The Write a
Novel Course
The Write a
Novel Course
Realise Your Dream of Writing a Novel
Fast-track your progress with one-to-one mentoring by one of our multi-award winning, much-loved tutors.
Have you ever dreamed of writing a book? Our Write a Novel Course can turn that dream into a reality.
Perhaps you are already working in the field of non-fiction writing but would love to try your hand at writing fiction? Our comprehensive Write a Novel Course covers everything you need to write your manuscript.
By the end of the course, you will have a proposal you can be proud to submit to a publisher.
The Novel Writing Course Gives You...
No Automated Marking
We use traditional methods of assessing work, as editors at publishing houses would. No generic feedback!
A Flexible Schedule
Work wherever and whenever you want. You can easily fit our courses around work and other commitments.
Relevant, Usable Content
Easy-to-digest course notes that capture a lifetime of writing experience, ready for you to apply to your own writing.
Ongoing Assessment
Your writing is assessed continuously as your course progresses.
Expert, Individual Feedback
Get prompt, honest, detailed feedback on every assignment from an award-winning writer. We focus on your unique writing strengths.
No Peer Reviews!
You will only be assessed by your tutor, a leader in their field. No more guessing and wondering how to write; you'll be guided line by line.
Start Writing Your
Novel Today
Overcome self-doubt, procrastination and writer's block on a well-structured course.
With the help of an experienced tutor, turn your unique, creative ideas into a manuscript.
The initial modules focus on teaching you the nuts and bolts of good writing. We then move to intensive writing, in-depth tutor support and text critiques. After each module is completed, your tutor will offer you feedback on your progress.
Each module outlines the elements of good writing, such as realistic dialogue, memorable characters, a compelling plot and sustained tension. You will build on the basics of the craft as you write your novel.
At the end of the 12 modules, you will have gained confidence in your ability to express yourself in words, and produced a manuscript of at least 20,000 words.
The Write a Novel Course is designed for you to create a preliminary text of 20,000 to 25,000 words. This in itself is quite an achievement for writers who thought it impossible to move beyond the first page. With this springboard in place, you can then choose to continue to the Advanced Write a Novel Course, which is aimed at completing your manuscript up to 65 000 words.
Start Writing Your
Novel Today
Overcome self-doubt, procrastination and writer's block on a well-structured course.
With the help of an experienced tutor, turn your unique, creative ideas into a manuscript.
The initial modules focus on teaching you the nuts and bolts of good writing. We then move to intensive writing, in-depth tutor support and text critiques. After each module is completed, your tutor will offer you feedback on your progress.
Each module outlines the elements of good writing, such as realistic dialogue, memorable characters, a compelling plot and sustained tension. You will build on the basics of the craft as you write your novel.
At the end of the 12 modules, you will have gained confidence in your ability to express yourself in words, and produced a manuscript of at least 20,000 words.
The Write a Novel Course is designed for you to create a preliminary text of 20,000 to 25,000 words. This in itself is quite an achievement for writers who thought it impossible to move beyond the first page. With this springboard in place, you can then choose to continue to the Advanced Write a Novel Course, which is aimed at completing your manuscript up to 70 000 words.
‘I loved every minute of this course. My tutor was great; she always made great points about my work, constructive criticism, praise where it was due, and always pointed me in the right direction, which helped immensely. Keep doing what you’re doing, because it’s great.’
Clemma Waddel, Write a Novel Course
Course Overview
COURSE FEE
R 9 495.00
Price includes VAT
NUMBER OF ASSIGNMENTS
12
The assignments vary in length.
NUMBER OF MODULES
12
These modules include around 300 pages of course notes.
COURSE DURATION
24
Work at your own pace – up to a maximum of 24 months.
START DATE: ANYTIME
Working with an individual tutor means you can start the course at any time.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
- Basic writing skills are essential.
- Computer skills, e-mail and Internet access required.
- No previous tertiary qualification required.
Our Graduate Students' Successes
We are proud of our graduates who have achieved success. Here are a few among dozens of our creative writing success stories.
Tutors for this Course
You can either select a tutor when you apply, or we will assign a tutor based on your area of interest.
Alex Smith
Alex Smith is the award-winning author of five novels: Algeria’s Way, Drinking from the Dragon’s Well, Four Drunk Beauties, Devilskein & Dearlove (published by Random House/Umuzi) and Agency Blue (published by Tafelberg).
Her work has received widespread acclaim. Drinking from the Dragon’s Well was longlisted for the Sunday Times Alan Paton Award and Devilskein & Dearlove was nominated for the 2015 CILIP Carnegie Medal in the UK. Agency Blue won a Sanlam Youth Literature Award, while Four Drunk Beauties won the Nielsen Booksellers’ Choice Award.
