Where you'll see our published grads
Ideal For
Intermediate &
experienced writers
Time
223 Hours
18 - 24 Months
How to write a novel
one-on-one mentorship to write your novel
The Institute for Writers offers the best course on how to write a novel—Shape, Write, and Sell Your Novel. This course guides you through the process: from developing a saleable idea to learning how to sell a novel.
As a student in Shape, Write, and Sell Your Novel, you’ll:
- Establish viable novel ideas and identify the right genre
- Develop a working plot summary
- Create characters with motivation, voice, and conflict
- Complete the first three chapters of your novel
- Prepare a submission packet—including a synopsis and query letter.
With your one-on-one writing mentor, you’ll master the key elements of how to write a novel. You’ll also learn how to sell a novel by researching publishers and understanding their submission guidelines, giving you the tools to prepare a professional submission packet to get a book published.
Are you ready to learn how to write a novel? Let’s get started!
How to write a novel
one-on-one mentorship to write your novel
The Institute for Writers offers the best course on how to write a novel—Shape, Write, and Sell Your Novel. This course guides you through the process: from developing a saleable idea to learning how to sell a novel.
As a student in Shape, Write, and Sell Your Novel, you’ll:
- Establish viable novel ideas and identify the right genre
- Develop a working plot summary
- Create characters with motivation, voice, and conflict
- Complete the first three chapters of your novel
- Prepare a submission packet—including a synopsis and query letter.
With your one-on-one writing mentor, you’ll master the key elements of how to write a novel. You’ll also learn how to sell a novel by researching publishers and understanding their submission guidelines, giving you the tools to prepare a professional submission packet to get a book published.
Are you ready to learn how to write a novel? Let’s get started!
Meet Your Mentors
Masters of the craft
CUSTOMIZED LEARNING
PERSONALIZED FEEDBACK
CONFIDENCE BUILDING
ACCOUNTABILITY
WORK AT YOUR OWN PACE
PATH TO PUBLISHING
CUSTOMIZED LEARNING
PERSONALIZED FEEDBACK
CONFIDENCE BUILDING
ACCOUNTABILITY
WORK AT YOUR OWN PACE
PATH TO PUBLISHING
Curriculum Overview
Start Your Journey
Crafting & Marketing
1
It All Starts With An Idea
Two potential novel ideas (250 words for each) and a letter of introduction to your instructor.
5
Setting: Your Story’s Stage
Second chapter of the novel up to 4,000 words.
2
Characters: The Soul of the Novel
Main character in an action scene that may occur in novel up to 1,000-words and character worksheet.
6
Crafting Chapter 3 and Beyond
Third chapter of the novel up to 4,000 words.
3
Building Structure: Plot Planning
A working plan or plot summary of the novel up to 1,500-words.
7
From Good to Best: Revising Your Work
Revision of first chapter.
4
Getting Started: Hooking the Reader
First chapter of the novel and working title up to 4,000 words and and update letter to your instructor.
8
Marketing Your Novel
Submission package for novel: three chapters, query/cover letter, author bio, book synopsis, publisher’s choice form.
Curriculum Overview
Start Your Journey
1
It All Starts With An Idea
Two potential novel ideas (250 words for each) and a letter of introduction to your instructor.
2
Characters: The Soul of the Novel
Main character in an action scene that may occur in novel up to 1,000-words and character worksheet.
3
Building Structure: Plot Planning
A working plan or plot summary of the novel up to 1,500-words.
4
Getting Started: Hooking the Reader
First chapter of the novel and working title up to 4,000 words and and update letter to your instructor.
Crafting & Marketing
5
Setting: Your Story’s Stage
Second chapter of the novel up to 4,000 words.
6
Crafting Chapter 3 and Beyond
Third chapter of the novel up to 4,000 words.
7
From Good to Best: Revising Your Work
Revision of first chapter.
8
Marketing Your Novel
Submission package for novel: three chapters, query/cover letter, author bio, book synopsis, publisher’s choice form.
Materials Included In
Shape, Write, and Sell Your Novel
You’ll learn from established writers about how to make your novel a reality.
Discover techniques and strategies for generating ideas, connecting
with readers emotionally, and finding inspiration you need to finish your work.
