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

Mona Tewari, a graduate of The Novelry, has been published by Bindery Books and become an instant Indie Bestseller. Her debut novel Burn the Sea is a lush historical fantasy, based on the life of Indian monarch Abbakka Chowta, in which a fierce queen must defend her country against both the colonizing monsters attacking from the sea and the cowardly manipulations of a neighboring king... who happens to be her husband.

Mona says: “I am extremely grateful for the help of so many wonderful people at The Novelry (especially Tasha and Craig) who helped make this book possible.”

Mona is represented by Jennifer Azantian at Azantian Literary Agency.

Macmillan has published the debut novel from The Novelry graduate, Monica Vuu.

When One of Us Hurts is described as “small-town crime fiction at its shocking best. Monica Vuu has crafted a memorable debut full of macabre surprises.”

Monica says: “Signing up for a course at The Novelry is one of my best decisions. I was 100% green; it was my first foray into writing. With the daily lessons and the supportive community, The Novelry made my induction into the fiction-writing world joyful. There was no way to know then, but the positive experience set the tone for my ongoing writing journey. This is a safe space for inexperienced writers to come and play.”

Simon & Schuster Children’s Books has published Dream Hunters, a middle-grade adventure by The Novelry graduate Nazima Pathan, as part of a two-book deal.

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

Nazima says: “The Novelry was a game changer on how to approach a novel, and turn it into a well-structured, polished piece of work. The manuscript assessment was spot on. Incisive, constructive and encouraging. I feel I have learned so much and am stronger for it!”

Nicole Brooks, a graduate of The Novelry, has signed a publishing contract with Blackstone Publishing for her debut novel, No Higher Ground.

No Higher Ground is a high-stakes, race-against-time thriller of one family trapped during a flood of epic proportions.

Nicole was introduced to her agent Rachel Beck at Liza Dawson Associates through The Novelry’s bespoke submission service.

Our writing coach and bestselling author Kate Riordan says: “This is a white-knuckle ride from start to finish. The secret horrors of the past are woven skilfully into the terrifying present-day flood, so that the tension builds to an almost unbearable pitch. I couldn’t put it down!”

Nicole says: “I came to The Novelry at my lowest. I’d been trying to get an agent for five years and although I’d had some near misses, I knew I only had the energy for one more try. With a recently queried manuscript in hand, I decided I couldn’t do it alone anymore and hired The Novelry to help me through the process. The lessons were easy to follow and chock-full of great information. I especially appreciated the writing coach meetings, where Kate helped me sort out the problem with my story. From there, it was a full rewrite, but the outcome is something I’ve never been so proud of. The Big Edit really made my writing sing! Add in Tash’s wisdom about reworking a major plot point and Emily’s dogged determination to see me successfully through to the end, and I have finally achieved my ultimate writing dream!

“I couldn’t be happier with my decision to work with The Novelry. The kindness and respect shown by everyone made me fall back in love with writing and made me feel like I really could do this. I look forward to working with Rachel and building on the solid writing foundation I finally found at The Novelry.”

Nikki Allen, a graduate of The Novelry, has signed a two-book deal with Pan Macmillan. Crime and thriller editor Raphaella Demetris acquired world English language rights from Kate Burke at Blake Friedmann Literary Agency. The Hideaway, the first book in the deal, will be published in July 2025, with the second thriller to follow in 2026. Romanian rights have also been sold.

In The Hideaway, what should be the opportunity of a lifetime for five strangers becomes a fight for survival when a meditation retreat in Costa Rica turns deadly..

Nikki says: “Since joining The Novelry in early 2022 with nothing but a spark of an idea and the determination to (somehow!) turn it into a novel, I have been blown away by Louise Dean’s course materials, the author coaching, the community of writers and the incredible support from editors to boot. I am beyond thrilled with how far I’ve come, both with my writing and signing with such a top-notch agent, and am so excited for my future writing career. Thank you, The Novelry!”

Mysterious Press—the publishing home to authors Megan Abbott, P.D. James, James Ellroy, Elmore Leonard and more—has acquired Glitter in the Dark, the debut novel by The Novelry graduate Olesya Lyuzna—a queen noir set in roaring twenties New York.

An ambitious advice columnist who knows she is capable of solving more than beauty problems witnesses the kidnapping of a famous singer at a Harlem speakeasy and manipulates a brooding detective into a reluctant partnership as the case unravels.

John Murray Press, an imprint of Hodder at Hachette, has acquired Sunbirds by The Novelry graduate, Penelope Slocombe.

Inspired by the real-life mystery of the nearly two dozen Western travelers who disappeared in Northern India’s Kullu Valley between the mid-1990s and the early 2000s, Sunbirds is billed by the publisher as “a propulsive, emotionally intelligent debut about a woman’s search for her son, and herself.”

Author Rashmi Sirdeshpande, a graduate of The Novelry, has published eight books for children, was shortlisted for the Blue Peter Book Awards 2022, and voted one of The Times Best Books of 2020.

Rashmi says: “Utterly brilliant. Do this course! Life-changing, in fact. The course, the community and the guide, are the best things that have ever happened to the writer in me.”

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!