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Writing Mastery Academy
Review

All-access writing academy offering on-demand courses, live events, and a supportive community for writers of every level

Total score: 8,4/10
Easy
  • Last updated 26/06/2025
Jessica Brody
by Jessica Brody
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What you'll learn ? Overview

If you're a writer looking to elevate your craft, you've likely heard about Writing Mastery Academy. This online membership platform, created by bestselling author Jessica Brody, promises to transform your writing journey. It gives you instant access to a wealth of top-rated writing courses, covering everything from the basics of fiction to advanced revision techniques.

What immediately jumps out is how comprehensive this platform is. Members get unlimited access to courses on fiction writing, outlining, character development, genre-specific craft, productivity systems, and even the business side of writing. The standout offering revolves around Brody's acclaimed "Save the Cat! Writes a Novel" methodology, which breaks down story structure into 15 manageable beats.

The teaching approach here emphasizes clarity and action. Each course includes video lessons, downloadable worksheets, and practical exercises, all designed to help you make real progress on your manuscript. We've seen that the courses are structured to accommodate both beginners tackling their first draft and more experienced writers polishing their work.

Beyond the pre-recorded content, members also get access to monthly live webinars with Q&A sessions. There's also a thriving community of writers from all over the world, which is a huge plus for support and networking. The platform updates regularly with new content, ensuring the membership stays valuable over time.

The Academy positions itself as an affordable alternative to traditional writing workshops or MFA programs. For writers seeking structured guidance without breaking the bank, this comprehensive approach offers significant value.

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Is this course for you?

👉

Prior experience needed

Beginner (No Prior Experience Needed)

👉

Time commitment

light Light (1–5 Hours/Week)

👉

Learning style

Self-Paced (Work On Your Own Schedule)

👉

Goal

Learn A New Skill

Best suited for:

Ideal for aspiring novelists, hobbyist writers wanting to level up, or anyone seeking comprehensive writing education without the commitment of an MFA program. Perfect for those who appreciate structured learning and actionable frameworks.

Instructor

Jessica Brody

Jessica Brody

Bestselling Author and Writing Educator Legitimacy Score: 9/10
Jessica Brody is a prolific American author and writing educator, renowned for her young adult fiction and bestselling plotting guides. With over 20 novels published and translated into more than 23 languages, Brody has established herself as a versatile writer across multiple genres. Her work spans from contemporary YA romance to science fiction trilogies, and she has even ventured into middle-grade fiction and Disney franchise novelizations.
Brody's writing career began in 2005 when she left her position as Manager of Acquisitions and Business Development at MGM Studios to pursue her passion for writing. She published her first novel in 2008 and has since consistently released books, averaging about one to two per year. Her experience includes writing standalone novels, series, and nonfiction guides for writers. Notably, she co-authored the System Divine trilogy, a sci-fi reimagining of Victor Hugo's Les Misérables.
  • Authored the #1 bestselling plotting guide 'Save the Cat! Writes a Novel'
  • Published over 20 novels for teens, tweens, and adults
  • Books translated and published in over 23 countries
  • Several works optioned for film and television
  • 'A Week of Mondays' selected for the 2017 Texas Lone Star reading list
  • Founder of Writing Mastery Academy, an online learning platform for writers
  • Regular speaker at writing conferences and workshops
  • Hosted webinars for NaNoWriMo on novel revision techniques
  • Featured on numerous writing podcasts discussing storytelling and craft
  • Conducted book tours and signings for her novel releases
  • Presented at schools and libraries on writing for young adults
    • Jessica Brody engages actively with her audience across various platforms. She frequently shares writing tips, book recommendations, and updates about her work on Twitter and Instagram. Her YouTube channel features writing advice videos and book-related content. Brody also maintains a blog on her website where she discusses the craft of writing and provides insights into her creative process.

    Course Details

    • ⏱ Duration0
    • 📶 DifficultyEasy
    • ⌛ Access Yearly
    • ⏰ Time investmentLight (1–5 Hours/Week)

    🧠 Prerequisites

    None. The Academy welcomes complete beginners while offering depth for intermediate writers.

