Where you'll see our published grads

















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
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:
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!
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:
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!
Two potential novel ideas (250 words for each) and a letter of introduction to your instructor.
Second chapter of the novel up to 4,000 words.
Main character in an action scene that may occur in novel up to 1,000-words and character worksheet.
Third chapter of the novel up to 4,000 words.
A working plan or plot summary of the novel up to 1,500-words.
Revision of first chapter.
First chapter of the novel and working title up to 4,000 words and and update letter to your instructor.
Submission package for novel: three chapters, query/cover letter, author bio, book synopsis, publisher’s choice form.
Two potential novel ideas (250 words for each) and a letter of introduction to your instructor.
Main character in an action scene that may occur in novel up to 1,000-words and character worksheet.
A working plan or plot summary of the novel up to 1,500-words.
First chapter of the novel and working title up to 4,000 words and and update letter to your instructor.
Second chapter of the novel up to 4,000 words.
Third chapter of the novel up to 4,000 words.
Revision of first chapter.
Submission package for novel: three chapters, query/cover letter, author bio, book synopsis, publisher’s choice form.
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.
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:
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.
EDUCATION VERFICATION: All Students are required to provide education verification such as: High school transcript/diploma or equivalent, college transcript/diploma, or military credentials (DD214). Learn more about our admission requirements.
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.
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!1000 N. West Street #1200, Wilmington, DE 19801
© 2024 Direct Learning Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.
1000 N. West Street #1200, Wilmington, DE 19801
© 2025 Direct Learning Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.
1000 N. West Street #1200, Wilmington, DE 19801
©2025 Direct Learning Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy.