Ted Galdi: Bestselling Author
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Best Novel Writing Courses [Become a Bestseller]

10/19/2023

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Best Novel Writing Courses [Become a Bestseller]


​Are you hoping to write a bestselling novel? If so, you need to learn the major storytelling elements that many bestselling books share. Fortunately, you can learn them online, in just a few days. Below, find my list of the best novel writing courses, with their prices. Whether you're a beginner author or an experienced writer looking to refine your skills, these online classes can help.
Best novel writing courses

Hit Writer Course for novelists


​My Hit Writer Course helps you turn your idea for a novel into a scene-by-scene outline, with a compelling plot and unforgettable characters, then provides guidance for writing the scenes, covering dialogue, description, and more.   

The online video lessons, which apply to any fiction genre, can be finished in just a day, or taken at any pace you'd like. You also get:

  • A blueprint document that guides you through outlining your own story
  • PDF documents with examples
  • Personal support from me - email or text me questions about the material and I'll personally respond

​Get  lifetime access for just $47.
Hit Writer Course - With Ted Galdi

Novel writing topics covered in my course


Here are just some of the writing topics you'll learn:

  • Characterization
  • Story structure
  • Plot development
  • Suspense
  • Theme​
  • Scene construction 
  • Dialogue
  • POV
  • Descriptive writing
  • Mood​

MasterClass novel writing courses


Though I teach my own classes, I also encourage you to learn from other writing instructors. MasterClass is a subscription-based, online-education platform I recommend. It offers lessons in various areas, from famous experts. A focus for MasterClass is its novel writing courses.    
MasterClass for writing

How much does a MasterClass subscription cost?


​A MasterClass Individual membership costs $10/month, billed yearly. Once you sign up, you immediately gain access to all of its novel writing courses (plus all of its other classes). They offer a 30-day, money-back guarantee.

​​I recommend you browse the MasterClass writing courses on their website. If just one of them seems like a fit for you, sign up for the 30-day trial, which you can take risk-free.
Try MasterClass Free

List of MasterClass courses for novelists

James Patterson
​
  • Bio: Thriller writer James Patterson is one of the highest-selling authors in the world.
  • Course length: 22 lessons, 4 hours.
  • Who it's for: Any fiction writer, but particularly, those in the thriller, mystery, or crime genres. 
Learn More

Judy Blume
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  • Bio: Author Judy Blume has sold over 85 million books.
  • Course length: 24 lessons, 5 hours.
  • Who it's for: Any fiction writer, but particularly, those looking to appeal to younger readers.
Learn More

R.L. Stine
​
​
  • Bio: R.L. Stine is the bestselling author of the Goosebumps series.
  • Course length: 28 lessons, 4 hours.
  • Who it's for: Fiction writers looking to appeal to younger readers.
Learn More

Margaret Atwood
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  • Bio: Margaret Atwood is an award-winning author of historical and speculative fiction.
  • Course length: 23 lessons, 4 hours.
  • Who it's for: Any fiction writer, but particularly, those in the historical or speculative genres.
Learn More

Dan Brown
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  • Bio: The author of The Da Vinci Code, Dan Brown has sold over 250 million copies of his books.
  • Course length: 19 lessons, 4 hours.
  • Who it's for: Any fiction writer, but particularly, those in the mystery, thriller, or adventure genres.
Learn More

Walter Mosley
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  • Bio: Bestseller Walter Mosley has written over 60 books.
  • Course length: 13 lessons, 3 hours.
  • Who it's for: Any fiction writer.
Learn More

Neil Gaiman
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  • Bio: Neil Gaiman is the award-winning author of Coraline. 
  • Course length: 19 lessons, 5 hours.
  • Who it's for: Any fiction writer, but particularly, those in the fantasy genre.
Learn More

David Baldacci
​​​
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  • Bio: David Baldacci is the bestselling thriller author of the Memory Man series.
  • Course length: 18 lessons, 4 hours.
  • Who it's for: Any fiction writer, but particularly, those in the thriller, mystery, or crime genres. 
Learn More

Amy Tan
​​​​
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  • Bio: Amy Tan is the bestselling thriller author of The Joy Luck Club.
  • Course length: 14 lessons, 4 hours.
  • Who it's for: Any fiction writer.
Learn More

N.K. Jemisin
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  • Bio: N.K. Jemisin is an award-winning science-fiction and fantasy author.
  • Course length: 16 lessons, 5 hours.
  • Who it's for: Any fiction writer, but particularly, those in the science-fiction or fantasy genres. ​
Learn More

Udemy novel writing courses


Another online-education platform I recommend is Udemy. They offer some great novel writing classes, plus courses in plenty of other subjects.
Udemy writing courses

How much does Udemy cost?


