Here’s a quick guide to common questions about our certified online writing courses in New Zealand and Australia.
1. Online Creative Writing Course NZ
Q: What is the best online creative writing course at NZ Writers’ College?
A: NZ Writers’ College offers flexible, certified online creative writing courses for all levels of writers. Our top creative writing course is the Basics of Creative Writing course, aimed at beginner and intermediate writers. Start anytime, submit assignments at your own pace and receive line-by-line feedback from professional tutors within three to five working days. By the end, you’ll have polished work ready for publication or for further study. We also offer one-on-one Zoom sessions on request, as well as group writing workshops held twice a year. View our creative writing courses here.
2. Creative Writing Course Online
Q: Where can I take a creative writing course online?
A: NZ Writers’ College provides certified online courses for beginners, intermediate and advanced writers. Each course guides you through exercises, assignments and projects, so you can complete a manuscript of build a writing portfolio under expert tutor guidance. View our creative writing courses here.
3. Novel Writing Course NZ
Q: How can I write a novel with expert guidance in New Zealand? How do I start?
A: Our novel writing course helps aspiring authors develop story structure, characters and plot. Submit drafts and receive detailed feedback from experienced, award-winning tutors, ensuring your novel progresses from concept to completion. The course also helps students prepare for publication. Several graduate students have had their novels published, with some now best-selling, award-winning authors. One-on-one Zoom sessions are available upon request. There are also group Zoom workshops twice per year. View the Write a Novel Course here.
4. Memoir Writing Course NZ
Q: How do I turn my life story into a publishable memoir in NZ?
A: NZ Writers’ College teaches memoir writing from idea to manuscript. You’ll learn techniques for storytelling, narrative structure, and voice, with tutor feedback to make your memoir engaging and ready for submission. Tutored by multi-award-winning author, Alex Smith. View the Write a Memoir Course here.
5. Writing Feedback Service NZ
Q: Where can I get professional feedback on my writing in New Zealand?
A: NZ Writers’ College offers a professional writing feedback service. Our award-winning tutors provide detailed, line-by-line critiques to help you improve style, structure, and impact, whether for creative or professional writing. You can book a personal Zoom session with your tutor, if you prefer that to written feedback, and join our group writing workshops offered twice a year. Contact us at admin@nzwriterscollege.co.nz with your requirements.
6. Writing Courses for Beginners NZ
Q: Are there writing courses for beginner writers in New Zealand?
A: Yes! NZ Writers’ College welcomes beginner writers. Our courses teach foundational writing skills, help you build confidence and guide you toward completing your first professional-quality work. Our most popular course for creative writing is the Basics of Creative Writing Course. Apart from line-by-line feedback on all your writing assignments, individual Zoom consultations are available on request; group workshops are scheduled biannually
7. Children’s Book Writing Course NZ
Our writing courses are challenging and results-driven,
regardless of whether you are a beginner,
intermediate- or advanced-level writer.
Q: Can I learn to write children’s books in New Zealand?
A: Absolutely. Our children’s book writing course covers storytelling for kids, character creation, and plot guidance. Tutor Helen Brain provides feedback to help your book reach publishing standards. Several graduates of the course have gone on to have their children’s books published, some of whom have won awards (Catherine Jarvis, Tanja Wijnen, Salamina Mosese, Gareth Ward and Suzanne Maine, among others). View the Write a Children’s Book Course here.
8. Online Copywriting Course NZ
Q: Where can I learn copywriting in NZ?
A: NZ Writers’ College offers an online copywriting course that teaches you to write compelling web copy, ads and marketing content that engage readers and convert effectively. The course is tutored by award-winning copywriters. View the Copywriting Course here.
9. SEO and GEO Writing Course NZ
Q: How can I learn to write SEO- and GEO-friendly content for websites?
A: Our SEO and GEO writing course teaches you to craft content that ranks in search engines while appealing to readers. Learn keyword integration, structure, and persuasive writing, with tutor feedback to refine your work. View the Write SEO and GEO Content for Websites Course here.
