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The Big Edit Class

Edit your novel

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Time
1 year. 52 lessons
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Price
$
999
£
799
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Suitable for
Those who have taken The Ninety Day Novel
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Ideal for
Writers who want to be published

The final chapter of your writing journey

Polish to publishing-ready perfection.

Have you completed the first draft of your story? Congratulations! Now, it’s time to edit.

You’ll work one-on-one with professional editors (of bestselling and award-winning books) to review, revise and refine to the highest publishing standards.

What’s more, when your final manuscript is ready, we’ll be delighted to make a plan for submission to the most respected literary agencies worldwide.

Editing is what differentiates writing amateurs from published authors

If writing is the heart, editing is the head.

And with The Big Edit Class you’ll be taught all aspects of the process by masters of the craft—from interrogating the structure and shape of your story to developing your technical writing skills on a sentence-by-sentence level and learning how to create a pitch-perfect submission package.

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In good company

We’re the book editing service with direct submission to literary agencies. (And we partner with more than 25 of the best.)

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Just imagine…

Editors from Penguin Random House, Macmillan, HarperCollins and more fine-tuning your story.

(With The Big Edit, they will.)

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What if…

You could meet the literary agents who represent Meg Wollitzer, Madeleine Miller, Liane Moriarty, Celeste Ng, Michael Ondaatje, Richard Osman, Marilynne Robinson, Philip Pullman, Tess Gerritsen, Andrew Sean Greer and Tom Clancy?

(With The Big Edit, you can.)

We polish. You shine.

Our editorial team are in conversation with agencies on a weekly basis, so they’re able to tip off literary agents to exciting debut authors…like you!

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 Big Edit was fantastic - it unraveled my writing stress and helped me through the lows of endeavoring to be a writer. It made me realize a novel was possible. The reality of structure and putting a professional edge on my writing were the obstacles I faced beforehand. The comprehensive structure of The Big Edit answered questions I didn’t even know I had! It gave me confidence and belief in myself and I developed a community which I would not have done without the again confidence of the course.’

reviews of editing course julia

Julia Cruse

‘If you want to get serious, this is the place to do it. The Novelry gives you the tools and feedback you need to present yourself credibly to the industry.’

David Matlock

‘The Big Edit is chock-full of smart, actionable advice, and my editor took my submission package to the next level. She then handpicked the perfect agents and gave me the benefit of her industry wisdom throughout the entire submission process.’

Helena Echlin

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Achieve your writing dreams and enter the major publishing leagues with The Novelry.

Why the Big Edit Class?

Progress at your own pace

52 lessons. A year’s access to the class.

Your success, on your terms. Always.

This is a self-paced class; you drive the development of the edit. The tempo of the march is yours to decide. 

But when it comes to editing your novel, you’ll work in a different way to writing your first draft. 

We recommend setting aside chunks of time for the heavy-lifting and logical flow of the revisions. 

You may wish to explore one lesson (and its associated activities) per week—working in 2–3 hour time slots, when your schedule allows.

But if time is tight and life is getting in the way, never fear. You have access to The Big Edit for a year. So: 52 lessons in total, and 52 weeks in which 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 Big Edit Class. But don’t worry if you need to stop editing for a while.

You can easily extend your access beyond your year, or stay on as a member with access to the workshops and community for just $29.99 a month (or £24.99) of $299 (or £249) a year.

Money back policy

Our Happy Writing Guarantee.

We operate a people before profit policy

It’s how 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.

Access to Big Five Publishing Editors

Add further paid feedback sessions when you need them, as a member.

Invested in your success

Our team are not freelance or part-time. They are in-house and dedicated to the fortunes of our writers!

Our goal is to see you get published, and we will do all we can to get you there. So if you're not quite there yet, we will show you what’s needed and you can book as many further Paid feedback Sessions as you wish to work with your editor while you’re a member.

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.

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Story First Method ™

Discover if your story has commercial value before you begin editing.

Pageturners 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 to revise your draft. Saving you a whole lot of time and trouble, and allowing you to hit the page to rewrite with confidence.

Our method is a more efficient way of working, and stacks the odds of publishing success in your favor.

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.

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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 US and UK parties and networking events offer the perfect opportunity to mingle and celebrate your work. Cheers to that!

Learn more

Created by a Booker Prize-listed author

We don’t just talk the talk.

“Louise Dean is a significant voice in British 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 is hands on and full-hearted. She’ll regularly check in on your progress and is more than happy to share her (award-winning) wordsmithery secrets.

Meet Louise

More 5-star reviews

Than any other writing courses.

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 USA, the UK and worldwide.

Learn more

Edit happy!

We’re the writing school most recommended by leading literary agencies.

Work with editors from the world’s major publishers

Your class includes editorial sessions with former acquiring editors from major global publishing companies, including Walker Books, Titan, Oneworld and the Big Five—Penguin Random House, Hachette, HarperCollins, Simon & Schuster, and Macmillan.

They’ll oversee your revision process and help prepare your submission package for querying literary agents.  

2 one-on-one editorial sessions

An online beta-reader workshop

A feedback report on your submissions package

Direct literary agency recommendation when ready

Add as many additional feedback sessions from the editorial team as you wish at members’ rates.

