Success stories
Our writers go on to publishing contracts with major publishers.

Anna Brook-Mitchell, a graduate of The Novelry, has signed a two-book deal with Pan Macmillan for her debut novel, Motherfaker, a ‘hilarious and heartfelt’ debut about a child-free-by-choice teacher who decides to fake a pregnancy to get a year off work.

Publishing director Katie Loughnane snapped up Motherfaker in a 48-hour pre-empt, and rights have also sold in Germany and Hungary.

Anna was introduced to her agent Jemima Forrester at DHA through The Novelry’s bespoke submission service.

Anna says: “I joined The Novelry after I’d finished my first draft. I wanted to make sure that I was giving my novel the best chance possible and getting to work with an experienced editor was such a selling point for me. What I didn’t realize was how much of an anchor The Novelry would become while I edited my manuscript — joining a Zoom or re-watching a lesson when I needed some motivation, feeling part of the community of other writers, and getting much-needed pep talks from the amazing writing coaches. Best of all, though, was getting to work with incredible editor Josie, who believed in my book from the get-go and gave such thoughtful feedback on my submission package and then, later on, my full manuscript. Josie handled my querying process via the submission service brilliantly and was such a cheerleader for me and my book, meaning that when the offers started coming in, I really felt like we’d achieved it together.

“I’m so grateful to the entire team at The Novelry and I am thrilled that they introduced me to my fantastic literary agent Jemima at DHA — it still feels very surreal to get to say that!”

In a significant six-figure, two-book pre-empt, Grand Central (Hachette) has bought the U.S. rights, and Atlantic imprint Corvus has acquired U.K. and Commonwealth rights, to One Moment, the ‘heart-wrenching and uplifting’ debut novel by The Novelry graduate Becky Hunter.

Becky says: “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. Signing up to The Novelry’s course was just the thing I needed—it provided me with structure, support and encouragement. I was inspired to get writing and keep going, and the course made me think more deeply about plot and character, so that I had a finished manuscript that needed relatively little editorial change when I got to the end. The coaching 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.”

Brisa Carleton, a graduate of The Novelry, has signed a book deal with Grand Central Publishing, an imprint of Hachette.

Brisa’s novel Last Call at The Savoy is pitched for readers of Josie Silver and Fiona Davis and is set at the legendary London hotel. A story of sisterhood and second chances, it follows a young writer who helps uncover the history of the famed American Bar’s first (and forgotten) female bartender, Ada Coleman.

Brisa was introduced to her literary agent Rebecca Scherer at Jane Rotrosen Agency through The Novelry’s bespoke submission service.

Brisa says: “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 to the completion of the program, 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.”

Simon & Schuster has acquired and published The Fog by The Novelry graduate Brooke Hardwick.

In The Fog, Kate arrives on the wild, remote island of Rathlin in the freezing Irish Channel for a ten-day writers’ retreat. Plagued by memories she can’t unravel and desperate to understand the breakdown of her marriage, Kate is determined to leave the retreat with answers. As the retreat’s director uses techniques that tap into the eerie mythology of the island, Kate becomes increasingly fascinated by him and her surrounds. But as the temperature plummets and the strange therapy intensifies, her memories unspool. Triggered into a series of disturbing flashbacks, Kate realizes her past hides a frightening truth, but can she trust her own mind? Faced with dark secrets and duplicity, Kate must unlock the answers she’s so desperate to find—and survive the danger she has unwittingly walked into.

Brooke was introduced to her agent Euan Thorneycroft at A.M. Heath through The Novelry’s bespoke submission service.

Brooke says: “I googled “the best online writing course in the world” and found The Novelry. The coaching sessions brought me life! I inhaled the course material and embarked on a disciplined approach to writing. In 100 days, I’d written the first draft! From that point, The Novelry became my touchstone. I logged into their social platform daily, Zoomed with world-renowned authors, agents and editors, and developed invaluable support networks with other novelists. I wrote. I re-wrote.

“Signing up was the best decision of my writing career.”

Trapeze, an imprint of Hachette, will publish Fifty Minutes, the ‘powerful and engrossing’ debut novel by The Novelry graduate Carla Jenkins.

Carla was introduced to her agent Madeleine Milburn at Madeleine Milburn Literary Agency through The Novelry’s bespoke submission service.

Carla says: “From the initial idea for my novel to the point of getting agent representation, The Novelry were on hand with support and advice. The dream was always to get an agent and so to receive interest from several was mind-blowing—to have Madeleine Milburn within that list was more than I could have hoped for. I’m thrilled!”

Catherine Greer, a graduate of The Novelry, has signed a publication deal Allen & Unwin for her new novel, The Bittersweet Bakery Café. Every major publisher in Australia requested Catherine’s full manuscript, and she signed with Annette Barlow, the publisher of worldwide bestseller Kate Morton. Catherine took The Finished Novel Course at The Novelry.

