

The Novel Development Course
Complete and edit your novel with expert guidance


Write and polish your story until it shines
Suitable for writers with an existing story idea or a novel you’re ready to reboot to get published, the Novel Development Course will help you write a fearless draft then edit your novel to publishing standards with professional help from our writing coaches and publishing editors.
“If you’re ready to radically overhaul your storytelling structure and take a brave new approach to writing a draft with expert advice and motivation, the Novel Development Course can take you all the way to the last draft”
The writer’s journey


Fast-track your writing
You’ll be given all the skills and tools you need to turn your idea into a brilliantly fearless first draft. Here’s where motivation meets method, and style meets substance.
Write your story with confidence
Discover if your story has commercial appeal before you begin writing
Page turners don’t happen by accident. They’re created, carved and chiseled thanks to unique knowledge of the market and exclusive insight into commercial viability.
Our Story First Method ™ ensures the tale you want to tell is likely to excite publishers, agents and readers before you begin. Saving you a whole lot of time and trouble, and allowing you to hit the page writingwith confidence.
Our method is a smarter way of working, and stacks the odds of publishing success in your favor.
One-on-one coaching from bestselling authors
Their books have hit the New York Times and Sunday Times bestseller lists, been adapted for screen, and optioned for major motion pictures. Every one, a master in their genre. Each trained in our Positive Coaching Method ™.
Plus, you’re not tied to just one author coach—you can switch and swap to receive the most relevant advice as your story develops.
Imagine having a prize-winning, bestselling author on your team. What difference would that make to your writing?
Editors from the world's major publishers
Including the Big Five—Penguin Random House, Hachette, HarperCollins, Simon & Schuster, and Macmillan and more.
Our editors work together to harness their expertise, and all have established relationships with literary agents.
We’re an editorial team with direct submission to literary agencies.
A thriving and friendly community of writers
When you join The Novelry on a course, your plan includes membership and access to all our online writing workshops and events. With bestselling authors and a writing community that’s open day and night, come on in—you’ve found your tribe!
You’ll find live writing workshops for fantasy fiction, science fiction, crime and suspense fiction, historical fiction, romance, literary fiction, young adult, children’s fiction, memoir and more. Our workshops are offered live online worldwide, available across all time zones and recorded for you to catch up on if you should miss one.
We pride ourselves on a safe and supportive space where serious writing is fun. You’ll make friends and grow as a writer.
Explore the writing process in a safe space to deepen your craft and learn from bestselling authors.
Discover if your story has commercial appeal before you begin writing
Page turners don’t happen by accident. They’re created, carved and chiseled thanks to unique knowledge of the market and exclusive insight into commercial viability.
Our Story First Method ™ ensures the tale you want to tell is likely to excite publishers, agents and readers before you begin. Saving you a whole lot of time and trouble, and allowing you to hit the page writingwith confidence.
Our method is a smarter way of working, and stacks the odds of publishing success in your favor.
One-on-one coaching from bestselling authors
Their books have hit the New York Times and Sunday Times bestseller lists, been adapted for screen, and optioned for major motion pictures. Every one, a master in their genre. Each trained in our Positive Coaching Method ™.
Plus, you’re not tied to just one author coach—you can switch and swap to receive the most relevant advice as your story develops.
Imagine having a prize-winning, bestselling author on your team. What difference would that make to your writing?
Editors from the world's major publishers
Including the Big Five—Penguin Random House, Hachette, HarperCollins, Simon & Schuster, and Macmillan and more.
Our editors work together to harness their expertise, and all have established relationships with literary agents.
We’re an editorial team with direct submission to literary agencies.
A thriving and friendly community of writers
When you join The Novelry on a course, your plan includes membership and access to all our online writing workshops and events. With bestselling authors and a writing community that’s open day and night, come on in—you’ve found your tribe!
You’ll find live writing workshops for fantasy fiction, science fiction, crime and suspense fiction, historical fiction, romance, literary fiction, young adult, children’s fiction, memoir and more. Our workshops are offered live online worldwide, available across all time zones and recorded for you to catch up on if you should miss one.
We pride ourselves on a safe and supportive space where serious writing is fun. You’ll make friends and grow as a writer.
Explore the writing process in a safe space to deepen your craft and learn from bestselling authors.

‘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.’

