Are you interested in Year of the Novel 2022? Please email us to be on the waitlist!

In this eight-week online writing workshop acclaimed author Emily Maguire will give you the tools, support and encouragement you need to plan, edit and write your novel.

Please note that while the three phases are designed to build on each other, each may also be taken as a stand-alone unit. See the details of what has been previously covered in this course here.

Is this course right for you? Read our FAQ before enrolling>>

Phase Three: Nip, tuck, primp and preen.

This is where we take a long hard look at your very good novel and figure out how to make it brilliant. We’ll cut the fat, plump up the too-lean bits, polish the language and do whatever else is necessary to ensure your novel is ready to face the world.

1. Revision and editing basics

Learning to read like an editor. We’ll also talk about the difference between structural, line and copy-editing.

2. What’s missing?

Every novel-in-progress has weak points and this week we’re going to confront yours head on. Whether it’s a weak antagonist, a giant plot line or dodgy dialogue we’ll work one-on-one to pin-point your problems and come up with strategies to fix them.

3. What needs to go?

You’ve done a lot of work since you first began this writing journey. Now it’s time to go back and pull out the stuff you no longer need. We’ll get out the scissors and ruthlessly cut out all those no-longer necessary explanations, descriptions and conversations.

 4. Beginnings

It may seem a bit late to be talking about beginnings, but it’s often only once you’re close to the end that you can see where you should have begun! This week is all about making sure your novel starts where and how it needs to (and that you know where it’s going).

5. Endings

Endings are tough, but we’re going to be tough right back at them! We’ll talk finales, climaxes, cliffhangers, epilogues, the difference between an open-ending and no-ending at all.

6. Word by word

This week we go micro, considering the rhythm and flow of sentences and hunting down filter words, cliches and clumsy constructions.

7. Over to you

This week’s content will be determined by the needs and concerns of the students, and will include a significant amount of one-on-one time with the tutor for each student.

8. Where do we go from here?

We discuss freelance editors, manuscript assessment, agents, publishers, competitions and more.

Participant requirements

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

The course takes place on a user-friendly website designed specifically for writing courses.

• Each week during the course, a new lesson will be posted.
• Participants will have the week to work through the content.
• There will be the opportunity to submit sections of your manuscript for feedback from both tutor and peers.
• There will be optional Zoom sessions, where participants can ask the tutor questions.
• There will be two more Zoom sessions, where participants will hear from a professional from the literary industry.

Please expect to dedicate a minimum of three to four hours to coursework each week, noting that the time needed for reading, responding to discussions, writing, revising and providing peer feedback will vary from person to person.

You will also be encouraged to spend time writing your novel during the course. It’s up to you how much time you spend writing and planning each week, but you will benefit more from the course if you are setting aside time to work on your novel in conjunction with completing the course exercises and content.

To benefit from this course, you should be working on a novel. If you’re not sure if your novel is at the right stage for this course, read over the different topics above to determine if you think you will benefit. You can also contact us with any questions before enrolling.

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.