12 Courses for Authors: Ranked & Detailed for Worthiness

Now is the time if you want to be an author. There are a significant amount of courses for authors out there, all aimed at the promise of making you fulfill your dream of writing books. But not all of them are created equal, and not all are right for your goals.

Having taught over 8,000 authors to write, market, and self-publish books over the last decade, we understand what it takes to produce an effective, promise-achieving course. Which means we know how to spot the ones worthwhile for your specific goals.

Let’s get into the details about the courses for authors worth a look—and perhaps the investment:

What to look for in a quality author course

Not every course is created the same way or for the same purpose. Before we get into the goods, let’s focus on what you should look for in a course. A good one. You don’t want to end up with courses for authors that won’t work for what you need. Or worse, is low quality.

Here’s what to look for in a quality course that’s a good for for you:

• Clear alignment with your goals (writing, publishing, marketing, etc.): Don’t get a writing course if what you need is marketing, of course.
• Taught by credible experts (bestselling authors, editors, agents)
• Specific to your genre and book type (fiction, nonfiction, memoir, children’s books, etc.): It does matter what type of advice you get. For example, memoirs? Yeah, they actually require fiction helps.
• Step-by-step structure with milestones and clear outcomes: You want a roadmap, not just random tidbits here and there.
• Includes practical tools (templates, outlines, checklists)
• Access to support (community, coaching, live Q&A): You’ll need more than just nuts and bolts for the process of writing a book and publishing.
• Lifetime access or regular updates to stay current
• Flexible, accessible format (on-demand videos, mobile-friendly, transcripts)
• Strong reviews or testimonials from real authors who have completed the courses
• Money-back guarantee or free trial (for low-risk testing)

Comprehensive courses for authors:

If you want a course—or rather, system—that does it all, these courses for authors are the ones to keep at the top of your list. Yes, they’re more expensive, because they do more.

1. Fundamentals of Fiction, Memoir, & Story by selfpublishing.com

This course offers a step-by-step system for writing and publishing fiction, covering everything from story structure to marketing strategies. It’s designed for aspiring fiction authors who want to build a strong foundation in writing, specific to genre writing in a way that will sell copies via self-publishing.

The course covers the essential building blocks of fiction, focusing on both the craft and the business side of writing. It begins with exploring key storytelling elements such as plot structure, character development, and dialogue, ensuring that students understand how to create compelling narratives that captivate readers. The course’s creator is a successful self-published author who teaches the idea of writing to market while also writing yourself into your work. AKA, maintaining the artistic side of the craft while still setting yourself up to earn an income writing fiction.

The modules consist of the following, each with 6-10 lessons per module:

• Module 1: Before you begin
• Module 2: Timelines and style
• Module 3: Writing a kick-ass scene
• Module 4: Characters, setting and research
• Module 5: The writer’s mindset
• Module 6: Self-editing
• Module 7: Hiring an editor
• Module 8: Getting ready to publish
• Module 9: Hitting publish
• Module 10: Launch teams and launch calendars
• EXTRA: How to market your book
• EXTRA: The business of writing
• EXTRA: Audiobook A-Z

Here’s a quick breakdown of this author course:

Type of Book: novels, specifically series, and memoirs

Genres: All fiction genres

Investment: $8k with payment plan options

Best for: Authors who want to earn a living self-publishing books and do so quickly

2. The Finished Novel Course by Novelry

Founded by Booker Prize-nominated author Louise Dean, The Novelry provides courses tailored to different stages of the writing process, from idea development to manuscript completion.

The Comprehensive Course offered by The Novelry is an in-depth program designed for both aspiring and seasoned fiction writers who are serious about mastering the craft of novel writing. This course takes students through every stage of the novel-writing process, from initial concept to finished manuscript.

The course begins by focusing on story structure and the core principles of storytelling. Students are guided through the process of creating compelling characters, developing intricate plotlines, and weaving themes that resonate with readers. It provides a detailed exploration of key aspects such as character arcs, narrative tension, and pacing, ensuring that writers can build gripping, well-rounded stories.

A significant feature of The Novelry’s course is its focus on high-level writing techniques. For example, students learn how to structure chapters, create subplots, and balance emotional beats within their stories. The course also places a strong emphasis on the importance of editing, with expert guidance on polishing drafts to perfection.

This course has 5 steps, with between 4 to 8 modules in each. Notably, this course advertises to spend a year going through it.

