NOTES TO NOVEL™
No more false starts. No more guesswork. Let's finally get your novel out of your head and onto the page.
You’ve dreamed of writing a novel—but something always gets in the way. Whether it’s self-doubt, a lack of structure, or just not knowing where to start, it’s time to leave all that behind.
In just 8 weeks, you’ll have the clarity, confidence, and step-by-step system to finally start writing your novel—and keep going. No more unfinished drafts gathering dust. No more wondering if you’re “cut out” to be an author.
Your novel-writing journey starts here.
ENROLL NOW →⚡️ Enrollment Closes In ⚡️
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Your Roadmap to Writing a Novel You’re Proud Of—Trusted by 800+ Aspiring Authors 📚
Notes to Novel is an 8-week live coaching program designed for new and stuck writers who are ready to finally write a story that feels unforgettable.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or tangled up in the messy middle of draft #1 (or draft #10), this program will guide you step-by-step to brainstorm, outline, write, and finish your first draft—with clarity and confidence.
Here’s the difference: I’ll teach you how to create characters that leap off the page, a plot that grips readers’ emotions, and scenes that keep them hooked from start to finish. And because we focus on doing it right the first time, the editing phase becomes so much simpler.
Most writing programs leave you to figure it out on your own. This one doesn’t.
Preslaysa Williams landed a book contract with Avon Books (HarperCollins) ✨
"Savannah is a great coach! She has an amazing sense of story, and it shows in the way she coaches writers. My favorite part of working with Savannah was the weekly call where I could discuss my work and brainstorm any necessary changes or tweaks to my current draft. I recommend working with a book coach because it’s a great way to learn the craft of storytelling quickly without having to spend years toiling at it alone. As a result of Savannah’s stellar coaching, I landed a book contract with Avon/HarperCollins!"
Poornika Kakkanaiah wrote her 114,000-word draft in only 88 days 📚
"Before taking Savannah's Notes to Novel course, I thought it would take me years to write a book. That fear made me put off starting my novel, because I thought that if I had every name and location and world building detail figured out before I started writing, then maybe I wouldn't run into as many roadblocks while writing. But when Notes to Novel introduced the concept of fast drafting to me, it was like my lightbulb moment. I wrote my 114,000 word draft in only 88 days, which was way faster than I had imagined I could write since I could only allot a couple of hours to write most nights. Fast drafting made the writing process fun, and it took a lot of the pressure out of it. I can now say that after finishing my first draft, I still love writing, maybe even more than I did when I started."
Lindsay Sfara went from 25k words in 6 months to 100k words in 6 months 💥
"No amount of praise describes how amazing the course material and coaching calls are in Notes to Novel. I went from struggling to write 25k in 6 months to having a completed outline AND writing 100k in 6 months instead! Plus, everything I learned now applies to other stories I'm preparing to write (present and future), including my audio drama series. This course is timeless and versatile--basically paying for itself over and over! Savannah was ultimately the coach and godsend I needed to jumpstart my writing career. And thanks to her, I not only got to finish my first draft, but get to release my debut novel in the next year too!"
You're Here Because You Want to Write a GREAT Story ✨
You’ve always dreamed of writing a novel, but turning your idea into a compelling story feels overwhelming.
Maybe you started strong—Chapters 1, 2, and 3 came easily. But now you’re stuck on page 47, unsure what happens next.
Or maybe you haven’t started at all. You’ve bought seven craft books, bookmarked fifty blog posts, and binged every writing podcast. But instead of clarity, you’re stuck in a loop of information overload, staring at a blank page.
You might have four versions of Chapter 1 saved on your computer. Or you’ve spent two years rewriting the same story, second-guessing if your main character is even interesting.
Here’s the truth: this is completely normal. So many aspiring authors are exactly where you are—holding a story in their heart but feeling stuck and unsure how to move forward.
Because without a clear roadmap, it’s easy to get lost piecing together advice from everywhere.
Because without a clear roadmap, most writers end up piecing together advice from everywhere:
➡️ One blog says, “Write detailed outlines.”
➡️ Another insists you should “pants” your way through.
➡️ A craft book advises starting with the character,
➡️ While a YouTube video swears the plot comes first.
➡️ Your writing group says you need more backstory,
➡️ But Instagram claims backstory kills momentum.
➡️ One expert champions the three-act structure,
➡️ Another pushes the hero’s journey,
➡️ And someone else is raving about the seven-point story structure.
No wonder you feel stuck! 😮💨
Feeling stuck isn't about a lack of talent or creativity—it’s about a lack of clarity.
You CAN write a novel readers can’t put down. All you need is a proven process that takes the guesswork out of writing.
One that’s simple, straightforward, and cuts through the noise. A system that fits into your real life—even if you only have 30 minutes to write.
Imagine this: 8 weeks from now...
You sit down to write, and for the first time, you know exactly what comes next. No more staring at a blank page, second-guessing if your story idea is strong enough. No more getting stuck in Chapter 3 because you’re unsure where your plot is going.
Instead, you have a clear roadmap. You know who your main character is, what they want, and how their journey unfolds. You’re building scenes that grip readers and keep them turning pages. When you open your laptop, you feel excited to write—not overwhelmed or confused.
And the best part?
You’re finally making real progress. No more endless planning, researching, or rewriting the same chapter over and over. You’re actually writing your novel—page by page, chapter by chapter—moving steadily toward typing “The End.”
That’s exactly what Notes to Novel™ is designed to help you achieve. Whether you’re starting from scratch or stuck somewhere in the middle, this program gives you the system, structure, and support you need to get unstuck and make consistent progress on your story.
INTRODUCING...
Notes to Novel™
Your roadmap to writing your first draft, fast.
Notes to Novel™ is the step-by-step system that takes you from scattered ideas to confidently writing your first draft. You’ll learn the foundational storytelling skills needed to craft an excellent story, outline your novel to facilitate more focused and productive writing sessions, and start writing in as little as 8 weeks.
It’s been tested and proven to work across all genres, styles, and experience levels—whether you’re writing romance, fantasy, or thrillers. Whether you’re 25 or 65, the storytelling fundamentals that make novels work remain the same.
Brainstorming→Outlining→Start Writing
Inside Notes to Novel™, you'll use the First Draft Framework to turn your scattered notes and half-formed ideas into a clear plan and start writing with purpose. Every scene you write builds toward a satisfying ending. Every character drives the plot forward. Every chapter keeps readers turning pages.
No more wondering if your story is good enough. No more abandoning manuscripts halfway through. No more drowning in conflicting advice from craft books and blogs.
Just a proven system that gets you writing with confidence.
ENROLL NOW →Peek Inside the Program That’s Turned 800+ Stuck Writers Into Confident Authors
- The Notes to Novel™Curriculum (Value: $1,997): Your step-by-step roadmap to transform scattered ideas into a clear, scene-by-scene outline—so you can write with purpose and finally finish your novel with confidence.
- Personalized Feedback + Individual Review (Value: $997): Get tailored feedback on the foundational elements of your story, helping you refine your ideas and write with clarity and direction.
- Genre Cheat Sheets (Value: $997): Craft a story that resonates with readers and stands out in the market using these tailored cheat sheets for your genre.
- 8 Weeks of Live Q&A Calls With Savannah (Value: $2,997): Join live ‘Office Hours’ sessions for real-time feedback, accountability, and coaching to overcome roadblocks and refine your story.
- Plug-and-Play Templates + Tools (Value: $997): Save time and eliminate guesswork with templates and tools that turn your ideas into a cohesive, high-quality story—faster than ever.
- Accountability Accelerator 90-Day Novel Calendar (Value: $97): Stay on track and finish your novel in just 90 days with a step-by-step calendar that breaks the process into manageable daily tasks.
- 8 Weeks of Private Community Access (Value: $997): Connect with like-minded writers, share wins, and get feedback in a private community where I’ll also provide ongoing support.
