If you’re an author or creative professional exploring online learning platforms, this CreativeLive review will help you understand what the platform offers – and why it may no longer be the best choice for writers in 2025.
Once known for its high-quality creative courses and free live classes, CreativeLive carved out a niche for itself by serving artists, entrepreneurs, and yes, even authors, thanks in part to a major partnership with Penguin Random House.
But much has changed since its early days. From its acquisition by Fiverr to its upcoming shutdown, CreativeLive’s journey is one of early innovation followed by gradual decline.
In this post, we’ll take a close look at the platform’s services, highlight feedback from real users through CreativeLive reviews, and introduce you to a powerful alternative specifically built for authors.
Whether you’re here to reflect on CreativeLive’s legacy or you’re actively looking for a better learning solution for your writing goals, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive in.
What is CreativeLive?
CreativeLive is an online learning platform that offers live and on-demand classes in creative and entrepreneurial fields. It was founded in 2010 by photographer Chase Jarvis and entrepreneur Craig Swanson.
Classes are taught by industry professionals, many of whom are well-known experts in their field (e.g., Tim Ferriss, Brené Brown, Ramit Sethi).
In 2021, CreativeLive was acquired by Fiverr, a global freelance services marketplace. This move aimed to broaden Fiverr’s reach into educational content for creative professionals and entrepreneurs.
Why did Penguin endorse CreativeLive?
Essentially, Penguin Random House viewed CreativeLive as an opportunity to diversify their content offerings, connect authors and readers in interactive formats, and extend their storytelling beyond traditional publishing channels.
Penguin Random House’s partnership with CreativeLive began in August 2017 through a collaborative online series titled Between the Lines. In this initiative, authors like John Grisham and Margaret Atwood shared what storytelling means to them and the inspirations behind their work.
About CreativeLive services
CreativeLive classes are available in a variety of formats to suit different learning styles and schedules:
Pre-recorded or live streaming: You can watch professionally produced classes on demand or tune in to select sessions as they’re streamed live.
Interactive options: Some live sessions feature real-time interaction, giving learners the chance to ask questions, get feedback, and connect with instructors and fellow students.
Free or lifetime access: Many live classes are free to stream when broadcast. If you want to revisit the material at any time, you can purchase lifetime access – perfect for those who learn at their own pace or want to revisit lessons as needed.
Live broadcasts for free: One of CreativeLive’s hallmark features from the start was allowing users to watch classes live at no cost. This open-access approach made high-quality education more democratic and inclusive.
High-end production quality: Forget grainy Zoom calls – CreativeLive invests in studio-quality production with multiple camera angles, crystal-clear audio, and a professional setup that enhances the learning experience. It’s the closest thing to being in the room with your instructor.
Creative-first philosophy: Unlike broader e-learning platforms like Coursera or LinkedIn Learning, CreativeLive stays true to its name. The focus is squarely on creativity, self-expression, and entrepreneurship, empowering users to turn passion into purpose: whether that’s launching a brand, writing a book, or building a freelance business.
CreativeLive reviews
Here are some CreativeLive reviews so you can see what customers think of their services:
As you can see from this first CreativeLive review, the customer had a great experience with the company. It was very useful to them as a writer learning how to write a memoir.
Unfortunately, not all CreativeLive reviews are positive.
And here is yet another negative CreativeLive review:
As you can see, CreativeLive has really gone downhill since it was bought by Fiverr. In fact, Fiverr has pretty much driven the company into the ground.
CreativeLive alternative – the best place for authors to learn
Whether you like CreativeLive or not, the unfortunate truth is this: CreativeLive is shutting down. After a 15 year run, the company decided it would stop accepting new registrations as of May 8th, 2025. Now Creative live is only accessible to current customers.
So, where should authors go if they want to learn to write better?
The best alternative to CreativeLive for authors is selfpublishing.com. At selfpublishing.com, we offer comprehensive book writing courses that come with live book coaching and book writing workshops on top of the book writing modules.
And there is a course for everyone! If you are trying to write a memoir or a business book, there is an Author Advantage Accelerator course for nonfiction writers. Of course, there are also courses for fiction writers, from a basic fundamentals course to a full-time course.
And if you have always wanted to write a book but simply don’t have the time, there is the AAA Elite program with done-for-you marketing and publishing services, and even ghostwriting if you so choose!
All these courses come with access to our Become a Bestseller and Market Your Book courses so you can learn how to write, edit, and market your book effectively.
At selfpublishing.com we are accepting new students, so you don’t have to worry about closed classes. And you get one on one time with your coach AND lifetime, 24/7 access to courses + a mastermind community when you sign up!
What’s next for authors after CreativeLive?
CreativeLive once stood as a beacon for creatives looking to sharpen their skills, tell their stories, and connect with industry experts. But with its shutdown imminent and its offerings no longer evolving to meet the needs of today’s authors, it’s clear that the platform’s golden era is behind us.
The good news? A new generation of author-focused learning is here. Platforms like selfpublishing.com are picking up where CreativeLive left off, providing not just courses, but full ecosystems of support, coaching, and community tailored to writers at every stage.
Whether you’re dreaming of finishing your first draft or scaling your author brand, now is the perfect time to invest in your writing journey with a platform that’s designed specifically for you – the modern author.
CreativeLive may be closing its doors, but your next chapter is just beginning.