    💻 Requirements

    Internet connection, computer or mobile device, basic word processing software

    💸 Hidden Costs

    None required. All course materials, worksheets, and community access included in membership.

    🙋‍♂️ Support Options

    Active community forum, monthly live Q&A with Jessica Brody, email support for technical issues

    Course content

    • Save the Cat! Writes a Novel Course: Master the 15-beat story structure, analyze bestselling novels, apply beats to your manuscript
    • Fast Drafting: Write your first draft quickly, overcome perfectionism, maintain momentum
    • Crafting Dynamic Characters: Develop multi-dimensional protagonists, create compelling arcs, master dialogue
    • Complete Novel Revision: Self-editing techniques, structural fixes, line-by-line polishing
    • Outlining Mastery: Plot structures, three-act breakdowns, genre-specific templates
    • Productivity Systems for Writers: Time management, habit building, overcoming procrastination
    • Foundations of Fiction: Core storytelling techniques, narrative voice, point of view mastery
    • Genre-Specific Craft Classes: Romance conventions, YA voice, fantasy worldbuilding, thriller pacing
    • The Perfect Pitch: Query letter formulas, synopsis writing, agent research strategies
    • Author Mindset: Conquering imposter syndrome, building confidence, handling rejection
    • Marketing Fundamentals: Platform building, social media strategy, reader engagement
    • Self-Publishing Essentials: Cover design basics, formatting, distribution channels
    • Monthly Live Webinars: Current industry topics, Q&A sessions, community challenges

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    Feedbacks

    Overall sentiment

    The consensus among Writing Mastery Academy members is overwhelmingly positive. Writers consistently praise the clarity of instruction, the practical nature of the content, and Jessica Brody's engaging teaching style. The value proposition, particularly for the all-access annual membership, generates frequent mentions in reviews.

    Praised points

    • Exceptional value for money: Members repeatedly highlight getting access to 13+ courses for the price of one typical writing workshop
    • Clear, actionable instruction: Jessica Brody's ability to break down complex writing concepts into manageable steps earns consistent praise
    • Comprehensive curriculum: The breadth of topics, from plotting to publishing, provides a complete writing education in one place

    Criticisms

    • Content can be overwhelming: Some beginners report difficulty knowing where to start with so many courses available
    • Basic for advanced writers: Experienced authors may find some foundational content too elementary
    • Self-discipline required: Without assignments or accountability checks, motivation must come from within

    Testimonials

    "Jessica has a gift for distilling lots of hard-earned information into concise and tasty bites." - Katherine (Udemy)

     "This course is worth far more than the price of admission!" - Talmage (Udemy)

     "Brody is accessible and friendly. It was all easy to follow and understand." - Devon Trevarrow Flaherty

     "I can say without qualification that this course has been the most useful resource in my 30-year writing journey." - Academy member

     "Jessica Brody provides much more than a boatload... try a cruise ship FULL of tips, tricks, resources, references, and actionable steps." - Tracy (Udemy)

    Social insights

    Reddit discussions and writing forums generally reflect positive experiences with the Academy. Writers frequently recommend it as a cost-effective resource, particularly for those interested in the Save the Cat! methodology. Occasional critiques focus more on the formulaic nature of the Save the Cat! approach itself rather than Brody's teaching quality.

    Marketing Analysis

    Claim Verification

    The promise to "accelerate your writing journey" aligns perfectly with member testimonials. Writers report completing manuscripts faster, understanding story structure better, and gaining confidence, all realistic outcomes from dedicated study.

    Price History

    Pricing has remained stable at $160 annually. Occasional promotional discounts may appear, but no aggressive price manipulation tactics found.

    Upsell Practices

    Refreshingly minimal. The all-inclusive membership model means no constant pitches for additional courses or coaching. Individual course purchases on Udemy serve as entry points rather than upsells.

    Student Success

    Multiple testimonials reference completed first drafts, improved revision skills, and increased writing confidence. While no guaranteed publishing deals are claimed (appropriately), members report tangible progress in their writing journeys.

