The Finished Novel Course
Everything you need to write, revise and finish your novel, with expert guidance and professional editorial feedback.
The complete writer-to-author journey
The Finished Novel Course is your complete journey from first idea to a manuscript that’s ready for literary agent submission. Start strong to come up with the big idea for your story, mastering timeless story structure to produce your outline. Next, move on to writing your novel, building daily momentum with expert guidance and personal coaching from your mentor, a bestselling author. Then, revise and polish your first draft like a pro, using our tools to raise your writing to publishing standards. Finally, get a full manuscript read with The Ultimate Manuscript Assessment, receiving detailed, publishing-standard feedback from Big Five professional editors to prepare your novel for submission to literary agents to move forward to the publishing deal. It’s everything serious writers need to begin boldly, polish professionally, pitch with confidence, and achieve their ambition to go from writer to author.
Beginners warmly welcomed
Ready to invest in yourself? Start your writing journey today
But I don’t have the time!
One hour per day of the year-long program. That’s all the commitment we ask of you. Just one hour a day to make your writing dreams a reality.
But I don’t have a story!
Then you’re in the right place. Step one of the course is designed precisely to kindle your ideas, find your voice, and craft a bold story.
But I’m not sure I have any talent!
Not all writers suffer from imposter syndrome. Only the good ones! The art of storytelling can be learned. And our team are the best in the business at teaching it.
The Finished Novel Course
The full proven pathway from first idea to a finished, publishing-ready novel
The Big Idea
Come up with a fantastic idea for a page-turner. Plan a storyline that excites you and learn how to bring to life complex main characters. Outline and develop the world of your tale to capture the reader’s imagination page after page.
The Big Idea — The Secrets of Storytelling
Outlining Your Story
The Big Write
Prepare and develop your initial idea, construct your novel from the ground up, develop a productive writing practice, power through the middle with bold plotting, and raise the stakes toward a satisfying ending.
The Inspiration and Preparation Phase
The Construction Phase
The Swim Phase
The Heat Phase
The Enlightenment Phase
The Home Phase
The Big Edit
Revise and polish your manuscript to the highest publishing standards, with in-depth feedback from your professional book editor, and management of the literary submission process.
Turning Pro
The Developmental Edit
Line Edit
The Submission Process
The Ultimate Manuscript Assessment
Enhance your manuscript’s quality and marketability with marked-up revisions from bestselling publishing editors. And a clear plan for submission to literary agents.
The Pitch
Structural Development
A Marked-Up Manuscript
Meeting with Your Editor
Next Steps
Recommendation to Leading Literary Agents
Almost all writers seeking traditional publication need a literary agent. The major publishing houses account for almost 80 percent of book sales worldwide and acquire books almost exclusively through agents. An agent’s standing shapes which editors open your submission first: editors prioritize their inbox according to how highly they regard a particular literary agency. You want to sign with the right agent.
Our editorial team members are in conversation with leading literary agents weekly. They have strong relationships built over years working alongside agents as Big Five acquiring editors — they know what makes an exceptionally good submission, because they were on the other side of the desk receiving them. If your manuscript is a match, you’ll be invited to enter our submissions process. There is no cost for this service and we neither ask for nor accept commission. It is by invitation only. Literary agencies trust submissions from The Novelry because they’ve come to expect publishing-ready manuscripts from our graduates.
“If there’s a book that you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.”
These are the coaches who will guide you
Their books have hit the New York Times and Sunday Times bestseller lists and been optioned for major motion pictures.
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The professional book editor for your book
Meet the professionals from the Big Five major publishing houses—including Penguin Random House, Hachette, HarperCollins, Simon & Schuster, and Macmillan.
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Submission to the top global literary agencies
If your manuscript is a match for one of our trusted literary agents, you will be invited to enter our submissions process. There is no cost for this service and we neither ask for nor accept commission. It is by invitation only.
We’re the writing course most recommended by leading literary agencies.
A six-figure two-book deal
U.S. rights were sold to Grand Central in a significant six-figure two-book pre-empt. Atlantic imprint Corvus acquired U.K. and Commonwealth rights to One Moment, the “heart-wrenching and uplifting” debut novel by Becky Hunter as part of a two-book deal.
“I found The Novelry at a time when I was ready to give up. I was feeling very low on confidence and knew I’d be my own worst enemy if left to my own devices. The sessions with Emylia, my writing coach, were a real highlight—she always made me feel like she genuinely cared about my novel, and I was constantly amazed at the way she engaged with the story and the creative suggestions she brought forward. The sessions kept me on track and helped me work through plot kinks along the way and I felt like I had a real champion through the whole process.”
