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Here at The Novelry, we love working with writers at all stages of the journey—from the initial idea to the first draft, right through to the finished manuscript. Our comprehensive three-step program helps you develop the advanced skills you need to discover your voice and find your big idea, then write and edit a complete work of fiction to publishing standard, with structure and support at every step.
While our writing coaches relish working with writers on their early drafts with a strong focus on story development and getting the story written, for our team of book editors there’s a particular joy in the final stages, when we work with all of you to finesse your novels: making sure the structure is really solid, the characters motivated, the plot beats clear and focused. And, when the story really shines, it is such a thrill to submit your stories to our trusted literary agents and to see others falling in love with them, too.
With that in mind, we’re delighted to share the many wonderful success stories from our writers in the last year: writers who’ve found representation with some of the best literary agencies in the world, writers who’ve secured significant book deals with publishers you’ll all recognize, and—that glorious final step!—the publication of some incredible stories.
Writers with books published this year
Becky Hunter
One Moment, a heart-wrenching novel that follows the ripple effects after Scarlett’s death, secured a six-figure two-book deal with Atlantic Books (US) and Corvus Publishing (UK), and is represented by Sarah Hornsley at PFD. Becky’s second novel Meet Me When My Heart Stops will be published in 2024. Becky took the Finished Novel Course.
‘Signing up to The Novelry’s course was just the thing I needed—it provided me with structure, support and encouragement. I was inspired to get writing and keep going, and the course made me think more deeply about plot and character, so that I had a finished manuscript that needed relatively little editorial change when I got to the end. The coaching sessions with Emylia Hall were a real highlight—she always made me feel like she genuinely cared about my novel, and I was constantly amazed at the way she engaged with the story and the creative suggestions she brought forward. Overall, a very worthwhile investment in my writing career!’
Lucy Barker
The Other Side of Mrs Wood, a historical fiction debut that follows two rival mediums in Victorian London, was published by Fourth Estate Books (UK) and Harper (US). Lucy took the Novel Development Course.
‘I signed up to The Novelry’s The Ninety Day Novel to force myself to finish a languishing draft, thinking I’d use it as a prompt rather than a ‘school’ —I’d done enough writing courses and wasn’t expecting to learn much more from the lessons. But WOW! Louise has developed a cornucopia of thought-provoking sessions and exercises that challenged the way I saw my practice and stretched my thinking and experience well beyond my comfort zone, resulting in a first draft I never thought I’d ever be able to write. And, just as predicted, I really did quickly start to come to my writing with confidence and joy. As a writer, you can’t ask for much more. I’m hugely grateful that I discovered this fantastic writing course and the marvellously inspiring Louise Dean and her equally inspiring coaches. Thank you!’
Rebecca Ley
The Trip, a destination suspense novel about six friends with a dark secret who reunite after two decades in a beautiful riad in Marrakesh, was published by Orion Fiction/Hachette. Rebecca took the Ninety Day Novel Class and the Classic Storytelling Class.
‘The Novelry’s writing courses are unique—intelligent, surprising, more than a little magical—and I can’t recommend them highly enough. I began with The Ninety Day Novel which 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 shortly-to-be-published second book I returned and took The Classic Class, 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 headstart in this particular creative process. You can even do it all in your pyjamas, should you want—what could be better!’
Kate Gray
The Honeymoon, a suspense thriller in which two newlywed couples hit it off only for their honeymoon to end with a dead body, secured a six-figure deal with Welbeck Publishing and is represented by Juliet Mushens at Mushens Entertainment. Kate took the Novel Development Course.
‘In desperate need of some TLC, I joined The Novelry. I wanted to feel part of a gang, share writing wins and woes, and remind myself that I’d done it before and I could do it again, no matter how daunting the blank page first appears. I hoped that if I surrounded myself with like-minded writers, I would soon be fired up with creativity and rediscover that escape I desperately craved. I looked forward to the weekly team chats, and the live author Q&A sessions where I wrote down all the advice and notes in my new notebook until my hand ached. One of the things I loved so much about The Novelry was the Golden Hour method. This became an almost meditative form of self-care for me, especially during that first draft of The Honeymoon. I decided to write the sort of book that I would want to read.’
Monica Vuu
When One Of Us Hurts, a darkly intimate novel of murder, madness and a small-town community that’s too close for comfort, was acquired by Pan Macmillan in a two-book deal and published this summer. Monica took the Novel Development Course.
‘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.’
Hannah Dolby
No Life For a Lady, a historical novel that follows the story of Violet Hamilton searching for her missing mother who vanished from Hastings Pier, was published by Head of Zeus. Hannah took the Ninety Day Novel Class and the Big Edit Class.
‘I wrote my novel with the Ninety Day Novel and edited it at The Novelry, and want to thank you for all the support!’
Justine Gilbert
Daisy Chain, a historical fiction novel inspired by the author’s real-life relative Daisy and her relationship with US president Franklin D. Roosevelt, was published by Claret Press. Justine took the Ninety Day Novel Class and the Big Edit Class.
