Crime Writing Courses
It's consistently one of the UK's bestselling and best loved genres. Our crime writing courses offer a deep dive into the secrets of successful crime fiction, whether you're just starting out or looking to take the next step with your crime novel.
Our crime writing courses: an overview
Run by experienced crime novelists, our crime writing courses are suitable for those starting out in the genre or those looking to hone their skills.
Courses are available in-person in Faber’s London offices, or online in our bespoke classroom – our online courses are flexible too, meaning you can fit the course around your other commitments.
As well as the expertise of your tutor and the encouragement of a group of fellow crime writers, you’ll get the unique insight of guest speakers from the industry.
Who are these courses for?
Aspiring crime writers
Always wanted to write a crime novel? Learn the fundamentals of the genre and put them into practise as you start work on your own idea.
Writers looking to shift genre
Have writing experience but now looking to break into the crime market? Explore how your skills transfer, and gain the specific tools required for crime writing.
Stuck writers
Written crime before but feeling stalled on your latest project? Brush up your technical skills and meet other writers to share your work with – the perfect antidote to writers' block.
Crime Writing Courses (3)
Writing Crime
Level
What do these levels mean?
Location
Length
Tutors
Claire McGowan
Writing Darkness: Horror, Mystery and Suspense
Level
What do these levels mean?
Location
Length
Tutors
Matt Wesolowski
Start Your Crime Novel in Five Days – 21 July 2025
Level
What do these levels mean?
Location
Length
Tutors
Margie Orford
Crime Writing Tutors
The tutors on our crime writing courses are multi-published novelists, experienced teachers and crime fiction aficionados – they know everything there is to know about this thriving section of the market.
Claire McGowan
Claire McGowan is a writer of crime and literary fiction, and has also published women's fiction as Eva Woods. She was...
More About This Tutor
Matt Wesolowski
Matt Wesolowski is an author from Newcastle-Upon-Tyne in the UK. He is a former English tutor for young people...
More About This Tutor
Trevor Wood
Trevor Wood’s first novel, The Man on the Street, set in his home city of Newcastle, won the Crime Writers’ Association’s John Creasey New Blood Dagger for best debut and the Crimefest...
More About This TutorThanks for such a great course! I'm really learning so much and have got a real impetus and momentum in my novel now, with a lot more depth and technique to my work already.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main features of crime fiction writing?
Like all good writing, crime fiction needs well-developed characters, a gripping plot and a strong sense of place. Our courses also look at the technical aspects that are more specific to crime fiction: pace, action, authenticity, suspense and a killer hook.
Can't find the right course?
Manuscript Assessment
Get comprehensive editorial feedback on your manuscript from our experienced readers – whether it’s still a work-in-progress or you’re preparing to submit to literary agents.
Find out more
Mentoring
We offer a range of mentoring options if you’d prefer to work one-on-one with an established writer to help you shape your project and realise your writing ambitions.
Find out moreBrowse the Reading Room
From author interviews and writing tips to creative writing exercises and reading lists, we've got everything you need to get started – and to keep going.
Recommendations from Faber
Founded in 1929 in London, Faber is one of the world's great publishing houses. Our list of authors includes thirteen Nobel Laureates and six Booker Prize-winners.
Visit Faber