- Lifetime Access (Priceless): Revisit the framework anytime you start a new project—this program will be your go-to resource for every novel you write.
- The Confidence to Finally Finish Your Novel (Priceless): Gain the clarity, tools, and support you need to finish your novel and share your story with the world.
TOTAL VALUE OF THE PROGRAM: $9,500+
(But we won't charge you anywhere near that much!)
Here's a Look Inside the Notes to Novel™ Course:
MODULE ONE
Build Your Story's Foundation
By the end of this module, you’ll have a rock-solid foundation for your novel: a clear purpose, a genre blueprint, and the confidence to finally start writing with clarity and momentum. If you’ve ever started a novel only to abandon it weeks later, or felt stuck in overthinking and unsure where to begin, this module will give you the clarity and tools to move forward with ease.
You will:
- Break free from overthinking and discover the secret to finishing every draft you start (plus 5 momentum-boosting strategies).
- Uncover your personal “why” and transform it into a powerful theme that guides every plot point and character decision.
- Learn what makes stories work (and why most don’t) so you can confidently shape your story into something readers can’t put down.
MODULE TWO
Bringing Your Characters & Settings To Life
By the end of this module, your characters will leap off the page, and your story world will feel immersive and alive. If you’ve struggled to create characters that feel real or settings that pull readers in, this module will help you bring your story to life with depth and clarity.
You will:
- Develop an antagonist whose goal creates impossible-to-ignore conflict and keeps readers hooked.
- Use 5 key questions to uncover your protagonist’s wound, internal obstacle, and deepest desires (so they feel real, not flat).
- Build an immersive setting with 5 essential elements that make your descriptions as vivid and impactful as dialogue.
MODULE THREE
Create Your Story Blueprint
By the end of this module, you’ll have a complete roadmap for your story—a step-by-step plan that bridges great ideas with a compelling narrative. If you’ve ever felt like you have great ideas but they feel scattered and overwhelming, this module will give you the structure you need to move forward with confidence.
You will:
- Pinpoint exactly where your story starts and ends to create a strong container for your plot.
- Map out the 6 key scenes every story needs (your story’s load-bearing walls).
- Build a flexible 40-scene framework that connects external plot events to your character’s internal transformation.
MODULE FOUR
Writing Scenes That Captivate
By the end of this module, you’ll know how to craft scenes that grab readers from the first line and never let go (instead of skimming or putting your book down). If you’ve ever worried that your scenes feel flat or disconnected, this module will show you how to create scenes that flow seamlessly and keep readers hooked.
You will:
- Learn the 5 essential elements every scene needs to connect meaningfully to the next.
- Master when to show vs. tell and how to use both for maximum emotional impact.
- Reveal your character’s inner life in ways that create deep, lasting connections with readers.
MODULE FIVE
Complete Your Scene-By-Scene Outline
By the end of this module, you’ll have a complete, cause-and-effect outline for your novel. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by how to organize your story or worried about losing momentum, this module will give you a clear, actionable plan to keep your writing on track.
You will:
- Brainstorm each act systematically while maintaining story momentum and pacing.
- Layer in subplots that feel organic and elevate your main plot.
- Escalate conflict and stakes throughout your story to keep readers turning pages.
MODULE SIX
Finish Strong & Keep Writing
By the end of this module, you’ll have a pressure-tested outline, a realistic writing plan, and the tools to maintain momentum all the way to “The End.” If you’ve ever struggled with self-doubt, fear of getting stuck, or losing steam before finishing, this module will help you stay on track and connected to your vision—even when your inner critic says you’re not good enough.
You will:
- Run your outline through 10 crucial questions to catch and fix any weak spots before drafting.
- Strengthen connections between scenes to ensure a seamless, cause-and-effect narrative.
- Use 5 proven strategies to maintain momentum, troubleshoot problems, and keep writing—even when it gets tough.
