklin, writing coach at The Novelry.

Tara Conklin

New York Times instant bestseller author of multiple book-club pick novels translated into eight languages

Portrait image of Colleen Oakley, writing coach at The Novelry.

Colleen Oakley

USA Today bestselling author of five novels translated into 21 languages and Georgia Author of the Year

Portrait image of author Amanda Reynolds, writing coach at The Novelry.

Amanda Reynolds

The No.1 bestselling author of suspense novels, including the TV-adapted major production for Sundance AMC, Close To Me

Portrait image of author Emylia Hall, writing coach at The Novelry.

Emylia Hall

Top Ten bestselling author of cozy crime and women’s fiction with multiple book club picks

Portrait image of author Urban Waite, writing coach at The Novelry.

Urban Waite

Esquire Best Book of the Year winner and multiple award-nominated author, highly praised by Stephen King

Portrait image of author Ella McLeod, writing coach at The Novelry.

Ella McLeod

Branford Boase-nominated and Guardian Best Books Pick author of YA novels and romantasy fiction

Portrait image of author Alice Kuipers, writing coach at The Novelry.

Alice Kuipers

Carnegie Medal nominee and New York Times Book for Teens winning, bestselling author of YA, children’s fiction, and memoir, and winner of the Grand Prix de Viarmes

Portrait image of author Kate Dylan, writing coach at The Novelry.

Kate Dylan

Sunday Times bestselling author of fantasy and science fiction novels for both YA and adult 

Portrait image of author David Solomons, writing coach at The Novelry.

David Solomons

Winner of the Waterstones Children’s Prize and British Book Industry Awards Children’s Book of the Year, author of acclaimed middle-grade children’s novels and a BAFTA and Branford Boase Award nominee

Portrait image of author Lesley Kara, writing coach at The Novelry.

Lesley Kara

Sunday Times Top Ten and Amazon No.1 internationally bestselling author of psychological thrillers, praised by Paula Hawkins

Contemporary & Women’s Fiction
Crime & Suspense
Fantasy & Science Fiction
Literary Fiction
Romance
Historical Fiction
Memoir
Children’s & Young Adult Fiction

‘I’m diving into my next novel feeling more prepared than ever before’

‘The Advanced Class not only gave me the crucial accountability I needed to get going, it also helped me to tackle structure, plot and theme, and realize what kind of writer I am. All of these things gave me a huge boost of renewed confidence, allowing me to dive into my next novel feeling more prepared than I ever have done before. I’m feeling hopeful that maybe, just maybe, I could be on to a winner.’

Ella Dove

Journalist and author of Five Steps to Happy.

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The world's best-loved writing school

More 5* reviews than any other 
writing course

Write for pleasure at The Novelry and you’ll be rewarded with far more than you ever imagined. But don’t just take our word for it…

‘The Advanced Outline Class has been such a positive experience—and not intimidating to my pantser self! I’ve written a solid synopsis and feel more confident about querying agents, and getting my first novel published. Being a member looks good in a query letter bio! I love the workshops and being part of The Novelry community. The workshop is my favorite part of the site; I enjoy the feedback and the long-distance friendships with other writers.’

Dawn Camp

‘I had a huge, unwieldy behemoth of a first draft and absolutely zero confidence that it contained a viable story. I joined The Novelry because I was starting to spiral and knew I could use some help. Thanks to The Advanced Outline Class I’ve honed my theme a good bit more than it was previously. The chaptered outline and synopsis proved to be great exercises to pinpoint some issues I hadn’t noticed before. I’ve already filled some significant plot holes and shifted one of my POVs so that I’m actually excited to write it. I’m feeling newly energized to start re-drafting this book.’

Evan Anderson

‘Before starting The Advanced Class, I was feeling overwhelmed and struggling to make a plan to finish my novel. Thanks to this course, I realized I was starting my novel in the wrong place. Once I changed the beginning and determined the midpoint, I was able to put together a much clearer plot summary with a story I’m excited about. I also refined my theme and got to know my main character better. I’m excited to start writing! All of the lessons are fantastic and helped me get my head around the story I’m writing. I also love the length of the lessons. They are focused and easy to digest. By the time I completed the last lesson, I had a stronger theme, a deeper understanding of my main character and antagonist, and a clear plot summary for a story I’m genuinely excited to write. This course gave me the confidence to keep going!’

