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.

Talitha McQueen, a graduate of The Novelry, has signed with literary agent James Wills at Watson, Little for her gothic historical novel based on the life of Rose Edith Kelly, the first wife of infamous occultist Aleister Crowley.

Talitha says: “Joining The Novelry was the best decision I made for myself and my writing career. For years I had thought about writing a novel, but I wasn’t really sure where to start. I found the daily lessons very inspiring, and I was able to complete a first draft. The daily Golden Hour made it a joy to turn up each day and has instilled a daily writing habit that has changed my life. The Big Edit has given me the skills I need to edit my own work. Through my submission process I had support and guidance from The Novelry team. I am so glad that I found my home here at The Novelry and I am now represented by James Wills of Watson, Little. I cannot wait to continue to grow as a writer within The Novelry community.”

Tiffany Hawk has signed with literary agent Chris Bucci at Aevitas with her thrilling, high-stakes novel, Thank You For Your Silence.

Thank You For Your Silence follows a military wife plotting an escape from her marriage, and her drone-pilot husband, who begins spying on her from 25,000 feet—only to discover her new lover is hiding a dangerous secret.

Tiffany is a graduate of The Novelry and was introduced to her agent through our bespoke submission service.

Tiffany says: “I came to The Novelry as a working writer and previously published novelist who hadn’t written a new book in more than a decade, needed a new literary agent, and had no idea how to write a thriller. My investment paid off in spades. Sunday Times bestselling author Clare Mackintosh was an absolutely brilliant coach—and so much fun! Then working with Tash Barsby throughout the submission process was one of the highlights of my 20+ year career in publishing. From her editorial savvy to her unflagging support and her expert management of submissions, she was my fairy godmother. In the end, I got five offers from agents at some of the world’s top agencies!”

Victoria O’Brien, a graduate of The Novelry, has signed with literary agent Maria Cardona Serra at Aevitas Creative Management.

Set in 1944 in a Bavarian mountain village, Victoria’s debut historical fiction novel, Marianna Kauffman is No Longer Dead, tells the story of two sisters who discover their priest’s housekeeper dead in the woods and vow to stay silent—until, eighteen years later, when a psychiatrist encourages one sister to confess everything.

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

Victoria says: “I’d been trying to write a novel for a while, but as soon as I joined The Novelry I immediately felt part of a very different world: a focused support group, and access to coaches and editors like Josie and Lizzy, all of whom are so profoundly professional they treat you as an equal and take your work seriously from day one, whatever stage in the writing process you are. That was incredible for me—to have the framework, videos, blogs, live online talks, and to be surrounded by other writers. All of it supported my goal, and whenever I was wandering off course (which was often) The Novelry nudged me back in the right direction, which was exactly what I needed.”