How to Write a Romance Novel That Sells in 2024

A Deep Dive into Udemy’s “Writing Romance Novels” Course

Are you dreaming of becoming a romance novelist? Do you imagine fans swooning over your characters or your novel climbing the Amazon charts? If that sounds like you, then learning how to write a romance novel the right way should be your next big move. But not just any course will do.

In this breakdown, we take a close look at Udemy’s popular offering “Writing Romance Novels,” give you real student insights, and compare it to other top-rated online writing classes—all to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your romantic writing journey.

Let’s dig in.

Why Learn to Write Romance Online?

Romance is the highest-grossing fiction genre in publishing—generating over $1 billion annually. More than ever, readers are searching for authentic, emotional love stories. Whether you’re passionate about enemies-to-lovers or slow-burn contemporary romance, now is a perfect time to tap into the market.

But writing a compelling romance story takes more than just a love plot—it requires character depth, internal conflict, emotional pacing, and satisfying resolution.

That’s where expert-led online romance writing courses like this one come in.

What Is Udemy’s “Writing Romance Novels” Course?

Unfortunately, as of this writing, the official sales page for the “Writing Romance Novels” course on Udemy is no longer accessible. However, based on user reports and industry-standard offerings, the course is known to offer beginner-friendly guidance on:

• Crafting complex, relatable love interests
• Plotting romantic tension and pacing
• Writing emotionally rich dialogue
• Developing subgenres like paranormal, historical, or contemporary romance
• Navigating the world of indie publishing and self-promotion

The course is self-paced, making it workable for writers with busy schedules. You get lifetime access, and it’s affordably priced—often between $20–$40 when on sale. A great entry point for hobbyists or aspiring authors just starting out.

What You’ll Learn: Romance Writing Essentials

Most courses in this space will walk you through the essential building blocks of a successful romance story.

🖊️ Here’s what “Writing Romance Novels” typically includes:

• A breakdown of romance subgenres: contemporary, paranormal, historical, romantic suspense
• How to structure a story around romantic conflict
• Building compelling protagonists and love interests
• Writing scenes that emotionally resonate (without being cheesy)
• Crafting “meet-cute” moments and believable chemistry
• Ending with a satisfying happily-ever-after (or at least a happy-for-now)
• Self-editing and publishing tips for the indie romance market

If you’re coming from fanfiction, NaNoWriMo, or journaling, this format can help you transition to focused novel-writing with real publishing potential.

What Real Students Are Saying

We dug into community hubs like Reddit’s /r/romancewriters and YouTube reviews to find what learners truly think.

“The modules were decent, and the plotting exercises helped. But a lot of it was stuff I eventually found on free blogs.” — Reddit user

“I liked the structure it gave me. Without a course, I never would’ve finished my first draft.” — YouTube commenter on romance writing courses

While most students appreciate the affordable price and accessible teaching style, reviews are mixed when it comes to depth. Some say the feedback isn’t personalized enough, especially when compared to coaching-based programs.

Tip: If you need accountability or critique partners, look for courses that include a writing community or access to a private group.

Is It Better Than Competitors Like MasterClass or Reedsy?

Let’s compare.

• MasterClass (e.g., N.K. Jemisin’s course on storytelling): Polished, cinematic quality, great for craft insights from publishing pros. But less focus on genre.
• Reedsy Learning: Free and bite-sized courses by editors. Great if you want flexibility and quick hits on topics like romance tropes, dialogue writing, and market trends.
• Gotham Writers Workshop: Premium, live classes with homework, grading, and student interaction. Pricey but offers robust feedback.

Udemy’s “Writing Romance Novels” sits somewhere in the middle — lower price, self-paced modules, and practical for hobbyists or early-stage writers.

Still, if structure and instructions are all you need, this course checks the box. If you want ongoing feedback or editorial guidance, one of the premium coaching programs or interactive workshops may serve you better.

The Pros and Cons

Let’s be honest—no course is perfect. Here’s what stood out:

✅ Pros

• Beginner-friendly
• Clear writing structure and romantic genre guidance
• Affordable with frequent promotions
• Lifetime access

❌ Cons

• Generic feedback (not much personal interaction)
• Lacks transparency about the instructor’s experience
• Less valuable for advanced writers or those seeking deep critique
• Doesn’t dive deep into publishing beyond indie-level basics

⚠️ A word of caution: Always verify the course’s instructor credentials. Some programs oversell success stories without providing author proof or background checks.

Should You Pay for a Romance Writing Course?

Here’s the truth: You don’t need to pay for a course to write a great love story. But if you’re struggling with story structure, avoiding plot holes, or figuring out how to even start, a structured curriculum can be a game changer.

Courses become worth it when:

• You finish what you start (helps with accountability)
• You need a roadmap to guide you through the process
• You learn best with checklists, assignments, and examples
• You’re serious about turning your story into a publishable book

📝 Pro Tip: Consider combining a self-paced course like this one with a free Reedsy Learning track or joining a romance writing group on Facebook, Discord, or Reddit.

Final Verdict: Is Udemy’s Course Worth It?

If you’re an aspiring romance writer looking for affordable guidance to write your first novel, Udemy’s “Writing Romance Novels” course is a good pick. It won’t turn you into Nora Roberts overnight—but it will help you finish a quality draft, understand the genre better, and explore next steps toward self-publishing.

That said, always research the instructor’s track record. If there’s no bio, no publications, and no verified reviews, think twice before spending more than $100 on any course.

Still unsure? Test-drive the waters with a low-cost course or start with Reedsy’s free email classes before upgrading to MasterClass or Gotham level investments.

Ready to start your love story?

📘 Cited Source:
Reedsy Learning. “Free online writing courses.”

Let us know in the comments—what subgenre of romance are you writing? And what’s been your biggest plot twist so far?

Happy writing!