Last updated: August 5, 2025
Best Writing Courses Online: A Comprehensive Guide
Learn from expert instructors and improve your writing today!
Want to become a better writer? You're in the right place.
Maybe you dream of writing the next great novel. Or perhaps you want to write clearer emails at work. Either way, we've found the best online writing courses that work.
No more staring at blank pages wondering what to write. No more worrying if your writing sounds good. These courses will teach you step-by-step how to put your thoughts into words that people want to read.
We tested dozens of writing programs so you don't have to. The courses below are the real deal – taught by bestselling authors, university professors, and writing experts who know their stuff. Ready to transform your writing? Let's dive in.
Quick Picks - Writing Online Courses
Editor's Choice
Good with Words: Writing and Editing Specialization, University of Michigan
Runner- up
Creative Writing Specialization, Wesleyan University
Best Value
Masterclass Writing Courses
FTC Disclosure: Bad Grammarian may receive compensation from the companies whose courses and products we showcase with no added cost to you. We only partner with the very best and most reputable companies. Bad Grammarian is independently owned, and the opinions expressed here are our own.
How to Choose the Perfect Online Writing Course
Not all online writing courses are created equal. The right course can transform your writing from good to exceptional, while the wrong choice can leave you frustrated and no better than when you started. Here’s your complete guide to finding the perfect online writing program for your specific goals and learning style.
Consider Your Writing Goals and Experience Level
Define Your Writing Purpose
Your intended use for writing skills determines which course will serve you best:
- Creative writing (novels, short stories, poetry): Focus on courses that emphasize plot, character development, and narrative structure. The Wesleyan Creative Writing Specialization excels here.
- Professional/business writing (emails, reports, proposals): Look for courses emphasizing clarity, conciseness, and persuasive techniques. Writing With Flair or Harvard’s Rhetoric course are ideal.
- General writing improvement: Comprehensive programs like University of Michigan’s specialization cover all fundamentals.
- Content marketing/blogging: Seek courses that blend writing skills with digital marketing knowledge and SEO awareness.
Assess Your Current Skill Level
Honest self-assessment ensures you choose appropriately challenging content:
- Complete beginner: Start with foundational courses that cover grammar, sentence structure, and basic organization. Roxane Gay’s course is perfect for beginners.
- Some experience but need structure: University programs like Michigan or Wesleyan provide comprehensive frameworks.
- Experienced writer seeking specialization: Advanced courses like Harvard’s Rhetoric or specific MasterClass instructors offer targeted skill development.
- Professional seeking career advancement: Business-focused programs with certificates that can be showcased to employers.
Learning Style and Format Preferences
Course Structure and Delivery Method
Different courses use vastly different teaching approaches:
University-Style Courses (Michigan, Wesleyan, Harvard):
- ✅ Structured curriculum with clear progression
- ✅ Peer feedback and community interaction
- ✅ Certificates that carry academic weight
- ✅ Comprehensive assignments and projects
- ❌ More time-intensive (4-8 weeks per course)
- ❌ Less flexibility in pacing
Celebrity/Expert Instruction (MasterClass, Individual Experts):
- ✅ Learn from bestselling authors and industry leaders
- ✅ Inspirational and motivational content
- ✅ Lifetime access to rewatch lessons
- ✅ High production value and engaging presentation
- ❌ Less structured feedback
- ❌ Limited community interaction
Time Commitment and Schedule Flexibility
Consider your available time and preferred learning pace:
- Intensive learners (2+ hours/week): University specializations provide the most comprehensive education
- Busy professionals (30-60 minutes/week): MasterClass or shorter specialized courses work better
- Self-paced learners: Look for courses with lifetime access and no deadlines
- Deadline-motivated learners: Choose programs with structured timelines and peer interaction
Budget and Value Considerations
Understanding Course Pricing Models
Online writing courses use different pricing structures that affect long-term value:
Subscription Models (Coursera, MasterClass):
- 💰 $39-180 per year
- ✅ Access to multiple courses
- ✅ Can complete several specializations
- ❌ Ongoing cost if you want continued access
One-Time Purchase (Individual Expert Courses):
- 💰 $90-200 per course
- ✅ Lifetime access
- ✅ No recurring fees
- ❌ Limited to single course content
Certification and Career Impact
Professional Recognition
Consider how course completion will impact your career goals:
- LinkedIn showcase value: University certificates (Michigan, Harvard, Wesleyan) carry more professional weight
- Portfolio development: Courses with capstone projects provide work samples
- Industry connections: Some programs offer networking opportunities with peers and instructors
- Continuing education credits: University programs may qualify for professional development requirements
Quality Indicators to Evaluate
Instructor Credentials and Teaching Style
Research the instructors before enrolling:
- Published authors: Look for instructors with successful books in your genre of interest
- Teaching experience: University professors often provide more structured, educational approaches
- Industry experience: Former editors and publishing professionals offer practical insights
- Student reviews: Check multiple sources for feedback on teaching effectiveness
Quick Decision Guide:
- Most comprehensive choice: University of Michigan Specialization (Our #1 recommendation)
- Best for creative writers: Wesleyan Creative Writing Specialization
- Best value for multiple genres: MasterClass (20+ courses for one price)
- Best for business writing: Harvard Rhetoric or Writing With Flair
- Best for complete beginners: Roxane Gay’s Personal Essays Course
Remember, the best online writing course is one that matches your specific goals, learning style, and schedule. Consider starting with a shorter course to test your preferences before committing to longer specializations.
