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Novel Writing and Getting Published

NOV

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The Novel Writing and Getting Published course will help you formulate your ideas and put them down onto paper.

Let's face it, many people come up with ideas but it is the actual writing of the novel that stops them from getting their book written and onto the shelves.

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That's where this course is invaluable. You are going to be guided and supported through the stages of starting, exploring and completing your book. You will also learn how to get your book published and how to market it.

Course summary

Qualification gained
Australian College Diploma of Professional Writing (Novel Writing and Publishing)
Course code
NOV
Study mode
Flexible delivery (including online with some projects / activities and/or skills-based training)
Course fees
Pay up-front, pay by installment or completely customise your own payment plan here. Employers, ask about our group/corporate rates and traineeship availability.
Flexible duration (with an option to extend)
Up to 12 months
Study load
Self-paced
Start date
Start anytime
Assessment method
Multiple choice, short answer questions
Nationally recognised
No

Career opportunities

  • Fiction Writer
  • Novelist
  • Short Story Writer
  • Ghost Writer

Course units

Unit 1 - Writing your First Novel

Reading 1 - Getting Started

Take yourself seriously
What makes a good novel?
What publishers and editors are looking for in a novel
Genre
Length
Who will be your readers?
Story ideas
Structure
Research
Deadlines
Skills you will need to write your novel
Take care of yourself
How other writers work

Reading 2 - Writing the First Two Chapters

Taking the first step
Functions of the beginning
Deciding whose story it will be
Past or present tense
The place to start your novel
Establishing time and place
Covering important details over several chapters
Checklist for effective beginnings
Developing a style

Reading 3 - Characterisation

Naming your characters
Character profiles
Creating rounded characters
Balancing consistency and change
Relationships between characters
Characters create conflict
Dialogue
Dialogue checklist
Character checklist

Unit 2 - Methods to Success and Publication

Reading 1 - Story Development

How to keep your reader turning the pages
Structural development
Plot and sub-plot
Narrative drive
Forwarding the story through dialogue
Conflict and tension
Action
Titles
Chapters
Transitions
Everyday life and your novel
Getting over the hurdle of the 'midway blues'

Reading 2 - Writing the End

Techniques for slowing the process down
What makes a satisfying ending?
To resolve or not resolve - how much to leave unspoken?
Professional viewpoint
The final word
Editing
Chronology
Editing checklist
Character checklist
Dialogue checklist
Typing and page layout
Layout for dialogue

Reading 3 - Getting Published

Assessing your novel
Finding a publisher
Agents
Submissions
Synopses
Handling rejection
Standard contracts
Negotiating
The publishing process
Reviews
Payment
Tax
Copyright
Self-publishing
E-books and internet publishing

Entry requirements

  • Access to a computer with word processing, PDF reader capabilities and an internet connection
  • A good command of written English
  • Ability to allocate appropriate study hours per week

If you have these essential requirements, then you can get started immediately.

Student reviews

"I would thoroughly recommend Australian College to anyone who wants to learn something new, or add to the knowledge base they may already have on a particular subject.

There is a multitude of different courses to choose from that could take the individual in whatever direction they would like to take - be it for increased work opportunities or simply to stimulate the mind.

My thanks for helping me to open up a new direction in my life."

Tracey Marcelis, 8th October 2014

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Need more information?
Quick access to your course career outcomes, payment options and more.
Download my free course pack
Get in touch now
Speak to a friendly course advisor
1300 783 283
Monday - Friday
9am - 5pm

Begin your Writing career today

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  • Interest-free
  • Customised payment options
  • Graduate 100% debt-free
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Why choose AC?

Flexible
Study in your own space, at your own pace
Supportive
Stay connected with your trainer with phone and email support
Affordable
Customise your own flexible payment plan
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