The Author Conservatory

If you want to make writing your career, you've probably wondered, "Should I go to college?"

Or maybe you've attended college for writing, but worry that you're not gaining the skills you need to succeed after college.

After all, publishers aren’t looking for a degree in Creative Writing or English (nor do they care about your GPA).

Publishers are looking for someone who can write amazing novels, build genuine connections with readers, and actually sell books.

Unfortunately, even the best college writing programs are not designed to teach you these things.

You'll notice most curriculums are quite similar. Many focus on things like literary history, screenplays, poetry and other forms of writing (i.e. not writing genre fiction).

Even looking through the full program curriculums, there's a lot more 'learning about writing' than actual writing. It's unlikely every teacher is a published author actively earning money through their books.

You'll probably also notice that no class will get you to write an entire novel.

Unfortunately, although it might be interesting to learn, it will be difficult to become a successful author knowing more about Shakespeare's soliloquies than about how to actually finish a full-length novel.

You’ll spend a ton of time on classes completely unrelated to writing (even though you're a writing major).
Your creative writing classes will be focused on short stories instead of full-length novels, which means you won’t be practicing the skills you really need to practice.
If you spend time on your personal writing it will be at the expense of your grades. Most likely, you simply won’t have the mental energy to work on your own projects.
You’ll receive very little business training or none at all, which means even if your writing improves you won’t be any closer to actually supporting yourself as a writer.
Most of what you’ll learn about the publishing industry will be things you can learn for free on YouTube (e.g. what is a literary agent, indie vs. traditional publishing, etc.)

These fees are often listed by term, semester or year, so be prepared to multiply any figure you see by at least three or four, depending on the degree.

That's about $180,000 on average, rounded down.

Don't forget all the little school fees they add. And if you have to move away or stay on campus, maybe double the total fee for student housing and food. Plus equipment, excursions and books.

It's no wonder some students end up in debt for life.

It's not a viable solution for many people. And yet, becoming an author may be the only thing you are truly passionate about…

Motivated high school students who already know that writing is their passion and want a head start on turning it into a viable career path.
College-age students looking for an alternative to the traditional college route that allows them to focus on their passion for writing, stay home, and save money.
College students or graduates who are ready to focus more seriously on crafting amazing novels and gaining the practical business skills they need to get published and support themselves financially.

Why a Conservatory?

"Picture spending all day every day doing only what you love, all while working closely with and learning from people who are experts in what you want to do.

That’s a conservatory: intensive artistic training in a creative environment designed to push aspiring artists to develop their skills to the highest level.

A conservatory program is a little bit different than traditional college. Rather than requiring classes in a core curriculum of all subjects, a conservatory allows students to focus exclusively on their subject.

The intensive focus allows conservatory students to develop a unique depth of understanding for their craft and receive specific training relevant to their specialty in the arts."

Complete 2-4 full-length novels that are your best work so far.
Indie publish a professional novella to launch your publishing career.
Create all the pieces you need to pitch agents and publishers (e.g. query letter, book proposal, one-sheet, etc.).
Receive professional feedback on your writing from published authors, literary agents, and professional editors.
Develop a professional writing process for completing new projects on deadline for a publisher.
Launch a "pop-up" business venture and earn your first dollar as an entrepreneur.
Build additional revenue streams around your writing in order to double or triple your income as an author.

By the end of Year One, students will be able to:

Develop a high-concept story premise on demand
Craft a compelling story synopsis
Outline a full-length novel using Three-Act Story Structure
Draft a 50K - 100K word novel from a comprehensive outline
Receive and incorporate professional critique on their projects
Understand the value of entrepreneurship within the author business model and develop a solid career strategy
Brainstorm viable business ideas, pick the right pricing strategy, and develop compelling key distinctions and an elevator pitch
Perform professional market research and confirm market-demand for a product/service before launching a business
Start a pop up business and actually get paid for their products and services
Develop a marketing strategy and generate positive customer reviews/testimonials

By the end of Year Two, students will be able to:

Develop their unique writing voice and style
Build compelling and memorable characters that stick with readers long after they finish
A deep understanding of pacing and building narrative stakes
Learn how to reverse outline their novel to hone in on the problems
How to do a comprehensive content and line edit on their novel, as well as receive and incorporate feedback from professionals
Grow their pop-up business, implement good practices and manage both their money and customers with ease
Demystify the indie publishing process and get ready to publish their novella
Translate their business skills to book marketing skills and start building their author platform
Build out a street team and prep for their indie book launch

By the end of Year Three, students will be able to:

Query literary agents and stand out from the crowd
Develop a compelling one-sheet to show interested professionals their novels
Write a killer book proposal and practice pitching to agents
The ins-and-outs of working with an agent, editor, and publisher
Navigate book contracts and learn the key elements of a fair deal
Understand key business models that can support a long term writing career
Double, triple, even quadruple the revenue each book produces
Build out low and high ticket offers and services to compliment their author business
Implement non-fiction strategies to grow their author platform exponentially
Grow their business into a full time income and take on a team to free up their time
Build a kingdom business through generosity and a heart-centered vision

Our founders, Brett Harris and Kara Swanson, are bestselling and award-winning authors with a proven track record of helping young people accomplish their writing goals.