A cautionary tale…

Worked with a single editor before?

Each publisher has a specific goal and many commissioning editors work in only one genre. So, when working with just one editor, be careful to ensure that they truly have experience in your niche.

Equally, a single editor might bring some of their own personal taste and judgement to the process. But a broader view can better set you up for success.

At The Novelry, we meet as a team every week to discuss our writers’ works in progress. So you’re guaranteed the unique advantage of combined editorial advice and expertise.

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The Novelry members having a meeting

The next step?

Fast-track your submission to top global literary agencies

When your novel is ready, our editorial team will work with you to hone your submission package, including your query letter, synopsis and opening chapters.

The Novelry will then act on your behalf to make personal introductions to acclaimed and influential literary agents—AAA and AAR members who represent award-winning and bestselling authors around the globe.

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Group of editors working
Rewriting success

Typically, over 60% of our submissions to literary agencies are successful within two weeks.

Renowned literary agency partners

Including WME, The Book Group, United Agents, and more.

The Big Edit Class

Edit your novel

Revise and polish your manuscript to the highest publishing standards with in-depth feedback from your professional book editor and management of the submission process.

Time: 1 year
Lessons: 52
2x professional editorial sessions
Module
1

Turning Pro

Raising the standard
6
lessons
Module
2

The Developmental Edit

Find the holes
19
lessons
Module
3

Line Edit

Become your own line editor
17
lessons
Module
4

The Submission Process

Enter the publishing world
10
lessons

“The secret of good writing is to cut it back, pare it down, winnow, chop, hack, prune, and trim, remove every superfluous word, compress, compress, compress.”

- Nick Hornby

Time to make your story sing

Let the buffing and shining begin!
Sign up for the class

The Big Edit Class

Edit your novel
$
999
£
799
  • Membership (1 Year)
  • The Big Edit Class
  • 2 Editorial Sessions
  • A Year’s Access
Or sign up for our class bundles (highly recommended if you are new to The Novelry)  
One-off
Monthly

The Novel Development Course

Take a novel in progress to publishing standard
$
199
/ mo
$
2250
£
169
/ mo
£
1849
  • Membership (1 Year)
  • The Ninety Day Novel Class
  • 6 Coaching Sessions
  • The Big Edit Class
  • 2 Editorial Sessions

The Finished Novel Course

The 3-step program + manuscript assessment
$
369
/ mo
$
4250
£
299
/ mo
£
3499
  • Welcome Call
  • Membership (1 Year)
  • The Classic Storytelling Class
  • The Ninety Day Novel Class
  • 6 Coaching Sessions
  • The Big Edit Class
  • 2 Editorial Sessions
  • The Ultimate Manuscript Assessment
  • Course Completion Certificate

Noteworthy advice

If you are new to The Novelry, we strongly recommend you start with The Novel Development Course in order to reach the standard required for The Big Edit.

The Novelry team having a meeting

From creating your story then writing a polished draft, to seeing your book on its way to publication. Our classes and courses support you across the whole journey.

Further along than you thought?

If you feel your story is already edited to a high standard, you may be eligible to sign up for our service… 

The Ultimate Manuscript Assessment  

Your draft will undergo a comprehensive appraisal with Big Five editors, and you’ll receive a fully marked-up manuscript, detailed assessment report and advised next steps for submission to literary agencies.

the ultimate manuscript dome
The Big Edit Banner

Now represented by Watson Little after submission by The Novelry

‘The best decision for my book. The course materials offered the tools to excavate the layers and plumb the depths of my story. The fabulous team at The Novelry were brilliant at cutting through to the heart of the problem, and their suggestions on the text helped me understand the nitty-gritty of creating on the page.’

- Shylashri Shankar

Success stories

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 52 lessons with videos and text giving you guidance to edit your book. Start the course before you touch that manuscript to learn how to approach your edit. You’ll be guided step-by-step within the course and served downloads and tools at just the right time for the revision of your manuscript. Besides your editorial sessions, you’ll enjoy the support of the online community, and be able to join us for live weekly writing classes and regular online workshops for those at every stage of their writing, in every genre.

You will have access to the course for a year, after which it’s easy to maintain access to your course on an annual basis with our extension plans.

What time frame should I allow for my editing process?

To edit a novel, we suggest you work in chunks of time, 2–3 hours a session when you can. Your editing sessions don’t need to be daily because we will ensure you have a brilliant working plan to pick up from where you left off and continue your progress. Take your time – writing is re-writing!

How do I get more feedback on my work?

Once you join us for the class, you can purchase a Paid Feedback Sessions for $425 or £350 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 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.

What is the submission package review?

A submission package is the material sent to a literary agent so that they can consider whether they are interested in pursuing representation of you as an author. Typically, they require the first 3 chapters (or occasionally the first 30 pages) and a pitch letter by email plus a one-page synopsis.

Your editor will not only review and give feedback on the material but they will help you prepare the submission package and when we agree it is ready, The Novelry will present your work to our trusted literary agencies in a carefully managed submissions process with your involvement every step of the way. (Exciting times!)

Once you join us for the course, you can purchase any further Paid Feedback Sessions.

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 7 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.