Here’s a quick preview:

Type of Book: Novels

Genres: Various fiction genres

Investment: $4995, financing available

Best for: Authors who want to try to submit for agent representation and traditionally publish and have a year to spend doing so

3. Become a Bestseller by selfpublishing.com

The Become a Bestseller program by selfpublishing.com is a comprehensive course tailored specifically for nonfiction authors who want to write, self-publish, and market a book that positions them as experts in their field. Ideal for entrepreneurs, coaches, business leaders, and thought leaders, this program walks authors through every phase of creating a high-impact nonfiction book—from the blank page to bestseller status.

The course begins with strategic planning and idea development, helping authors clarify their book’s purpose, audience, and positioning within their niche. Students are guided through a structured outlining process designed to make writing more efficient, even for those who don’t consider themselves natural writers. Once the manuscript is drafted, the program covers self-editing techniques, professional editing resources, and the publishing process, including formatting, cover design, and uploading to major platforms like Amazon.

One of the standout features of the Become a Bestseller program is its robust focus on book marketing and long-term author brand building, particularly for business owners but not exclusive to them.

Authors learn how to launch their book to bestseller status using proven marketing tactics such as email list building, review generation, podcast interviews, and Amazon ads. The program also teaches students how to leverage their book as a tool to grow their business, attract new clients, or gain media attention. With video lessons, downloadable templates, and group coaching opportunities, this course offers a well-rounded, step-by-step roadmap for nonfiction authors ready to publish a book that gets noticed and sells.

Type of Book: Self-help, business, other nonfiction

Genres: Various nonfiction genres (excludes memoirs as those should be more fiction, stylistically)

Investment: $8k with payment plans available

Best for: Entrepreneurs, coaches, business leaders, and thought leaders,

This course offers a comprehensive roadmap for writing, publishing, and marketing nonfiction books, aiming to help authors achieve bestseller status.

Writing-specific courses for authors

If you’re just looking for courses for authors that focus on writing-specific help and don’t cover marketing or self-publishing, these are ones to consider.

1. BBC Maestro – Agatha Christie: Writing

If you want to write mystery books, this is one of the writing courses for authors to consider. Of course, it’s specific to this genre, but there’s a lot you can learn about story structure, specifically tension and creating twists, even if you write within other book genres.

Spanning approximately two and a half hours across eleven lessons, the course covers essential elements of crime writing, including clue placement, character development, and narrative structure. The content has been meticulously curated by researchers and scholars, ensuring that Christie’s teaching remains authentic and insightful.

It’s definitely more financially accessible than some of the comprehensive courses for authors, but you don’t get quite as much coverage and the lessons are fairly short and to the point. It doesn’t leave a ton of room for feedback or trying. Bluntly, while taught by one of the most notorious authors of our time, it’s pretty surface-level. But you will learn certain fiction elements for sure.

Here’s what you’ll learn specific to this genre:

Type of Book: Crime or mystery novels

Genres: Mystery, detective fiction

Investment: $89 for just this course

Best for: writers who know they want to write in this genre

2. Skillshare – Creative Writing Classes

There isn’t just a single one to take. Skillshare has a significant amount of writing courses for authors created by various people. Which can be good and bad. The good part is you’ll learn from many instructors and gain a lot of useful tidbits here and there.

The less beneficial aspect is the lack of consistent quality across the courses for authors. They’re also not very lengthy. The below classes are only about 45 minutes each, for example.

Skillshare offers a wide range of creative writing courses for authors designed to support writers at all stages—whether you’re just getting started or looking to polish your craft. The platform is known for its bite-sized, self-paced video lessons taught by industry professionals, bestselling authors, and educators. From storytelling fundamentals to advanced narrative techniques, Skillshare’s creative writing classes are especially appealing to writers who prefer flexible learning and want to explore multiple topics or styles quickly. Writers can access everything with a subscription, which includes thousands of other creative and professional development courses.

Among the top recommended courses for authors on Skillshare for creative writers are:

1. Creative Writing for All: A 10-Day Journaling Challenge by Emily Gould – Great for getting into a daily writing habit and generating fresh ideas.
2. Writing Character-Driven Short Stories by Yiyun Li – Ideal for fiction writers who want to craft emotionally rich, character-focused narratives.
3. Storytelling 101: Character, Conflict, Context & Craft by Daniel José Older – A dynamic, engaging course that breaks down the essentials of storytelling with examples and voice-driven guidance.

These classes and other courses for authors through Skillshare are especially helpful because they combine foundational writing principles with inspiring prompts and practical advice, all taught in an accessible, engaging way.

