The NovelryReviews of thenovelry.com

Should you spend your hard-earned money on The Novelry?  The answer: It depends. But probably not. Why do I say this?  Because most writers dream of a traditional publishing contract with agent representation, and if you are one of those who lock onto The Novelry's most notable offering—an opportunity to have your novel submitted to an affiliated agent—you will likely be disappointed.  Don't believe me? Think I am disgruntled (which they will undoubtedly say I am despite being award-winning and having a bestselling book)? That's fine. But do yourself a favor and ask questions. I did. In fact, I asked The Novelry editor who had positive things to say about my writing a VERY IMPORTANT QUESTION: What percentage of writers who work with The Novelry are chosen to have their package submitted to those affiliated agents?   The answer: They don't track or publish that information.  Why is that, especially when statistical evidence says a lot about the quality of an organization's services?  The answer I received was that it isn't tracked or published because it isn't viewed as a "meaningful measure of a writer's prospects."  It may not be a meaningful measure of prospects, but it is definitely a meaningful measure of The Novelry helping hopeful writers crack open that traditional iron door. Moreover, it is a VERY EASY figure to calculate. So, in my opinion, there can be only one reason they don't calculate it. I'll let you do the math.   Now, I'd like to backtrack a bit, because I don't want you walking away thinking this program lacks merit. Are there less costly ways to obtain what you get from The Novery? Yes. A $15 book off Amazon or the free material certain agents provide when you sign up for their newsletter, perhaps. The courses are essentially structured as premade training modules featuring short videos designed to motivate and guide writers throughout the developmental process. The information is solid. Depending on the option you select, you may work with an expert writer or submit a portion or all of your manuscript for an experienced professional to edit. The sessions are short and limited. If you think you are going to get back-and-forth brainstorming and feedback sessions, think again. The community area is more useful for that. You should also read the print carefully. The Big Edit is NOT a full book edit. That is a different option.  I signed up for The Big Edit. Basically, the first session was a review of my outline and plan (not a true edit, as imagined). The second covered three chapters, the synopsis, and the query. More valuable. Either way, the term "The Big Edit" is misleading. "Small Edit" is more fitting, but it doesn't have the same ring to it. Also, upselling seems to be the name of the game with constructive feedback and denials accompanied by paid offerings. By doing this, aspiring writers may find themselves trapped in an endless loop of payment for services with zero guarantee that it will bring them to their intended goal.  Do not get me wrong. Most of the staff at The Novelry are extremely nice. They have impressive backgrounds. But I wonder, given the changes in the market and how competitive it has become over those years, would doors have been closed to some of them? Have they forgotten what it was like? I think if they remembered, the help would be more...helpful. Be sure to be realistic with yourselves and keep trying. That's what I plan to do, even though the statistics for newcomers are dismal. Do your due diligence before spending the money. As a course, it may be worth the expense. If you plan to self-publish, it may help improve your writing. But there are less costly ways, and you'd probably be better off investing in a full edit by an experienced professional who does not dangle a proverbial carrot in front of your face for more dimes.   Wherever you are in your writing career, I wish you nothing but the best. Truly, I do. And despite my review, my honest opinion, I thank those at The Novelry for the lessons I've learned from this process. It wasn't all that I had hoped for, but it was something. And for that, I hold only gratitude.

Love the platform and Louise's take on fiction. It seems the coaching calls and end of membership practices are a little questionable sometimes. The coaches are good people but seem to be following a script that ensures upsells. When there were glitches in their system, I was made to feel it was my fault.

When I signed up for the Novelry I thought that paying £3,500 for three of their courses was very expensive but thought I would have access to these courses for life. But no they are only available for one year after that you have to keep paying. I was totally in love with the lessons until The big edit. This course is very repetitive and I didn’t think very clear. If you do want to sign up then do the 90 day novel course only. It helped me get a first draft done but after that I just felt as if I was being milked. There are many free resources out there - just be careful as this is a very expensive one year course that does keep rehashing the same material over and over.

I personally think The Novelry overcharged you with the promise to make you a writer or even a published author. I signed up for the 90 Day Novel and I wish I didn’t, but once you start paying, they have no policy refund. I would like to warn aspiring writers that you don’t need these courses. Go write your book; if the story’s good, then you will find a way to bring your story to life. No need to spend so much money on The Novelry.