Best Top 10 Online Writing Courses to Master Crime Writing in 2025: A Complete Overview

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Are you an aspiring crime writer? Or a seasoned veteran who wants to upgrade and dust a few dust mites for your new thrilling manuscript? Well, look no further. You have come to the right place. Here at Crafting and Crime, we provide you with carefully selected online courses to help you fulfil your dream and master the craft of crime writing.

Note: This article may contain affiliate links in the future. We currently link directly to course providers to help you find the best resources for your writing journey.


1) MasterClass: James Patterson Reveals His Writing Formula

Best For: Beginners to intermediate writers

Price Range: US$180/year (MasterClass Subscription)

Duration: 22 lessons (3.5 hours)

Patterson, the best-selling author, shares with his formula for a fast-paced, engaging crime fiction. In a six-week class, Patterson outlines his writing process to make diffused concepts come out as compressed chewable bites.

Explore MasterClass with James Patterson here



2) The Crime Writing Academy by Sisters in Crime

Price: US$ 499

Best for: All levels, especially women crime write

Duration: 12 weeks

This comprehensive course teaches the craft and genre-specific perspective. Students also receive feedback from working crime writers and participate in workshops expressly focused on forensics, police procedurals, and legal thrillers.

To learn more about Sisters in Crime- Click here


3) Writing a Book: Creative Writing Skills for Beginners

Price: US$69.00 (prices vary)

Best for: Complete beginners

Duration: 11 Hours On-demand Video

This comprehensive course combines practical techniques, hands-on guidance and inspiring techniques to craft a book. Here new writers are taught how to overcome writer's block, elevate storytelling and publish with confidence. 

Sign up for the course here


4) Writers Police Academy Online Course

Price: US$295-495 (depending on Package)

Best for: Intermediate to experienced

Duration: On-Demand Live Classes-Depending on the instructor

This program takes a deep dive into the investigation of police procedures, crime scene investigation basics and law enforcement terminology. All courses are live video-on-demand lectures offered by bestselling crime-writing authors, leading experts in the policing field and journalists.

Click here to explore the program offered


5) Masterclass to writing Mystery: The Detective Writers Guide to Clues (Udemy)

Price: US$10.99 (prices vary-check prices)

Best for: Beginners to intermediate

Duration: 1 hour- On-demand video lessons

A practical course consisting of videos diving into the craft of creating interesting and engaging clues for reader engagement. You learn how dangerous clues are key to mystery writing and hone your writing skills. It requires basic writing skills but it is open to every aspiring writer. Sign up here


6) Crime and Suspense Workshop (The Novelry) 

Price: US$599

Best for: Suitable for all writers

Duration: 12 weeks

This an intensive program offering personalized mentorship from published crime authors. The student has a chance to workshop their manuscript and gain feedback. It covers everything from advanced plot structuring to insights into the publishing process. Check out the program here

7) Writing Psychological Thrillers (University of Oxford) 

Price: £295.00

Best for: Intermediate writers

Duration: 6 weeks

This is a specialized course focusing on psychological suspense and domestic noir. Students learn techniques for “unreliable narrators”, building tension, and crafting twisting narratives. Includes peer review sessions and instructor feedback. Check out the program here


8) Crime and Thriller Writing (Australian Writers’ Centre) 

Price: US$550

Best for: Beginners

Duration: 5 weeks (Video lessons)

This course is ideal for aspiring crime authors to understand their various sub-genres better, develop their detective stories well, and write an inspiring and engaging defense story while building their character development skills and research techniques. Sign up for the course here


9) Mystery and Thriller Writing (Gotham Writers Workshop)

Price: US$419

Best for: All levels

Duration: 10 weeks

This is a workshop-style course that incorporates craft lecturers and peer reviews. It allows students to hone their crime fiction writing through learning pacing, suspense, and mystery plotting. Optional one-on-one coaching is also available. Sign up for program here


10) Crime Writing Certificate Program (West Dean) 

Price: £1,080

Best for: Serious writers seeking credentials

Duration: 1-year course

This is a comprehensive course that covers everything regarding crime writing, from missing skills to specific skills and knowledge, from plot outlines to character development. Students are expected to submit completed works for grading and receive feedback and a certificate upon course completion. Check the page for more


Key Considerations When Choosing a Course

Experience Level: Some courses cater specifically to beginners, while others require previous writing experience.

Time Commitment: Programs range from self-paced to structured weekly classes.

Budget: Prices vary significantly. Consider the value of features like personal feedback and networking opportunities.

Focus Area: Choose courses that align with your specific interests (procedural, psychological thriller, cosy mystery, etc)

Learning Style: Consider whether you prefer video lecturers, workshop formats, or self-paced study


Remember: There’s no crime in starting small. Many writers begin with a basic course (like Patterson’s) and gradually add specialized knowledge. Think of it as building your crime writer’s toolbox- you don’t need to buy all the tools at once!


Pro Tip: Many of these courses offer sample lessons or money-back guarantees. It’s like testing the murder weapon before committing the crime (metaphorically speaking, of course!).


[Coming in Part 2: We’ll explore how to adopt these learning techniques for African crime writing contexts- because not every detective has access to a CSI lab!]



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