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T.J. Emerson
The Ideal Man, an intricately plotted psychological thriller set in the south of France following three women connected to the same man, was published by Boldwood Books. Tracey took the Novel Kickstarter Course and the Advanced Class.
‘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.’
Writers who signed book deals this year
Nazima Pathan
Dream Hunters, a middle grade adventure series set in a fantasy India, follows twelve-year-old Mimi who lives with her controlling aunt in a hilltop citadel, where she studies the ancient practice of making and capturing dreams. Nazima was signed by Chloe Seager at Madeleine Milburn Literary Agency and secured a two-book deal with Simon & Schuster Children’s. Nazima took the Novel Development Course and the Ultimate Manuscript Assessment.
‘I have really enjoyed the editing course at The Novelry, it was a game changer on how to approach a novel, and turn it into a well-structured, polished piece of work. Krystle’s manuscript assessment was spot on. Incisive, constructive and encouraging. I have learned so much and am stronger for it!’
Holly Race
Six Wild Crowns, a fantasy debut told from the POVs of Anne Boleyn and Jane Seymour, was signed by Zoë Plant at the Bent Agency and secured a six-figure deal with Orbit Books. Holly took the Ninety Day Novel Class.
‘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 The Novelry.’
K.A. Merson
The Language of the Birds, an action-adventure debut in which a brilliant, eccentric teenager must solve a series of puzzles left behind by her dead father in order to free her mother from kidnappers, sold in a two-book pre-empt deal to Ballantine/Penguin Random House. K.A. Merson took the Ultimate Manuscript Assessment.
Jennifer Sadera
I Know She Was There, a debut mystery about a mom and her baby daughter who are the only witnesses to a shocking neighborhood crime, was acquired by Sue Arroyo at CamCat Books for publication in 2024. Jennifer took the Ultimate Manuscript Assessment.
‘Working with The Novelry was one of the most enjoyable editing experiences I’ve had in my twelve years of full-time novel writing.’
Juliana Adelman
The Grateful Water, a historical debut set in Dublin in 1866 about an ensemble of characters seeking refuge or forgiveness from the River Liffey, was acquired by New Island Books for publication in 2024. Juliana took the Novel Development Course.
Catherine Greer
Every major publisher in Australia requested Catherine’s full manuscript, and she signed with Allen & Unwin’s Annette Barlow, the publisher of worldwide bestseller, Kate Morton. Catherine took the Finished Novel Course.
How we work
We know that not all of you are at this stage of your writing journey yet, but the future is brilliant and bright! When your manuscript is ready to share with literary agents, our editorial team will invite you to participate in our bespoke submission service. We will work with you to hone your query letter and submission package, prepare a list of literary agents who work in your genre and who we know and trust, and then we will submit to them on your behalf.
All of our trusted literary agents have agreed to reply to our submissions within two weeks, so you’re guaranteed a speedy response. We keep you informed throughout, as we receive requests for the full manuscript and, thereafter, requests for meetings with you! We love being the ones to tell you that an agent loves your story, and are thrilled to secure representation for over 60% of our submitted writers—and, between us, that figure was even higher this year!
We are very much on your side to champion you and your novel. We want you to succeed! (And, in case you’re wondering, we neither ask for nor accept commission; it’s all part of the service.)
Writers who signed with agents this year
Anne Gilchrist
The Attic, a domestic suspense 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, was signed by Euan Thorneycroft at A.M. Heath. Anne took the Ultimate Manuscript Assessment.
‘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!’
Brisa Carleton
Champagne Problems, a romantic comedy inspired by Brisa’s admiration for the ‘Champagne Widows’ who influenced the making of champagne as we know it, was signed by Rebecca Scherer at Jane Rotrosen Agency. Brisa took the Finished Novel Course.
‘I am so grateful to everyone at The Novelry for their exceptional guidance throughout the writing process of my debut novel. From the moment I joined the Ninety Day Novel program to the completion of the Ultimate Manuscript Assessment, I felt fortunate to have their brilliant, enthusiastic, and inspiring coaches and editors by my side. Their insightful feedback allowed me to grow as a writer, and their unwavering support and encouragement made this entire process a true joy.’
Clare Huerta
The Finest, a historical debut following an ambitious young policewoman in New York’s first and only all-female precinct, was signed by Chris Bucci at Aevitas Creative Management. Clare took the Novel Development Course.
‘The Ninety Day Novel and The Big Edit classes gave me the structure, motivation, and confidence to complete my manuscript. Having the support and guidance of accomplished publishing professionals was invaluable at every step. Writing coaches Emylia and Anna gave me insightful feedback on plotting and characters. Editors Tash and Josie helped my submission package shine and introduced me to my agent. I'd recommend The Novelry to any novelist pursuing traditional publishing.’
