Writing a Novel
Over 150 published authors and counting . . . will you be next?
Achieve your writing potential with Faber Academy's flagship course.
Writing a Novel is designed to support aspiring fiction writers to develop their craft over six months, with courses in London (at Faber's HQ in Hatton Garden), Newcastle and online.
A six-month programme of seminars, sessions will cover all the essentials of novel writing – including character, story, structure, plotting, voice, dialogue, conflict and more.
Everyone's got a story to tell. But it can be hard to bring it to life on the page. Perhaps you've always dreamed of writing a novel, but don't know where to start. Or maybe you have a burning idea, but are unsure whether it's any good or not.
Writing a Novel will help you to hone your craft, to find direction in your writing and give your novel its best chance of success. Spending time with your project in a room with other passionate writers, under the guidance of experienced tutors who are published authors in their own right, will help you to get your project over the line.
You'll get:
• A built-in writing community that you’ll stay in touch with after the course
• A supportive team cheering you on from behind-the-scenes
• Experienced tutors to guide you on your path and give one-to-one feedback
• Guided peer-to-peer feedback
• The skills to edit your own work
• Deeper understanding of voice, characterisation, story structure
• Unparalleled insight into the publishing industry
Why Faber Academy
Over the last 14 years, the course has inspired hundreds of writers and put more than 150 authors on the path to publication. You might recognise some of our graduates: Maddie Mortimer (Maps of Our Spectacular Bodies), Nicola Dinan (Bellies) and S J Watson (Before I Go To Sleep) are just some of our success stories.
Designed by Faber Academy's Director of Fiction Richard Skinner, the course is a deep dive into the art of the novel. From initial idea to finished draft, sessions will cover everything you need to do to get your work in the very best shape.
The only creative writing school attached to a renowned publisher, Faber Academy is a proven pathway for committed fiction writers. We have options to suit every writer, from the flexibility of an online course - allowing you to fit your learning around other commitments - to in-person classes in London or Newcastle.
What are the benefits of taking Writing a Novel?
Community: Writing a Novel will provide you with your very own writing group, an in-built community that you can take with you into your future writing career. You'll hone your own editorial eye as you give feedback on your classmate's stories, and in turn will receive invaluable help developing yours.
Discipline: With weekly classes, workshops and peer-to-peer feedback, this course will help you to get out of your own way and show up for your writing.
Support: Our friendly and helpful team will be here to support you throughout the course with regular Student Surgeries, where you can drop in and raise any issues you may have encountered. We're also always able to help outside of this and are happy to chat by phone or email.
Guest speakers: Throughout the course you'll hear from guest speakers including published alumni, Faber authors and senior Faber editors.
End-of-course celebrations: Celebrate your success in an in-person event at The Bindery in the heart of London. There'll be drinks, nibbles and a chance for you to step back and congratulate yourself and your classmates, mingle with other writers, tutors and Academy staff.
Anthology: After Writing a Novel comes to an end, you'll be invited to submit an extract of 1,000 words for our Anthology. This will then be sent out to a long list of UK literary agents, and they'll be able to contact you directly if they'd like to see more.
Industry Day: Perfect your pitch in a workshop with an experienced editor and get expert advice on the next step for your novel. You'll also get a chance to pitch your novel to literary agents and ask them any questions you'd like about their list and agency.
Alumni Area: Get automatic access to our industry-leading Alumni Area after you finish the course where you can interact other alumni and benefit from a multitude of resources.
Some of our Success Stories
The best investment I have ever made in myself [...] The last six months has been an incredible journey – one of the most difficult, most challenging but most satisfying ever.
Online (Flexible)
Starts 23 June 2025London: Evening
Starts 24 September 2025London: Daytime
Starts 25 September 2025Newcastle
Starts 13 October 2025
The right course for you
We have options to suit every writer, from the flexibility of an online course - allowing you to fit your learning around other commitments - to an in-person class based in London or Newcastle.
Upcoming Courses
Writing a Novel (Online)
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Jessica Moor
Writing a Novel (Evening)
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Richard T. Kelly, Sarah May, Joanna Briscoe, Alice McIlroy, Diana Evans, Chris Power
Writing a Novel (Daytime)
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Shelley Weiner, Sabrina Broadbent, Nikesh Shukla, Sarah Harman, Sophie Mackintosh, Leone Ross
Writing a Novel (Newcastle)
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Richard T. Kelly, Claire Daverley, Yara Rodrigues Fowler
Writing a Novel (Evening)
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What do these levels mean?
Location
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Tutors
Richard T. Kelly, Sarah May, Nikesh Shukla
Writing a Novel (Daytime)
Level
What do these levels mean?
Location
Length
Tutors
Shelley Weiner, Sabrina Broadbent