Writing Online Courses Detailed Product Reviews
#1 Writing Online Course Recommendation – Good with Words: Writing and Editing Specialization, University of Michigan
The “Good with Words: Writing and Editing” course from the University of Michigan is a comprehensive and engaging four-part series designed to help improve your writing skills. This online class will equip you with the tools and techniques to become a better writer, no matter your starting level.
The first part of the course, “Writing and Editing: Word Choice and Word Order,” focuses on helping you become more persuasive in your writing. You’ll learn to use syntax creatively, improve your storytelling skills, and organize complex information effectively.
In addition, you’ll professionalize your use of punctuation and develop your unique style. The course also includes access to various resources, including readings and exercises.
The second part of the course, “Writing and Editing: Structure and Organization,” builds upon the skills learned. Here, you’ll learn how to arrange information within sentences and across paragraphs effectively. You will also build upon time management techniques.
The third part, “Writing and Editing: Drafting,” will provide strategies for overcoming writer’s block and give you the confidence to write before you’re entirely ready. You’ll also continue to benefit from the diverse writing models and advice provided throughout the course.
Finally, the fourth and final part of the course, “Writing and Editing: Revising,” is focused on helping you master the revision process. You’ll learn the difference between editing and proofreading and will learn a framework for giving and receiving feedback that will help you to keep the correct elements in each draft.
Overall, this course is a valuable investment for anyone looking to improve their writing skills. Whether you’re just starting or looking to take your writing to the next level, this course has everything you need to succeed. With access to a wide range of resources and the guidance of experienced instructors, you’re sure to see your writing skills improve in no time.
PROS
- Learn the habits needed to complete both short-term and long-term projects.
- Ability to earn a certificate to show on LinkedIn and your resume.
- Try for Free: Enroll to start a 7-day full-access trial.
CONS
- This course is comprehensive, so it may take longer than the other choices below, so you must make a time commitment.
- This Specialization doesn’t carry university credit.
Runner-up Writing Online Course – Creative Writing Specialization, Wesleyan University
This Specialization in creative writing covers three significant genres: short story, narrative essay, and memoir. The writing courses are designed for aspiring and established writers and provide the tools to achieve your writing goals.
The courses in this Specialization teach the critical aspects of writing, including plot, character, setting and description, and style, culminating in the Capstone project where you will write an original work.
The first course, Creative Writing: The Craft of Plot, teaches how to outline and structure a plot, how to manipulate the audience’s emotions and expectations, and how to connect the beginning, middle, and end of a story.
In the second course, Creative Writing: The Craft of Character, you will learn how to build complex and vivid characters and bring them to life on the page. The course covers inner and outer character development and how to use your experiences and those of others to enhance your storytelling.
In Creative Writing: The Craft of Setting and Description, you will learn techniques used by master fiction writers to ground a story in the concrete world. The course covers physical world description, research, and creative meditation exercises to deepen your understanding of your story world.
In Creative Writing: The Craft of Style, you will learn the art of putting pressure on written language and how to use metaphor and imagery, clarity, grace, and word choice to enhance your storytelling.