The complete journey
The Finished Novel Course
- Membership (1 Year)
- The Big Idea, The Big Write, The Big Edit
- The Ultimate Manuscript Assessment
- 200+ Lessons
- 6 Coaching Sessions
- 2 Editorial Sessions
- A Year's Access
The Finished Novel Course
Progress at your own pace
Course and community access for an entire year.
Stay a little longer
Life. It happens to the best of us.
Money-back policy
Our Happy Writing guarantee.
Write with the best in the business
Award-winning authors. Publishing editors. Leading literary agents.
60+ workshops a month
In addition to your course.
Genre expertise
What’s your style?
Video masterclasses
From the likes of Kristin Hannah and Yann Martel.
A supportive writing community
Find your people.
More 5-star reviews
Than any other writing course. The Novelry is the world’s top-rated fiction writing school.
Better value than a university course
With a practical career outcome.
Smart pricing
Pay up front or monthly.
Created by a Booker Prize-listed author
We don’t just talk the talk.
‘The Novelry kept me moving forward step-by-step’
‘Writing a novel is like driving cross-country without a map or even a clear destination. Now, imagine an alert navigator in the passenger seat, mapping out the shortest route, avoiding traffic jams, and keeping you from losing heart and catching the first bus for home. That’s how The Novelry has helped me on this strange and wonderful journey.’
Chris Goldschmidt
‘I feel like less of an imposter’
‘I have always felt confident that my novel premise is one that I myself would find interesting to read, but The Big Idea helped me refine the story into a much better journey for my main character. I was missing key beats, like the midpoint change and the want vs. need dynamic. I also realized I had subconsciously drawn on my own wounds and experiences to build this story, and going through the lessons helped me recognize that and refine it to be more impactful. I now have a theme I can actually articulate, where I was struggling to before.’
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Rachel Hetherington
‘Life-changing and therapeutic’
‘I signed up for this course as a precursor to the 90 Day Novel. While taking these courses, I could feel my idea begin to develop and take shape. When I signed up, I felt inspired to write but had no idea where to start and had little faith in myself. This course changed my mindset and made me feel excited to start the next phase of writing.’
Meghan Andersson
‘Great ideas are everywhere’
‘Before the course, I’d written 150k words of a novel, but I wasn’t sure where to take it or whether I was onto a good story idea. Confidence, for me, is a huge barrier to putting my creative work out in the world, and the message that writing novels isn’t “magical” but formulaic really helps.’
Bridget Ogilvie
‘Thoroughly worthwhile and highly inspiring’
‘I think the analysis of how a story is composed and how to slot in the characters was really useful. A really helpful, strategic way to embark on my debut novel.’
Fiona Hender
‘The Novelry has taken a lot of anxiety away’
‘I was worried that writing a novel would not feel manageable but The Novelry has taken a lot of that anxiety away. Finding The Novelry and doing this course has helped me find my confidence as a writer. I can’t wait to continue.’
Hannah Bissonnette
‘It has recentered writing in my life’
‘Coming to this course as one of the shortlisted writers from The Next Big Story has been an incredible experience. It has recentered writing in my life and shown me that this is more than just a dream, that I can hopefully be lucky enough to share my story one day with readers.’
Hannah Feather
‘Each lesson was magic’
‘The lessons, coaching calls, and so much support changed everything. The course empowered me and reignited my love for reading and writing. Each lesson was magic. I finished my draft and would NEVER have done it without The Novelry. I’m very proud to be here. Thank you.’
Ana Gilmore
‘I finally conquered that mountain of self-doubt’
‘I was fighting perfectionism, imposter syndrome, and overthinking – but I finally finished a first draft! I would not have been able to finish without the lessons, community, coaches, and support at The Novelry. I finally conquered that mountain of self-doubt to take a story spark and run with it!’
Alexa Clauson
‘Priceless’
‘I wrote the first draft of my novel! I don’t think I would have been able to without Louise and her team. The coaches helped me keep moving forward when I would have given up. The Novelry is the place to be. What you learn is priceless.’
Erica Lester
‘You can find your answer here at The Novelry’
‘My first draft is done! Whatever is stopping you from writing that book you dream of, you can find your answer here at The Novelry. You can do it. Believe!’
Timothy Reilly
‘The first exciting stepping stone in the right direction’
‘The Novelry is the first exciting stepping stone in the right direction. I love being in a community of other writers and having support from experts and coaches. This might be just the beginning, but it’s a super positive start.’
Fiona Martin
‘I’m so glad I took the plunge’
‘I have come away from this course with a renewed sense of optimism. It has given me clear guidance, constructive materials and a really clear idea on what to work on next. I’m so glad I took the plunge.’