Julia finished her first draft in just 4 months (and started her second!) 🚀
"Before taking this course, my process was a mess. I didn't "believe" in outlining, I had no idea what a logline was, and I had no clear path toward reaching my goal of finishing a novel. When writing my previous novels, I'd always felt so much pressure for them to be perfect and I'd spend so much time editing as I went through the years-long process, just to be disappointed in the end. With Savannah Gilbo's Notes to Novel course, I was able to brainstorm, outline, and finish my first draft in four months. And I am so much happier with my draft. Now, while I step away from my draft, I am able to go through the course again with my new novel idea, confident that I'll be able to see this one through until the end, too. If you want to finish your novel, take this course! You'll be happy you did."
Bree finally finished her novel after 10 years of failed attempts ✨
"After 10 years of struggling to write this novel, Notes to Novel course changed everything and got me to the end. Not once, but multiple times. I identified as a pantser when I started writing, and I followed the advice that you only need to see as far as your car's headlights in the dark to keep moving. But it turns out that I was personally driving in circles for like a decade, so that advice was complete crap, at least for me. The outlining process not only helped me make sure each scene moved my character and plot forward—this is a fun and creative process. So, I moved from being an employee of my writing to the president. It freed me up to be even more creative with words and imagery, actually, when I sat down to write, because I knew where I was headed."
Kelsey went from stuck at 10,000 words to a complete outline (and the writing feels FUN again!) 💡
"I wrote 10,000—11,000 words, and then was completely stuck because I had no idea where the story was going. For me, module four of Notes to Novel was the absolute game changer. It was like I had been blindly wandering around a room with the lights off, and then all of a sudden, someone turned on the light and handed me a map. Learning how to create a flexible outline meant that I was able to still be really creative and still figure out different plot twists and still have a really interesting discovery kind of draft. Writing now feels fun and exciting and also productive rather than kind of just meandering around without any kind of structure in place."
But Wait—What If I Have a Question?
We’ve designed this program to get you results fast, but let’s be real—writing a novel is a whole new skill, and questions are bound to come up. That’s why I’m giving you 8 weeks of live Q&A calls with me AND 8 weeks of access to our private, students-only community. Ever wish you could pick my brain about your specific situation? Well, now you can!
Here’s how it works:
- Weekly Live Q&A Calls: Every Thursday at 10 am PT / 1 pm ET, I’ll go live on Zoom to answer your questions, give you personalized feedback, and help you move through the writing process with confidence.
- Can’t make it live? No problem! Every call is recorded, and all answers will be posted directly in your members’ area so you can access them anytime.
- Private Community Access: Connect with other writers who get it. Share wins, ask for advice, and get support from a group of like-minded creatives who are on the same journey as you.
This is the next best thing to having me as your personal writing coach. Whether you’re stuck on your outline, need feedback on a scene, or just want to make sure you’re on the right track, I’ve got you covered.
Let’s make sure nothing stands between you and finishing your novel.
Writing Your Novel Shouldn’t Take Forever.
So we’re giving you the tools to make it happen—fast ⚡️
Inside Notes to Novel, you’ll get access to plug-and-play templates, genre guides, and step-by-step resources designed to support you at every stage of the writing process. Forget starting from scratch or wasting hours second-guessing yourself. These tools are here to save you time, keep you focused, and help you finally finish your novel. Here’s what’s waiting for you:
UPDATED FOR 2025
Plug-and-Play Templates + Tools (Value: $997)
From outlining your plot to crafting compelling characters, these templates take the guesswork out of writing. They’re designed to turn your ideas into a cohesive, high-quality story—faster than ever.
NEW FOR 2025
The Accountability Accelerator: 90-Day Novel Calendar (Value: $97)
Stay on track and finish your novel in just 90 days. This step-by-step calendar breaks the writing process into manageable daily tasks, so you can make consistent progress without feeling overwhelmed.
UPDATED FOR 2025
Genre Cheat Sheets (Value: $997)
Save hours of research and avoid rookie mistakes with these tailored guides. Each cheat sheet is packed with the conventions and expectations of your genre, so you can craft a story that resonates with readers and stands out in the market.
