In this blog post on Books2Wynn, we shall discuss the 15 best writing courses to write a book more professionally.
As an aspiring author, one thing you cannot ignore in your writing career is to improve your writing skills continuously.
The right courses can give you the structure and guidance you need.
They can help turn your writing dreams into reality.
In this article, I’ll share the 15 best writing courses to help you write your book and reach your publishing goals.
Key Takeaways:
- Discover the 15 best writing courses to help you write a book.
- Understand the power of structured learning for writers and how it can overcome writer’s block.
- Explore the fundamentals of creative writing, including character development, world-building, and crafting compelling narratives.
- Learn about specialized writing courses for different genres to enhance your storytelling skills.
- Weigh the pros and cons of online versus in-person writing courses to find the best format for your learning style.
Why Writing Courses Matter for Aspiring Authors
For those dreaming of becoming authors, taking writing courses can change everything.
These courses offer many benefits that boost your creative path and they help you improve your writing skills and bring your stories to life.
Aspiring writers can improve their writing in an organized learning environment by enrolling in writing classes, which are highly beneficial.
They provide expert guidance on a range of writing topics, from character development to story structure, assisting authors in honing their storytelling skills.
These classes also create a positive environment where writers can get helpful criticism and be encouraged to explore new creative frontiers.
In the end, writing programs give prospective writers the skills and self-assurance they need to successfully navigate the difficult but rewarding road to publication.
Why Choose Online Writing Courses?
I once spent a year attending an in-person writing class that covered everything from short stories to personal essays. While it was fun meeting other writers, the weekly commute and rigid schedule made it challenging to balance with my job and family.
This is where online writing courses shine—they offer flexibility, allowing you to learn at your own pace, no matter where you are.
Statistics show that 60% of online learners prefer the flexibility of online courses over traditional classroom settings.
Whether you’re writing blog posts, articles, or the next bestselling novel, an online writing course is designed to fit seamlessly into your lifestyle.
What to Do Before Starting a Writing Course
Before you dive into a course, ask yourself:
- Are you a beginner looking for inspiration to start writing?
- Do you need strategies to overcome writer’s block?
- Are you honing your style or looking to write your first book?
- Do you want to improve your freelance writing skills or brand storytelling?
- Are you interested in launching a blog, or perhaps publishing your first novel?
Answering these questions will help you identify the right course for your needs. Remember, it’s essential to have clear goals and a budget in mind before enrolling in any course.
The Power of Structured Learning for Writers
Writing is a skill that grows with practice and guidance.
Courses give you a place to learn the basics of storytelling.
You’ll learn about characters, plots, and dialogue.
This structured learning helps you understand writing better and improve your skills.
Overcoming Writer’s Block and Becoming More Creative
Writer’s block is a big challenge for many writers.
Courses can help you beat this by teaching you new ways to be creative.
With exercises and workshops, you can tap into your creative side and write more consistently.
Starting your first book or improving your writing skills, the importance of writing courses for authors is huge.
Also, they help you use your full writing potential.
“The art of writing is the art of discovering what you believe.” – Gustave Flaubert
15 Best Writing Courses to Help You Write a Book
If you dream of writing a book, there are many great courses out there.
They cover everything from basic creative writing to specific genres. I’ve picked the top 15 courses that can really help you write your book.
They include;
- Masterclass: Creative Writing by Neil Gaiman
- Coursera: Creative Writing Specialization by Wesleyan University
- Udemy: The Complete Creative Writing Course
- The New York Times: Modern Romance Writing
- Gotham Writers Workshop: Writing Fiction I
- Skillshare: Narrative Writing: Bring Stories to Life
- Harvard Extension School: Writing and Publishing the Short Story
- Teachable: The Art of Character by David Corbett
- Craftsy: Novel Writing: From Idea to Publication
- Open University: Start Writing Fiction
- Purdue University: Creative Writing Certificate Program
- Udacity: Creative Writing Nanodegree
- Masterclass: Memoir Writing by James Patterson
- Skillshare: Building a Bestselling Book Series
- Coursera: Improving Your Storytelling by Michigan State University
These courses offer a wide range of topics to improve your writing. They’re perfect for both beginners and experienced writers. They’ll help you enhance your skills and write the book you’ve always wanted.
More Details About the 15 Best Writing Courses to Help You Write a Book
The Successful Writers’ Club
Pricing: $20 per month
Schedule: Self-paced
Learn how to turn a blank page into a finished book with the Successful Writers’ Club.
This course covers everything from conquering writer’s block to editing like a pro.
Ideal for bloggers, aspiring non-fiction authors, and freelance writers, this course includes mini-lessons on topics like SEO for writers, getting paid as a freelancer, and finding readers online.
