The Big Idea
From idea to outline. For a story readers will love.
For a story worth writing
From the idea only you can write to a story readers can’t put down.
Most writers don’t struggle with writing.
They struggle with knowing what to write.
Coming up with the idea for a book can be a head-scratching challenge. How do you know whether it has legs? Whether the stakes are high enough? Whether it holds up to the brutal test of “Would anyone actually read this?”
The Big Idea answers that.
It walks you, step by step, through the storytelling power moves behind the books you love—from The Great Gatsby to The Godfather, from The White Tiger to The Secret History, from Normal People to Life of Pi. You’ll see exactly how famous authors found their ideas, shaped them, tested them, and built them into stories that moved readers everywhere. Then you’ll apply those same techniques to your own idea.
By the end, you’ll have a polished outline with a plot that actually moves.
You’ll find your voice.
You’ll test your ideas.
You’ll put people on the page, not just characters.
You’ll build a story that excites you.
And you’ll leave with the book you were meant to write—a story readers will love.
Build a bestseller
In this course, you’ll uncover the storytelling secrets behind the world’s most beloved and bestselling novels. Drawing on the craft of Donna Tartt, Meg Mason, Aravind Adiga, Brian Moore, F. Scott Fitzgerald, J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, J.M. Barrie, Yann Martel, Patricia Highsmith, Mario Puzo, Colm Tóibín, Stephen King, Ernest Hemingway, Sally Rooney, and more, you’ll see how the masters of fiction build unforgettable characters, structure gripping narrative arcs, and strike the balance between emotional depth and page-turning drive. 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 secure your place at the sweet spot where acclaim meets bestseller status.
Your standout story
Why The Big Idea course is the perfect fit for you
Which are yours?
Find your voice, find the story
With The Big Idea, you’ll discover what your novel is truly about and how to build it with purpose. You’ll learn how strong stories work, why bestsellers grip readers, and how to use those principles in your own outline. You’ll refine your authentic voice, sharpen your instincts, and gain the confidence that comes from knowing your story stands on solid ground.
Most importantly, you’ll unlock the excitement of creating a book that feels fully yours from the very first spark.
Say hello to a new chapter of your writing life
When you sign up for The Big Idea, you get far more than a foundation course. 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, outs, ups, and downs of the novelist’s journey.
Write with passion, and readers will feel it on the page
Writing for pleasure is a fine thing. Writing a story that captivates readers needs a little planning. Here’s a secret: bestsellers don’t happen by accident. The story is well considered from the start. In fact, it all begins with a powerful pitch.
In The Big Idea, you’ll learn what makes a story irresistible from the very beginning. You’ll uncover the principles behind the books people can’t put down, and you’ll use them to shape an idea with real momentum and clarity—before you start writing your chapters.
You’ll discover what keeps readers turning pages, what gives a story emotional pull, and how to build those elements into your outline from day one.
This saves you time, strengthens your confidence, and helps you begin your novel with passion and purpose.
You don’t just want to write without ever getting published. You want to write a bestseller.
Not all writing classes are created equal
A great course will go beyond standard textbook guidance. It’ll help you make strong progress, quickly. A great writing course will:
- Teach the storytelling principles and practical tools you won’t have encountered yet.
- Be taught by bestselling authors and world-class editors who know how books succeed.
- Give you a step-by-step path from idea to outline that actually holds together.
- Welcome you to a global and supportive writing community.
- Help you understand what makes stories work across the fiction genres.
- Put you on a firm footing for drafting with confidence and a lifetime of writing to publishing standards.
- Be taught by bestselling authors and world-class editors who know how books succeed.
With a great writing course, you get the answers you need, the structure you’ve been missing, and the support that helps you stay the course.
On your terms. At your pace.
You’re not looking for any old course. You want actionable tasks to build a book.
.avif)
.avif)
.avif)
.avif)
.avif)
.avif)
.avif)
‘The Novelry—from the twinkling of an idea through to a publishing-ready novel.’
‘Recommended by leading literary agencies.’
‘All aboard a different kind of writing school.’
‘A remarkable world-wide writing school (...) with classes run by tutors including brilliant authors and former editors from Penguin Random House.’
From the first spark of an idea to the joy of seeing your story take shape, the road to publishing begins with smart planning. Whatever your writing goals look like for you, The Big Idea will give you the creative advantage to set your novel on the strongest path. It’s the springboard to a page-turner.
Imagine having an award-winning, bestselling author vet your storyline before you start writing.
Your class includes a coaching session with a published, bestselling, or award-winning author of your choice. All 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.
Discover the secrets of storytelling from the all-time bestsellers and modern classics
Generate story ideas and test them through the tasks of the course
Follow and complete the steps to build your outline step by step
Deliver a fully fleshed-out plan for your plot
Schedule a session with an author coach to develop the best version of your storyline
The Big Idea Course
Bring the big moves of storytelling to your storyline for a fiction novel readers will love.
The Secrets of Storytelling
Outlining Your Story
“Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it.”
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.
.avif)
.avif)
.avif)
.avif)
.avif)
.avif)
.avif)
.avif)
.avif)
.avif)
.avif)
.avif)
.avif)
.avif)
.avif)
.avif)
.avif)
‘I’m diving into my next novel feeling more prepared than ever before’
‘The Novelry 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.’
Journalist and author of Five Steps to Happy.