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Kate Kiefer

‘With The Advanced Class I learned how fun it is to be curious, and see what happens on the page, and I learned the practice of ABSOLUTE CONTROL. It’s my world! I’ve slowed down. This has been huge. Sometimes I just sit quietly in the mornings. This morning, as I’m writing this, the fireplace is lit, my dog is snoring on the chair next to me and my half-drunk cup of coffee is waiting to be refilled. I sit with my story and my characters, allowing them to reveal themselves to me instead of trying to fit them into various partial copies of myself. It is these moments when I feel the most content. Thank you for creating this, and creating a place where anyone and everyone feels at home and in safe hands.’

advanced writing class review ashley

Ashley Redwood

‘I really loved the way the class broke things down. The advice was practical and understandable in a way that I haven’t found in a lot of other writing books and courses. The Advanced Class has given me the knowledge and confidence to be able to handle the problems and crises this new novel is sure to throw at me. It has shown me how to build a strong foundation from the beginning while keeping it flexible enough to grow and change as my novel does.’

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Katy Bowman

‘The Advanced Class has really helped me to flesh out my characters and organize my story. I have a better idea of story and chapter structure. I feel like I now have all the tools I need to make my story the best it can be. Before, I felt writing an entire novel sounded too overwhelming. But now I can’t wait to write it!’

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Miranda Cameron

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Why The Advanced Outline Class?

Progress at your own pace

Course and community access for an entire year.

Your success, on your terms. Always.

This is a self-paced class; you drive the development of your story. You have immediate access to all lessons. The tempo of the march is yours to decide.

You’ll need at least 30 minutes for each lesson, and probably some time to capture your thoughts and ideas as you start writing.

We recommend setting aside an hour a day just for you and your writing.

This class will get your words flowing and help you find your way into the story. Give each lesson as much time as you want and revisit the lessons as you tighten the premise.

And if time is tight and life is getting in the way, never fear. There are 30 lessons in total, and 365 days to do them.

Stay a little longer

Life. It happens to the best of us.

A good story will wait

You have 365 days’ access to The Advanced Class. But don’t worry if you need to pause to think for a while.

You can easily extend your access to the class itself, or stay as a member with access to the workshops and community for just $299 or £249 a year.

Money-back policy

Our Happy Writing guarantee.

Time to check it’s right for you

We maintain a happy and supportive community for all of our writers. So, we offer a 7-day money-back Happy Writing Guarantee for all our classes and courses, should you change your mind.

Write with the best in the business

Award-winning authors. Publishing editors. Leading literary agents.

Coaches not lecturers

Many online writing programs promote ‘featured’ videos of one or two big-name stars. And you sit, you watch, you learn. Passively.

Here at The Novelry, our online writing classes and courses come with a team of writer all-stars built right in. They’re part of the furniture around our happy writing home. You’ll run into them in the virtual halls of The Novelry, in your personal coaching sessions, and week in, week out at workshops or in your online community.

We’re talking stars whose books have hit the New York Times and Sunday Times bestseller lists, and have been adapted for screen and optioned for major motion pictures.

Writing stars who work with you, not lecture at you.

Learn more

40+ workshops a month

In addition to your class.

Write in good company

Guided, group-based workshops with fellow writers, bestselling authors and publishing professionals. Offered live online, but also recorded, so you can easily catch up if you miss one.

You’ll get advice and writing prompts, genre-specific challenges and exercises to help you develop your writing and deepen your craft. And of course, you’ll have a community of like-minded spirits, cheering you on as you reach each milestone on your journey.

Learn more

Genre expertise

What’s your style?

‘Outstanding genre-specific workshops!’

—April Love-Fordham

You may be burning to write a thriller, yearning to capture a romance, or scoping out the near-future world of a science fiction story.

Maybe you’re yet to discover your type. Perhaps you’re between genres right now.

Any which way, this course will help you put your story on steroids. You can choose your author coach based on their expertise, and our genre-specific workshops are in a league of their own.

Video masterclasses

From the likes of Kristin Hannah and Yann Martel.

Catch Up TV for storytellers

(Binge-watch the series.)

Over 100 classes with famous bestselling writers, publishing experts and leading literary agents for you to explore in your own time.

Find out how your best-loved authors (really) write their books, from Tess Gerritsen, Paula Hawkins, Sophie Kinsella and Val McDermid to Lucy Foley, Katherine Rundell, Samantha Shannon, Steven Erikson and (so) many more.

Learn more

A supportive writing community

Find your people.

Come for the course. Stay for the people.

We’re the largest online writing community exclusively for novelists and memoir writers. This group offers you a safe space to share the ins and outs and ups and downs of the creative life.

It’s ad-free and bound by the terms of confidentiality, allowing you to be yourself as a writer among industry professionals, trusted new friends, and like-minded people.

What’s more, our annual U.S. and U.K. parties and networking events offer the perfect opportunity to mingle and celebrate your work. Cheers to that!

Learn more

More 5-star reviews

Than any other writing course. The Novelry is the world’s top-rated online writing school.

We’re the home of happy writing  

When choosing your writing course, always make sure to look for these things:

  • Independent rave reviews from real people giving their names.
  • Writing coaches who are award-winning and bestselling published authors.
  • One-on-one, personalized instruction focused on what you need.
  • A professional path to getting published with links to a range of literary agencies.
  • An inspiring writers’ group with a kind and encouraging ethos.

