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.

Monica Balt has signed with agent Sam Brace at PFD for her debut historical novel, Calabash Mansion. In Calabash Mansion, a biracial woman (inspired by Queen Victoria’s real “Colonial Godchildren”) marries a compelling stranger to save her family from ruin, only to discover later, when pregnant on his remote jungle plantation in British Guiana, that her husband is haunted by a sinister family curse—that only he or their unborn child can survive. Monica is a graduate of The Novelry and was introduced to her agent through our bespoke submission service.

Monica says: “I’ll be eternally grateful to The Novelry for being there just when I needed it the most. Thank you to Louise Dean for her encouragement, to all the coaches and editors who have guided me through the years, and to my warm and wonderful community of The Novelry writers.”

Moyette Gibbons, a graduate of The Novelry, has signed with literary agent Hannah Schofield at LBA Books for Disappearing, a book club debut about Honour Oaks, the daughter of Jamaican immigrants who moved to London in the 1960s.

Nan Stone has signed with literary agents Jenny Bent and James Mustelier at The Bent Agency with her debut novel, The White Bone Wife. A Rebecca-inspired gothic set in 1930s Shanghai, The White Bone Wife tells the story of a young British-Chinese woman who falls in love with a married shipping tycoon and becomes his concubine, only to be terrorized by his wife, a disfigured opium addict lurking in the same house.

Nan honed her novel at The Novelry and received eight offers of representation through our bespoke submission service before signing with The Bent Agency.

Nan says: “Signing up for The Novelry has been one of the best things I’ve done for my career. Their tailored, incisive feedback on the Ultimate Manuscript Assessment helped turn me into the writer I am today. My heartfelt thanks to Gillian Holmes and Nic Caws for their longtime support, and also to the brilliant Emily Kitchin, who was the first person to believe in my book’s potential. From her spot-on edits in the UMA to her constant guidance through the querying process, I couldn’t have asked for a better supporter. I’m thrilled beyond words to be working with my dream agents, Jenny Bent and James Mustelier, on the next chapter of my career!”

Nat Bawarchi Grant, a graduate of The Novelry, has signed with literary agent Ed Wood at The Blair Partnership for her debut novel, Finished—a thriller with book club appeal, in which a journalist goes undercover at a renowned Swiss finishing school, only to learn its polished image is a cover for something much more sinister—and that the truth of her mother’s disappearance is one of their darkest secrets. Set between New York and the Alps, it explores the seductive mythology of ‘tradwife’ culture, the insidious reach of the patriarchy, and the punishing price of silence.

Nat was introduced to her agent through our bespoke submission service.

Nat says: “I signed up for The Novelry one rainy January afternoon when I was frustrated with my writing journey. As soon as I spoke to Louise Dean, I knew I was becoming part of something special. My writing has come on in leaps and bounds, and I owe an enormous debt of gratitude to my fantastic coaches, Amanda Reynolds and Katie Khan, whose expert guidance helped me shape my novel into something I could never have achieved alone. Combined with Tash Barsby’s exceptional editorial eye, I managed to complete my novel to a standard I’m genuinely proud of.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to say I’m now represented by the formidable Ed Wood at The Blair Partnership and I cannot thank The Novelry enough for believing in me and my work. This journey has been transformative, and I’m deeply grateful to have had such an incredible team supporting me every step of the way.”

Congratulations, Nat!

Nisha Lamsam Ligon, a graduate of The Novelry, has signed with agent Kaitlyn Sanchez at Bradford Literary Agency to represent Nisha’s middle-grade science fiction novel, Angani: The Starsnake Files, along with a number of picture books.

Nisha says: “The Novelry has given me the structure and guidance I needed to finally write a novel, and an understanding of the long road of novel-writing. Even more importantly, it’s provided an incredible community of writers and tutors who I feel constantly connected with, so the process isn’t so lonely. I love this community!”

Sacha Bonsor, a graduate of The Novelry, has signed with literary agent Elizabeth Sheinkman at PFD for her novel An Illustrated Guide to Sorrow and Spice — about family, food, freedom, and the argument that led to the very first moussaka.

Seema Punwani, a graduate of The Novelry, has signed with literary agent Claire Cavanagh of The Rights Factory.

Born in Spain, raised in Mumbai, Seema is a single mother now living in Singapore. Her debut novel Cross Connections was launched at the Pune International Literary Festival in India in 2018.

Sidra Ansari, a graduate of The Novelry, has signed with literary agent Hannah Shepherd at HS Literary Agency for her book-club fiction based around the experience of Muslim women navigating life in the West.

Sidra says: “The course content was super insightful and informative, and the coaching calls invaluable. I learnt to sharpen my writing tools, grow courage and confidence, and slow down to enjoy the process of putting a story together—every writer’s dream!”