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

Orion, an imprint of Hachette, will publish a second novel by The Novelry graduate, Rebecca Ley.

Rebecca says: “The Novelry’s writing courses are unique—intelligent, surprising, more than a little magical—and I can’t recommend them highly enough. The lessons enabled me to tap into my subconscious in a way that no other writing course had. The result was my debut novel, For When I’m Gone, which was published by Orion Fiction.

“While working on my second book I returned for another course, which was also superb, and invaluable in terms of understanding archetypes and the ingredients for a spellbinding plot. The course rewires your writing brain—suddenly, completing a manuscript seems manageable. Combine this with astute advice from incredible writer Louise Dean and I can’t imagine a better head start in this particular creative process. You can even do it all in your pyjamas, should you want—what could be better!”

Berkley, an imprint of Penguin Random House in the U.S., and The Borough Press, an imprint of HarperCollins in the U.K., has acquired the debut novel by The Novelry graduate, Rosie Storey.

TV rights to adapt the novel have also been snapped up by See-Saw Films, a production company with BAFTA, Emmy, and Oscar wins.

Dandelion is Dead follows Poppy, who, in the throes of grief, responds to a match on her dead sister’s dating app. But when she meets up with Jake, the attractive stranger—who thinks she’s her dead sister, Dandelion—their chemistry is undeniable, and the lies quickly spiral out of hand...

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

Rosie says: “My plan after completing The Novelry program was to approach literary agents, so I was thrilled when The Novelry made these introductions. As someone who has been writing for many years, I’m used to my fair share of rejections; I was absolutely delighted (and surprised) to have the opportunity to meet a number of great agents very quickly. I couldn’t have hoped for a better experience. Thank you so much to Josie and The Novelry—I really felt part of a team.”

Shylashri Shankar, a graduate of The Novelry, has signed a three-book publishing deal with Canelo Crime.

Blood Caste is an atmospheric upmarket historical crime fiction novel set in nineteenth-century India under the British Raj. Rivalries flare between an outcast Brahmin detective and a prickly English inspector when they must join forces to find a Jack the Ripper copycat in 1895 Hyderabad. Blood Caste will appeal to everyone who has devoured books by Abir Mukherjee, Sujata Massey, and Elly Griffiths.

Shylashri was introduced to her literary agent James Wills at Watson, Little through The Novelry’s bespoke submission service.

An earlier draft of Blood Caste won the 2022 Spotlight First Novel Award, and was also longlisted for the 2022 CWA Debut Dagger. Shylashri is a researcher based in New Delhi, and won the AutHer Award for Best Non-Fiction 2021 for Turmeric Nation: A Passage Through India’s Tastes. She has also published three academic books, and reviews crime fiction for a national magazine in India.

Pushkin Children’s Press has published four middle-grade fiction novels by The Novelry graduate Susie Bower, as well as two books for younger readers.

Susie was introduced to her agent at literary agency Peters Fraser and Dunlop (PFD) through The Novelry’s bespoke submission service.

Susie says: “I joined the amazing online writing community The Novelry. Up until then, I’d only written full-length fiction for adults but had got to the point where I’d lost momentum and couldn’t finish anything. I wailed to Louise at The Novelry that I had no ideas and she assured me that after the first week of The Novelry courses, I’d have something. She was right. I waited 66 years to get an agent. It was worth it.”

Theo Clarke’s memoir Breaking the Taboo is an instant Top 20 non-fiction bestseller!

Biteback Publishing acquired the first book by The Novelry graduate, Theo Clarke. Breaking the Taboo: Why We Need to Talk About Birth Trauma, which The Times described as “a shocking book exposing Britain’s maternity crisis,” and the Daily Mail called “a shattering story of giving birth in Britain today,” received widespread coverage in national news and was picked as Book of the Day by New Statesman.

Theo says: “I used The Novelry courses to write 100,000 words in six months. As I progressed through the classes, I realized how important structure was to writing my story down. I found it so helpful to be given advice such as thinking of myself as the ’past you’—more like the main character in fiction. For the first time, having never been a plotter before, I finally sat down and wrote out a chapter list.

“The Novelry helped me realise that I wasn’t writing my whole story down but only a portion of it. In my case, this was the moment I suffered a traumatic birth while elected as an MP in one of the most turbulent moments in recent British history—with three Prime Ministers and the death of the Queen.

“I started to think seriously about story arc and what was the change I had undergone. I began writing my memoir about being one of the few MPs to have had a baby while elected, but I ended up sharing how vulnerability became a strength—and revealing in much more detail than I had planned the trauma of giving birth to my daughter. I realised on the course that my memoir wasn’t about me, but about what I had learnt from my experience to help others recover from their birth trauma and feel less alone.

“I found the practical exercises particularly helpful, such as sketching out a timeline with key events and using old photographs on my phone to prompt ideas and write them down. Writing a book can be a lonely job, so I also enjoyed connecting with other writers by joining the workshops. Having done other writing courses, I would recommend The Novelry as the course that helped me get my published book over the line—so thank you!”

Boldwood Books have published three novels by The Novelry graduate T.J. Emerson.

Tracey says: “These creative writing courses have changed my writing life. Within a short time of starting the lessons, I had my idea sorted and ninety days later I had my first draft. After taking the editing course and taking advantage of all the wonderful author chats and workshops offered by The Novelry, I secured a two-book deal, and it has been optioned for development into a six-part TV series.”

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!