Jacob Collins
‘What you do here is next level’
‘I always loved literature at school and uni. But what you do here is next level. A fantastic course. I wish I could have done it in a classroom seeing all of you in person. That would be a dream.’
Mila Zambrano
‘My life will never be the same!’
‘Taking the course gave me a first draft! My life will never be the same! I couldn’t have done it without The Novelry and this is undeniable because I’ve tried before twice. I can’t express enough how grateful I am.’
Valerie Mathews
‘Now I can say with conviction: I am a writer’
‘Incredible. I cannot thank you enough for helping me fulfil a lifetime dream: writing a book! I don’t think I would have done it The Novelry. The coaching sessions were invaluable, every lesson beautifully timed. Now I can say with conviction: I am a writer.’
Carly Morris
‘After nearly giving up the dream, I feel like I can absolutely be a novelist’
‘The class did a terrific job of unsticking my writing progress. After nearly giving up the dream, I feel like I can absolutely be a novelist. I have hope for my writing career in a way I haven’t had since my undergraduate days.’
Joie Filippini-Gibbons
‘Thank you for this experience!’
‘The class has taught me that writing should come from the heart. I like that it’s distilled down to the fundamental elements of storytelling and I found the length of each lesson helpful. Thank you for this experience! Looking forward to the next class!’
Alex Robinson
‘A talented and welcoming community’
‘I was able to solve all my concerns with The Novelry. As a first-time author, it was wonderful to find a talented and welcoming community of experienced writers and editors to learn from. I loved working with them.’
Andrew Heymann
‘The Novelry provides writers the opportunity to fulfill a dream’
‘A complete and thorough package with so many incredible aspects. The Novelry provides writers the opportunity to fulfill a dream. And while they push you, they always let you know everything will be OK. I’ve learned so much about myself. It’s wonderful.’
Chris Thompson
‘Without a doubt, the single best thing I could’ve done for my writing career’
‘Without a doubt, the single best thing I could’ve done for my writing career. The coaching sessions were wonderful, the community is amazing. The Novelry always has the answer. I’m so grateful to them for guiding me in my publishing journey.’
Suzan Joy Meredith
‘I am knocked out time and again at the quality of the lessons’
‘I was a school teacher for 23 years, and I am knocked out time and again at the quality of the lessons. The Finished Novel Course has enriched my entire life. How do I sign up for a lifetime membership? 😊’
Sean Scapellato
‘An experience I’ll cherish forever’
‘My lifelong dream has been to write a book but I’ve never had the structure or organization to get me through the finish line. The Novelry made that possible. The coaching was invaluable; every session helped my forward momentum. An experience I’ll cherish forever.’
Jaime Maier
‘Joining The Novelry was the best decision I made for my writing career’
‘Joining The Novelry was the best decision I made for my writing career. It’s not just an amazing writing course; it’s a community of ambitious writers, authors, mentors, editors, and all-round lovely people. I am so glad I found my home here.’
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Talitha McQueen
‘I cannot recommend them highly enough’
‘I’ve been writing with The Novelry for the last year, and the difference is astounding! I’ve loved all I’ve learned and am extremely grateful for the help. An absolute dream team. I cannot recommend them highly enough.’
Dr. Mona Tewari
‘Less than 12 months later, the possibility of my novel being published is real’
‘This time last year, finishing a manuscript was a dream. Less than 12 months later, the possibility of my novel being published is real. There are so many resources and opportunities to learn. I definitely recommend it.’
Catherine West-McGrath
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.
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) is a graduate degree that usually takes two to three years to complete. Applications for Creative Writing MFAs require a sample portfolio for entry, and prices can range from $12,000 to $48,000. Like any graduate degree, these courses vary greatly in terms of quality and resources. But one thing’s for sure: publishers aren’t looking for qualifications. They just want top-quality submissions.
Students join The Novelry to write a book that will sell. More affordable than a Creative Writing MFA, our most comprehensive course (The Finished Novel Course) is just a fraction of the cost. Most importantly, graduates leave our program holding a full manuscript, having worked with global bestselling authors and professional editors to reach publishing standard.
The Finished Novel Course is our complete course program including a full read of your novel from professional publishing editors, carefully packaged to save you money. The price of all the items includes a discount of over $1,000 (or £1,000) 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 $59 or £49 after your year of access ends. It’s the smartest plan for writers who mean business.
Your year is structured in stages to create, write, and edit your book, allowing you the chance to work step-by-step through each phase and take any breaks you need between them. You will be guided through the course program step by step to raise your book to publishing standards with The Big Edit, before you submit your work for The Ultimate Manuscript Assessment and move on to the submission process (if invited).