Key Concepts:
- Overcoming writer’s block
- Editing first drafts
- SEO for writers
MasterClass
Instructor(s): James Patterson, Malcolm Gladwell, Margaret Atwood, David Mamet
Pricing: $120/year
Schedule: Self-paced
MasterClass is known for its high-quality lessons from top-tier instructors.
So, whether you’re interested in fiction, non-fiction, or screenwriting, MasterClass offers courses taught by world-renowned authors.
In MasterClass, you will learn character development, plot structure, and the art of storytelling from the best in the business.
Key Concepts:
- Character development
- Story structure
- Writing style and process
The Novelry
Instructor: Louise Dean
Pricing: Varies by course
Schedule: Self-paced
The Novelry helps you turn your book idea into a completed manuscript in just 90 days.
Founded by award-winning novelist Louise Dean, The Novelry supports aspiring authors through every stage of the writing process, from brainstorming to submission.
Key Concepts:
- Crafting a novel
- Writing discipline
- Manuscript submission
CreativeLive
Instructor(s): Ramit Sethi, Tim Ferriss
Pricing: Starting at $20
Schedule: Self-paced
CreativeLive offers practical, step-by-step courses for writers looking to improve their blogging or book-writing skills. These classes are recorded live, giving you the chance to learn from the questions and feedback of other students.
Key Concepts:
- Blogging strategies
- Book writing steps
- Audience engagement
Udemy
Instructor: Various
Pricing: Starting at $9.99
Schedule: Self-paced
Udemy is a treasure trove of affordable writing courses covering everything from grammar basics to advanced freelance writing techniques.
With frequent discounts, it’s an excellent starting point for beginners or those looking to pick up new skills.
Key Concepts:
- Grammar and punctuation
- Freelance writing
- Blogging
Storylogue
Instructor: Robert McKee
Pricing: $19.97/month or $197/year
Schedule: Self-paced
Storylogue, created by acclaimed screenwriter Robert McKee, focuses on storytelling for screenwriters and business professionals.
Learn the art of storytelling and how to apply it across various formats, from films to brand narratives.
Key Concepts:
- Screenwriting
- Business storytelling
- Story structure
Writers’ Village University
Instructor(s): Various
Pricing: $30 for a 30-day trial; $99/year
Schedule: Self-paced
Writers’ Village University is an online community of writers offering over 200 different short courses. It’s perfect for fiction writers who want to engage with a supportive community and receive feedback on their work.
Key Concepts:
- Fiction writing
- Community feedback
- Short story crafting
Your First 10k Readers
Instructor: Nick Stephenson
Pricing: Around $595
Schedule: Limited openings
This course is designed for self-published authors who want to learn how to market and sell their books effectively. Nick Stephenson walks you through advanced book marketing strategies, from building a reader base to increasing book sales.
Key Concepts:
- Self-publishing
- Book marketing
- Audience building
Gotham Writers Workshop
Instructor(s): Various
Pricing: Varies by course
Schedule: Scheduled
Gotham Writers Workshop offers a wide range of courses for all writing levels. Whether you’re into fiction, memoir, scriptwriting, or even just learning the basics, Gotham has something for everyone. The courses are interactive, providing feedback from peers and instructors.
Key Concepts:
- Fiction and non-fiction writing
- Scriptwriting
- Memoir writing
Write Your Book in 6 Months
Instructor(s): Author Accelerator
Pricing: Varies by course
Schedule: Scheduled
This course is tailored for serious writers looking to complete their manuscript in six months. With a structured curriculum and one-on-one coaching, it’s ideal for writers who need accountability and guidance to finish their book.
Key Concepts:
- Manuscript completion
- Writing schedule
- One-on-one coaching
Coursera’s Creative Writing Specialization
Instructor(s): Wesleyan University
Pricing: Varies (subscription)
Schedule: Self-paced
This specialization, offered by Wesleyan University on Coursera, includes five courses that cover elements of story writing, plot development, and character creation.
It’s a comprehensive program for anyone looking to master the art of fiction writing.
Key Concepts:
- Story elements
- Character creation
- Plot development
Reedsy Learning
Instructor(s): Various industry experts
Pricing: Free
Schedule: Self-paced
Reedsy Learning offers free courses via email on various aspects of writing and publishing.
Each course is taught by industry experts and covers topics like character development, self-publishing, and book marketing.
Key Concepts:
- Self-publishing
- Character development
- Book marketing
90-Day Novel® with Alan Watt
Instructor: Alan Watt
Pricing: $895
Schedule: Scheduled
Alan Watt’s 90-Day Novel® course helps writers complete a full-length novel in just three months. The course includes live lectures, Q&A sessions, and writing assignments, making it a highly interactive and intensive program.
