The Ultimate Novel Writing Programme

Who is this course for?

This course is perfect for writers with an idea for a novel, a WIP, or a completed manuscript that they’d like to revise and rework. We’ll meet you wherever you are on your writing journey and keep you accountable, supporting you from plotting to editing to preparing for publication. True beginners may like to first sign up for the 8 month programme, and then upgrade later if it is the right fit, but are welcome to apply for the 12 month programme so that we can assess your current writing stage.

Do you handle all genres? What about creative non-fiction? What about children’s and Young Adult?

We warmly welcome writers in almost every genre, from very literary to commercial. Our tutors work across a diverse list of categories, including both creative non-fiction and fiction writing. We certainly also welcome writers of YA and MG. If you write for much younger children, the course may be less suitable – but feel free to ask. 

What is the application process?

We invite writers from all backgrounds to apply to this course, whatever their educational backgrounds or prior achievements. We do, however, ask that all applicants are genuinely committed to a career as an author.  

If you feel this best describes you, please apply now. 

We aim to respond to all applications in 3 weeks. All work will be forwarded to the course tutors who will make the final decision on entry, according to which writers they feel show commitment to the course and would benefit the most from the course components.

If you have any questions about the application process, you can email us on courses@jerichowriters.com, or book a call to speak with us.

I have a full time job / family commitments. Can I do this course in my spare time?

Yes. We purposely designed this course to fit in around your other commitments; flexibility is one of the many benefits of online novel writing courses. Bear in mind that we will be asking you to write (or rewrite) your novel, as well as engage with teaching material and other online/offline events throughout the year. We recommend approximately 10 hours should be spent on the course each week to get the most from it. If you think you can manage that, we’ll be happy to accommodate you – and of course we’ll be as flexible as we can be.

Do I need to be available at set times every week?

For the most part, you’ll be able to work to a schedule that suits you. There will be regular Zoom calls but these will always be recorded so, if you can’t make the live session, you’ll be able to watch the replay. The only truly fixed part of the calendar is the in-person event at the end of the course (included on the 12 month programme only). Please note, students will be required to pay for their own travel to and from the in-person event, including any additional expenses incurred.

Will the online elements of the course be easy to use?

We use an easy-to-navigate online teaching platform, which is incredibly user-friendly so you’ll have no difficulty understanding what to do. You’ll also have access to the teaching platform forums indefinitely, so your course friendships can long outlast the end of the course. If you do need help at any stage, we’ll be on hand. 

Do you have bursaries available?

Details of our current bursaries are available on our website. If your personal circumstances make it challenging for you to fund the full price of this course, please get in touch. We can’t make any promises, but we’ll always do what we can.

Is this course really worth the cost?

This is our most common question, which is totally understandable. This course is not cheap – nor would we want it to be. It’s an investment in your writing career, where you will receive more dedicated support than any lower cost option. Compared to hiring a developmental editor or trying to navigate publishing alone, you gain skills, professional guidance, and industry access. Similarly, compared to taking an MA, this programme is far more practical and designed to support you with a writing career, not just the theory of creative writing. If you want, we can talk through your goals and figure out whether this course will truly give you value. 

How does this programme compare to a Creative Writing MA?

It’s natural to compare the two. The key difference is that most MAs teach the craft of writing in an academic, theoretical setting, while the Ultimate Novel Writing Programme is designed to help you finish a full draft and prepare it for publication. Instead of essays and broad modules, you get focused 1:1 mentoring, professional editorial feedback on your entire manuscript, and direct access to agents through calls, showcases, and our anthology. If your priority is completing a polished novel and understanding the publishing landscape as opposed to gaining an academic qualification, this programme is usually a far more practical and results-driven choice. 

What if I don’t have 10+ hours per week to dedicate?

That’s a totally valid concern. While we recommend around 10 hours a week for the fullest experience, we understand many students are balancing work, family, or other commitments. The live sessions are recorded, so if you have to miss them, you can catch up on your own schedule. Tutors will also work with the group to find a regular time that suits the majority. Flexibility is built into the design. 

I’m worried 8-12 months is a long time to commit. What if I burn out / give up?

That’s a common fear. But the structure of the course is designed to support you steadily. You’ll set realistic goals month by month, and your mentor is there to help you navigate slow phases. Plus, the community of fellow writers means you’re not alone. You’ll have accountability and encouragement to keep going. 

What if I finish the programme but still don’t get an agent?

Publishing is never guaranteed, but what you do get is a submission-ready manuscript, and real access to industry professionals. We also don’t just prepare you to write: if you join the 12 month programme, we teach you how to pitch, write a synopsis, and build your query package. And in our showcase, agents see your work directly. Even if you don’t get representation right away, you’ll have a polished, professional novel ready to go, in addition to the skills and material to use time and time again for every novel you write, with no limits on access (unlike other courses). 

Is there any kind of financial support / flexible payment?

We offer several payment plans for this programme: lump sum, or instalments (12/18 month plans for the 12 month programme or 8/12 month plans for the 8 month programme). If your financial situation makes it really difficult to enrol, please contact us. While we don’t offer full bursaries for this course, we’re committed to making the programme as accessible as possible. 

What if I’m still writing my first draft at the editing stage on the 12 month programme?

That’s OK. You don’t need a fully finished draft by the time we reach the editing stage. If your first draft isn’t ready in time, you can still submit your manuscript later and receive full editorial feedback once it is. This flexibility helps make sure you don’t miss out just because you write at your own pace. 

Do you guarantee agent representation or publication?

We don’t guarantee an agent deal. No course can. But we do guarantee your work will in the very best shape it can possibly be, and that it will be seen by agents: through our anthology, online showcase, and our network of agent partners (included on the 12 month programme only). Many students do receive full-manuscript requests (e.g. 1 in 3 typically gets agent interest), but this is about opportunity and skill, not a promise of a contract. 

Are there payment options available for the course?

Yes. We know that taking the Ultimate Novel Writing Programme will be an investment in your writing so we have the following payment options available for you to choose from:

Cost for the 8 month programme:

• Pay as a lump sum of £3500 GBP / $4600 USD.
• Pay in 8 instalments of £480 GBP / $630 USD per month.
• Pay in 12 instalments of £325 GBP / $420 USD per month.  

Cost for the 12 month programme:

• Pay as a lump sum of £5500 GBP / $7000 USD.
• Pay in 12 instalments of £500 / $645 USD per month.
• Pay in 18 instalments of £335 / $430 USD per month.  

If you have any questions or if you’d like to discuss payment options with a member of the team, please get in touch. We’d be happy to talk through the options with you.