Penguin Random House has published A Poisoner’s Tale by The Novelry graduate Cathryn Kemp, a dark and gripping feminist retelling of the spellbinding legend of the notorious Italian Poisoner, Giulia Tofana.

Commissioning editor Olamide Olatjuni-Bello at Transworld had this to say: “Cathryn is a brilliant writer and has done such an amazing job with giving Giulia back her voice, helping us understand the complexity of her world and motivations. I am delighted to be publishing A Poisoner’s Tale and can’t wait for readers to meet Giulia.”

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Emma Nanami Strenner’s debut novel, My Other Heart, is a Read With Jenna pick on the Today Show! Jenna B. Hager says: “This novel is full of motherhood and friendship and identity and loss—I fell in love with each character and was grasping for more with every chapter.”‍

Penguin Random House published My Other Heart by The Novelry graduate, Emma Nanami Strenner—a sweeping and heartfelt story about finding your roots across borders and beyond blood ties. Jenna Bush Hager says: “I love this book so much. It’s the story of mothers, daughters, friendship. It’s full of heart and full of twists. I could not put it down.”

Emma says: “I love The Novelry, I regularly dip in and out and find it a wonderful community.”

Ali Jacoby, a graduate of The Novelry, has signed with literary agent Sophie Cudd at The Book Group for her debut novel, Help Is On The Way—a romance where a world-famous pop star gets stuck in an elevator with a man who might just be the last person on earth not to recognize her.

Ali says: “I enrolled on The Finished Novel Course when I found myself with more time on my hands and on the threshold of a new life phase. From the moment I began the program, the floodgates opened and my words poured onto the page… Everywhere I turned, new writing ideas were popping up for me and I began a list of premises for future novels I can’t wait to write. Thank you to all The Novelry coaches I worked with along the way: Colleen Oakley, Libby Page, and editor Gillian Holmes. A special shout-out to editor Nic Caws, who provided me with the most thorough, thoughtful, and useful Manuscript Assessment. Nic’s feedback was invaluable, and her kind words and encouragement gave me the confidence to believe I could take my writing from a hobby to a career.

“The Novelry provided me with skills from as basic as establishing (and protecting) an effective writing routine, to more complex ones, like building a well-crafted story arc… I’m still pinching myself to have signed with dream agent, Sophie Cudd of The Book Group.”

Allie Gardner, a graduate of The Novelry, has signed with literary agent Danielle Marshall at Jane Rotrosen Agency for her upmarket historical mystery, The Widow Maker’s Daughter.

Set in the lush forest of the Pacific Northwest and inspired by true events in 1850s Portland, this is a coming-of-age historical murder mystery that follows a young woman, widowed by her father’s hand, as she seeks justice for the man she loves—only to discover the law is as corrupt as the criminal.

Allie was introduced to her agent through The Novelry’s bespoke submissions service.

Allie says: “I joined The Novelry with a rough draft and a dream. With inspiration from Louise’s lessons, energizing calls with author coaches, and feedback from the brilliant editorial team, I joyfully rewrote and revised my manuscript (many times!). I learned so much about myself and the craft while falling in love with the idea-sparking alchemy of the author/editor relationship. Josie, Elizabeth, Emily, Nic, and Tash all helped me lift the story so much higher. Josie’s Ultimate Manuscript Assessment was like a personalized masterclass, Elizabeth’s vision generated so much creative magic, and Tash was incredibly supportive and encouraging during the agent submission process, always keeping me updated and answering questions I had along the way.

“Writing a novel can be a daunting solo endeavor, but The Novelry offered me community and taught me to trust the process—that the ups and downs and the doubts and challenges I was experiencing are shared by authors everywhere. They told me my dream of being published was possible, and gave me the roadmap to achieve it. I’m so grateful to the entire team and beyond thrilled to be represented by an amazing agent now.”

Amanda Weisheit, a graduate of The Novelry, has signed a two-book deal with Harper Perennial for her debut novel, Love & Other Fire Hazards—an irresistible opposites-attract romance about a cautious actuary who reunites with her former high school antagonist—now a reckless firefighter—years later… and agrees to a fake-dating pact that quickly sparks into something far more real.

Amanda was introduced to her agent, Sophie Cudd at The Book Group, through The Novelry’s bespoke submission service.

Amanda says: “I didn’t realize the experience would be so transformative. Nic was the first person to read my novel, and her enthusiasm and support for my work was honestly overwhelming. She provided actionable, constructive feedback that made me excited to get back to work on revisions. I know I wouldn’t be in the position I am today without her help. Emily’s support through the submission process was invaluable. She kept me up to date on all the moving pieces and always kept my hopes up, even when there were turn-downs. She answered any and all questions I had about the agent meeting process and ultimately helped me feel confident in my decision for representation.”

