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, make the most 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 (24)
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
Start Your Crime Novel in Five Days – 21 July 2025
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Margie Orford
Start to Write
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Marcel Theroux
Writing Evening – 7 August 2025
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Making Light: Adding Humour, Warmth and Wit to your Writing
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Paul Dornan, Emma Jane Unsworth
Start to Write
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Marcel Theroux
Writing Evening – 4 September 2025
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Getting Started: Beginners' Fiction (Daytime)
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Sue Gee
Getting Started: Beginners' Fiction
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Mick Jackson
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...
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Lee Weatherly
Lee Weatherly has written more than fifty books for children and young adults, including the bestselling Angel series, and is...
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Nikesh Shukla
Nikesh Shukla is an novelist and screenwriter. He is the author of Coconut Unlimited (shortlisted for the Costa First Novel...
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Richard T. Kelly
Richard T. Kelly is the author of the novels Crusaders (2008), The Possessions of Doctor Forrest (2011) and The Knives (2016)...
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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...
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Sarah May
Sarah May is the highly acclaimed author of seven novels, including The Nudist Colony, (shortlisted for the Guardian First Book Award...
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Shelley Weiner
Shelley Weiner is an acclaimed novelist, short-story writer and journalist who has, over the years, established a reputation...
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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.
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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.
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