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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 Linda Funnell 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.

Is this course right for you? Read our FAQ >

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 to enrol. If your manuscript is narrative non-fiction (i.e. memoir) and you are interested in this course, please contact us to discuss.

This course starts on 13 September with enrolment into our online classroom. Submissions are due on the following dates:

Monday 20 September
Monday 18 October
Monday 15 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. 

Reviews

‘I found the feedback from Linda incredibly helpful and insightful. For me, a writer without any formal training, this course was invaluable. It shed light on my blind spots and I’m excited to move forward with my manuscript.’ – Donné

‘Linda Funnell is a great teacher. She gave very specific feedback and I have already been able to incorporate those notes into my manuscript. The peer evaluations were helpful as they gave me insight into what other readers think/feel as they read my work, and areas where I need to edit.’ – Rachel

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.