“Ultimately, I have The Novelry to thank for introducing me to my agent and for helping me make my novel the best that it could be.”

Amy Board, a graduate of The Novelry, has signed with literary agent Tia Ikemoto at Creative Artists Agency (CAA) with her debut novel, House of Knives—a twisty locked-room murder mystery with a wealthy, dysfunctional family to rival the Roys—it’s Succession meets the novels of Lucy Foley, with shades of Knives Out.

Amy was introduced to her agent at CAA through The Novelry’s bespoke submission service.

Amy says: “I owe my budding career as an author to The Novelry. Having never written a word or having the faintest idea what it took to build a story that would sustain an entire novel, their approach provided the safe space to flail, while equipping me with the skills, the patience, and the encouragement to not only grow, but to believe in myself as a writer. Because I was able to glean what resonated with my tutors, who were bestselling authors, and my editors, who came from Big Five publishers, I was able to see what would resonate with agents, publishers, but most importantly, with readers. Their expertise at each step of the process drew the best out of each draft, the pitch, and the submission to agents. The process can be incredibly lonely and uncomfortable at times, but Emylia, Tash and Emily were an invaluable source of wisdom, reassurance and FUN. I can’t stress how fun this team is.

“If considering, don’t hesitate to invest in yourself through The Novelry. I am honored and beyond thrilled to begin my career with Tia and the Creative Artists Agency, and will always consider The Novelry my writing home.”

Andrea Jacobson, a graduate of The Novelry, has signed with literary agent Nicky Lovick at WGM Atlantic Talent and Literary Group.

Andrea says: “Thank you for all your professional support, advice and input. There are so many of you at The Novelry to thank. I have had one-to-ones with a number of the team, both editors and coaches, completed courses, attended Golden Hour, participated in sessions, and listened to endless Catch Up TV recordings. Thanks to each and every one of you.

“A massive thank you, in particular, to my editor when I did the Ultimate Manuscript Assessment. The feedback from Gillian was invaluable and I am sure instrumental in me reaching this stage of my journey. She also was a huge champion of my novel. In my more difficult moments of trying to get an agent, I reflected back on her feedback and reminded myself how much she believed in it.”

Anne Gilchrist, a graduate of The Novelry, has signed with literary agent Euan Thorneycroft at A.M. Heath Literary Agency for her domestic suspense novel The Attic, which follows a woman who thinks her biggest problems are her lonely daughter and secretive husband—unaware there’s a teenager on the run spying on her family from the attic.

Anne was introduced to her agent through The Novelry’s bespoke submission service.

Anne says: “For a debut writer it’s so competitive out there. I needed to know that if I made changes to my manuscript it would be not just different but better. The Novelry gave me that confidence. Not only did they pick up the niggly little errors that annoy readers, they looked at structure, believability and character development. I was able to seriously sharpen an otherwise flabby draft. Lily and Tash were an absolute pleasure to work with, champions of my writing. And now I have an amazing agent!”

Anouska Huggins, a graduate of The Novelry, has signed with literary agent Stacy Testa at Writers House for her debut novel, The Lacemaker of Venice.

Set in sixteenth-century Venice, a penniless lacemaker arrives during Carnival season to work for the mysterious Lace Prophetess, but by the end of her stay, a man will be dead, and she will be on trial for witchcraft.

Anouska was introduced to her agent through The Novelry’s bespoke submission service.

Anouska says: “Having taken many writing courses over the years, I can confidently say Louise Dean has created something truly special with The Novelry. A brilliant team of coaches and editors, the most supportive community, and the highest quality materials. Louise’s laser-like focus on story, coupled with the advice and encouragement of so many experts, was exactly what I needed to progress from the whisper of an idea to a fully formed manuscript.

“A huge thank you to Kate Riordan for your insightful and generous coaching, Tash Barsby for encouraging me beyond the first draft, and Josie Humber for your amazing editorial notes and pitching skills, expertly steering me through the process to find my agent. I’m so thrilled to have signed with the wonderful Stacy Testa and team at Writers House, and I can’t thank The Novelry enough for getting me here!”

Aubrie Dolan, a graduate of The Novelry, has signed with agent Rachel Yeoh at Madeleine Milburn Literary Agency for her debut novel, The Air Hostess.

The Air Hostess is a book-club novel set in the 1960s American Jet Age, following a flight attendant who becomes the anonymous voice behind a trailblazing magazine column.

Aubrie says: “I came to The Novelry with an idea for a story that I wished to write into a cohesive novel. The Novelry helped me craft that story and bring it to life. The writing coaches challenged and pushed me to write the story with structure and purpose, and we honed our focus on voice and setting, in addition to plotlines and character arcs. It's a tremendous resource to all aspiring authors, and I would encourage everyone who's ever thought about writing a novel to take the course.”

Congratulations, Aubrie!