Success Stories Success Stories Success Stories

Success Stories

From the publication deals and awards our alumni have won to the lifelong friendships and writing groups they form with their classmates, we're really proud of the successes of our student community – described by one alumnus as 'this Faber family of people who live and breathe writing.'

Alumni Spotlight

Hannah Tovey on her road to publication

'There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to the publication journey, no foolproof plan to help you get your novel on the shelves.'

Hannah Tovey tells us about the tears, tantrums and hope that saw her navigate rejection, feedback and the submission process to secure a two-book deal for her hilarious debut novel, The Education of Ivy Edwards.

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When I started the course, I was considering giving up on my dream of ever having a career as a writer [...] In my case, it's been life changing.

Julie Owen Moylan, author of That Green-Eyed Girl

Writing a Novel (Online)

I was considering giving up on my dream of ever having a career as a writer [...] In my case, it's been life changing.

All testimonials

Truly the best decision I made in my short writing career has been applying for and completing Faber Academy's Advanced Poetry Programme. Not only did it allow me to evolve and experiment with my own creative praxis, something I'd been reticent to do previously, it allowed me to work with a fabulous set of tutors and classmates that honed my craft and resulted in major poetry success that would not have come to fruition if not for this fabulous program of study.

Simon Costello

Advanced Poetry (Online)

I used Faber Academy for a Submission Review, as well as a Full Report for my debut novel and found both to be extremely helpful. The feedback was detailed, encouraging, and constructive, and I have no doubt that it ultimately helped me to find a wonderful agent and publisher for Finding Henry Applebee.

Celia Reynolds

Manuscript Assessment Programme

As a result of the course, I have received interest from three literary agents and have sent material to them. I really felt part of the Faber family and continue to do so. This literary experience will always sit with me, and I will always be grateful to Faber Academy for the great experience.

The course is really well-organised, and the team work hard to make the experience valuable and productive – this includes a diligent approach to distributing material throughout the whole course, and meeting our requests immediately.

Duncan Harding

Writing A Novel

I was in some doubt as to whether good writers can also teach, but Julia put paid to the misconception. It was excellent [...] – nothing short of a miracle.

Five Days to Write a Life

I felt that I learned a lot from Joanna, who got the balance right between practical instruction on technique and general advice on writing. Writing a novel is a difficult thing to teach and I felt that she managed our expectations with sensitivity and was very encouraging. I myself was grateful that we weren't pitching to agents as part of the course as I don't feel that I am there yet. I feel that most of us made perceptible progress. The point about the Faber course is the group dynamic, and the feedback and criticism from fellow aspiring novelists. Members of the group are continuing to meet, which I feel is a testimony to its success. We have the tools now and the rest is up to us!

Lindy Burleigh

Writing A Novel

For a day's blast, it was an amazing injection of umphf! Many thanks to Joanna for orchestrating an inspiring, challenging, well-organised and very worthwhile day and also for going to lengths to ensure that everyone was drawn out of themselves. Absolutely fantastic! Could not have asked more of the day. Thank you, Joanna!

Start to Write

The whole experience was fabulous and exceeded my expectations. Julia was amazing and my one-to-one session with her opened my eyes, and my book came to life. I never thought I would say that I am writing a book, but I am. This course was a wonderful experience and I will never forget it and will always be grateful for it. Thank you!

Five Days to Write a Life

Arabel's approach to character from a psychotherapy perspective was a real revelation to me. I found it so much more helpful than any other character guidance I've had and found myself rewriting my character backstories in a much more meaningful way. The course was so helpful in understanding what might motivate and drive people, which is the key to writing an engaging character.

Who Do You Think They Are?: Getting into Character

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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.

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