Okay, so I can't promise you'll become a Sunday Times bestselling crime author of five novels, nor that you'll be a star on Traitors, like one of our illustrious alumni. But I can promise a year of outstanding teaching and support to develop your novel alongside a group of fellow writers who'll become more important to you than you might expect.
As well as running The Book Edit, I'm the founder and director of the Novel Studio at City St George's, a year-long programme for writers who are serious about their novel and serious about giving it the best possible chance. We have spaces available for our September 2026 start, and I'd love to see some of you there.
Our alumni track record speaks for itself. Alongside bestselling author of five crime novels, Harriet Tyce, Janice Okoh (last year’s Writers’ Prize judge) has just recently won an emerging talent BAFTA for her screenwriting; Deepa Anappara published her second novel, The Last of Earth, to great critical acclaim earlier this year; and Lara Haworth was shortlisted for the Nero Book Award for her debut, Monumenta.
The deadline has been extended, and there's a giveaway
We've extended our application deadline to 30th June, and to celebrate, we're offering something a little extra. The next ten people to apply will receive a free ticket to our end-of-year showcase — online or in person, your choice — where current Novel Studio students will share their work with an audience of invited industry guests. It's a great evening, and a real taste of what the community is all about.
To apply, email me at Emily.Pedder.1@citystgeorges.ac.uk with 2,000 words of your fiction and a CV detailing any writing experience.
Not quite ready to apply? Come and meet us first.
If you'd like to experience the Novel Studio before you commit, we're running a free one-hour taster session on Thursday 18th June, 12.30–1.30pm BST, via Zoom.
Dr Rebekah Lattin-Rawstrone will lead a mini session on reading like a writer, while Dr Kiare Ladner will explore the art of endings in fiction. There'll also be an overview of the programme and time for your questions.
It's free and online.
Your novel won't write itself, but this course can very much help.
Look forward to seeing some of you at the taster session!