The Novelist
Cohort.
Eleven or twelve writers, admitted by application. Two semesters, guided by a faculty mentor. One finished, published novel — celebrated at a signing table at Reader Nation in Las Vegas, with an Author Nation ticket in every writer's name.
First cohort convenes autumn 2027 · applications open from the founding term
Application to capstone.
One academic year, mapped end to end — with a full publishing cycle built into the middle of it.
Application
A premise page, a short writing sample, and an honest account of the hours you have. Reviewed by the Dean; the waitlist is read first.
Convocation
Your class is named, your faculty mentor assigned, and your critique group formed. You meet the eleven people who will read everything you write this year.
Term I — Foundation & Outline
Structure, character, scene, voice and close reading, taught alongside your own manuscript. The term ends with a full outline approved by your mentor.
The Draft
Scheduled drafting with weekly check-ins, sprint cohorts, and milestone reviews at twenty-five, fifty and seventy-five percent.
Electives Chosen
Between the two terms you select your Genre Studies and masterclasses — the specific craft you want beyond the Core.
The Academy Anthology
Halfway through the year, every Novelist Cohort writes for the Academy’s annual anthology — a complete publishing cycle in miniature, carried start to finish by the class itself. You ideate, write, edit, peer edit, format, choose the cover design, and publish. By the time you take your own novel through those same steps, not one of them is unfamiliar.
Term II — Revision & Editorial
A developmental edit and a full-manuscript copy edit from the Academy's working editors, then line revision alongside your critique group.
Publication
Cover, formatting and launch — every step mentored, every decision yours. You finish the year with a published novel.
Capstone — Las Vegas
A week of business courses, the Academy Graduate Banquet, and the signing event at Reader Nation with finished books in hand.
A class that becomes
lifelong colleagues.
Cohorts are small on purpose. You will know every name, read every manuscript, and stand together at the signing table.
- Eleven or twelve seats per cohort — never more
- A faculty mentor assigned to every writer
- A critique group meeting weekly all year
- A full-manuscript copy edit and a developmental edit
- A story in the Academy Anthology — published by your class
What we look for.
Not credentials. Not a following. We admit for seriousness — the writer who will show up for the whole year and finish.
A premise with pulse
One page on the novel you must write — and why you are the one to write it.
Pages that show up
A short writing sample. Polish matters less than voice and intent.
Room in your life
Honest hours available each week. The Cohort is built for working adults — and it is work.
Tuition: $5,900 for the full program · instalment plans available · Professional members receive priority review
Request an Application