Alex tutors the Novel Writing Course, the Advanced Novel Writing Course, the Advanced Short Story Writing Course and the Grammar Skills Course, sharing her knowledge and expertise with students of all skill levels.
Fiona Ingram
A graduate of the University of Natal, Wits, and international study abroad, Fiona Ingram started her writing career in magazine publishing and journalism. A holiday to Egypt with family sparked the beginning of her multi award-winning Middle Grade adventure series, The Chronicles of the Stone, which delights adventurers and explorers of all ages. These titles include The Secret of the Sacred Scarab, The Search for the Stone of Excalibur, and The Temple of the Crystal Timekeeper, with new titles in the works. Book awards include the Nautilus, Moonbeam, Rubery, Children’s Literary Classics, Wise Bear, Readers’ Favorite, and New York Big City Book Awards, among others.
A chance remark by her mom set her off in a new direction, writing historical romance. Fiona writes Regency romances under the pen name Arabella Sheraton and says going back into history is both entertaining and educational. Fiona has written seven Regency novels and a Jane Austen-inspired relationship self-help book, The Secret of Love. Regency titles include The Reluctant Bridegroom, The Dangerous Duke, Married at Midnight, Lord Blackwood’s Valentine Ball, The Lady’s Revenge, The Wayward Miss Wainwright, and Miss Dashwood’s Dilemma.
Fiona relocated to Cyprus several years ago and lives in a small farming village where the peace and quiet are perfect for creative writing.
Andrew Salomon
Andrew Salomon is an award-winning author. His debut novel Tokoloshe Song was shortlisted for the Terry Pratchett First Novel Award.
Additionally, his short fiction has been shortlisted for the Commonwealth Short Story Prize. He has also received the PEN Literary Award for African Fiction and the Short.Sharp.Stories Award.
Andrew is the author of the young adult thrillers The Chrysalis and Wonderbear. His latest novel is the dark fantasy thriller The Equilibrist. He completed an MA at the Institute for Archaeology at University College London. Some of his most memorable experiences have been at rock painting and engraving sites in subterranean caves and shelters across the world. These often find their way into his fiction.
Andrew tutors several courses at SA Writers College, including the Write a Novel Course, the Advanced Novel Writing Course and the Advanced Short Story Writing Course.
Qarnita Loxton
Qarnita Loxton was born and lives in Cape Town. She has practiced as an attorney, studied psychology and worked as an executive coach. Her first novel, Being Kari (Kwela 2017), was longlisted for the 2018 9mobile Prize for Literature and short-listed for the 2018 Herman Charles Bosman Prize. Being Lily (2018) and Being Shelley (2019) followed, with Being Dianne (2021) concluding the series. In 2021 Qarnita was awarded the Philida Literary Award for an Oeuvre of Literary Excellence. Qarnita co-wrote Chasing Marian (2022) with Amy Heydenrych, Pamela Power and Gail Schimmel.
Qarnita is inspired by everyday experiences, and the impact that such seemingly ordinary things can have on life. Her writing and her books are women-centred and deal with universal themes (such as friendship, parenting, relationships etc) that are relatable to all. Her books are marketed predominantly to women.
Nerine Dorman
Nerine Dorman is a South African author and editor of science fiction and fantasy currently living in Cape Town. Her novel Sing down the Stars won Gold for the Sanlam Prize for Youth Literature in 2019 and The Percy Fitzpatrick Award for Children’s and Youth Literature in 2021. Her YA fantasy novella, Dragon Forged, was a finalist in the Sanlam Prize for Youth Literature in 2017.
Nerine is the curator of the South African Horrorfest Bloody Parchment event and short story competition. Her short story On the Other Side of the Sea (Omenana, 2017) was shortlisted for a 2018 Nommo award. Her novella The Firebird won a Nommo for ‘Best Novella’ in 2019. Her short fiction published in numerous anthologies. In addition, she is a founding member of the SFF authors’ co-operative Skolion.
Course Curriculum
Module 1
- Common questions answered
- Overcoming writer’s block
- Getting started
- Exercise: Construct a schedule, write a novel proposal and complete a warm-up writing exercise.
Module 2
- An overview of the elements of a novel – genre, theme, point of view and voice
- Exercise: Write two genre scenes; discuss voice, theme and point of view in a novel of your choice.
Module 3
- The importance of characters
- Creating vivid and believable major and minor characters
- Exercise: Write a character outline for a major and a minor character; write a brief scene in which they interact.
- Text instalment: At least 700 words.
Module 4
- Understanding the elements of storytelling
- The classic story structure
- Exercise: Construct a plot outline.