10. Freelance Writing Course NZ
Q: Can I learn freelance writing skills in New Zealand?
A: Yes! NZ Writers’ College’s freelance writing course helps you develop marketable writing skills for magazines, blogs and businesses. Tutors guide you to build a portfolio and practical strategies to earn income from writing. Dozens of the course graduates have been published in mainstream magazines and trade magazines worldwide. See the Freelance Journalism Course for Websites and Magazines here and the Writing Articles for Websites and Blogs Course here.
12. Part-time Writing Classes NZ
Q: Are there part-time writing classes I can do while working in New Zealand?
A: Yes! Our courses at NZ Writers’ College are flexible, allowing you to study at your own pace from home while balancing work and life commitments. NZ Writers’ College offers 35 specialised writing courses in the fields of creative writing, journalism, business writing, copywriting, copy-editing and proofreading, GEO writing for websites, among others. Each course is tutored one-to-one by an award-winning writer. View a full list of the writing courses here.
13. Correspondence Creative Writing NZ
Q: Can I take a correspondence creative writing course in New Zealand?
A: NZ Writers’ College offers correspondence-style courses with digital assignment submissions and personal tutor feedback, perfect for distance learning. Personal Zoom sessions are available by request, and we run group workshops twice a year. The college has been training writers since 2005 and is well-established and respected in the writing industry. Read about the college here.
15. Proofreading and Editing Course NZ
Q: Are there courses to improve proofreading and editing skills in New Zealand?
A: Yes! NZ Writers’ College offers a specialist, practical Copy-Editing and Proofreading course covering grammar, structure and clarity. It’s a rigorous training completed over several months, equipping you to work professionally as a proofreader and copy-editor in New Zealand. View the Copy-Editing and Proofreading Course here.
16. Scriptwriting Course NZ
Q: Where can I learn scriptwriting in New Zealand?
A: NZ Writers’ College offers a scriptwriting course for stage, screen and digital media, with feedback on story structure, dialogue and formatting. Students write a script on the course, with feedback on their progress. Tutored by Karen Jeynes, winner of over 30 writing awards, including two Emmy nominations. Karen provides monthly group Zoom sessions for her scriptwriting students. View the Scriptwriting Course here.
18. Short Story Writing Course NZ
Q: How can I learn to write short stories in New Zealand?
A: Our short story course teaches narrative techniques, character development, plot and theme, with tutor feedback to refine your craft. Mentored by an award-winning short story writer, view the Short Story Writing Course here. Many of our graduates have published collections of their short stories. Many have been shortlisted or won international short story writing awards (see competitions below).
20. Writing Tutor NZ Online
Q: Where can I find an online writing tutor in New Zealand?
A: NZ Writers’ College connects you with professional tutors for one-on-one online guidance, helping you improve any writing project with expert support. Online face-to-face sessions are available upon request. Almost all of our writing tutors have won multiple writing awards. Contact us at admin@nzwriterscollege.co.nz with any query you have.
Q: What are NZ Writers’ College course details by the numbers?
A: The Writers’ College schools have collectively trained around 10,000 writers over the past 20 years. Courses can be completed within four months to 24 months, depending on the word count required. Tutors respond to students within three to five working days with assignment assessments, and within 24 hours for queries. Course fees can be paid off in two or three instalments, depending on the course duration.
Q: Are there writing courses for intermediate writers in New Zealand?
A: Yes! At NZ Writers’ College, we train beginner, intermediate and advanced-level writers. Each course is written by a multi-award-winning author who is capable of adjusting the level of tutor feedback depending on the needs and abilities of the student. Our writing courses are challenging and results-driven, regardless of whether you are a beginner, intermediate- or advanced-level writer.
Q: Is NZ Writers’ College accredited or certified?
A: To keep costs low, NZ Writers’ College is not registered with NZQA. However, our courses are certified, professionally developed and have been trusted by thousands of students since 2005. Each course comes with a certificate of completion, recognised within the writing and publishing industry across New Zealand, Australia and the wider South Pacific.
