learn with me

Writing Courses 

My library of online workshops and courses has given hundreds of writers (just like you!) the actionable, step-by-step strategies they need to accomplish their writing, editing, and publishing goals. Ready to dig in and get to work? Check out the courses below to get started.

free masterclass

Your Book Blueprint: How To Write A Novel In 5 Steps (Without An MFA Or Creative Writing Degree)

Not sure where to start when it comes to writing a novel? Or are you stuck somewhere in the murky middle of your draft? No worries, friend! I'm sharing some of my best secrets in this masterclass—including a roadmap you can follow that will help you get results and write a story you feel really proud of. Click the link below to get instant access!

GET INSTANT ACCESS →

“Over the years, I've tried to write by myself and never made any kind of progress. I was frustrated and about to give up on my novel when I found this course—and I'm so glad I did. I learned more from working with Savannah than I have from years of my own research—and I finally finished an entire draft of my novel!”

—Amanda Norris

Notes to Novel

DOORS ARE NOW CLOSED

Notes to Novel is a twice-a-year online training and mentorship experience with bestselling author, developmental editor, and book coach, Savannah Gilbo.

During this eight-week program, you’ll get direct access to in-depth video trainings and LIVE group coaching, critiquing and Q&A sessions with Savannah—PLUS the proven tools, timeless formulas and community support you need to brainstorm, outliningg, and write your novel from scratch.

Doors are currently closed until 2025.

GET ON THE WAITLIST →

“I had a TON of ideas for a story but no idea what to do with them. I write fantasy so I usually get consumed in world-building or creating cool magic systems, but all that doesn't make a story. And it can actually get quite overwhelming. Savannah helped me cut through the noise and focus on what was most important in my story and I finished my first 100,000-word draft! So excited!"

–Laura Michaels
(Read More Testimonials)

The Story Lab Membership

365 DAYS OF SUPPORT TO HELP AUTHORS WRITE, EDIT, AND PUBLISH THEIR BOOKS

The Story Lab Membership is a private membership for writers who have already completed the Notes to Novel course.

In this membership, you'll get direct access to Savannah via LIVE monthly masterclasses and Q&A calls. You'll also get templates, cheat sheets, and worksheets to help you make progress toward your next big writing, editing, or publishing goal.

Doors will reopen in 2025.

Want to write a book like The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab? Get instant access to this replay to learn:

  • The difference between literary, upmarket, and commercial fiction (and where this book fits)
  • Tips for writing dual timelines (with an act-by-act breakdown of each timeline in Addie LaRue)
  • How to write impactful dialogue and subtext
  • Why Addie LaRue is a fantastic example of a "light" horror story—and how you can write the same kind of story using the horror genre framework
  • How to reveal your character's inner life on the page (aka how to SHOW, not TELL your character's thoughts)
  • And so much more…
GET INSTANT ACCESS FOR $49 →

Want to write a book like Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros? Get instant access to this 2-hour book club replay to learn:

  • The key characteristics of romantasy novels (including how to balance fantasy elements with romance)
  • A deep dive into crafting romantic chemistry and tension between characters (with examples)
  • How to balance multiple antagonists (and why this is especially important if you're writing a series) 
  • A breakdown of the story's key plot points using the Save The Cat! framework—yes, all 15 beats! 
  • Our favorite tips for how to build a fantasy world and magic system (with examples from the book) 
  • And so much more…
GET INSTANT ACCESS FOR $49 →

Want to write a book like Lessons In Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus? Get instant access to this replay to learn:

  • The difference between commercial, upmarket, and literary fiction (and where this book fits in the market)

  • A breakdown of the story's content genres (society and status)–and what this has to do with Women's Fiction

  • How the author hooked readers from the very first chapter and made them want to keep reading more

  •  How to write a story with an omniscient narrator while still maintaining your voice

  • A look at the structure to see how the author progressed both the plot and character over time

  • And so much more…

GET INSTANT ACCESS FOR $49 →

Want to write a book like The Guest List by Lucy Foley? Get instant access to this replay to learn:

  • The key differences between mysteries and thrillers (and where this story fits within the two)

  • How the author used red herrings to mislead readers and pull off an awesome twist at the end

  • Tips for using setting and point of view to heighten tension and suspense (with examples from The Guest List)

  • A look at the plot structure from each point of view character (there are six!)

  •  How the author balanced an omniscient narrator with first person point of view

  •  And so much more…

GET INSTANT ACCESS FOR $49 →

Want to write a book like Legendborn by Tracy Deonn? Get instant access to this replay to learn:

  • What makes Young Adult fiction unique (and some tips to help you write your own Young Adult fantasy novel) 

  • How the author hooked us from the first chapter and made us want to keep reading

  •  The difference between antagonists and villains—and why this is key when writing a story like Legendborn

  • A plot structure breakdown of each act to show how both the plot and character developed over time

  • How the author created a unique magic system and doled out essential bits of worldbuilding without info-dumping (or overwhelming readers)

  • And so much more…

GET INSTANT ACCESS FOR $49 →

Want to write a book like Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover? Get instant access to this replay to learn:

  • The key scenes and conventions of the romance genre (with examples from Ugly Love)

  • How the first chapter hooks readers and sets up expectations for what's coming in the rest of the book

  • A breakdown of each act in the story from each point of view character (and our thoughts on how the two timelines work so well together)

  • How the author balanced two point of views over multiple timelines (and how you can do the same)

  • A deep dive into what it takes to create a compelling protagonist (and an equally compelling love interest)

  • And so much more…

GET INSTANT ACCESS FOR $49 →

Savannah is a developmental editor and book coach who helps fiction authors write, edit, and publish stories that work. She also hosts the top-rated Fiction Writing Made Easy podcast full of actionable advice that you can put into practice right away. Click here to learn more →

HOME
ABOUT
PODCAST
BLOG
SERVICES 

COURSES
MASTERCLASS
RESOURCES
CONTACT
STUDENT LOGIN