Blog
How to Finally Turn Your Genre Fiction Vision Into Reality
by Writing Workshops Staff
A day ago
Have you ever dreamed of seeing your mystery, thriller, fantasy, or sci-fi novel on the shelves of your favorite bookstore—or, better yet, adapted to the big screen? Or maybe you’ve already scribbled your way through a complete draft, but the thought of tightening your plot, refining your characters, and finding the right literary agent leaves you overwhelmed. If you’re nodding along, wondering what your next step should be, you’re not alone.
Writing a novel is a daunting marathon—doing it right can feel impossible without guidance. But imagine having a dedicated mentor in your corner, someone with deep industry connections who genuinely understands what it takes to write, revise, and successfully pitch a genre novel. Sound too good to be true? That’s exactly what our new 3-Month One-on-One Mentorship for Genre Fiction Novelists with Peter Malone Elliott is all about.
Meet Your Mentor: Peter Malone Elliott
Peter’s not just a critically acclaimed genre novelist and screenwriter—he’s also been exactly where you are right now. He knows the creative rollercoaster of taking a novel from idea spark to polished draft, and he has the professional know-how to usher your work into the world. His own mystery novel, Blue Ridge, was nominated for “Best Debut Mystery” at the 2025 Lefty Awards. And before that, he nabbed a “Best Screenwriting, Motion Picture” nomination at the 2022 Leo Awards for Wired Shut.
But what truly sets Peter apart is his extensive background as a developmental editor and publishing professional. Formerly the Director of Book Pipeline—an industry-defining author discovery platform—Peter has guided countless emerging authors to success. Not only did he shape their manuscripts, but he also served as a strategic coach, helping writers secure top-tier agent representation and navigate the labyrinth of the publishing industry. His pitch letters were so strong that they were often used as back flap copy in the final, published books. If you want professional-level insight, pitch expertise, and personalized feedback on your novel, you can’t ask for a better ally than Peter Malone Elliott.
Why This Mentorship Matters
Whether you’re starting from scratch (Track #1) or ready to dig in and revise a completed draft (Track #2), the goal is the same: set you up to become a working, professional novelist who knows the ins and outs of the craft and the industry.
- Motivation & Accountability: Deadlines and milestones keep you consistently moving forward. No more letting your manuscript gather virtual dust.
- Real-World Industry Insight: Learn how to craft a pitch package that resonates with agents and editors—complete with a polished query letter and curated agent list.
- Tailored Feedback: From in-line comments on your manuscript to big-picture editing, you’ll get specific, honest guidance that levels up your story.
- Career-Long Skills: This mentorship lays the groundwork not just for one novel, but for a sustainable career in writing. Peter can even guide you if you’re curious about adapting your work for film or TV.
Two Tracks, One Goal: Your Best Novel Yet
Track #1: Jump-Start Your New Manuscript
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Start Writing (Really Writing!)
By the end of three months, you’ll have the first 20k words locked and loaded. -
Tailored Game Plan
Come prepared with an outline or logline. Then watch as Peter helps you refine it into a clear, actionable roadmap. -
Agent-Ready Next Steps
You’ll receive a curated list of literary agents to contact when the rest of your manuscript is complete.
Track #2: Revise an Existing Draft
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Full Developmental Edit
If you’re already sitting on a complete manuscript, this is your chance to give it the polish it deserves. -
Professional Query Letter
Peter will collaborate with you to craft a pitch-perfect query letter that highlights your manuscript’s best angles. -
Industry Strategy
Learn how to position your novel to appeal to the right agents and how to expand your presence in the publishing world.
A Peek at the 3-Month Process
Month 1
- Track #1: Kick off with a video chat to fine-tune your outline/logline, set deadlines, and choose comp titles to study. Then, write your first 10k words.
- Track #2: Jump on a call to discuss your first draft in depth, then send Peter your full manuscript. Receive feedback on the first half of your manuscript by the end of the month.
Month 2
- Track #1: Get Peter’s notes on your first 10k words, digest them, then dive into your second 10k.
- Track #2: Email check-ins address any concerns from feedback on the first half, while Peter delivers notes on the second half of your manuscript.
Month 3
- Track #1: Collect notes on your second 10k words and wrap up with a final video chat. Plus, you’ll receive a curated list of literary agents for your go-to-market plan.
- Track #2: After finalizing your edits, Peter helps you shape a compelling query letter. A concluding video chat ensures you’re ready to hit “send” on agent submissions.
Who Should Apply?
If you’re comfortable with the basics of fiction (character arcs, story structure, voice) but need that extra push—and professional perspective—to either start drafting or seriously refine your existing manuscript, this program is built for you. It’s a one-on-one journey, so every author’s path will look slightly different, but you must be ready to stick to deadlines and welcome constructive feedback with open arms.
What You’ll Walk Away With
- A Polished Chunk of Your Novel (20k words) or a Fully Edited Draft: No more second-guessing where your story stands.
- A Clear Plan for Agent Outreach: Either a polished query letter or a tailored list of potential agents to query—sometimes both.
- Skill Set for the Long Haul: Insight into how to navigate the publishing industry, plus an expanded understanding of your own craft, so you can keep producing standout work.
A Glimpse Into Your Future
Picture this: Three months from now, you’re not only well on your way with a novel that’s taken shape under professional guidance, but you’ve also got a real strategy for next steps in publishing. Maybe you see your name on a bookshelf sooner than you think—or perhaps even on a movie poster. This mentorship with Peter Malone Elliott is your chance to put the pieces in place for genuine, achievable success.
Ready to Get Started?
Enrolling in this mentorship is an investment in your creative future, one that comes with personalized feedback from someone with the expertise, passion, and industry connections to truly help you thrive. If you’re ready to take your genre fiction novel from wishful thinking to the real deal, then let’s make it happen.
Secure your spot in Peter Malone Elliott’s 3-Month One-on-One Mentorship for Genre Fiction Novelists. Your dream novel deserves more than just living in your head—let’s bring it to life together.
