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Start Writing Commercial Fiction

The course

Take the first steps to writing your novel with PageOne

Write the opening chapters of your story in just four weeks, building your skills and confidence step-by-step with expert guidance from bestselling authors and editors.

Developed in collaboration with PageOne, a writing academy created by world-leading commercial fiction publisher Bookouture, this course starts you on your journey to write a page-turning novel.

We break down the concepts into practical techniques that help you turn your ideas into a story, using methods tried and tested by bestselling authors – taught by the publishing experts who work with them every day.

Expert advice

Throughout the four-week learning experience, you will learn from commercial authors across a range of genres, along with expert editors and publishers who spill the beans on how they craft stories readers can’t put down. There’s guidance on everything from understanding your readers and crafting compelling hooks and unforgettable protagonists, through to balancing your writing routine with your personal life, with plenty of practical tips to apply to your own writing.

Flexible and accessible learning

The course is designed to work flexibly around your schedule – put in around four to five hours per week to complete the learning.

By the end of the course, you’ll have written the first three chapters of your novel and have a clear plan to take you across the finish line.

Start Writing Commercial Fiction has been developed by PageOne in partnership with the Professional Writing Academy.

In partnership with PageOne

PageOne empowers writers with the skills and confidence they need to create page-turning stories. It is designed by Bookouture, the leading digital publisher of bestselling commercial fiction and a division of Hachette UK. When they asked for help to pull together a suite of courses based on their voluminous knowledge of how to create a bestseller, we jumped at the chance.

PageOne launched in March 2026.

Things to know

: This course is designed for beginners and new writers.
It is suitable if you:
Have always had a story idea (or several) and would like to learn how to turn it into a novel.
Want to learn how to build momentum and make time for your writing.
Would like to join a friendly and supportive community of writers.
Can dedicate 4-5 hours per week to complete the course.
: This course allows you to:

Find your audience and learn what makes them unable to put books down.
Turn your ideas into gripping hooks and page-turning stories.
Create compelling protagonists.
Develop your writing voice, and master pacing and tension.
Most importantly, build the plan and framework for your novel.
: Module 1: Understanding Commercial Fiction
What is commercial fiction, and why is the PageOne approach different?
Why genre is critical, with an overview of the key genres in commercial fiction.
Who your readers are and what they are looking for.
Introduction to hooks and inciting incidents.
Assignment: Explore hooks and title ideas for your book.
Module 2: Plot Your Story
Why it’s important to develop your concept and plan before you start writing.
Introduction to the five-point story arc.
How to create and manage pace and tension.
Why emotion is key.
The role of chapters.
Assignment: Write a synopsis for your novel.
Module 3: Introduce Your Protagonist
The role of the protagonist; what makes a sympathetic protagonist.
The relationship between plot and character.
The role of backstory.
Understanding voice.
Introduction to point of view.
Assignment: Write the scene introducing your protagonist.
Module 4: Start Writing Your Novel
The importance of beginnings.
How to plan the opening to your novel.
Finding your writing speed.
Beat blocks and procrastination: how successful authors work.
Revisit your five-point plan and plan your opening chapters.
Assignment: Write your first three chapters.