The Most Trusted Guide To Getting Published
successful submission package for an editor or agent. You’ll use this market
directory in conjunction with outside research and your instructor’s suggestions
to determine exactly what to include and where to send your submission package.
assignments, idea generators, planning guides, writing and revision techniques
and guidelines for preparing a book submission package.
- Grammar Tip sheets
The Complete Handbook
of Novel Writing
Writers Digest Books, 3rd Edition
This handbook includes dozens of essays by masters of the novel. You’ll learn from established writers about how to make your novel a reality. Discover techniques and strategies for generating ideas, connecting with readers emotionally, and finding inspiration you need to finish your work.
Novel and Short Story
Writer Market: The Most Trusted
Guide To Getting Published
By Amy Jones, 40th Edition
The Novel and Short Story Writer Market book will help unlock the secret of a successful submission package for an editor or agent. You’ll use this market directory in conjunction with outside research and your instructor’s suggestions to determine exactly what to include and where to send your submission package.
Shape, Write, & Sell Your
Novel Course Materials
IFW Publishing
The Course Manual is your road map to a finished novel. Step by Step, with your instructor by your side, it will lead you through the process of writing a novel.
Supplementary Instructional Materials
IFW Publishing
- Pointers from the Pros
- Grammar Tip sheets
“I’m grateful to be holding these tools in my hands and doing something I’ve merely talked and dreamed about for a long time.”
- Haley James
"Shape Write and Sell Your Novel is an excellent course which gives you all the information you need to be a successful author. The instructors at Institute for Writers are outstanding. They critique your assignments and provide valuable feedback to help you become a better writer. "
- Patricia Leonard
"I have become a more confident writer with this course. My teacher was so encouraging and gave great practical feedback."
- Andrea J Brown
Tuition
Full Pay
$
1,515
full pay
-
Fastest Completion Time
-
Access To All Assignments
-
Total $1,515
A single one time payment for the total tuition price of: $1,515
Payment Plan I
$
79
Month
-
Most Popular
-
$99 down, 17 monthly payments of $79, and final payment of $73
-
Total $1,515
17 Month autopay plan requires down payment of $99.00 due at enrollment and 17 equal monthly payments of $79.00 with a final payment of $73.00. Total tuition price: $1,515
Payment Plan II
$
59
Month
-
Lowest Monthly Payments
-
$99 down, 24 monthly payments of $59
-
Total $1,515
24 Month autopay plan requires down payment of $99.00 due at enrollment and 24 equal monthly payments of $59.00. Total tuition price: $1,515
METHOD OF PAYMENT: Pay using your credit or debit card! We accept Visa, Discover, Master Card and American Express.
10 DAY NO-RISK TRIAL: Our goal is to provide you with the writing skills and knowledge needed in today’s publishing industry. We are confident that you will enjoy our writing courses so we offer you a 10 day no-risk trial! If for some reason you are unsure or dissatisfied, we’ve got you covered. The Institute For Writers Student Protection Policy:
- You have 10 days once you enroll in your course to change your mind. If you’re not completely satisfied, simply notify us, return the materials and get a FULL REFUND. It’s that easy.
- After 10 days, you have the ability to cancel your course at any time. Whether you have paid in full or on a monthly payment plan, you qualify for our Student Refund Policy.
REFUND POLICY: Our student service team focuses on student satisfaction. However, if you choose not to continue your writing course, we offer a refund policy. Cancellations within the first 5 days of enrollment receive a full refund. After the first 5 days your refund amount is based on: Tuition collected, Lessons completed, and Enrollment date. Learn more about our refund policy.
FAQs
This course lays the foundation for a successful novel, starting with a marketable idea. You will also establish a working plot, develop engaging and realistic characters, and tighten your general writing skills to ensure your idea can be developed into a full-length novel.
Our follow-up Extended Mentor program offers students the opportunity to continue working one-on-one with their same instructor in Shape, Write, and Sell Your Novel. You may continue to develop and revise additional chapters in your novel.
Currently Shape, Write, and Sell Your Novel focuses on developing a fiction novel. Whether you write science fiction, adventure, suspense, or romance, we’ve got you covered.
Start Your Journey Today!
Stop wondering if you have what it takes to be a published author!
Show us what you’ve got!Stop wondering if you have what it takes to be a published author!
Show us what you’ve got!
