Start Writing Commercial Fiction

The One for new writers who value flexibility

Have you always had the idea for a story but never known where to start? Have you lacked the confidence to start writing? Or think that you’ve missed your chance and now it’s too late? Do you struggle to find time to fit writing in around your daily life?

Start Writing Commercial Fiction is the perfect introductory course for you. We break down the concepts behind how to write page-turning stories into practical techniques and provide expert guidance from bestselling authors to turn that idea into a story.

Build your skills and confidence with step-by-step training that will see you write the opening chapters of your story in just four weeks.

Teaching:

Self-paced

Level:

Beginners and new writers

Course length:

4 weeks

 £99

Write your awesome label here.
COURSE OVERVIEW
In this course you will learn how to:

  • Find your audience and learn what makes them unable to put books down.
  • Turn your ideas into gripping hooks and page-turning stories.
  • Create compelling protagonists.
  • Develop your writing voice and master pacing and tension. 
  • Most importantly, build the plan and framework for your novel.


Designed to work flexibly around your schedule, writers will only need to set aside around four to five hours per week on average to complete the course. 

By the end of the four weeks you will have written the first three chapters of your novel and have a clear plan for writing to the end.

Start Writing Commercial Fiction has been developed in partnership with the Professional Writing Academy.
  • Videos: 14
  • Assignments: 4
  • Study time: 4-5 hours per week
  • Course access: 12 months
This course is available to writers who are residents of the United Kingdom or United States of America.

For aspiring writers looking to...

Start your novel

You’ve always wanted to write but not known how to start. Learn how to choose the right idea and take the first steps to getting it on the page.

Grow confidence

Learn proven concepts and techniques from bestselling authors and experts and create a plan for your novel to build confidence in your writing.

Build a routine

Fit writing into your daily life with a flexible learning model that works around you. Learn how to build momentum and make time for your writing.

Find a community

Meet authors who are at the same stage of their writing journey and enhance your learning experience through group interaction and collaboration.

What you’ll learn

Module 1: Understanding Commercial Fiction

  • What commercial fiction is and why the PageOne approach is different.
  • Why genre is critical and an overview of the key genres in commercial fiction.
  • Who your readers are and what they are looking for.
  • Introduction to hooks and inciting incidents.
  •  
  • Assignment: Explore hooks and title ideas for your book.

Module 2: Plot Your Story

  • Why it’s important to develop your concept and plan before you start writing.
  • Introduction to the five-point story arc.
  • How to create and manage pace and tension.
  • Why emotion is key.
  • The role of chapters.
  •  
  • Assignment: Write a synopsis for your novel.

Module 3: Introduce Your Protagonist

  • The role of the protagonist; what makes a sympathetic protagonist.
  • The relationship between plot and character.
  • The role of backstory.
  • Understanding voice.
  • Introduction to point of view.
  •  
  • Assignment: Write the scene introducing your protagonist.

Module 4: Start Writing Your Novel

  • The importance of beginnings.
  • How to plan the opening to your novel.
  • Finding your writing speed.
  • Beat blocks and procrastination: how successful authors work.
  • Revisit your five-point plan and plan your opening chapters.
  •  
  • Assignment: Write your first three chapters.

Is this course
right for you?

Starting your writing journey

Commercially focused

Value flexible and accessible learning

  • You have always had a story idea (or several) but you aren’t sure how to turn it into your first novel.
  • You are new to writing or you’ve tried  courses before but they didn’t motivate you to keep going.
  • You want to write page-turning fiction that will find a wide audience, possibly in the genre you like to read in.
  • You are looking to take the first step to potentially earning a living from something you enjoy: writing.  
  • You want to learn at your own pace, fitting study around work, family or other commitments.
  • But you prefer structured, step-by-step training from experienced professionals over figuring it out alone.

Meet your tutor

Ain Chiara

What I love most about publishing is working closely with authors, to nurture and support their talent and skills. A few years ago, I joined Bookouture to create and lead this academy.

Previously, I worked across Penguin Random House and Oxford University Press, as well as consulting for both authors and publishers. I’ve had the privilege of contributing to campaigns for authors including Bernardine Evaristo, Lisa Jewell and Tim Peake. I am so excited to bring my experience to supporting writers in creating stories that readers will love.

Expert advice from bestselling authors

Throughout the four-week learning experience, you will meet commercial authors across a range of genres, who will share their advice on what helps them craft stories that readers can’t put down. From guidance on how to understand your readers and craft compelling hooks through to creating unforgettable protagonists and balancing your writing routine with your personal life, they discuss practical tips for you to apply to your own writing.

Sue Watson

Soraya Lane

Leodora Darlington

Lauren North

Suzette D. Harrison

Lisa Regan

Daniel Hurst

Anna Stuart

Enrol in Start Writing Commercial Fiction

This course is available to writers who are residents of the United Kingdom or United States of America.
Guaranteed Security using one of the most advanced encrypted systems on the market.
The information in this page is being processed and encrypted securely using industry-leading encryption and fraud prevention tools.