Reviews

A clear path to publishing

Yours if you want it. Fine if you don’t.

Your adventure awaits

Storytelling lies at the very heart of the class.

But that can mean a myriad of things to many different people.

Some join us simply to write for the pleasure of the process. Some, for family and friends.

Others wish to tread the commercial path to publishing. Which is why you should know that we’re trusted by the world’s leading literary agents, and our graduates go on to secure major contracts from Big Five publishers in the U.S.A., the U.K. and worldwide.

Learn more

Created by a Booker Prize-listed author

We don’t just talk the talk.

‘Louise Dean is a significant voice in fiction’

The Observer

When it comes to writing, and writing success, Founder and Course Director Louise Dean knows a thing or two about a thing or two.

Booker Prize-listed, winner of the Betty Trask Prize and the Le Prince Maurice Prize, finalist for the Costa Coffee 2020 Short Story Award, longlisted for the Dublin International Literary Award, and nominated for the Guardian First Book Prize (among others), Louise has earned plaudits from the Nobel Laureate for Literature, no less. Her books have been praised by the New York Times, the Guardian, the Observer and the Sunday Times.

Louise shares her (award-winning) wordsmithery secrets in the courses and classes and draws on a lifetime and love of reading fiction and the techniques of the greats.

Meet Louise

Ready for your most ambitious fiction adventure yet?

Next-level storytelling!
Sign up for the class

The Advanced Outline Class

Master your story
$
599
We accept
£
499
  • Membership (1 Year)
  • The Advanced Outline Class
  • A Coaching Session
  • A Year’s Access
Or sign up for our class bundles
One-off
Monthly

The Fast-Track Novel Course

The writer-to-author career path
$
455
/ mo
$
4995
We accept
£
319
/ mo
£
3499
  • Welcome Call
  • Membership (1 Year)
  • The Advanced Outline Class
  • The Ninety Day Novel Class
  • 6 Coaching Sessions
  • The Big Edit Class
  • 2 Editorial Sessions
  • The Ultimate Manuscript Assessment
  • Save over $1000 / £1000

From creating your story then writing a polished draft, to publishing your bestselling book. Our classes and courses support you across the whole journey.

Which course

FAQs

If you’re bursting with questions we haven’t answered here, check out our full FAQs page or feel free to get in touch.

What’s the learning format?

In this self-paced class, you will enjoy 30 lessons with videos and text giving you guidance to fully create, outline and plan your next novel. You’ll be guided step-by-step within the course and be served downloads and tools at just the right time for the development of your story plan.

You’ll enjoy a special monthly workshop for those taking The Advanced Outline Class.

You will have access to the class for a year. If you choose The Fast-Track Novel Course, you will enjoy six coaching sessions too!

How does The Fast-Track Novel Course save over $1000 (GBP £1000)?

The Fast-Track Novel Course is our bundled full five-step course program carefully packaged to save you money. The price of all the items included amounts to $6043 USD or £4694 GBP when purchased separately.

The price showing at our website today includes your savings. While offer lasts.

You can spread the cost too with monthly payments.

Plus, you can extend your access to the program and keep everything included from just $55 or £45 after your year of access ends. It’s the smartest plan for writers who mean business, and includes a full manuscript review from our Big Five editorial team too!

What do I need to take this class?

A notebook, a pen and a computer with a decent internet connection for use of our online learning platform and coaching sessions.

Our online learning platform is easy to use, even for the less tech-savvy among us. We are supportive and responsive to our writers, available by email and at our online members’ community around the clock, worldwide, so that you can relax and enjoy your writing.

How do I choose my writing coach?

You can browse our writing coaches and find the author you would most like to work with, then book your coaching session from your Library.

You may wish to book with an author experienced in the genre you are writing.

Another great way to consider who you want to write with is to take a peek inside the first pages of their published books on Amazon and see whose writing style appeals to you most strongly.

The wonderful thing about The Novelry is that you can work with the writing coach of your choice but also book sessions with any other writing coach whenever you wish. So if things change for your story, say you swap genre, or need more help on specialist technical matters from another coach, we’ve got you covered.

Do you offer a money-back guarantee?

Yes, we are all for Happy Writing. You can review our terms and conditions here. If, for any reason at all, the course is not for you, you can get a full no-questions-asked refund within the first seven days after purchase. Just email us and let us know.

English as a second language? Hearing or vision difficulties?

Our courses are suitable for people with visual or auditory impairment, dyslexia, and for those with English as a second language. We offer an app which translates the course into 99 languages and a speak-aloud option too.

‘Thanks to the expert guidance of The Novelry, my manuscript has received interest from a number of agents and was longlisted for an award this year.’

Talitha McQueen
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