    Platform & Delivery

    Learning Platform

    The Writing Mastery website hosts all content through a clean, intuitive interface. Navigation between courses proves straightforward, with clear progress tracking and easy access to downloads.

    Content Accessibility

    All videos stream on-demand with lifetime access to downloads. Worksheets and templates can be saved permanently. Mobile and desktop experiences both function smoothly.

    Mobile Compatibility

    Full functionality across all devices. Watch lessons on your phone during commutes or access worksheets on your tablet, the responsive design adapts seamlessly.

    Technical Requirements

    Basic internet connection sufficient for video streaming. No special software needed beyond standard browsers and document viewers.

    Red flags check

    😬

    Complaints

    We found minimal complaints about Writing Mastery Academy. No patterns of billing issues, access problems, or misleading practices emerged during our research. The rare negative feedback focused on content preferences rather than business practices.

    😬

    Refund policy issues

    A clear 30-day money-back guarantee protects your investment. We found no reports of refund difficulties or hidden terms that would concern potential members.

    😬

    Marketing practices

    The marketing approach impressed us with its transparency. Claims focus on skill development and craft improvement without unrealistic promises. No "get rich quick" schemes or guaranteed publishing deals appear anywhere in the promotional materials.

    😬

    Community feedback

    The writing community maintains an active, supportive environment. Members report positive interactions, constructive feedback, and no signs of toxicity or abandonment by moderators.

    Is this course legit?

    Value For Money

    At $160 annually, Writing Mastery Academy delivers exceptional value. We calculated that accessing just three of the 13+ courses would exceed the membership cost if purchased separately. For writers serious about improving their craft, this investment pays for itself quickly through accelerated learning and avoided trial-and-error.

    Conclusion

    After thorough investigation, we can confidently recommend Writing Mastery Academy for beginning to intermediate fiction writers. Jessica Brody has created a comprehensive educational platform that delivers on its promises without overhyping results.
    What impressed us most? The sheer breadth of quality content available for a modest annual fee. From foundational craft courses to advanced revision techniques, from productivity hacks to publishing guidance, the Academy covers the entire writer's journey. The addition of monthly live sessions and an active community transforms this from a simple course library into a dynamic learning environment.
    The Save the Cat! methodology won't suit every writer (some find it formulaic), but Brody's clear instruction makes even complex concepts accessible. More importantly, she encourages writers to adapt techniques to their unique voice rather than following rigid rules.
    Minor drawbacks exist. Advanced literary writers might crave deeper theoretical discussions. The self-paced format requires personal discipline. The volume of content could overwhelm absolute beginners without clear starting points.
    However, these concerns pale against the value offered. For $160 yearly (less than many single writing workshops), members gain unlimited access to proven instruction from a successful author, ongoing support through live sessions, and a thriving community of fellow writers. We rate Writing Mastery Academy 7.9/10, making it one of the best values in online writing education today.

    FAQs about this course

    Jessica Brody is a bestselling author of more than 20 novels for teens, tweens, and adults, including the Save the Cat! Writes a Novel writing guide.

    The Academy costs $160 per year for full access, with a monthly option available at $15 per month.

    Yes, the Academy offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on all memberships.

    Members get immediate access to 13+ top-rated writing courses, with new content added regularly.

    No prior experience required. Courses start with fundamentals while offering depth for intermediate writers.

    Yes, all courses work on any connected device including smartphones and tablets.

    It's a story structure framework breaking novels into 15 key beats, helping writers plot compelling, well-paced stories.

    Yes, the Academy includes monthly live webinars with Q&A sessions hosted by Jessica Brody.

    Your access continues for the duration of your membership, either monthly or yearly depending on your chosen plan.

    Yes, members describe it as a thriving, positive community of writers from around the world sharing feedback and support.

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    Writing Mastery Academy screenshot
    Writing Mastery Academy Review
    $ 160
    Total score: 8,4/10 ⭐
    Join now
    • Duration0
    • DifficultyEasy
    • Release Date01/2019
    • Format Self-Paced or Membership
    • AccessYearly
    • Time InvestmentLight (1–5 Hours/Week)
    • Payment Options Installments
    • LanguageEnglish
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