This is a self-paced program, with over 150 lessons served on our beautiful online platform by video and text. You have immediate access to all lessons. Enjoy the lessons on any internet-connected device. Watch the video, read the text, and use the “speak aloud” feature to listen. You’ll need 30 minutes for each lesson and probably some thinking time to capture your thoughts and ideas as you start writing. This might be a good opportunity to start setting aside an hour a day just for you and your writing, and you’ll come to love this special time.
As the course is self-paced, you can take each phase at your own pace, according to your lifestyle, holidays, vacations, and commitments.
You can book your coaching or editorial sessions at any time during your year on the course.
Your coaching begins after the first week of the writing phase of your program, when you will write and refine your draft novel alongside a currently published author in your genre of fiction.
Before your first coaching session, we’ll guide you on how to create an outline for a commercially viable novel. You’ll be nudged in the course to use our interactive tool to submit that to us (on a regular basis as you develop your story). We’ll look at your planned storyline as a team, and if we think another writing coach would be best suited to your story, we’ll drop you a line, but you’ll be able to make the final decision (and can always swap coaches later if you wish).
Every writing coach reviews your storyline in advance of the session via the interactive tool we call “The Plan.”
Your first coaching session begins with your writing coach understanding your intentions and aspirations for your book and writing career. That’s your brief to us, and it allows us to give you the dedicated and personal guidance and support you need to achieve your ambition.
The coaching sessions are 45 minutes online, and you’ll find that’s plenty of time to get help with story development and troubleshoot any problems to stay on track with your writing. All sessions are recorded for you to keep. You may schedule your coaching sessions whenever you wish during your year with us and will be able to browse our diaries to select a time that works for you, in your time zone. Some like to stay on track with a coaching session every two weeks of their writing period, for example, and others like to pace themselves with one a month, or get more help up front or more guidance and advice later on. You can get the support you need when you need it.
During the writing of a first draft, our focus is on your storyline, and we work with you to creatively develop and expand the story together, reviewing development in every session and answering your questions for your story.
You can, additionally, book Paid Feedback Sessions which include a report and a live debrief. We suggest you leave getting feedback on your work until later in your program, after the first draft.
Unlike other writing courses, we advise you don’t share or “workshop” the novel at this stage where your confidence and the story are still vulnerable. Some courses have first-time writers on first drafts advising others in their position, and we think this is a bad idea and, at best, a waste of your very precious time.
At The Novelry, we’ll keep you and your story safe within a one-on-one relationship of trust and care with wise guidance from a published author who cares about your success and will believe in you and your story.
We’ll guide you on how to choose a coach within the first lessons, before you book your first coaching session. Once you’ve scoped your story and clarified the genre you’re working in, it’s usually very clear which coach will be the best fit — all of our coaches are successfully published authors working within specific genres.
At The Novelry, you choose your coach. We’re also happy to advise once we’ve seen your storyline and understand what kind of guidance will best serve your book.
You’re free to work with different coaches as your project develops — whether to gain specialist craft input, a fresh perspective, or expertise at a particular stage. Behind the scenes, our coaching and editorial teams work closely together, keeping careful records and sharing insight, so your story is always supported as a whole. Whoever you meet with, they’ll come briefed and prepared.
You’re never locked into a single pairing. This is a professional, collaborative process designed to give your book the very best expertise at every stage.
Yes! This is a flexible writing course you can take at your own pace around your other commitments. The time it takes to complete a novel depends on the time you can set aside, but with an hour a day, we know it’s possible to comfortably finish your novel in a year.
If you need more time, you can extend your course and roll over everything, including any unused coaching, editorial, or manuscript sessions.
The cost of another full year is $599 (USD) or £499 (GBP), or you can pay monthly (and cancel anytime) at $59 or £49 a month.
The Ultimate Manuscript Assessment will give you the ultimate feedback on your novel! Plus, you will get feedback on the first three chapters in The Big Edit, and feedback from the community too.
You can also purchase Paid Feedback Sessions for $450 or £350 for a 5,000-word section of your manuscript.
The feedback sessions offer a detailed report and a live editorial debrief recorded for you to keep.
We don’t believe in feedback or workshopping a first draft. It can kill it.
But we do believe in giving feedback on second draft and beyond, where you’re working with us toward publishing standards. Once you know what you’re keeping, it’s time to finesse—and only then. So, you’ll work with publishing editors formerly of the Big Five publishing houses at that stage. We follow a carefully managed process based on our combined industry experience of how great novels get made.
We will take great care of you and your novel, with every step at just the right time for your development.
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.