Udemy courses are offered individually, each with its own price. Many of the writing classes range from about $50 to $150 bucks. You also have the option to get a subscription, which gives you access to 10,000+ courses. You can try it free for 7 days, then the price becomes $16.58/month.
Try Udemy Free

List of Udemy courses for novelists

Write a Bestselling Novel in 15 Steps

  • Course length: 54 lessons, 3.5 hours.
  • Focus: The principles of a compelling story, and how to apply them to an outline, in 15 steps.
Learn More

Novel Writing Workshop
​
  • Course length: 28 lessons, 5 hours.
  • Focus: Creating a captivating novel, plus developing a marketing plan for it.
Learn More

Your Path To Writing a Page-Turner
​​
  • Course length: 23 lessons, 4.5 hours.
  • Focus: Hooks, structure, setting, character development, and dialogue.
Learn More

Your Writer's Journey: 12 Steps to Write Your Hero's Journey
​​​
  • Course length: 14 lessons, 2 hours.
  • Focus: Creating a great main character.
Learn More

Skillshare novel writing courses


Another online-education platform I recommend is Skillshare. They offer various novel writing classes, plus courses in many other subjects.
Skillshare novel writing courses

How much does Skillshare cost?


Skillshare offers memberships. Once you sign up, you immediately gain access to all of the novel writing courses (plus all of the others). The first month is free.

​You can try it risk-free. Afterwards, it typically costs $14/month, billed annually, however, they're currently running a promotion for 30% off. ​Visit the deal page to claim their offer:
Claim Skillshare Offer

List of Skillshare courses for novelists

Novel Writing for Beginners: How to Write Your First Draft

  • Course length: 21 lessons, 1.5 hours.
  • Focus: A guide for new writers to complete their first novel.
Learn More

Nailing Your Narrative: Using Story Structure To Tell Irresistible Stories

  • Course length: 20 lessons, 2 hours.
  • Focus: Creating a story outline.
Learn More

How To Write A Book: Novel Writing
​
  • Course length: 12 lessons, 1 hour.
  • Focus: Overviews of character, plot, and scene development.
Learn More

Write a Great Plot 101
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  • Course length: 20 lessons, 2 hours.
  • Focus: A deep dive on plot dynamics.
Learn More

Frequently asked questions about novel writing courses

How can I learn to write a novel?


​Taking an online writing course can teach you the key elements of a novel. You should also read many books and start writing your own, even if you're not ready to publish anytime soon. The act of writing will help you develop your skills and style. 

Should I take a writing class before writing a book?


Yes. First, learn the key elements of storytelling in a novel writing course. Without understanding them, you may spend months on a first draft that you find unworkable. Learn how to outline a story and structure a scene, then begin your novel, starting with an outline.

Which genres are online writing courses for?


​Most online novel writing courses teach principles that apply to any fiction genre. Other classes cover these principles, while also going into writing advice specifically for one genre, or possibly a handful. If you write in any of the following genres, the courses listed in this article would be a help to you:

  • Thriller
  • Mystery
  • Crime
  • Horror
  • Action
  • Adventure
  • Science fiction
  • Fantasy
  • Paranormal
  • Romance
  • Comedy
  • Literary
  • Historical
  • Speculative
  • Young adult
  • Middle grade 

What's the difference between MasterClass and Skillshare?


MasterClass has about 200 courses, taught by world-famous instructors. Though Skillshare's instructors tend to not be famous, the platform has over 30,000 classes, covering many narrow topics.

​To learn more, check out my article on Skillshare vs. MasterClass.  

What's the difference between Skillshare and Udemy?


​Skillshare and Udemy each offer a subscription option, with access to unlimited classes. A Skillshare subscription costs less than a Udemy one, about $10 per month vs. about $17. However, Udemy has more courses, over 200,000, plus lets you purchase any individually, without a subscription.

​To learn more, have a look at my post on 
Skillshare vs. Udemy.  

Is it worth taking a writing course?


Yes. Online writing courses are a very affordable way to learn key storytelling elements. They are much cheaper than college creative writing classes. The small amount of money you'd spend on a course can be earned back very quickly in sales royalties from a book.


​This post contains affiliate links.
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  • Home
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      • The Cassandra Trap
      • Black Quiet
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      • Edge of Chaos
      • Lion on Fire
      • An American Cage
      • Elixir
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