‘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.’
The Novel Development Course
Progress at your own pace
Course and community access for an entire year.
Easily put on hold if you need to
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.
40+ workshops a month
In addition to your class.
Genre expertise
What’s your style?
Video masterclasses
From the likes of Kristin Hannah and Yann Martel.
A supportive writing community
Find your people.
Created by a Booker Prize-listed author
We don’t just talk the talk.
More 5-star reviews
Than any other writing courses.
Better value than a university course
With a practical career outcome.
Flexible pricing
Pay upfront or monthly.
But I don’t have the time!
One hour per day. That’s all the commitment we ask of you. Just one hour a day to make your writing dreams a reality.
But I have very little writing experience!
You’ve come to the right place, because we grow writers. Whether you’re just starting your journey, or are a little way along and need a guiding hand, this class is for you.
I don’t want to waste time and money if my story isn’t going to make it!
With our Story First Method®, our author and publishing experts let you know if your story has commercial appeal before you begin writing.
At the heart of The Novelry is a warm, welcoming writing community. We offer a collaborative environment, not a competitive one.
The Novel Development
The structured 2-stage pathway to write and edit a novel
The Ninety Day Novel Class
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 towards a satisfying ending.
The Inspiration and Preparation Phase
Discover the big hack that will change your creative life. Learn the one characteristic great writers need, and the essential ingredient that makes a page turner. Boost your creativity, and receive guidance on creating the time and mental space to write around your day job.
Lesson 1: Welcome
Lesson 2: Read and be inspired
Lesson 3: Bedtime stories
Lesson 4: Habits
Lesson 5: The big hack
Lesson 6: Privacy
Lesson 7: Empathy
Lesson 8: Moods
Lesson 9: Bless you, writers
Lesson 10: What a story!
The Construction Phase
Take it steady with step-by-step guidance to prepare a one-page plan that packs a big plot. Say goodbye to writer’s block. A good story (almost) writes itself, so you and your writing coach will put an exciting storyline in place to get off to a cracking start.
Lessons 1–2: Welcome to your novel
Lesson 3: The hero book
Lesson 4: The golden hour
Lesson 5: Genre
Lesson 6: Setting
Lesson 7: The magic trick
Lesson 8: The main character
Lesson 9: The plot
Lesson 10: Story structure
Lesson 11: The hook
Lessons 12–16: Character development, the plan, let’s write (Writer coaching begins)
Lesson 17: Point of view
Lesson 18: Voice
Lesson 19: Chapter one
Lesson 20: Character mapping
Lesson 21: Relationships
Lesson 22: Emotional strategies
Lesson 23: The theme
Lessons 24–27: The names and the sacrifice
Lesson 28: The big picture
Lesson 29: Happy writing
Lesson 30: Taking stock
The Swim Phase
Find your ‘voice’ and discover what makes your writing special. Learn how to pace a story and the expert skills and insider techniques to quickly improve your writing style. Build your confidence as your word count passes the 10,000-word mark.
Lesson 1: In the swim
Lesson 2: Moral rage
Lesson 3: Compulsion
Lesson 4: Conflict
Lesson 5: From magic to mastery
Lesson 6: How to write a cult classic
Lesson 7: A real dream
Lesson 8: Assumed familiarity
Lesson 9: The romantic imagination
Lesson 10: The use of repetition
Lesson 11: Redemption
Lesson 12: Keep it simple
Lesson 13: Overwriting
Lesson 14: Becoming an author
Lesson 15: The midpoint
The Heat Phase
Here’s where you fall in love with your story. Banish bad habits and keep your eye on what the reader wants to stay on track with your plot. Discover some game-changing writing power tools, and raise the stakes in your story.
Lesson 1: Music
Lesson 2: From what if, to why?
Lesson 3: The B story
Lesson 4: The lie
Lesson 5: I’m a creep
Lesson 6: Suspense
Lesson 7: Crackling conversation
Lesson 8: Make it harder
Lesson 9: That’s peculiar!
Lesson 10: The leitmotif
Lesson 11: The absurd
Lesson 12: The full stop or period
Lesson 13: Backstory
Lesson 14: Transitions
Lesson 15: The prize
The Enlightenment Phase
Using the inside secrets of a Nobel Laureate, you’ll apply new master strokes to fulfil the promise of your story. Discover the deft and economical touches that give the reader those ‘a-ha’ moments, and see the proof on the page that you’re mastering the skills of the craft.
Lesson 1: Misery
Lesson 2: Difficult questions
Lesson 3: Self destruction
Lesson 4: The title
Lesson 5: The wound
Lesson 6: The bridge
Lesson 7: Back and forth process
Lesson 8: Present tension
Lesson 9: Poet and programmer
Lesson 10: The chaptered outline
Lesson 11: Let them live
Lesson 12: The point of tragedy
Lesson 13: What is good?
Lesson 14: The big question
Lesson 15: The story so far
The Home Phase
Combine the key elements of storytelling and see theme, character, dramatic irony, narrative arc, and sub-plots working in harmony for a satisfying ending. Get advice on taking this draft to publishing standards. And then celebrate! You’ll have a manuscript in your hands and a story readers will love.
Lesson 1: Welcome home
Lessons 2–3: Let’s build a house of magic
Lesson 4: The rooms
Lesson 5: Interior style
Lesson 6: Ornaments
Lesson 7: The attic
Lesson 8: Housekeeping
Lesson 9: And so to bed
Lesson 10: Home alone
Lesson 11: First aid kit
Lesson 12: Leaving home
Lesson 13: The second draft
Lesson 14: Success
Lesson 15: Congratulations!
Your course certificate
The Big Edit Class
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
Prepare for the publishing process by learning how to format your document the way a professional editor at a publishing company or a literary agent would wish to receive it.
Lesson 1: Welcome
Lesson 2: Becoming your reader
Lesson 3: Order! Order!
Lesson 4: The smart manuscript
Lesson 5: Setting up the folder
Lesson 6: Your check up
The Developmental Edit
You’ll develop your elevator pitch, story theme, structure, narrative arc, character development, midpoint, and more to work toward a chapter outline and a (pain-free) synopsis. Then it’s time for your first review session with a professional editor.
