Bookings for this course are now closed. Sign up for our waitlist here to find out when it’s running again. In the meantime, check out our list of current courses or sign up for our Newsbite weekly newsletter for updates.

Join this online manuscript development course to give and receive feedback on your writing.

Do you have a draft manuscript of adult fiction or memoir? Are you looking for feedback and tips to improve your work?

In this online course, editor Anna Spargo-Ryan will provide feedback on your manuscript (up to 7200 words) plus a synopsis in an online classroom environment, enabling you to hone your skills over three months.

You’ll also give and receive peer feedback, and be able to consider the tutor’s feedback on your fellow writers’ submissions. The tutor’s feedback will focus on specific areas for each of the three submissions, as outlined below.

Please note: This Online Feedback course is not suitable for aspiring or beginning writers. We recommend that you complete at least one other creative writing course before enrolling in Online Feedback. By enrolling in this course, you are committing to giving and receiving feedback from peers and the tutor. Read this article here for more information.

Is this course right for you? Read our FAQ > 

Internet access and confidence using basic computer software are essential for this program.

Monthly submissions

Submission One
For the first submission, we will look at how your manuscript begins, focussing on specific areas including what hooks you’ve planted to keep readers turning the pages and the characters you’ve introduced. In addition to the first 2200 words of your manuscript, you’ll also submit a 300-word synopsis, using provided guidelines for writing an industry-standard synopsis.

Submission Two
In the second submission of 2500 words, our focus is on characters, dialogue and point of view. If you aren’t using dialogue, choose part of the manuscript where we see your protagonist through their actions.

Submission Three
The third submission is your opportunity to select 2500 words of your manuscript that you would particularly like feedback on and to ask a specific question about it. For example, you might be concerned whether a character’s motivation is clear, or whether a particular action is obvious – or too obvious!  If you don’t have a particular question and would just like some general feedback, that’s fine too.

Your tutor will provide tailored feedback on each submission, and you’ll also have the opportunity to read and comment on other participants’ writing. You’ll be given guidance on the best way to give feedback and specific questions to focus on in each round of submissions. Giving feedback on others’ work is a great way to sharpen your eye on your own work.

This online course takes place on a website specifically designed for writers, making it simple and easy to share your writing, give and receive feedback, and interact with fellow writers.

If you’re ready to challenge yourself and develop your skills through constructive critique, this is the course for you.

Participant Requirements

Internet access and confidence using basic computer software are essential for this course. Please read our FAQ before enrolling.

You must have a completed draft manuscript of adult fiction or memoir to enrol. This Online Feedback course is not suitable for aspiring or beginning writers. We recommend that you complete at least one other creative writing course before enrolling in Online Feedback. By enrolling in this course, you are committing to giving and receiving feedback from peers and the tutor. Read this article here for more information. If you’re unsure if your manuscript would be suitable, please contact us to discuss.

You do not need to log into the course at a specific time and there are no live meetings. You will receive an email with an invitation link to join the online classroom by 10am on the day the course starts.

This course starts on 11 September with enrolment into our online classroom. Submissions (up to 2500 words of fiction) are due on the following dates, 10pm (Sydney times):

Monday 18 September
Monday 16 October
Monday 13 November

After each submission date, you’ll have 10 days to complete peer feedback. At the end of each feedback period, you’ll receive your tutor feedback.

We recommend having your synopsis ready before you start this course. You can draft it using our synopsis writing guide here >>

This interactive online course has limited places. Book early to avoid missing out. 

More from Writing NSW

Check out our full range of in-person writing courses in Sydney, our online writing courses and our feedback programs to see how we can help you on your writing journey. Find out about our grants and prizes, as well as writing groups across NSW, and sign up to our weekly newsletter for writing events, opportunities and giveaways.