In the final Capstone Project: Your Story, you will bring everything together as you draft a complete story, narrative essay, or memoir of 8-15 pages. With the advice of peer readers, you will revise, rewrite, and complete your work. This course covers the revision skills essential to all writers and the steps professional writers take to bring their work into the public world.
Overall, this Specialization in creative writing is a comprehensive and engaging program that will teach you the skills you need to hone your craft and become a more confident and compelling storyteller.
Best Value Writing Online Courses – Masterclass
Our best value pick is Masterclass. While it’s not one specific course as our other picks, Masterclass offers 20+ online writing courses taught by some of the industry’s most successful and celebrated authors, screenwriters, and playwrights for the price of one annual membership.
You pay for a membership and have access to a wide array of courses from our favorite writers, including Malcolm Gladwell, Walter Mosley, RL Stein, and more.
The writing courses offered by Masterclass provide you with the tools and knowledge you need to take your writing to the next level. Here’s a summary of all the writing courses offered by Masterclass:
- Margaret Atwood Teaches Creative Writing: Margaret Atwood, the award-winning author of The Handmaid’s Tale, teaches you the art of storytelling, characterization, and world-building in this comprehensive course.
- James Patterson Teaches Writing: James Patterson, the bestselling author of Alex Cross and the Women’s Murder Club series, shares his approach to writing page-turners and creating captivating characters in this course.
David Mamet Teaches Screenwriting: David Mamet, the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright and screenwriter, teaches you the techniques he uses to write powerful and impactful scripts in this course.- Dan Brown Teaches Writing Thrillers: Dan Brown, the bestselling author of The Da Vinci Code and Inferno, shares his secrets to writing page-turners, creating complex plots, and developing unforgettable characters in this course.
- Shonda Rhimes Teaches Writing for Television: Shonda Rhimes, the creator and executive producer of Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal, teaches you the skills she uses to create hit television shows in this course.
- Aaron Sorkin Teaches Screenwriting: Aaron Sorkin, the Academy Award-winning screenwriter of The Social Network and The West Wing, shares his approach to writing captivating dialogue, developing complex characters, and crafting compelling stories in this course.
- Neil Gaiman Teaches The Art of Storytelling: Neil Gaiman, the bestselling author of American Gods and The Sandman, teaches you the art of storytelling, from creating compelling characters to building worlds that captivate and engage readers in this course.
- Robert McKee Teaches Story: Robert McKee, the legendary screenwriting guru, shares his insights and techniques for crafting captivating stories in this comprehensive course.
David Mamet Teaches Screenwriting: David Mamet, the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright and screenwriter, teaches you the techniques he uses to write powerful and impactful scripts in this course.These are just a few of the many writing courses offered by Masterclass.
Whether you’re interested in writing fiction, screenplays, or anything in between, Masterclass has a course that can help you improve your writing skills and achieve your writing goals.
Additional Writing Online Courses Recommendations
Rhetoric: The Art of Persuasive Writing and Public Speaking
“Rhetoric: The Art of Persuasive Writing and Public Speaking” from Harvard University offers a comprehensive and engaging overview of persuasive writing and speech theory and practice. With the guidance of Professor James Engell, learners will gain an understanding of rhetorical structure and style and how it can be applied to compelling arguments.
One of the key benefits of this course is that it uses speeches from prominent Americans to explore and analyze the art of persuasion. Furthermore, learners will learn to employ various rhetorical devices in writing and speaking, write a persuasive opinion editorial and short speech, evaluate the strength of an argument, and identify logical fallacies.
Overall, this online writing course provides an excellent opportunity for anyone looking to improve their writing and public speaking skills. Whether you are a student, aspiring writer, or professional, this course will help you develop the skills necessary to persuade and influence others with your words.
Creative Writing: Crafting Personal Essays with Impact
In Roxane Gay’s online writing course, students can delve into the creative writing process with one of today’s most prominent writers. Gay, known for her writing on race, gender identity, and culture, shares her insights and personal approach to crafting powerful personal essays.
With eight video lessons, students will learn how to find a specific purpose for telling their story, connect their work to more significant conversations, conduct crucial research, navigate personal memories, write and revise their final piece, and even submit it for publication. This course provides practical guidance and actionable tactics. It includes a worksheet to support your ongoing writing practice and additional resources. Whether you’re an experienced writer or just starting, this class is a great way to jumpstart finding your voice and sharing your story with the world.
