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

Geoff Parkes, a graduate of The Novelry, has signed a two-book publishing deal with Penguin Random House Australia. Fiction publisher Beverley Cousins bought rights to When the Deep, Dark Bush Swallows You Whole and The First Law of the Bush from Catherine Wallace at High Spot Literary.

Geoff’s debut novel is based around the disappearance of a Finnish backpacker from her job in a shearing gang in rural New Zealand, and the impact this has on the life of her boyfriend—who, in trying to find out what happened, discovers more than he could ever have expected about his family and the small town he grew up in.

Geoff says: “What I found particularly beneficial was to be able to step logically, through a series of progressions; compiling the first draft, learning how to edit that myself, before handing it over for more rigorous assessment and editing. I’m extremely grateful for the professional expertise and friendly assistance of Lizzy Goudsmit Kay and Tash Barsby, who ensured that at every contact point, the novel was made better than what it was before.”

Aria, an imprint of Head of Zeus, pre-empted No Life for a Lady, the ‘effortlessly funny’ debut novel from Comedy Women in Print shortlistee and The Novelry graduate Hannah Dolby.

Hannah says: “I wrote and edited my novel at The Novelry and want to thank you for all the support!

Pamela Dorman Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House, along with Penguin Canada, Grijalbo (Spain), and Nord (Italy), has acquired Clever Little Thing by The Novelry graduate, Helena Echlin.

‍Clever Little Thing is a taut psychological thriller about a woman convinced her daughter has been possessed by her former babysitter, comparable to Ashley Audrain’s The Push and Zoje Stage’s Baby Teeth.

Helena was introduced to her agents Chad Luibl and Emma Leong at Janklow & Nesbit through The Novelry’s bespoke submission service.

Helena says: “My editor took my submission package to the next level. She gave me the perfect premise line, went over my first three chapters with her brilliant editorial eye, and gave masterful advice on how to reorganize my book’s timeline to jack up suspense. She then handpicked the perfect agents and gave me the benefit of her industry wisdom throughout the entire submission process.

“I couldn’t recommend The Novelry more highly.”

Holly Race’s debut adult fantasy novel Six Wild Crowns is an instant Sunday Times bestseller! 

Orbit, an imprint of Hachette, acquired The Novelry graduate Holly Race’s Six Wild Crowns in a six-figure deal, described as “a beautiful fantasy re-imagining of Henry VIII’s wives from the perspective of Anne Boleyn and Jane Seymour.”

Holly says: “I took The Novelry course as a way of breaking out of my comfort zone and elevating my craft after my YA fantasy trilogy was published. I was keen to explore other genres and markets, but lacked the confidence to do so without some external guidance. The Novelry offers an incredibly thoughtful and intelligent approach to writing, and I still have some of the course’s advice stuck to the wall above my desk as a constant reminder! I received feedback from both Katie Khan and Tasha Suri as I worked through two novels, one of which was Six Wild Crowns. They offered the kind of knowledgeable, honest and kind feedback that left me feeling fired up and certain of my next steps.

“I’ll be forever grateful to them and to The Novelry.”

Janice Okoh, a graduate of The Novelry, has signed a publishing contract with Berkley, an imprint of Penguin Random House in the U.S., and with Hemlock Press, an imprint of HarperCollins in the U.K., for her debut novel, Girl Number Eight.

An upmarket crime novel set in the Department of Ritualistic Murders and Human Sacrifice amid a vividly evoked Nigeria, the story follows an Igbo house girl desperate to find her daughter and a strong-willed, queer detective doing everything in her power to make that happen.

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

Janice says: “I was lucky enough to use The Novelry course to finish the first draft of my novel, which I’d been writing for several years. Louise and Mahsuda were particularly encouraging and, with Mahsuda’s coaching, helped me believe that I could get to the end. For me, The Big Edit is the mother of all courses — it took my writing to another level. I loved every lesson. Receiving such detailed and constructive feedback from Tash and Josie was invaluable, and I couldn’t believe how much more feedback Josie gave me to prepare the manuscript for submission—and all for free. I feel she went over and above.

“I’m not gonna lie, querying agents was nerve-wracking—and with a few twists and turns—but I felt that I was in the best pair of hands with Josie, and I am thrilled to be working with Madeleine Milburn.

“I’ve taken a lot of courses, but at The Novelry, the tutors are exceptionally talented, generous and kind. With weekly live workshops to attend and countless recorded sessions that I’ve yet to mine, I am so happy I signed up to The Novelry and continue to sign up because I feel that I’ve found a home here for as long as I want.”

Jennifer Sadera, a graduate of The Novelry, has sold her debut novel, I Know She Was There, to Sue Arroyo at CamCat Books.

Jennifer says: “Working with The Novelry was one of the most enjoyable editing experiences I’ve had in my 12 years of full-time novel writing. After reading the many positive reviews, I decided to submit my finished manuscript for feedback.

“I’m thrilled I made that decision. My editor Tash Barsby guided me through edits to a manuscript I’d thought was ready to go, but soon realized needed the touch of an expert. From minor tweaks to thought-provoking suggestions, Tash covered everything: insightful observations about pacing, plot, and character development, the importance of tangible triggers, and paring down the query letter. My Publisher’s Marketplace announcement even contains her suggestions.”

Joanne Kormylo, a graduate of The Novelry, has signed a two-book deal with Hodder and Stoughton, an imprint of Hachette, with her historical fiction novel The Resistance Daughter.

Joanne says: “I discovered The Novelry when I was ready to give up on my debut novel. After years of research, I knew my work had potential, but I lacked the expertise to identify and fix manuscript weaknesses essential for attracting a publisher. The Ultimate Manuscript Assessment offered by The Novelry was exactly what I needed. Prepared by editor Gillian Holmes, I received a detailed report, marked-up manuscript, and a video call. I have to admit, the work ahead seemed daunting, but Gillian was right, and her advice and guidance were excellent. Add to that my productive coaching sessions with Kate Riordan and I’m delighted to report that I’ve signed with an agent and secured a two-book deal with Hodder and Stoughton.

“I highly recommend The Novelry based on my positive experience.“

Milksop, a tender coming-of-age story set in rural Ontario, is out now, published by Chicken House Press. John is a graduate of The Novelry, with our courses helping to bring his novel all the way from first draft to final edit.

John says: "The Novelry—both its great programs and wonderful people—guided me through the challenging, inspiring process of writing my very first novel. Simply put, Milksop would not exist without The Novelry... I couldn’t be more grateful for the vision, skills, and encouragement I’ve received."

Cheers to you, John.

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!