Bookouture launches author academy
Bookouture launches PageOne, a new online writing academy focused on commercial fiction.
We are excited to launch PageOne by Bookouture, a new online writing academy focused on commercial fiction.
PageOne by Bookouture will provide high-quality, competitively priced training that combines proven learning methods with practical tips from editors and industry experts. The academy aims to empower writers to craft commercial stories with bestseller potential and includes practical writing advice as well as insights from bestselling authors.
The first course, ‘Start Writing Commercial Fiction’, will launch on 13th April 2026 and is available for pre-order today. It will guide new writers through the process of planning and writing a novel to hook readers from the start, with more advanced courses coming later in the year to support experienced authors.
At Bookouture, this initiative has been led by Ain Chiara, Head of PageOne, working with Alex Crow, Digital Communications Director, and Natalie Butlin, Creative Insights Director. The course content has been designed in collaboration with the Professional Writing Academy, the team behind the world’s first fully online Master’s degree in writing, who have previously worked with John Yorke and Granta to create high-quality training courses.
Ain Chiara, Head of PageOne, said,
‘It’s been a thrilling journey to work alongside the best commercial fiction editors and authors in the industry to bring PageOne by Bookouture to life. I believe that every writer deserves the opportunity to tell their story and it’s wonderful to work for a publisher who not only wholeheartedly shares this view, but supports that commitment with meaningful action. I can’t wait to welcome the first writers into our community and support them in the very special journey that is writing a book.’
Jenny Geras, Managing Director of Bookouture, said,
‘Launching PageOne by Bookouture is an incredibly exciting next step in our growth. Our track record of working with authors to create, package and sell commercial bestsellers, alongside our forensic and data-driven approach, means that we understand better than any other publisher all the elements that go into mass-market success.’
Christina Bunce and Susannah Marriott, Founding Directors of the Professional Writing Academy said,
‘Working with Bookouture has been a joy – they’re as innovative as they are ambitious and that’s a perfect match for us. Over fifteen years we’ve constantly extended and honed the online asynchronous teaching model we pioneered to help writers – wherever they are in the world and from all walks of life – to develop their craft. We’ve worked closely with Bookouture editors and publishers, drawing on their expertise, skills and knowledge to create courses that are industry-relevant as well as practical, accessible, and focused on giving new authors the tools they need to break into commercial fiction – from the people who know what readers want.’
Pre-orders are now open for Start Writing Commercial Fiction, a four-week course for beginner writers.