Type of Book: Short stories, novels

Genres: Various fiction genres

Investment: $29 per month or $99 annually

3. Margaret Atwood Teaches Creative Writing – MasterClass

This course is one for the writers who want to learn how to write rich, intriguing prose like Margaret Atwood. Notably, though, she’s not the only author’s writing course on MasterClass and it’d be worth perusing their courses for authors to find one that’ll work for you.

We chose this one specifically because of it’s primary focus on the craft of writing.

Spanning 23 video lessons totaling approximately four hours, the course delves into essential aspects of fiction writing, including plot structure, character development, narrative perspective, and the nuances of speculative fiction. Atwood enriches the learning experience by sharing personal anecdotes, insights into her writing process, and analyses of her own works, such as The Handmaid’s Tale and Alias Grace. A notable feature of the course is the inclusion of Atwood’s original research materials and handwritten drafts, providing students with a rare glimpse into her creative journey.

Of the courses for authors, this gives you the best insight into a real-life traditionally published authors process to learn from. If you’ve ever read Atwood’s work, you know her prose are striking and eloquent.

The downside is if you don’t want to write like Margaret Atwood, or your natural voice and style is so different, her methods might not work for you.

Plus, the video lesson comes with a comprehensive 90-page workbook filled with assignments, lesson summaries, and further reading suggestions, designed to reinforce the concepts discussed. While this is one of the courses for authors accessible to writers of all levels, it particularly benefits those with some writing experience, offering advanced insights into layered narratives and genre conventions. The high production quality of the MasterClass platform enhances the learning experience, though it’s worth noting that interactive elements, such as community discussions, may be limited compared to other educational platforms.

Type of Book: Fiction, graphic novels, screenwriting

Genres: Fantasy, sci-fi, horror, literary fiction

Investment: $180/year (MasterClass subscription)

Best for: Writers with some experience who want to get better at the art aspect of fiction

Publishing courses for authors

Not all courses for authors are focused so heavily on the writing. There are publishing-specific courses with detailed help for when you’ve already finished writing your book.

Keep in mind that the comprehensive courses for authors covered above also have publishing components.

1. Royalty Hero – Sean Dollwet

Royalty Hero is one of the advanced self-publishing courses for authors created by Sean Dollwet, designed to help aspiring authors and entrepreneurs build a scalable, semi-passive income stream through Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP). The program centers around a strategy known as “Book Stacking,” which involves publishing multiple books in a specific niche to establish a brand and audience.

Dollwet emphasizes that success in this model doesn’t require writing skills; instead, it focuses on outsourcing tasks such as writing, editing, and cover design to professionals. The course offers over 30 hours of video content, covering topics like niche selection, book creation, Amazon advertising, fanbase growth, and automation. Additionally, it includes resources like Done-For-You (DFY) templates, a list of 150 profitable niches, and access to a private Facebook mastermind group.

This is one of the courses for authors where enrollment is by application only, ensuring that participants are committed to the program’s requirements. While some students have reported significant earnings, it’s important to note that success requires substantial time, effort, and financial investment, particularly in areas like advertising and outsourcing. Therefore, prospective students should carefully consider their goals and resources before enrolling.

Type of Book: Nonfiction

Genres: Various

Investment: Paid (pricing details on website)

Best for: $2100 through application

2. Editing and Publishing Courses – UCLA Extension

UCLA Extension offers a robust Editing and Publishing Certificate Program aimed at individuals aspiring to enter the publishing industry or enhance their editorial skills. The program encompasses a range of courses, including Editorial Management, Copyediting, and Developmental Editing, providing students with practical knowledge and hands-on experience.

Courses for authors like Editorial Management I: Acquisition to Publication and Editorial Management II: Publication and Beyond delve into the lifecycle of a manuscript, from acquisition to post-publication processes. Additionally, the program offers opportunities for internships, allowing students to gain real-world experience in literary agencies or publishing houses.

This is college curriculum, which means it has an investment to match. The estimated cost is broken down below:

Type of Book: Fiction, nonfiction

Genres: Various

Investment: Varies per course, averages $4320 for tuition plus more for books and materials

Best for: Those looking to make a name in the industry as a whole with traditional education

3. Free Publishing Courses – Reedsy Learning

Reedsy Learning provides a plethora of free, email-based courses tailored for authors at various stages of their publishing journey. These 10-day courses, delivered in concise five-minute lessons, cover topics such as self-editing, book marketing, and understanding Amazon’s algorithms.