NEW FOR 2025
What’s My Genre? Quiz (Value: $197)
Not sure where your story fits? This quick, interactive quiz will help you identify your genre with confidence, so you can write a novel that meets market expectations and connects with the right audience.
Gina published 2 books and is halfway through book 3 in just 2.5 months 🔥
"Before Notes to Novel, I couldn't get past a few chapters without getting stuck. Now I've published a novella, a full-length novel, and I'm halfway through book two—just 2.5 months into drafting. Savannah's outlining method gave me clarity, confidence, and a repeatable process that actually works."
MK's post-course books outsold ALL her previous novels 📈
"Before I took the class, I was a devoted listener of Savannah's podcasts. Being a published author, who also works full time, I'm always looking for better, more efficient ways to write. In addition, I wanted to ramp up my novels to ensure I hit all the marks needed to have a successful book. After listening to a few of the podcasts from former students, I decided to take the plunge. So glad I did! Notes to Novel helped me to streamline the outlining process, pressure test the plot points before writing the book, and ensure I'm giving readers books they can't wait to read. The proof of success has been in the pudding. Books I've written after the course have out sold all my others written before. Thanks, Savannah!"
Bailey's 3rd book is releasing, and she's already writing book 4! 📚
"When I started the Notes to Novel course in 2021, my first-ever book was a messy draft with too much going on, and I had no idea what to do about it. I was forced to go back to the beginning, break down the story structure, set compelling goals for my characters, and create an effective outline that ensured a clear and coherent storyline. This absolutely changed the game for me! When it came time to write my second and third books, I had a solid foundation and outline before starting, and I FLEW through the first draft! Not only was the process of writing that first draft significantly quicker, but it was also a MUCH stronger story because of the work this course taught me to do. Now, my third book is about to be released, and I am once again using what I learned to write my fourth book! I never would've thought myself capable of creating the kind of stories I've read all my life, but this course gave me the confidence to call myself an author, and not just "someone who likes to write." If you're on the fence about whether or not to take this course, the answer is DO IT! Savannah is absolutely incredible and has so much valuable knowledge to share!"
Obsessed with a Good Bonus Stack? Same.
After working with over 800 Notes to Novel students, I’ve pinpointed exactly where writers tend to hit roadblocks. That’s why I created an exclusive bank of bonuses designed to help you push past those sticky points, keep your momentum strong, and stay on track—even after you finish your draft.
These aren’t just “nice-to-haves”—they’re your secret weapons for success. From tools and templates to step-by-step resources, everything is built to save you time, eliminate overwhelm, and get your novel out into the world. Let’s make sure nothing stands between you and typing “The End.”
BONUS #1:
Story Ideas That Sell Workbook (a $97 value)
Kickstart your novel with the Story Ideas That Sell Workbook. This workbook will help you brainstorm and refine your story idea so it’s compelling, marketable, and ready to develop.
BONUS #2:
Writer’s Block Emergency Kit (Value: $197)
Never let writer’s block derail your progress again. This kit is packed with proven tools and strategies to help you overcome creative roadblocks, so you can keep writing—even on the tough days.
BONUS #3:
Accountability Partner Matchmaking (Value: Priceless)
Writing doesn’t have to be a lonely journey. With our Accountability Partner Matchmaking, you’ll be paired with a like-minded writer who gets it—someone to cheer you on, celebrate your wins, and keep you motivated when the going gets tough. Together, you’ll stay on track and finish your novels side by side.
With the curriculum, genre cheat sheets, LIVE coaching, community, and bonuses, the total value of this program is nearly $10,000 (and yes, that’s based on real, non-inflated prices).
But today, you can get everything you need to finally write your novel—for just:
$1,497
Enroll in Notes to Novel™ today for just...
⚡️ Enrollment Closes In ⚡️
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Questions? I've got answers..
What if I don’t have a lot of time to dedicate to my writing right now?
Do I need to be an experienced writer to take this course?
How far along with my novel do I need to be to take this course?
How do I know this will work for my genre?
What kind of support will I get during the course?
How many students usually enroll in the course?