Key Concepts:
- Novel writing
- Intensive writing schedule
- Live Q&A sessions
ProWritingAid Academy
Instructor: Various
Pricing: $299/year
Schedule: Self-paced
ProWritingAid Academy offers courses on everything from writing basics to advanced editing techniques. With a focus on improving your writing skills through practical exercises and real-time feedback, it’s a great resource for writers at any level.
Key Concepts:
- Editing techniques
- Writing basics
- Real-time feedback
StoryGrid
Instructor(s): Shawn Coyne
Pricing: $599 for six months
Schedule: Self-paced
StoryGrid, led by Shawn Coyne, teaches writers how to structure their stories using the Story Grid method. It’s ideal for writers who want to understand the mechanics of storytelling and how to apply them to their work.
Key Concepts:
- Story structure
- Story Grid method
- Plot mechanics
“The best writing courses can provide the structure, guidance, and inspiration you need to turn your book idea into a reality.”
Mastering the Fundamentals: Creative Writing Courses
As an aspiring author, it’s important to learn the basics of creative writing.
Creative writing courses offer great help in improving your skills. They help you reach your full potential as a writer.
We’ll look at how these courses help with character development, world-building, and writing stories and dialogue.
Character Development and World-Building
Creating believable characters makes a great story.
Courses on character development teach you to make your characters come alive. You’ll learn how to give them deep backstories and unique personalities.
Again, world-building is also vital.
It makes the setting of your story come alive. Courses on this topic teach you to create detailed and logical worlds. You’ll learn how to design cultures and structures that make your story richer.
Crafting Compelling Narratives and Dialogue
The story’s heart is in its narrative and dialogue. These writing courses focus on these areas to teach you to pace your story well and write engaging prose.
You’ll learn how to write narratives that grab the reader and dialogue that makes characters real.
It is worthy of note that improving in these areas helps you write stories that readers won’t forget.
These courses are great for both new and experienced writers and they are key to writing amazing stories.
Honing Your Genre: Specialized Writing Courses
As an aspiring author, finding the right writing courses is crucial.
Why?
Because these courses help you improve your skills in your favorite genre.
Whether you love fiction, non-fiction, poetry, or screenwriting, there’s a course for you!
Genre-specific writing courses let you dive deep into your chosen field as they cover the key elements that make your genre special.
You’ll learn how to write a story that grabs your audience’s attention.
A fiction writing course might teach you about characters, building worlds, and dialogue. On the other hand, a non-fiction writing course could focus on research, storytelling, and persuasive language.
Also, poetry workshops might explore poetic forms and emotional depth. Screenwriting courses could cover script formatting and visual storytelling.
“The more you learn, the more you’ll be able to create.” – Stephen King
Online vs. In-Person: Exploring Different Course Formats
Are you thinking about becoming an author? You need to decide between an online writing course or an in-person workshop. Each option has its own pros and cons. Knowing these can help you pick the best fit for your writing goals and style.
Pros and Cons of Online Writing Courses
Online courses offer flexibility and convenience.
You can learn at your own speed and connect with others from home.
But, you might miss out on face-to-face talks and immediate feedback.
Online learning also requires discipline, which might be hard for some people.
Benefits of In-Person Writing Workshops
In-person workshops provide a lively, interactive setting.
You get to talk with instructors and peers and feel the creative vibe of a group.
This approach is great for those who want real-time advice and to network with other writers. But, you’ll need to fit the schedule and travel to a place.
| Online Writing Courses | In-Person Writing Workshops |
|---|---|
| ✅ Flexible schedule ✅ Convenient location (your home) ✅ Ability to learn at your own pace | ✅ Face-to-face interaction and feedback ✅ Collaborative learning environment ✅ Networking opportunities with other writers |
| ✅ Potential lack of immediate feedback ✅ Requires self-discipline and motivation | ✅Scheduling conflicts and commute time |
Choosing between online and in-person courses depends on what works best for you.
Think about your learning style, schedule, and goals.
Weighing the good and bad of each option will help you make a smart choice for your writing path.
Choosing the Right Course for Your Writing Goals
Choosing the right writing course can change your path to becoming a published writer.
So, it’s important to know your current writing skills and what you need to improve. Then, set clear writing goals to pick the best courses.
Identifying Your Writing Strengths and Weaknesses
Start by looking at your writing honestly.
Then, think about what you’re good at, like creating engaging characters or complex plots.
Also, think about what you need to get better at, like writing more dynamically or improving dialogue.
- Critically analyze your past writing samples to pinpoint your strengths and weaknesses.
- Seek feedback from fellow writers, beta readers, or writing workshops to gain an objective assessment of your skills.
- Consider your writing preferences and the genre you wish to explore, as this can guide you towards the most relevant courses.
Understanding your current writing level helps you pick courses that meet your needs and help you reach your goals.
Identifying Writing Goals and Selecting Appropriate Courses
Once you know your writing strengths and weaknesses, set clear goals.
