It is always useful to get professional feedback on your writing, especially if you aspire to be a commercially published novelist. The Australian Literature Review is offering just that, with its new 20 week novel manuscript development program, beginning mid Feb 2012. Editor/publisher Steve Rossiter will be running the show, which is best suited to writers starting a new manuscript, although it can also cater to writers with a work in progress.

Weekly classes will guide each writer to develop a compelling and commercially viable manuscript.  Each class (10 – 15 writers) will be a combination of lecture/discussion, individual and group activities, professional feedback, and analysis of other books and stories. Participants will leave each class with a detailed plan of action for the week ahead. The aim is for each writer to complete their manuscript by the end of the course, ready for editing. They will also learn a lot about the business of publishing. Classes will be held in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, with a video conferencing option available for regional writers.

As an enthusiastic participant in The Year of the Novel programs run by Writers Victoria, I can highly recommend this sort of assistance. I not only developed my craft, but made industry contacts, and gained a support network of other writers. Oh, I also finished a few novels along the way. So check out the program at http://auslit.net/2011/11/06/novel-manuscript-development-program/ It is a terrific opportunity for budding authors.