Writing With Flair: How To Become An Exceptional Writer
This online writing course, taught by Shani Raja, a former Wall Street Journal editor, provides a comprehensive writing system designed to transform students into exceptional writers.
The course covers the four key ingredients of writing: simplicity, clarity, elegance, and evocativeness. You will learn to optimize these four ingredients to make your writing extraordinary. You will learn to write in plain language, steer clear of jargon, maintain consistency, and add variety to your sentences. The course also covers preventing confusion, creating elegant narratives, avoiding clichés, and giving life and character to your writing.
The skills learned in this course can help students become confident authors of blogs, books, and business writing in as little as a few weeks. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced writer, this course offers something to everyone looking to improve their writing skills.
This online writing course, taught by Shani Raja, a former Wall Street Journal editor, provides a comprehensive writing system designed to transform students into exceptional writers.
The course covers the four key ingredients of writing: simplicity, clarity, elegance, and evocativeness. You will learn to optimize these four ingredients to make your writing extraordinary. You will learn to write in plain language, steer clear of jargon, maintain consistency, and add variety to your sentences. The course also covers preventing confusion, creating elegant narratives, avoiding clichés, and giving life and character to your writing.
The skills learned in this course can help students become confident authors of blogs, books, and business writing in as little as a few weeks. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced writer, this course offers something to everyone looking to improve their writing skills.
FTC Disclosure: Bad Grammarian may receive compensation from the companies whose courses and products we showcase with no added cost to you. We only partner with the very best and most reputable companies. Bad Grammarian is independently owned, and the opinions expressed here are our own.
✍️ Best Online Writing Courses Comparison
Compare 6 top-rated courses to find your perfect writing program
| Course & Provider | Rating | Category | Skill Level | Key Focus Areas | Est. Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Good with Words: Writing and Editing Specialization
|
Academic | All Levels | Word choice, organization, drafting, revision, professional editing | $39-79/month | |
|
Creative Writing Specialization
|
Creative | Intermediate | Plot, character, setting, style, memoir, narrative essay | $39-79/month | |
|
MasterClass Writing Collection
|
Celebrity | All Levels | Storytelling, screenwriting, thrillers, TV writing, memoir | $180/year | |
|
Rhetoric: The Art of Persuasive Writing
|
Academic | Intermediate | Persuasive writing, public speaking, rhetorical devices | $99-199 | |
|
Crafting Personal Essays with Impact
|
Creative | Beginner | Personal essays, storytelling, research, publication | $90-120 | |
|
Writing With Flair
|
Business | All Levels | Simplicity, clarity, elegance, business writing | $97-197 |
📋 Category Guide
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, online writing courses offer excellent value when chosen carefully. They provide flexibility, access to world-class instructors, and cost significantly less than traditional MFA programs. University-backed courses like Michigan’s specialization offer the same academic rigor as on-campus programs. At the same time, platforms like MasterClass give you access to bestselling authors at a fraction of workshop costs.
Consistent practice combined with structured feedback yields the best results. Take courses with peer review components, complete all assignments, and apply techniques to your writing projects immediately. Set aside 30-60 minutes daily for practice, join online writing communities, and consider taking multiple courses in sequence rather than simultaneously.
Absolutely. Many successful writers are self-taught or learned through online courses. What matters most is developing your craft, building a portfolio, and understanding your target market. Online certificates from reputable institutions like Harvard or the University of Michigan can supplement your credentials, while platforms like MasterClass provide industry insights from working professionals.
“Good with Words” by University of Michigan is perfect for beginners because it covers fundamental skills progressively—from word choice to final editing. Roxane Gay’s personal essay course is also excellent for beginners interested in creative writing, offering a gentle introduction to storytelling and personal narrative techniques.
You can see immediate improvements in confidence and basic techniques within 1-2 weeks of active course participation. Significant skill development typically takes 30-60 days of consistent practice and application. Advanced mastery requires 3-6 months of regular writing combined with course study and feedback implementation.
Conclusion
There are many online writing courses available that offer various approaches to improving one’s writing skills. With interactive lessons, expert instructors, and opportunities for peer review and feedback, an online writing course can be a valuable investment in one’s personal and professional development. Whether starting out or looking to sharpen your skills, a writing course is available to suit your needs and help you reach your writing goals. Which one is your favorite? Comment below.
Our #1 Writing Online Courses Recommendation