Top Creative Writing Workshops for Aspiring Novelists

A renowned online institute offering small-group workshops focused on character development and plot structure. Their curriculum emphasizes technical precision and revision strategies, providing students with detailed feedback from experienced instructors to elevate their manuscript quality.

An intensive, subscription-based community led by established authors that focuses on completing projects and understanding the business of publishing. Participants engage in regular critique sessions and accountability groups, making it ideal for novelists seeking both creative and professional guidance.

Located in Boston but offering extensive online programs, GrubStreet provides a wide array of courses tailored to fiction writers. Their community-oriented approach includes manuscript critiques, workshop sessions, and networking opportunities with peers and industry professionals.

Founded by bestselling author Emily Henry, this mentorship program pairs aspiring writers with published authors for a semester-long intensive. It offers structured feedback on works-in-progress, career advice, and a supportive community of fellow creatives navigating similar journeys.

Catapult offers flexible online workshops that connect writers with established editors and authors. Their courses often focus on specific genres or techniques, providing constructive critique and a professional environment to help novelists refine their voice and narrative arc.

Hosted by the University of Iowa, this prestigious festival offers intensive workshops for various genres including fiction. Led by award-winning authors, it provides a deep dive into craft, with opportunities for one-on-one mentorship and immersion in a literary community.

A structured online program that guides writers through the entire process of writing a novel from start to finish. With modular lessons, peer feedback circles, and instructor support, it is designed to help writers overcome blocks and produce a complete manuscript.

While primarily an indie publisher, Solstice offers resources and workshops for authors seeking to self-publish. Their content covers editing, cover design, and marketing, making it a valuable resource for novelists who want to understand the full lifecycle of a book release.

This online platform offers writing workshops and seminars for beginners and intermediate writers. They focus on foundational skills such as plotting, characterization, and dialogue, providing a gentle yet effective introduction to the craft of novel writing.

An online writing workshop that emphasizes deep reading and writing exercises. Participants engage in weekly prompts and critiques, fostering a disciplined practice that helps novelists develop consistency, experimentation, and a stronger command of literary devices.

Writer's Digest offers various online and in-person workshops led by industry experts. These sessions cover a broad range of topics from pitching agents to crafting compelling beginnings, providing actionable advice for novelists aiming to get their work published.

Based in San Geronimo, this organization offers weekly conferences and annual retreats for writers. Their programs include workshops in poetry, fiction, and nonfiction, offering a serene environment for focused writing and constructive peer feedback in a supportive setting.

This retreat center hosts workshops and residencies that focus on the creative process in a natural setting. Writers participate in group critiques and individual mentorship, gaining clarity and momentum on their novel projects amidst a tranquil environment.

MasterClass offers video lessons from renowned authors like Margaret Atwood and John Grisham on the art of fiction writing. While not a interactive workshop, it provides high-level instruction on character, dialogue, and structure that aspiring novelists can apply to their drafts.

One of the most respected creative writing schools, Gotham offers online and in-person classes for fiction writers. Their workshops provide a safe space for sharing work and receiving constructive criticism from professional editors and published authors.

An intensive summer program for emerging writers that includes workshops, readings, and one-on-one conferences. It focuses on both the craft of writing and the career development of writers, offering a comprehensive experience for those serious about pursuing a novel.

The Rumpus offers writing workshops and mentorship opportunities alongside its literary magazine. Their community focuses on supportive critique and professional development, helping writers improve their work while connecting with a broader literary audience.

Hosted by the University of Texas at Austin, this center offers writing conferences and residencies. It provides a focused environment for novelists to work on their projects, receive feedback, and engage with the broader literary community in Texas and beyond.