Faber Academy > Writing a Novel

Writing a Novel

Presented by Australia’s leading independent publishing house Allen & Unwin, in partnership with the prestigious UK publishers Faber & Faber, Writing a Novel is a highly practical, craft-focused program designed to help you find the focus you need to stay the distance and finish your manuscript draft.
Our Writing a Novel tutors are all published authors. Clockwise from top left: Eleanor Limprecht, Fiona Kelly McGregor, Vivian Pham, Luke Horton, Emily Bitto, Kaaron Warren, J.S. Breukelaar

For emerging novelists ready to dive in and make the commitment to complete a full manuscript, this rigorous three-stage course will guide you through the process of planning and beginning your novel, developing essential skills in writing and composition, as well as establishing a dedicated writing practice.

In the first three-month stage of this course (July – October), you will be given a proven combination of targeted writing exercises, group discussions and carefully selected readings. These introductory lessons will give you an important foundation for writing your novel. You will be taken through essential concepts such as narrative structure, character development, narration, voice, plotting, scene setting and more.

In the second half of the program (February – April) you will continue to develop the craft and technical skills required to turn a rough draft into a work of art. You will finish the course with a deep understanding of the novelist’s craft and how it applies to your own novel. These are lessons you can carry with you throughout your writing life.

After these two stages are complete, Writing a Novel students will be asked to submit work to our highly sought-after Faber Writing Anthology, a professionally edited and printed showcase of student work, sent to leading literary agents and publishers across both Australia and the United Kingdom.

This third stage will take place after your course work is finished, giving you the time and space to work towards completing a submittable draft of your manuscript in time for the anthology to be sent out to agents and publishers.

Writing a Novel is offered commencing in the middle of the year in Sydney, Melbourne and Online.

This year we are delighted to offer Writing a Speculative Fiction Novel with Kaaron Warren and J.S. Breukelaar for the first time. This program is tailored specifically for genre fiction writers.  

One scholarship place is offered for each of these programs. The scholarship allows the recipient to study for FREE.

Follow the links below for more information and to apply.

Writing a Novel with Vivian Pham and guests – Online
Writing a Novel with Eleanor Limprecht and Fiona Kelly McGregor – Sydney (Daytime)
Writing a Novel with Luke Horton and Emily Bitto – Melbourne (Daytime)
Writing a Speculative Fiction Novel with Kaaron Warren and J.S. Breukelaar – Online

Information, bookings and enquiries

For more information about the Faber Writing Academy at Allen & Unwin and any of the courses listed, please contact us:

E: faberwritingacademy@allenandunwin.com
T: 02 8425 0171

If you are booking, please read our Terms and Conditions first.