Can I get feedback on my writing during the course?
How is this course different from other writing resources out there?
This is a big investment. How do I know it’s worth it?
What is the refund policy?
Have another question? Email me at [email protected]
And in case you’re wondering how Notes to Novel™ stacks up to other programs out there…
Notes to Novel™:
✅ Combines proven storytelling principles with practical exercises so you see results fast
✅ Includes 8 weeks of LIVE coaching to solve YOUR specific story problems in real-time
✅ Developed by a editor who’s worked on 1k+ manuscripts and knows what readers want
✅ Lifetime access to materials + community—support for every novel you write
✅ Balances Process + Mindset + Craft, so you can overcome perfectionism and actually finish
Other Writing Courses:
❌ Overwhelm you with theory-heavy videos that tell you what to do but skip the how
❌ Offer generic “write every day” advice and call it accountability
❌ Lock you out with limited-time access—right when you need help most
❌ Focus only on craft, ignoring mindset blocks and process problems that keep you stuck
❌ Leave you guessing about genre expectations with one-size-fits-all advice
MEET YOUR MENTOR
Savannah Gilbo is a developmental editor, book coach, and host of the top-ranked Fiction Writing Made Easy podcast, with over 3 million downloads and counting. She’s helped hundreds of aspiring fiction authors confidently write, edit, and publish stories readers can’t put down. But she knows how overwhelming it can feel to get started—or to keep going when self-doubt creeps in.
That’s why Savannah created her proven, step-by-step process to make writing a novel feel less overwhelming and more fun. This isn’t about fancy jargon or overcomplicated strategies. It’s about clear, simple, and practical guidance that meets you exactly where you are—whether you’re staring at a blank page, stuck in the messy middle of Chapter 15, or rewriting the same scene for the 10th time.
With 800+ graduates from her signature program, Notes to Novel™, and a thriving global community of 100,000+ writers, Savannah has helped authors overcome self-doubt, take creative risks, and finally bring their stories to life. Her clients have landed publishing deals with HarperCollins, won prestigious awards, and even had their stories optioned for film.
Now, Savannah is pulling back the curtain on her best-kept strategies inside Notes to Novel—the proven, step-by-step course designed to help you finally finish the novel you’ve been dreaming of. Say goodbye to overwhelm, second-guessing, and endless rewrites. This is your chance to follow a clear roadmap, gain the confidence to keep going, and write a novel you’re truly proud of.
Don’t wait another year to make your dream a reality—enroll today and take the first step toward bringing your story to life.
And, of course, you can join 100% Risk-Free with a 30-day money-back guarantee…
I’m so confident that this course will transform your writing process that I’m offering a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you don’t feel more confident and clear about your novel after completing the first few modules, just let me know, and I’ll refund your investment. No questions asked.
ENROLL NOW →Let’s Get Started
This isn’t just another writing course. This is a complete transformation in how quickly you can go from idea to finished draft.
And the best part? You get lifetime access to all course materials, so you can revisit them for every novel you write.
Ready to finally finish your draft?
ENROLL NOW →
STILL HERE? 👋
Notes to Novel is for all fiction writers, no matter your genre or age.
- Whether you're 26 creating a psychological thriller or 48 writing women's fiction, Notes to Novel teaches you how to build all these elements into YOUR story.
- Whether you're writing a young adult adventure at 31 or crafting contemporary drama at 59, your story needs conflict that creates tension and keeps readers turning pages.
- Whether you're 28, diving into science fiction, or 44, exploring historical fiction, you need scenes that move your story forward and keep readers engaged.
- Whether you're 35, working on a fantasy epic, or 52 writing literary fiction, your story needs a plot that hooks readers from page one.
- Whether you're 23, writing your first romance, or 67 crafting a mystery thriller, every story needs strong characters with clear goals.
The primary purpose of Notes To Novel is to help you get your First draft done. But not only done. Done well
Student Success Stories
Tune in to interviews with our past Notes to Novel students on The Fiction Writing Made Easy Podcast 🎙️