Q: How long has NZ Writers’ College been running?
A: The Writers’ College has been training writers online since 2005, and NZ Writers’ College was launched in 2008. That’s over 20 years of experience helping writers in New Zealand, Australia, the South Pacific and beyond. Across our family of Writers’ College schools, we have trained around 10,000 writers, and dozens of our graduates have gone on to publish books, win awards and build successful writing careers.
Q: Can I study at NZ Writers’ College if I live outside New Zealand?
A: Absolutely! NZ Writers’ College warmly welcomes students from anywhere in the world. Because all our courses are delivered entirely online, you can study from Australia, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, the Philippines, Fiji or anywhere else on the globe. All you need is an internet connection and a passion for writing. We’ve had students from across the South Pacific, Asia, Europe and beyond.
Q: Are courses available in languages other than English?
A: Our courses are currently taught in English, and a good working knowledge of English is recommended. That said, we welcome writers from all backgrounds and nationalities. If English is your second language, we offer a Grammar Skills Course (ESL). If you have a reasonable level of written English, you are very welcome to enrol for any of our courses. Many of our international students from Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Singapore and Fiji have completed courses successfully and gone on to write in English.
Q: Who are the tutors at NZ Writers’ College?
A: Our tutors are working, award-winning writers and editors, not just teachers. Every course at NZ Writers’ College is designed by and tutored one-on-one by a professional in that specific field. For example, our memoir course is tutored by multi-award-winning author Alex Smith, our scriptwriting course by Emmy-nominated playwright Karen Jeynes and our children’s book course by award-winning author and editor Helen Brain. You can meet the full team on our Meet Our Tutors page.
Q: How much one-on-one support will I get from my tutor?
A: Plenty! At NZ Writers’ College, every student receives personal, one-on-one feedback from their tutor, not generic comments, but detailed, line-by-line assessments tailored to your writing. Zoom or online face-to-face feedback sessions are available upon request. Tutors respond to submitted assignments within three to five working days and to general queries within 24 hours. This level of individual attention is what sets us apart from many other online writing schools, and it’s what our students tell us they value most.
Q: How much do writing courses at NZ Writers’ College cost?
A: Course fees at NZ Writers’ College vary depending on the length and level of the course. Our short, self-guided intensives start at $49, and our 12-month mentored courses start from $1595.00. We offer a wide range of writing courses at different price points, from shorter introductory courses to in-depth, advanced programmes. All fees are listed on the individual course pages. We believe quality writing education should be accessible, which is why we also offer flexible payment instalments. Visit our courses page or contact us at admin@nzwriterscollege.co.nz for details.
Q: Does NZ Writers’ College offer payment plans or instalments?
A: Yes! We understand that investing in your writing education is a big decision, so we offer flexible payment options. Depending on the course, fees can be paid in two or three instalments, making it easier to study without financial stress. Full details are available on our Payment Options page, or feel free to get in touch with our friendly admin team at admin@nzwriterscollege.co.nz.
Q: What do I need to study online at NZ Writers’ College?
A: Very little! To study at NZ Writers’ College, all you need is a computer, tablet or laptop, a reliable internet connection and a word-processing programme such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs. There’s no need to travel to a campus or attend classes at set times. Our online writing courses are designed to be flexible and accessible for writers wherever you are in New Zealand, Australia, the South Pacific or anywhere in the world.
Q: Do I need any special software to complete a course?
A: No special software is required. All course materials are delivered digitally and assignments are submitted by email. A standard word processor such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs is all you need to write and submit your work. Our team is always happy to help if you have any technical questions along the way.
Q: Does NZ Writers’ College offer live classes or Zoom sessions?
A: Yes! While our courses are designed to be fully flexible and self-paced, we do offer personal one-on-one Zoom sessions on request, so you can connect face-to-face with your tutor if you need extra support or guidance. We also run group Zoom workshops twice a year, which are a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow writers, ask questions and get inspired. It’s the best of both worlds: flexible, self-paced study with real human connection when you need it.