- Text instalment: At least 1,500 words.
Module 5
- Scenes, chapters and paragraphs
- Transitions, beginnings and endings
- Exercise: Practise writing transitions.
- Text instalment: At least 2,000 words.
Module 6
- Good and bad style tips
- Finding your own style
- Exercise: Examine your own writing style.
- Text instalment: At least 2,500 words.
Module 7
- Writing natural, interesting dialogue – dos and don’ts
- Layout and formatting of dialogue
- Exercise: Record and edit a dialogue.
- Text instalment: At least 2,500 words.
Module 8
- The importance of revising your work
- Top editing tips
- Exercise: Revise a passage, collate your novel and find areas that need work.
- Progress of your novel: At least 2,500 words.
Module 9
- How to approach a publisher
- Presentation of your manuscript
- Overview of contractual issues
- Exercise: Write a covering letter.
- Text instalment: At least 2,500 words.
Module 10
- An overview of the process of editing, designing, distributing, marketing and selling a book
- Exercise: Write a blurb; organise payment for your stories.
- Progress of your novel: At least 2,500 words.
Module 11
- What’s happening in writing and publishing right now?
- Publishing options – self-publishing, online publishing
- Progress of your novel: At least 2,500 words.
Module 12
- The lifestyle of the working writer
- Opportunities and challenges in the world of writing
- Progress of your novel: At least 2,500 words.
- After Module 12, you will submit a revised text of 20,000 to 25,000 words for final marking and critique.
This course offers an advanced course option
What Our Students Say
Get These Additional Benefits
Lifetime Course Access
Benefit from free lifetime access to future course updates and access to our writing resources.
Work at Your Own Pace
Our courses work around you. You can pace your course around your busy life.
500+ Bonus Articles on Our Blog
A superb, constantly updated resource with articles on writing and interviews with writers.
Work Opportunities
Top students are invited to join our writers and editors for hire service.
Be the First to Know About Writing Competitions
We'll help you keep up to date with the latest competition announcements
Join a Community of Writers
You will have access to our friendly Facebook community, daily writing tips and writing inspiration.
Risk-Free 100% Money-Back Guarantee
We are so confident that you will love your course that if you’re not 100% satisfied with the quality of our training, simply ask for a refund within 30 days.
Complete the Application Form to Enrol on the Write a Novel Course
You will receive an approval email and invoice within one working day.
Should your form not submit, please let admin know at admin@sawriterscollege.co.za
Questions?
We've Got Answers
Detailed course notes covering the content of each module are emailed to you.
At the end of each module, you will be required to submit an instalment of a certain word count to your tutor for feedback. You’ll be writing your novel as you go along. As the course progresses, the emphasis will shift from exercises to text critiques and support. You’ll regularly send instalments of your manuscript to your tutor for feedback. At the end of the 12 modules, you will have gained important writing skills and have a text instalment of at least 20,000 words.
Once the writing tasks have been completed and emailed to your tutor, you will receive an assessment and feedback, and the module will be considered complete. You can also participate in ongoing online discussions by posting comments about the course or other issues pertaining to writing on The Writers College blog.
Absolutely. You have direct communication with your tutor for the duration of the course. The more questions you ask, the more you will get out of the course.
You will get lifetime access to the course. You will also benefit from future updates and improvements to the course.
For the majority of our courses, only your tutor will see your work. It will remain completely private unless you get it published. The journalism courses might see your work published in the public domain, but you do have the final say as to whether or not this happens.
- Basic writing skills are essential.
- Computer skills as well as email and Internet access are required.
- No previous tertiary qualification is required.
- Basic writing skills are essential.
- Basic computer skills, as well as email and Internet access are required.
- No previous tertiary qualification is required.
Because you will work with an individual tutor, you can start your course as soon as your application has been approved. There are no specific start dates as would be the case with a traditional college.
An application is usually approved within one working day. Once we receive proof of payment, your can start your course.
You could be starting your course today!
This is hard to predict as some people are simply faster writers than others. However, for each 1,000 words of your novel, anticipate spending about an hour writing and at least the same amount of time revising. Each exercise should not take more than two hours to complete. Finally, you should expect to spend some time at the end of the course giving your manuscript a final polish. This adds up to a rough estimate of 90 hours over the course of 12 modules, or around seven to eight hours per month.
Once your application has been approved, you will receive notification of approval and an invoice via email. As soon as we receive proof of payment, the first module as well as your tutor’s email address and your login details will be sent to you. Your tutor will also be in touch to welcome you.
Any work created on our courses is owned by you. We will never make a claim to anything you produce. We follow the rule that copyright subsists with the creator (you).