Writing a Novel - Faber Writing Academy
Faber Writing 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.

Introducing Writing a Novel in 2026

For emerging novelists ready to dive in and make the commitment to complete a full manuscript, this rigorous course will guide you through the process of crafting and polishing your novel, developing essential skills in writing and submitting your work to publishers and agents, as well as establishing a dedicated writing practice.

In the first half of this course, you will be given a proven combination of targeted writing exercises, whole-class workshops, guest appearances from award-winning authors and carefully selected readings. The first half of this course will hold you accountable as you complete your draft, while introducing you to important aspects of craft along the way. You will be taken through essential concepts such as narrative structure, character development, setting, voice, plotting, pacing and more.

In the next stages of the program, you will step back and start to consider how to refine and edit your novels, while drawing out your central themes and concerns. You will continue to develop the craft and technical skills required to turn a rough draft into a work of art, while meeting a selection of industry guests. You will finish the course with a deep understanding of the novelist’s craft, how it applies to your own novel, and how your novel might sit within the publishing industry today. These are lessons you can carry with you throughout your writing life.

In addition to dedicated course work, students who are submission-ready within three years of completing Writing a Novel will have the opportunity submit to the Faber Writing Anthology, a showcase of student work sent to leading literary agents and publishers in both Australia and the United Kingdom, and launched at a bespoke industry party.

Applications for mid-year are currently open in the following courses:

Writing a Novel in:

Writing a Crime Novel (Online) with Mandy Beaumont, Hayley Scrivenor and guests

Writing a Speculative Fiction Novel (Online) with J.S. Breukelaar and guests

Applications are also open in these prestigious long courses:

Writing a Poetry Collection (Online) with Sarah Day and guests

Writing a Creative Nonfiction Book (Online) with Rebecca Giggs, Ingrid Horrocks, Sam Twyford-Moore and guests

What our students have to say

Take a peek inside our Faber Anthology Fiction Launch as our students share their experiences of Writing a Novel.

Learn about our scholarship offers here.

Not sure which course is right for you and the stage you’re at with your manuscript? Here’s how our courses can guide you through the process of writing a novel, from the idea stage, all the way through to submission.

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.