If you've ever dreamt of writing a novel, then you've come to the right place. Everything you need to know about producing your own book is in this information-packed online novel writing course. With feedback from a professional writer you'll learn how to research, organise and transform an idea into a captivating read, professionally presented, ready for publication. It's the perfect guide to getting your book written, published and sold.
In this module you’ll learn about setting yourself up as a writer, including where and when to write, how to start, the equipment you’ll need and how to get organised.
We now introduce you to the different genres of fiction to help you decide which you should attempt. You’ll look at action stories versus reflective stories, then move on to examining each of the genres in turn, including romance, historical, detective, thrillers, war, humour, children’s fiction, science fiction, fantasy, lad and chic lit, horror, westerns and erotica.
You’ll be shown the tasks that you’ll need to complete before you actually start writing your novel. This includes mental preparation, technical preparation, market research, understanding novel structure, the basic ingredients, spicing up your story, themes and background research.
This module introduces you to the various techniques you can use to find inspiration, plotting, sub-plots, flashbacks, foreshadowing and coincidence. You’ll also be shown how to produce outlines, a synopsis and develop your storyline, including producing a fantastic opening chapter, a thrilling middle and a satisfying end.
Characters are the main focus of this module. We’ll show you how to make yours unforgettable by creating a strong character profile. Once you’ve mastered your characters, you need to give them convincing dialogue – we’ll help with that too!
Next, it’s time to develop the setting and atmosphere for your novel. We’ll show you how to choose and develop the right setting for your novel, give it a great atmosphere using all your senses. Then you’ll learn how to express those ideas effectively on paper. You’ll also touch on revision in this module, with information on the draft and review process.
Now we get to the really interesting stuff – selling your novel! You’ll look at all the different ways to get your novel published to help you decide which route is best for you. We’ll show you how to find publishers and agents and what format you should use to submit your work. You’ll learn how to write the perfect synopsis to go with your manuscript and what to do if you receive a rejection.
Learn the dos and don’ts and pros and cons of self-publishing, so you can decide if it’s for you. If it is, we’ll show you how to do it, including creating an effective and attractive front cover and a sales blurb that readers won’t be able to resist.
What all authors need, whether they decide to go down the traditional route or self-publishing route, is advice on marketing their finished novel. This module will do just that. You’ll learn how to generate interest in your book through various methods, including social media, press releases and local appearances.
This final module covers promoting yourself as a writer, not just your novel. You’ll look at the advantages of blogging, social media and other networking opportunities and how to make them work for you. And finally, we show you how to create a website that’ll impress your readers and any potential publishers and increase your sales.
Your assignment will give you the chance to practise everything you have learnt in the course. Your tutor will give you invaluable feedback that will give you the confidence that you are on the right track.
Writing a novel is a tough job. Let's get that straight from the start. At every turn there are pitfalls and hurdles that can set an inexperienced novelist back years. But in this detailed online novel writing course our team of established writers share invaluable secrets to make the whole process easier, and a lot more pleasurable.
Your course gives you sound, down-to-earth advice at every stage of the novel writing process that will stop you dithering, and get you writing. You learn the basics from setting up a workspace, through picking the genre, to planning and preparing your novel. Plotting storylines, creating characters, crafting realistic dialogue, developing atmosphere are all clearly explained, helping you to write a cracking page-turner. And, your modules are there for you to refer to any time you like.
Of course, once you've written your book, you'll want people to read it. So this course doesn't just help you put a novel together, it takes you right through the process of reviewing and revising to be sure it's tip-top. Then it shows you how to research markets to find a publisher or an agent. If you'd rather take the self-publishing route, there's advice on that too. And whichever way you choose, you'll learn all about the legal aspects of publishing, including the essential areas of copyright and contracts. Finally, the course covers how to promote yourself as a writer, and how to get your novel noticed by the reading public – essential skills if you want to be successful.
All your course materials are delivered online in the student area of this website. This means you can study anytime, anywhere. Plus, you have several multiple-choice tests to help you revise and remember what you have learnt.
But, you want a course that gives you more than the theory of writing a novel. You want a course where you actually do some writing and get feedback. So, you also have a written assignment that will help you to start writing your novel and polish your writing style. This is assessed by one of our tutors – a professional writer – who will give you constructive comment on your work.
To find out more about what you'll learn read the Novel Writing Online course synopsis below or click the course overview button. And, if you have any questions about your course please complete the contact form. One of our student advisors will get back to you as soon as possible. Our advisors are also available to you by phone during office hours or by email once you enrol so there is always help available should you need it.
However, if all your questions have been answered enrol now and get started on making your novel writing dream come true by clicking the link below!
By taking this course you’ll gain all the tools to make your project a success. And, it only takes a few minutes to get started.