Courses for authors like Traditional Publishing 101 and How to Submit a Nonfiction Book Proposal are taught by industry professionals, offering practical insights and actionable strategies. The flexible format allows authors to learn at their own pace, making it an accessible resource for those looking to enhance their publishing knowledge without financial investment.

Type of Book: Fiction and nonfiction

Genres: Various

Investment: Free

Best for: Those on a budge who can mix and match to fulfill their needs

Marketing courses for authors

Books have to sell! That means you need strategies to make it happen. Check out these courses for authors that focus on marketing books to sell more.

1. Market Your Book – selfpublishing.com

The Market Your Book program by selfpublishing.com is a comprehensive course designed to help authors effectively market their books and increase sales. This program offers personalized coaching, an online training platform, marketing support, and access to a community of like-minded authors.

It provides step-by-step guidance on creating a marketing plan tailored to the author’s book and brand, covering strategies for book ads, public relations, and more. The course aims to help authors boost book sales, find and connect with their ideal readers, and build a sustainable marketing strategy. Success stories from authors who have participated in the program highlight its effectiveness in achieving these goals.

Here’s a peek inside the program, but keep in mind that this is one of the courses for authors that includes coaching and community, not just the online portion:

Type of Book: Fiction, Nonfiction

Genres: All genres

Investment: $10k, with payment options available

Best for: Authors who are serious and dedicated to selling many books via self-publishing, who want to learn the fundamentals of good marketing in general, especially for books

2. Book Marketing 101 – Reedsy Learning

Book Marketing 101 by Reedsy Learning is a free, 10-day email course designed to equip self-published authors with foundational marketing skills. Taught by Ricardo Fayet, co-founder of Reedsy and author of How to Market a Book, the course offers practical guidance on building a robust marketing plan, setting up and growing a mailing list, and leveraging Amazon’s algorithms to increase book visibility.

Each lesson is delivered in concise, five-minute segments, making it accessible for authors with varying schedules. The course emphasizes prioritizing marketing efforts to avoid burnout and introduces seven proven marketing channels that have been successful for many authors. It’s an ideal starting point for authors looking to establish a solid marketing foundation without financial investment.

Type of Book: Fiction and nonfiction

Genres: Various

Investment: Free

Best for: Those who want a brief overview of book marketing to see if it’s for you

3. Book Marketing Crash Course – Nicholas Erik

The 2023 Book Marketing Crash Course by Nicholas Erik is less like the other courses for authors, and more of an in-depth, 8,500-word guide tailored for indie authors seeking to enhance their book marketing strategies. Drawing from Erik’s extensive experience in publishing and collaborating with six- and seven-figure authors, the course emphasizes the 80/20 principle—focusing on the 20% of actions that yield 80% of the results.

The guide outlines the “Ultimate Book Marketing Formula,” highlighting key areas such as niche selection, cover design, pricing strategies, and effective use of Amazon’s algorithms. It’s designed to be applicable to both beginner and advanced marketers, offering actionable insights and step-by-step processes to help authors apply the concepts to their own work. While the course is free, Erik also offers additional resources like the Ultimate Guide to Book Marketing and the 80/20 Amazon Ads 2025 courses for authors for those looking to delve deeper into specific areas.

Type of Book: Fiction and nonfiction

Genres: Various

Investment: Free

Best for: Authors who want a basic understanding of how to prioritize when it comes to book marketing tactics

How to choose the right author course for you

With so many writing and publishing courses for authors available online, it’s crucial to evaluate them thoroughly before making an investment. A high-quality author course should do more than simply teach—it should empower you with the skills, tools, and mindset to move confidently from idea to finished book and beyond.

Here’s a comprehensive checklist of what to look for:

• Clear goal: Do you want to finish a book, improve your craft, self-publish, or sell more copies?
• Book type that fits your need: Fiction, nonfiction, memoir, children’s, poetry, etc.
• Qualified instructors: Have they done what you want to do? Are they respected in your genre?
• Reliable course reviews and testimonials: Find out what real students say and if they’ve seen results.
• Conducive to your learning style: Prefer video, text, live calls, or hands-on assignments?
• Time commitment that works for you: Make sure the course fits your schedule and doesn’t overwhelm you.
• Additional support offered: Will you get feedback, coaching, or access to a community?
• Pricing and value in alignment: Weigh what you’re getting (templates, lessons, bonuses) against the cost.

Of all the courses for authors out there, there are only a handful that will help you achieve your ultimate goal. Make sure they’re the ones you want to spend both the investment and the time on!