I took up writing as a hobby several years ago, and even though I enjoyed it, I knew my writing wasn't good enough to be traditionally published. I needed a mentor to help me reach the next level. I found Now Novel in a Google search and felt its coaching program was a good fit. I worked with Fiona for a year and now have a workable manuscript that I'm happy with. With Fiona's honest feedback, my writing is at a new level. When I was having doubts about a developmental choice in my novel, Fiona's feedback would help me move forward. In the past, before I worked with Fiona, I tended to get stuck on these choices, lose confidence, and give up on my stories. She was always responsive and prompt, and even though I'm not published yet, my confidence in my writing has improved after working with her.

When it was suggested I write a work of fiction after years of non-fiction, I didn't know where to start. Now Novel came to the rescue. I used the tools to define my characters and posted excerpts for peer review. Since those first tentative steps I have had three novels (the SimCavalier scifi series) and four short stories published, along with a business and MBA text, Blockchain Hurricane, in the space of four years. Now Novel has been a great springboard for success.

This is the second time I have used this service. NOWNOVEL has completed a manuscript assessment and edit mark-up. I cannot praise them enough. Not only were they direct with comments about the ms shortfalls, they gave credit where due. This is important because writers learn what they do well, remember the comments, and relax going forward. Confidence is a key, relaxation is critical or creative juices don't flow. Jordan's focus on structure, tenses, and tying the plot together was superb. He picks up so much that I don't even see. Well done and I look forward to sending more work over the next few weeks.

Now Novel's ms assessment was perfect for my needs. It highlighted areas of my novel where my writing is at its weakest. Their suggestions I adopted 100% and the read is much better for it. Their attention to detail was impressive. Will continue to use.

excellent

At the age of 60, I decided to write a novel inspired by my love of family history research. NowNovel has given me the support to achieve this and i've just completed my second draft.
The various groups allow you to chat and get advice on particular writing problems whether it's character development, the 'show don't tell rule', descriptions, backstory or if you've simply lost motivation. There is always someone in the groups to help.

I like the site because the age range of members is wide and reading and critiquing other people's work really helps with my own writing. Critiques from other members often make me think about something from a different angle. The NowNovel articles/blog give all the guidance anyone could need.

Paying a subscription has given me full access to the Dashboard on the site which helps enormously in order to collate all my ideas in one place. Jordan's support and critiques have also played a huge part in motivating me to carry on. The live webinars are not only informative but they made me feel part of something... because there are participants from all over the world.
I continue to enjoy the site and would recommend it.

After purchasing The Process, I was able to completely outline my first novel in a matter of weeks, all 25 chapters! The program includes a step-by-step guide to build up your story from a faint idea to a fully printed novel. The help team is understanding and polite.
I have at least a dozen novels I plan on writing for the next few years and I wouldn't be confident in even starting them unless I was equipped with Now Novel.

I received a useful and thorough critique for my novel in progress. It include a total summary an devaluation of my chapters and a line by line edit. Couldn't be happier.

NowNovel’s review of my historical novel was thoughtful, detailed, and enormously helpful. I enthusiastically recommend the service. The assessment pointed to some strengths (thank you) and identified weaknesses, along with sensible, specific suggestions for addressing them. Writers get a lot of feedback, and sometimes, it can be overwhelming and dispiriting. But the NowNovel review motivated and inspired me. Now back to work.

Now Novel has been easy to use and very inspiring. There is a blog for every aspect of the writing journey. Thanks!

Of all the professional reviews so far, Now Novel's has been the most comprehensive, detailed in analysis and filled with helpful suggestions and direction - while recognizing that all feedback is subjective - and preserving the creative momentum and development of the writer.

Like so many others, I've wanted to write since I was a child, but aside from sarcastic holiday letters (and a marketing job), I've never been able to get started. I stumbled upon Now Novel, and started trying out the tools. In one week, I'd made more progress than ever before. I then signed up for the Kickstart your Novel 6-week course, and am wrapping that up now. I finished 3 chapters! Okay, that may not sound like a lot, but I also know my characters and roughly what will happen in EVERY scene of my book! Of course it is likely to change as I write, but I now know the main arc of my story and smaller conflicts throughout. I just signed up for the Coaching+ course to continue with the program. I am excited to continue working with Fiona. Often there are parts of my writing that don't feel quite right, but I can't figure out what to do about it. Fiona homes in on that immediately and has helped me improve my writing dramatically. But be warned--she will also help thicken your skin, preparing you for the harsh realities of becoming a writer. It can be brutal, but it is all helpful. I've just had to put my ego aside and be grateful for this opportunity. It's refreshing to know that you'll have a coach who will truly help you get better, rather than help protect your ego. I recommend it to anyone who wants to write a novel. Even if you just use the tools and don't sign up for any course or coaching, you have access to a community of other writers - a virtual writers' group - and you help each other. Also Jordan from Now Novel periodically reviews the work you submit to be read by others, and his comments are reliably very helpful too. If it's not obvious yet, I love Now Novel :) Have fun!

The report the editor provided was thorough and detailed. It was exactly what I needed!

My experience with the copy-editing service was excellent. The detailed revisions and suggestions took my book to another level.

I'm super enjoying working with this tool. Having a well set-up place to come to and 'dump' (in a good way) the background layers of book outline labours (stored here and there in my files and PC) and then getting to see it move increasingly towards a well laid-out outline, is not only very satisfying, but it's FUN and enjoyable too. Just what I needed! Something FUN after many, many months of hard-slugging labor.

Also, the group critiquing aspect is absolutely SUPER. Easy to use, rewarding to participate in, and I can already see, after only critiquing one scene for one fellow member, how much I can learn and take-away from reading other's writings too.

I also know that once I'm into my actual content writing (still working on my tight, clean outline) I will super enjoy having a place to put out scene pieces or parts, and get the kind of quick but thoughtful feedback that all writers look for, yet sometimes find hard (or complicated) to access. Not here.

Simply wonderful!

ps - I would have given Now Novel a 5 star rating, if it had a bit more advanced options. Going to suggest one to the great guys behind this. Which reminds me -- Jordan and the team at NN are always available to answer your questions, or pop up and encourage you. They're GREAT with responsiveness to your questions too.

With there was 4.5 stars available to choose!

Helpful resource, particularly if you’re just getting started or struggling to choose between story ideas. The one on one coaching is a great option to keep you accountable and get real-time feedback on your writing!

Jordan was great. My manuscript evaluation was very thorough and I couldn't be happier with all of his comments. It was wonderful receiving some validation for all the hard work that goes into writing a story. Again, I'm so happy that I asked for help on this project.

I’m early in the process of working with Alison to finally finishing my novel. The process and particularly Alison’s feedback have been incredibly helpful!

This service was wonderful! They gave me great ideas for how to improve, as well as lots of positive feedback and useful industry tips. Thanks for everything.

I submitted my manuscript for review at a point when I was receiving some conflicting feedback. My evaluation was detailed and thoughtful, offering comments on the plot, pacing, character development, and tone—exactly the kind of help I was looking for. My reviewer made specific suggestions about revising the plot that were extraordinarily helpful. To be honest, I was a little stuck before the review, but afterward, I was encouraged and motivated. The review helped me move forward.