‘Targeted the exact issues I needed to work on’
‘I thought I’d try something new, and from taking the class, I got a plot! I got an outline! And I feel ready to write my novel. This class targeted the exact issues I needed to work on. I feel ready to complete this novel!’
Beth Little
‘I’m constantly amazed by how much The Novelry has to offer’
‘The class provided me a lot of lightbulb moments that I gobbled up like candy. I’ve learned a ton from the workshops and live sessions. I’m constantly amazed by how much The Novelry has to offer!’
.avif)
Rebecca Dodson
‘From the very first lesson I felt at home’
‘When I wrote my first novel, I just started from the beginning and “winged” it, but I needed a map drawn by professionals. Each lesson has a sense of friendship and positivity. From the very first lesson I felt at home.’
John Hearon
‘I now have the tools to create a well-crafted novel’
‘Had I not been referred to The Novelry and gone through the course and many other resources, there’s no way I’d know how to approach the massive revision of my manuscript. I now have the tools to create a well-crafted novel.’
Nicole Ardiel
‘I have gained so much information and confidence’
‘I have gained so much information and confidence. The class has gifted me with an invaluable understanding about how to plot, structure and pace my novel. Thanks to The Novelry, I am confident that my novel will be a cracking success!’
.avif)
Diana Dunetz
‘I have my writing mojo back!’
‘The class exceeded all my expectations. I always looked forward to the next lesson and was quite sad when it came to an end. It’s truly the most helpful thing I have done for my writing. I have my writing mojo back!’
Ana Rita Gilmore
‘So many “aha” moments’
‘At the suggestion of a writing colleague, I signed up at The Novelry. It gave me clarity and there were so many “aha” moments as I learnt tips, tricks and tools (not rules!). I loved every moment.’
Rae Blair
‘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
‘Made my writing journey less arduous’
‘I have a completed novel I am editing, and as a result of taking this class, I was able to make the story tighter. The Novelry made my writing journey less arduous and gave me insight that will hopefully translate into successful publishing.’
.avif)
Allie Wetzel
‘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
‘Given me confidence and then some!’
‘I’ve never written a novel before and was worried I wouldn’t be able to, but I enjoyed this course so much and am motivated to write. It has given me confidence and then some! I’m so grateful I found this course.’
.avif)
Corinne Beirne
‘Given me a thorough insight into what makes a good book’
‘This course has given me a thorough insight into what makes a good book. I feel a lot more confident and I feel like I’ve got the tools to write with purpose.’
Lou Abercrombie
‘The Novelry is a magical place for writers’
‘The Novelry is a magical place for writers to gain confidence, feel supported and learn about all aspects of writing and craft. From their excellent courses, supportive workshops, caring mentors and wonderful editors, it’s the best place to be!’
Fraer Stevenson
‘Perfectly paced and seemed to anticipate my every need’
‘Perfectly paced and seemed to anticipate my every need, even down to understanding where I felt confused and in over my head. I feel fully prepared and excited to start my adventure. Thank you, The Novelry, I would not be here without you.’
Jane Birch
‘I love the workshops and being part of the community’
‘Such a positive experience. I love the workshops and being part of the community. I’ve written a solid synopsis and feel more confident about getting my first novel published. Being a member of The Novelry looks good in a query letter!’
Dawn Camp
‘I’m feeling newly energized to start re-drafting this book’
‘I joined The Novelry because I was starting to spiral and knew I could use some help. Thanks to the class, I’ve honed my theme and pinpointed issues I hadn’t noticed before. I’m feeling newly energized to start re-drafting this book.’
Evan Anderson
‘I’m genuinely excited!’
‘The lessons are fantastic and easy to digest. By the time I completed them, I had a clear plot for a story. Thanks to this course, I’m genuinely excited to start writing!’
.avif)
Kate Kiefer
‘Thank you for creating this, a place where anyone and everyone feels at home’
‘I learned how fun it is to be curious and see what happens on the page. This has been huge. Thank you for creating this, a place where anyone and everyone feels at home and in safe hands.’
Ashley Redwood
‘Given me knowledge and confidence’
‘Practical and understandable in a way that I haven’t found in other writing books and courses. The class has given me knowledge and confidence in how to build a strong foundation while keeping flexible enough to grow and change with my novel.’
Katy Bowman
‘Now I have all the tools I need’
‘The Novelry really helped me organize my story. Before, writing an entire novel sounded too overwhelming, but now I have all the tools I need to make my story the best it can be. I can’t wait to write it!’
Miranda Cameron
Why The Big Idea Course?
Progress at your own pace
55 lessons. One year to do them all.
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.
Access to one-on-one coaching from bestselling authors
The brightest lights are at The Novelry.
60+ workshops a month
In addition to your course.
Story First Method™
Understand whether your story has commercial value and is fit to excite publishers and agents.
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.
A clear path to publishing
Yours if you want it. Fine if you don’t. We will help you reach pro standards.
Created by a Booker Prize-listed author
We don’t just talk the talk.
Ready for your most ambitious fiction adventure yet?
The Big Idea
- Membership (1 Year)
- The Big Idea Course
- A Coaching Session
- A Year’s Access
From creating your story then writing a polished draft, to publishing your bestselling book. Our 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.
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.
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. (Your coaching sessions will appear at just the right time and place as you take the course.)
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.
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.’