Are you writing a sci fi and/or fantasy novel?
Writing Sci Fi & Fantasy is an online course for those who have never written a word, those with the germ of an idea or those who have already written their first manuscript. Editor and tutor Tara Loder will help you craft irresistible opening chapters, define a strong plot, create characters your readers can fall in love with and teach you how to pitch your novel when you are ready to submit.
You'll delve into tropes of the sci fi and fantasy genres, and learn what to keep at the heart of your novel, so that agents and publishers know what your book is, where to place it in the market and why that’s so important in pitching and getting your book published.
By the end of course you’ll have up to 6k edited words, shaped by an experienced commissioning editor.
Ahead of class you'll need to submit a summary of your project in no more than 200 words to [email protected].
Schedule
Week 1 - Monday 21st September
First half
Tara will offer her insight into how to pitch a project, using examples of books that have been published. Find out where your novel sits in the sci fi and fantasy genre spectrum and comps, so that you can successfully shape and then pitch your novel. You’ll look at bestsellers to determine their genres and help you to discover where your novel fits and what that means.
Second half
You’ll turn your 200-word summary into a pitch. Don’t worry, at this stage we’re just looking to get an idea of what your novel is about and who your reader is.
Takeaway exercise: submit your pitch ahead of week 2.
Week 2 - Monday 28th September
First half
Tara will review your pitch, filling in any gaps you may have and work on making your elevator pitch irresistible. We’ll brainstorm ideas just like they do in an editorial meeting and give your novel focus by determining what will be/is at the heart of your novel.
Second half
You'll master the Squiggly Line Test and other plotting techniques to plan your first three chapters and the overarching plot of your novel, followed by writing time to make sure you keep up the momentum.
Takeaway exercise: Work on your two-line pitch & your first 3k words
Week 3 - Monday 5th October
First half
Discover how to ensure your book keeps its promise. We’ll discuss examples of books that never saw the light of day and the importance of your first 50 pages. Does your book do what it says on the tin or are you offering something different? Learn which is easier to get published.
Second half
We’ll workshop your first three chapters, learning how to grab the reader’s attention.
Takeaway exercise: Write as much as you can of your first 3k words for submission ahead of week 5.
Week 4 - Monday 12th October
Reflection & Writing Week & your first 3k words. Instead of having class this week, I’ll be online to answer any questions you may have and to support you in writing your first 3k words. You can use the class time as writing time if you wish.
This is the moment to take all we’ve covered and craft or edit as much as you can of your first 3k words. Make them irresistible! You’ll be submitting your chapters for feedback from both Tara and your classmates.
You’ll need to submit these (up to 3,000 words) to Tara by Oct 13th.
Week 5 - Monday 19th October
First half
Feedback on your first 3k words will be given in group, so we can all learn from the exercise. Individual feedback will follow via email. We’ll discuss accomplishments and how to improve your chapters.
Second half
We’ll catch up on where you are with your novel and the challenges you’re facing. We’ll discuss writing schedules and how to finish your novel. You’ll be surprised how quickly this can happen.
Takeaway exercise: Edit your first 3k words, edited material to be resubmitted on October 23rd. Perfect the 2 minute pitch you'll be presenting to a publishing professional next week.
Week 6 - Monday 26th October
First half
We will be joined by a publishing professional in the industry who will discuss what they look for in a manuscript, and offer immediate feedback on your 2 minute pitches.
Second half
You’re now well on your way to having a novel. Tara will reveal what happens once your novel is finished from an insider’s view of publishing. Plus she’ll feedback on your edited chapters and answer your questions.
This course includes
– A six-week course with five practical online sessions and one dedicated Q&A/writing week. Each online session is 1.5 hours in length, for a maximum of 20 students.
– Practical workshops with takeaway exercises to be applied to your own work to prepare for the next session
– Each participant will have up to 6k polished words, edited by a commissioning editor, and know how to pitch their novel by the end of the course.
- A private online Slack forum, to share discussion and writing throughout the course
- A copy of the Writers' & Artists' Yearbook 2026
- A book bundle from Bloomsbury Publishing
Optional extra
At a cost of £50, you can book a one-to-one discussion with Tara in which you can receive bespoke feedback on up to 2,000 words of original writing (a one-page synopsis can also be included).
Testimonials
"I highly recommend this course. It is a phenomenal tool in every novel writer's kit. Tara Loder is a gem. Tara teaches with such care, and is a powerful champion of student's work." Previous Course Participant
"This course was excellent, way better than expected. Tara made the difference with her competence, human touch, and individual feedback." Previous Course Participant
"The course was amazing and designed to assist with enhancing my writing skills." Previous Course Participant
"An invaluable aid to getting started or boosting novel writing. Supportive cohort and an expert editor and mentor." Previous Course Participant
"Really enjoyed this course with Tara. Her editorial feedback and encouragement were invaluable!" Previous Course Participant
"The greatest strength of the course was Tara’s editing of our work and general encouragement. I enjoyed the communication with other group members on Slack as well." Carolyn Rayworth
Having worked as an editor across 'big five' publishers such as Little, Brown and Headline, as well as the UK’s fastest growing publisher, Tara Loder knows what it takes to create a bestselling novel. She’s worked on Sunday Times bestsellers, as well as chart topping digital bestsellers, and is experienced in taking a novel from an idea to a published masterpiece. She loves working with authors, those already published and those just starting out on their publishing journey.
Tara has edited crime novels such as The Locksmith, as well as romantic escapism such as A Year at the French Farmhouse and paranormal romance such as Burn. She's currently pursuing her passion of working on romantasy novels. There is hardly an area of fiction she hasn’t published into, and she recently turned her hand to writing romantic fiction. She knows what agents, editors and readers are looking for, and is keen to help ensure your manuscript grabs their attention.
The course fee of £350 (inc. VAT) is payable in full online. Please note that payment instalment plans are available for all W&A events, writing courses and editing services. Contact W&A Admin on [email protected] so that we can find a payment schedule that works for you.
If this event is Sold Out, please look out for other writing courses by visiting our Events homepage.
This is a live online course which will be presented using video conferencing software. Joining instructions and full guidance will be provided by the W&A Team a week before the event start-date. All timings for this event are as per UK time.
To view our event refund and cancellation policy, please click here.
Accessible to All
It’s of real importance to Writers & Artists that our events and courses remain accessible to all.
- Writers & Artists has made one bursary place available for this writing course as part of our accessibility scheme. Please visit our bursaries page for further information about how to apply.
- At the author’s discretion, event materials will be made available to attendees after the course.
- A link to a recording of the course will be circulated each week. This will be made available to course attendees only, and for a time-limited period.
- This course will include written text and visuals. Please contact us in advance so that we can make arrangements to be sure all documents appear in a format that works for you.
- If you’d like to attend but have any questions or concerns regarding accessibility, then please email [email protected]