Q: Will a writing course help me get published?
A: It absolutely can! Many NZ Writers’ College graduates have gone on to publish novels, children’s books, short story collections, magazine articles and memoirs. Our courses are designed not just to improve your writing craft, but to help you produce polished, publication-ready work. Tutors guide you through the writing and editing process with the publishing world in mind, and several of our graduate authors have become award-winning bestsellers.
Q: Do NZ Writers’ College students get published?
A: Yes, and we’re very proud of our graduates’ achievements! Our alumni have published novels, children’s books, memoirs and journalism in New Zealand, Australia, the United Kingdom, South Africa and beyond. Some have won major literary awards and several have become bestselling authors. Their success is the best testament to the quality of our courses and tutors. See our student success page here.
Q: Can I buy a writing course as a gift?
A: What a wonderful gift idea! Yes, NZ Writers’ College offers gift vouchers that can be used toward any of our 35 online writing courses. Whether it’s for a birthday, Christmas, Mother’s Day or simply to encourage someone you love to pursue their writing dream, a gift voucher from NZ Writers’ College will make someone’s day! Visit our Gift Voucher page to purchase one today.
Q: Does NZ Writers’ College offer corporate or group training?
A: Yes! NZ Writers’ College offers corporate writing training for teams and organisations in New Zealand and beyond. We have trained writers from government departments, big corporations to small businesses. Whether your team needs to sharpen their business writing, improve their copywriting or develop content creation skills, we can tailor a programme to suit your needs. Please contact us at admin@nzwriterscollege.co.nz to discuss your requirements and we’ll put together a solution that works for you.
Q: Are there writing scholarships for Māori and Pasifika students?
A: Yes! NZ Writers’ College is proud to offer a writing scholarship specifically for Māori and Pasifika learners, because we believe every aspiring writer deserves the opportunity to develop their voice and share their stories with the world. We warmly encourage applications from Māori and Pasifika writers at any stage of their writing journey. Visit our Writing Scholarship for Māori and Pasifika Learners page for full details on how to apply.
Q: Does NZ Writers’ College teach writers how to use AI?
A: Yes! We offer a dedicated Write with AI course that teaches writers how to use artificial intelligence as a creative tool, without losing what makes their writing unique. The course covers how to prompt, how to use AI for research, brainstorming, overcoming writer’s block and editing, while keeping your own voice, style and creative instincts firmly in the driver’s seat. It’s practical, forward-thinking and designed for writers who want to stay relevant in a rapidly changing publishing landscape. Find out more here.
Q: Will using AI make my writing less authentic?
A: Not if you use it wisely, and that’s exactly what we teach. At NZ Writers’ College, we believe AI is a tool, not a replacement for the writer. Just as a carpenter doesn’t stop being a craftsperson because they use a power tool for some tasks, a writer’s voice, lived experience and creative vision remain entirely their own. Our Write with AI course is designed to help you harness the efficiency of AI while deepening and protecting your individual writing voice.
Q: Can AI help me become a better writer?
A: Used thoughtfully, yes! AI can help writers brainstorm ideas, break through creative blocks, research more efficiently and polish drafts, freeing up more time and energy for the creative work that only you can do. At NZ Writers’ College, we teach writers across New Zealand and the South Pacific how to work with AI in a way that enhances their craft rather than replacing it. Our tutors help you find the balance between smart tool use and authentic, original storytelling.
Q: I’m worried AI will replace writers. Should I still study writing?
A: Absolutely, now more than ever. The writers who will thrive in the age of AI are those with a strong, distinctive voice, deep craft skills and the ability to tell stories that feel genuinely human. Those are exactly the skills we develop at NZ Writers’ College. AI can generate words, but it cannot replicate your lived experience or your emotional truth. Investing in your writing craft today is one of the smartest things you can do for your creative future. Discover more about our Write with AI course here.
