Ultimate Novel Writing Programme Success Stories

Ultimate Novel Writing Programme Success Stories

We know how important it is to hear from previous and current students about their experience before committing to a writing programme, so we have compiled some of our success stories and testimonials below so you can feel confident in your decision to join us on the Ultimate Novel Writing Programme.

How many students who have taken the programme have gone on to be published?
Many of our alums have gone on to receive full manuscript requests, get signed by a literary agent, and get publishing deals.
A selection of these include:
  1. Rebecca Hardy – signed with Juliet Mushens, agent of Richard Osman
  2. Yvette Davies – Published by Joffe Books, reached Amazon Top 100
  3. S. J. King – Two-book deal with Storm Publishing
  4. Jack Lutz – Published by Picador
  5. Nicky Downes – Two-book deal with Storm Publishing
  6. Alan Fraser – Published by Lightning Books
  7. Kate Sheehan-Finn – Winner of Friday Night Live 2024
  8. M. J. Camilleri – 2023 Page Turner Writing Award finalist
  9. Justine Lombardi – Debut will be published by Dark Matter INK in Summer 2026
  10. Jack Chandler – Amazon bestseller
  11. Becky Jones – 4.9 star rating on Amazon
  12. B. Wells – Four-book deal with Camel Press
  13. Dani Raanan – signed with agent John Jarrold

How many students receive full manuscript requests from the agent showcase and anthology?
On average, 30% of our students receive at least one full manuscript request from agents as a result of the anthology and/or other course benefits such as the Online Showcase with Agents or Agency Partnership.

Student testimonials
“I joined the course at a very busy time in my life. Yet the course was so well planned, structured, and flexible I was still able to write and polish a new novel and learn so much. I made a strong connection with my fellow writers who brought fresh eyes and encouragement, and my brilliant course mentor (Emma Cooper) coached and championed me every step. The course has so many tools and ways to help writers to improve. Using the learnings I reworked an older manuscript which quickly landed me a two-book deal. I’m very grateful to the whole team at Jericho who always make me feel part of the most supportive writing family.”
- S. J. King, author of Where You Belong (Storm Publishing, 2025), UNWP Alum 2022/23

“The course helped me to understand which areas of my writing I needed to improve. It also gave me a much clearer understanding of the industry and what works. In the end, I had two offers of representation. The first with Storm Publishing who offered me a three-book deal. As I was considering this, I was approached by an agent who had read my submission to the UNWP anthology. After reading my full manuscript, she offered me representation. That was a wonderful and unexpected surprise. In the end, I plumped for Storm.”
- Nicky Downes, author of Silent Fall (Storm Publishing, 2023), UNWP Alum 2021/22

“The course came at a time in my writing journey where my confidence was at its lowest, and to me, it really was a last hurrah to see whether or not I could elevate my writing from ‘good’ to something a bit more special. What proved to be the best writing opportunity I’d ever had was the mentorship the course provided. Without my wonderful mentor Philip, there’s no world where my novel would have seen completion – he kept me motivated and on track with a year of working, juggling family and my pregnancy, giving me practical advice and building my confidence, so that by the end of the course, I believed not only in my completed (and fully edited) manuscript, but also my own ability. I ended up with an offer of representation through the ‘slushpile’ from the fantastic John Jarrold. I am over the moon and we are currently on submission – let’s hope my manuscript finds a good home.”
- Dani Raanan, UNWP Alum 2022/23

“Jericho Writers gave me a manuscript assessment which really helped me get to grips with what writing a novel involved, so I signed up to Harry’s weekly emails. This meant that when I was working on my second novel, I was far more aware of the industry’s expectations. I was determined to be more professional this time and signed up for the UNWP in the hope it would help me navigate publishing. In the end, I got two offers of publication but opted to go with Lightning Books. I was really lucky to be in a fabulous and supportive tutor group. There’s no way I would have kept going without their encouragement.”
- Alan Fraser, author of The Muse of Hope Falls (Lightning Books, 2023), UNWP Alum 2021/22

You can find out more about our success stories and testimonials on our website.


Is there an opportunity to meet previous students?
Premium Members can check out these event replays, which feature Ultimate Novel Writing Programme alums sharing their experiences, both during and after the course:

You can also follow the links below to book a call with a current or former Ultimate Novel Writing Programme student:

Rachel (member of the Writer Support team and current student on UNWP) has been documenting her experience on the Ultimate Novel Writing Programme each month, and you can check out these posts here:


You can find more information about Ultimate Novel Writing Programme in the course brochure, which you can download here.

If you have any further questions about the Ultimate Novel Writing Programme you can book a call with a member of the team here, or you can get in touch with the team at courses@jerichowriters.com.
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