✅ Are you aiming to write and publish your first novel?
✅ Improve your storytelling?
✅ Or explore a new genre?
Setting clear goals helps you choose the right courses to support them.
- Determine whether you need a foundational course to build essential writing skills or a specialized course to refine your craft in a particular genre.
- Research the course curriculum, instructor qualifications, and reviews to ensure the program aligns with your writing goals and learning preferences.
- Consider the course format, whether it’s an online self-paced program or an in-person workshop, and choose the option that best suits your learning style and schedule.
By carefully assessing your writing skills and goals, and matching them with the right courses, you’ll be on your way to becoming the writer you dream of being.
Combining Writing Courses with Self-Study and Practice
As an aspiring author, it’s necessary to mix writing courses with self-study and regular practice.
Formal classes offer great guidance and structure.
But, the real magic comes when you apply what you learn in class through independent writing.
Developing a Consistent Writing Routine
Creating a consistent writing routine is vital for writers wanting to get better and keep moving forward on their projects.
It doesn’t matter if it’s 30 minutes a day or a few hours on the weekend. Regular writing practice is key.
- Find the best time of day for you to be most productive and use that for your writing routine.
- Set goals, like a word count or a specific task, to give your practice direction and meaning.
- Try different methods, like freewriting or journaling, to see what suits you best.
By blending what you learn from writing courses with self-directed practice, you’ll strengthen your skills and gain confidence. Stick to your writing routine and watch your abilities grow over time.
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Reinforces Learning | Using the techniques from writing courses in regular practice helps solidify the knowledge and makes it second nature. |
| Builds Confidence | Writing regularly lets you see progress, boosting your confidence and belief in your writing abilities. |
| Improves Skills | Writing exercises and working on projects regularly will improve your writing skills over time. |
Finding Inspiration and Motivation Through Writing Communities
Writing a book is both exciting and tough but connecting with a writing community can help you stay motivated and inspired.
Online forums, local groups, or virtual workshops can offer the support you need to keep writing.
Writing communities are great for authors at every level.
Why?
Because, you can get feedback, learn from mentors, and find friends who understand your struggles.
These groups are full of inspiration and motivation.
You also can share ideas, celebrate wins, and get through tough times together.
Looking to connect with other writers?
There are many ways to do it.
Online forums and social media groups let you meet authors worldwide.
Also, local groups offer the chance to make real friends and join in-person events.
Being part of a writing community has many perks.
It can help you beat writer’s block and see your work from new angles.
You’ll find out about writing contests, publishing chances, and projects to work on together.
With support from other authors, you’ll grow more resilient and creative on your writing journey.
“The best thing about being a writer is that you can actually get support from other writers. We aren’t in competition with each other. We just want to help each other get better at our craft.”
Investing in Your Writing Journey: Cost Considerations
As an aspiring author, the cost of writing courses is a big factor.
But remember, investing in your writing education can really pay off later.
You’ll find a variety of prices, from cheap online courses to pricier in-person workshops.
Affordable Options for Writers on a Budget
Writers with limited funds have many budget-friendly choices.
Online platforms offer free or low-cost courses, webinars, and workshops.
These are great for beginners or those wanting to improve their writing skills without spending a lot.
Local colleges, libraries, and writing centers also have affordable classes and workshops.
These in-person options let you learn from experts and meet other writers. It’s a great way to grow as a writer and get support.
FAQ
What are the benefits of taking writing courses as an aspiring author?
Taking writing courses can really help an aspiring author. They teach important writing skills and help overcome writer’s block. These courses also introduce new perspectives and techniques to improve writing style and tell better stories.
How do I choose the right writing course for my specific needs and goals?
Choosing the right writing course means knowing my writing strengths and weaknesses. I look for courses that improve my weak areas, like character development or narrative techniques. I also think about whether I prefer online or in-person classes and how they fit with my writing goals.
What are some effective strategies for combining writing courses with self-study and regular practice?
Combining writing courses with self-study and regular writing is crucial. I’ll use the skills learned in courses and practice writing on my own. Reading in my genre and trying new approaches will also help. Sticking to a writing routine will make sure I keep improving.
How can I find inspiration and motivation through writing communities?
Writing communities can be a big help for finding inspiration and staying motivated. They offer a place to share work, get feedback, and learn from others. Joining writing challenges, going to author events, or starting a critique group can keep me excited about writing.
What are some affordable options for writers on a budget who want to invest in writing courses?
Writing courses can be expensive, but there are cheaper options. Look for free online resources, low-cost courses, or local workshops. I’ll also check for scholarships or payment plans to make quality writing education more affordable.
Angella Wynn is a 7X best-selling author, book writing coach, public speaker, life and spiritual coach, and Voice Over Artist!
She has empowered many people and businesses to write their stories effectively, find their purpose, and publish their books successfully.