Lessons 1–2: The title and genre
Lessons 3–4: The hook or pitch
Lessons 5–6: The five-part restructure
Lesson 7: The big picture
Lessons 8–10: Approaches to plotting
Lessons 11–13: The synopsis workshop + chapter outline
Lessons 14–16: Casting characters
Lesson 17: Getting to grips with the material
Lesson 18: Meet the editorial team
Lesson 19: Red light — let’s check the plan (EDITOR SESSION)
Line Edit
You’ll interrogate your plot and characters, rework chapters, drill down into sentence structure and word choice, and eliminate grammatical, spelling and punctuation errors line-by-line. You’ll learn how to apply our unique technique for advanced prose skills: Lucid Compression®.
Next, it’s time for feedback on your writing from beta readers in our online community.
Lesson 1: Interrogation method
Lesson 2: The prologue
Lesson 3: The first chapter
Lesson 4: Cardinal sins
Lesson 5: The first sentence
Lesson 6: Voice and perspective
Lesson 7: Structuring a scene
Lesson 8: Suspense
Lesson 9: Dialogue
Lesson 10: Cure for over-writing
Lesson 11: Lucid Compression®
Lessons 12–16: Sentences, words and last checks
Lesson 17: Yellow light — get feedback on your work (READER SESSION)
The Submission Process
Your second session with a professional book editor will involve reviewing your pitch letter, synopsis and first three chapters, and making a plan to enter the publishing process with world-class literary agency representation.
Lesson 1: Pitch perfect
Lesson 2: The story
Lesson 3: The market
Lesson 4: Agents
Lesson 5: Publicity and promotion
Lesson 6: Career advice
Lesson 7: The final stages
Lesson 8: Are you really ready? (SUBMISSION SESSION)
Lesson 9: Not there yet?
Lesson 10: Ready? Let’s go!
“The best writing is rewriting”
Write and edit your novel
The Novel Development Course
- Membership (1 Year)
- The Ninety Day Novel Class
- 6 Coaching Sessions
- The Big Edit Class
- 2 Editorial Sessions
- A Year’s Access + Extension Plans
“To write is human, to edit is divine”
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.
Your year is structured in two stages to 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 write your novel with The Ninety Day Novel. Next, you will be guided how to raise your book to publishing standards with The Big Edit.
This is a self-paced program, with over 150 lessons served on our beautiful online platform by video and text. 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. One hour? You deserve it.
We suggest you allow 3 months for The Ninety Day Novel, and the remainder of your year, 6 months or more, for The Big Edit. But 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 sessions at any time during your year on the course.
Your coaching begins after the first week of The Ninety Day Novel.
Before your first coaching session, we’ll guide you on how to create an outline for a 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). One of the perks of The Novelry is that because our systems and records allow us to stay on track with your story development, it makes hand-off between coaches seamless so that you can work with any writing coach you wish and benefit from advice from experts across the fiction and memoir genres.
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 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 advance 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.
A first draft should allow you to find the story, to be experimental and fearless. 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.
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. Don’t worry, we will guide you in your course on how to settle the matter of genre, whether it’s straight or cross-over (a combination) and we'll explain more about choosing your coach before you book that first session.
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.
This is a flexible writing course you can take at your own pace around your other commitments. We suggest you consider taking 3 months to write for an hour a day in the first phase The Ninety Day Novel. The remainder of the year will be spent raising your novel to publishing standard with The Big Edit process in which you’ll want to work in longer chunks of time, when convenient to you.
The time it takes to complete a book depends on the time you can set aside, but with an hour a day we know it’s possible to comfortably complete your book in a year.
However, we fully understand that sometimes life can get in the way – so if you need more time, you can extend your course and roll over your coaching calls with our affordable extension plans or remain as a member from just $29.99 or £24.99 a month.
Once you join us for the course, you can purchase Paid Feedback Sessions for £350 or $425 for a 5000-word section of your manuscript.
You may choose to book a Paid Feedback Session to get a ‘voice-check’ on your writing at any stage of your year with us or to ask for help with any specific questions on the writing from either your writing coach or an editor.
The feedback sessions offer detailed feedback on your writing in a report and a live Zoom session is recorded for you to keep.
If you need or would like more comprehensive feedback on your manuscript, we’d suggest you choose The Finished Novel Course which includes a full assessment of your entire manuscript.
We’ll be able to advise you if you can’t find an obvious fit by reading the profiles of our editorial team. Our Editorial Director reviews all bookings and we will be sure to suggest the very best editor for your storyline and genre.
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.
Landing the dream agent for a writing career
‘I am so grateful to everyone at The Novelry for their exceptional guidance throughout the writing process of my debut novel. From the moment I joined the Novel Development Course, I felt fortunate to have their brilliant, enthusiastic, and inspiring coaches and editors by my side. Their insightful feedback allowed me to grow as a writer and their unwavering support and encouragement made this entire process a true joy.’