Daisy Carrington
Homewrecker, a book-club thriller in which a scorned wife finds solace in an angry internet community—until one of her followers decides to take matters into her own hands, was signed by Nicole Cunningham at The Book Group. Daisy took the Novel Development Course.
‘Over the years, I started and abandoned many novels. After hitting a milestone birthday (I won’t say which one), I decided I didn’t want to look back on my life with regret for never at least trying to fulfill my literary ambitions. I decided to search in earnest for a writing course that would teach me the structure to write (and finish) one of my many book ideas. I discovered The Novelry after a Google search, returning to the home page repeatedly over a month-long period where I debated signing up. I’m so glad I did! The team has been fantastic—helping me through writing humps and plot holes, and getting me to where I am today, which is represented by a fantastic agent who shares my vision for my future career. I couldn’t be more thrilled with the support of the amazing coaches and editors at The Novelry, especially Tash, whose encouragement, thoughtful feedback and industry expertise made navigating revisions and the submission process a joy.’
Geoff Parkes
When The Deep Dark Bush Swallows You Whole, a literary debut set in New Zealand which follows a young man grappling with his connection to his hometown in the wake of his girlfriend’s disappearance, was signed by Catherine Wallace at High Spot Literary. Geoff took the Novel Development Course and the Ultimate Manuscript Assessment.
‘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.’
Jane Mansour
Jane’s zeitgeisty book club novel was signed by Hannah Todd at Madeleine Milburn Literary Agency. Jane took the Novel Development Course.
‘The Novelry gave me the time and structure to write. I started with The Ninety Day Novel Class, and the daily lessons helped me bash out a messy first draft (in about a hundred and twenty days, but tools not rules right?!) I then did The Big Edit, which guided me through the self-editing process, and helped me think about submission to agents. I really enjoyed the chance to talk about my writing with Emylia Hall and Tash Barsby—their insights and questions were really useful in challenging me to write better. I also found the workshops a great space to ask questions and focus on elements of plot and pace. Mahsuda Snaith’s ‘Let’s Play Writing’ workshop is a wonderful place to give my creative muscles a stretch, especially when I was in the depths of structural edits.’
Maggie Bowler
In The Picture, about a woman struggling to extract herself from poverty, was signed by Clare Coombes at the Liverpool Literary Agency. Maggie took the Ninety Day Novel Class.
Mona Tewari
Burn The Sea, a fantasy in which a queen must defend her country against the serpentine monsters attacking from the sea and the cowardly manipulations of a neighbouring king who happens to be her husband, was signed by Jennifer Azantian of Azantian Literary Agency. Mona took the Finished Novel Course.
‘Working with The Novelry has been such a joy. I have always loved writing and storytelling, but The Novelry taught me how to approach it professionally. The lessons provided a strong scaffolding, and my sessions with Tasha Suri and Craig Leyenaar always pushed me to better understand and explore both my characters and the world I was creating. Add to that the fabulous and supportive community, and it’s easy to see why I highly recommend The Novelry.’
Moyette Gibbons
Disappearing, a book club debut about Honour Oaks, the daughter of Jamaican immigrants who moved to London in the 1960s, was signed by Hannah Schofield at LBA Books. Moyette took the Big Edit Class.
Nikki Allen
Anybody Out There, a commercial thriller, was signed by Kate Burke at Blake Friedmann Literary Agency. Nikki took the Classic Storytelling Class and the Novel Development Course.
‘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!’
Nisha Lamsam Ligon
Agani: The Starsnake Files, a middle grade science-fiction debut, was signed by Kaitlyn Sanchez at Bradford Literary Agency. Nisha took the Finished Novel Course.
‘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
An Illustrated Guide to Sorrow and Spice, about family, food, freedom and the argument that led to the very first moussaka, was signed by Elizabeth Sheinkman at PFD. Sacha took the Novel Development Course.
Seema Punwani
Dim Sum and Other Cravings, about three friendships forged in tropical Singapore, was signed by Claire Cavanagh at The Rights Factory. Seema took the Big Edit Class and the Ultimate Manuscript Assessment.
Talitha McQueen
Mrs Crowley, a gothic historical novel based on the life of Rose Edith Kelly, the first wife of infamous occultist Aleister Crowley, was signed by James Wills at Watson, Little. Talitha took the Classic Storytelling Class and the Novel Development Course.
‘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 began with the Classic Storytelling Class and found the daily lessons very inspiring. Through the Ninety Day Novel Class 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 Class 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.’
Next steps
There are a number of you participating in our bespoke submission service at present—as well as some confidential signings and deals that are yet to be announced!—so we are looking forward to sharing many more success stories with you soon. We very much hope your name could be on this list next year!
Your success, on your terms, is at the heart of what we offer. So whether you’re writing for you, for your family, to leave something behind or to be published, we will make a plan to get you there.
For more insights into literary techniques, coaching and a supportive writing community, join us on a creative writing course at The Novelry—the world’s top-rated writing school.
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