Novel Writing Courses
Our novel writing courses are designed for writers who are serious about learning to write a novel, from initial idea to final draft.
Our novel writing courses: an overview
We offer a range of novel writing workshops, including our flagship Writing a Novel course. With flexible online and in-person options, get the most out of your writing time and get those words on the page.
Some of our novel writing courses are selective, meaning that you’ll need to apply.
You’ll benefit from the expertise of your tutor and the support of your classmates, as well as the unique industry insight of taking a course within one of the great independent publishing houses.
Who are these courses for?
Aspiring novelists
There's a long road between having a great idea for a novel and getting it onto the page. These courses will guide you through each step.
Stuck novelists
Writer's block is real – and losing your confidence is a major culprit. Brush up your skills, meet like-minded writers and find your stride again.
Writers ready for a change
Have experience writing short stories, poetry or screenplays but no idea where to start on a novel? Learn and hone the skills you'll need to move into long form prose.
Novel Writing Courses (8)
Writing a Novel (Evening)
Level
What do these levels mean?
Location
Length
Tutors
Richard T. Kelly, Sarah May, Joanna Briscoe, Nikesh Shukla
Writing a Novel (Daytime)
Level
What do these levels mean?
Location
Length
Tutors
Shelley Weiner, Sabrina Broadbent
Masterclass: Planning and Writing The Mirror
Level
What do these levels mean?
Location
Length
Tutors
Richard Skinner
Finish Your Draft
Level
What do these levels mean?
Location
Length
Tutors
Natasha Bell
Getting Started: Beginners' Fiction
Level
What do these levels mean?
Location
Length
Tutors
Mick Jackson
Writing for Children
Level
What do these levels mean?
Location
Length
Tutors
Anthony McGowan
Kickstart Your Novel
Level
What do these levels mean?
Location
Length
Tutors
Katherine Stansfield
Getting Started: Beginners' Fiction (Newcastle)
Level
What do these levels mean?
Location
Length
Tutors
Margaret Wilkinson
Writing Fiction
Level
What do these levels mean?
Location
Length
Tutors
Keith Ridgway
Masterclass: Setting
Level
What do these levels mean?
Location
Length
Tutors
Richard Skinner
Novel Writing Tutors
Our tutors are all multi-published novelists and experienced teachers, hand-picked from Faber and beyond.
Joanna Briscoe
Joanna Briscoe is the author of the novels Mothers and Other Lovers, which won the Betty Trask Award; Skin; Sleep With Me, which...
More About This Tutor
Lee Weatherly
Lee Weatherly has written more than fifty books for children and young adults, including the bestselling Angel series, and is...
More About This Tutor
Nikesh Shukla
Nikesh Shukla is an novelist and screenwriter. He is the author of Coconut Unlimited (shortlisted for the Costa First Novel...
More About This Tutor
Richard T. Kelly
Richard T. Kelly is the author of the novels Crusaders (2008), The Possessions of Doctor Forrest (2011) and The Knives (2016)...
More About This Tutor
Sabrina Broadbent
Sabrina Broadbent's debut novel, Descent, won the WH Smith Raw Talent award. Her other novels are A Boy’s Guide to Track and...
More About This Tutor
Sarah May
Sarah May is the highly acclaimed author of seven novels, including The Nudist Colony, (shortlisted for the Guardian First Book Award...
More About This Tutor
Shelley Weiner
Shelley Weiner is an acclaimed novelist, short-story writer and journalist who has, over the years, established a reputation...
More About This Tutor
Tom Bromley
Tom Bromley is an author, editor and ghostwriter. He has written ten books under his own name, both fiction and non-fiction...
More About This TutorI also learned how to navigate the choppy waters of the publishing world. I will be forever grateful for the experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours a day do I need to write a novel?
The short answer is: it varies. Finding regular time for writing is an important part of the discipline required to write a novel, but we all know that spare hours in the day can be hard to come by! You’ll find the time requirements for our courses on the individual course pages – many of our online novel writing courses are designed to be flexible enough to fit around your existing commitments.
Do you need a degree to write a novel?
No. While some writers choose to pursue a university qualification, there are many paths to becoming a published novelist. Some successful authors are entirely self-taught! Our Writing a Novel course is designed as a flexible, practical alternative to a Creative Writing MA. Or you might choose to support your writing practice with shorter courses and workshops. There are many options available and every writer is different – the single most important thing you can do is to keep writing.
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.
Features
Writing Prickly Female ProtagonistsWriting a Novel alumna Ania Bas on writing the main character of her debut novel, published earlier
Read MoreFeatures
My Road to Publication… And What I Learned Along the WayThe author of Honey and Me (published by Scholastic Press) on how her book came to be
Read MoreRecommendations 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