They understand the unique challenges facing young writers and have first-hand experience navigating the complex world of writing and publishing as young people.

They are committed to providing the best writing mentorship you'll find anywhere — all from a distinctly Christian worldview that won't ever compromise your convictions.

Before I joined the conservatory, I was standing at a metaphorical fork in the road, not certain which route to take with my publishing goals and feeling frustrated because of that. Now, I feel motivated once again, I have a clear path with each of my goals, and I am seeing significant rewards in my writing journey. Based on the assistance and ideas I've received in this program, I have launched an Instagram account, found a content editor for my novel and restructured it accordingly, and have taken the first steps toward indie publishing a novella. Brett and Kara's guidance has been instrumental to me, and the support of the other students is so encouraging.

I didn't have a clue how to market a book before I joined The Author Conservatory. I knew how to write a book and the basics of platform building, but when it came to the world of publishing and marketing, I didn't know where to begin. After joining this program, Brett and Kara came alongside me and helped me untangle the mysteries of publishing, giving me the confidence to move forward. They are experts at equipping and encouraging young writers at every stage of their journey and go above and beyond to serve, teach, and pray for each of their students. I'm beyond blessed to know them -- not simply as instructors, but also as cheerleaders and friends.

Before I joined the conservatory, I had no idea what my writing process was. I didn't know what the next step for me should be after coming up with a story idea, or even how I came up with story ideas. But now, I've learned a lot more about what my writing process looks like and what steps I need to take to complete a novel. I also didn't know what an email list was or why I would ever need one. Now, I have sent out three emails to my email list and have almost 100 subscribers. The Author Conservatory has grown and stretched me in so many amazing ways, I can hardly wait to see what the next few months bring.

Brett carefully read my work and took time and thought to expose weaknesses I’d never seen. He asked thought-provoking questions and piloted me on a better path — one not ultimately focused on being published, but on writing clearly and accurately as a Christian. His critique led me to make changes in my blogging, my platforming, and my life. I’m a different writer because of the feedback I received in The Author Conservatory. I would urge any friend who’s serious about his writing, ready to be stretched, and searching for like-minded young people, to join me in this program.

Before I joined the conservatory, I wanted to move forward with writing but felt overwhelmed. Every author, website, or article I read had advice for writing better or getting published faster, but I had so many questions specific to my situation that no one could answer. At first, I was worried that this program would just add to my discouraging to-do list. But my very first call with Brett and Kara got me more excited about writing than I’d been in months. They haven’t given me a new to-do list, but a new perspective. They haven’t given me nit-picky editing advice, but foundational principles to help me build a strong story from the ground up. They haven’t promised shortcuts to publication, they’ve worked with me towards a whole, healthy writing life. Brett and Kara’s interaction with and care about me as a person have blown me away, and my fellow students are already my good friends.

Brett and Kara are some of the wisest and most encouraging people I’ve met in the creative writing industry. They have an extraordinary, refreshing perspective on what it means to be an author in today’s age, and help set us up with the foundations of why we write and how to work towards a career that will enable us to stick to our individual goals without becoming burnt out and exhausted. They have been such a huge encouragement in my life, and I find myself every week growing more mature and confident as a storyteller and as a person under their coaching.

Do I have to join just because I filled out an application?

Absolutely not. Filling out an application is only the first step in the admissions process and there is no commitment.

If you pass the application stage, you will have the opportunity to speak with our admissions team and ask any questions. There is also no commitment for doing an interview.

If you pass the interview stage and are invited to join the program, you will be encouraged to take the time you need to consider the opportunity, pray over your decision, and get back to us. We will never rush or pressure you to make a commitment before you are ready.

How much time does it take?

We recommend 10-15 hours per week on average, which is a few hours for the lessons and the rest for implementation and writing time.

However, this is flexible depending on student commitments. It is perfectly acceptable to spend less time on certain weeks and more time on others depending on things like exams, family vacations, and other life events.

We have students who are doing this program alongside high school, college, part-time and full-time jobs, and other commitments — so it is definitely doable!

What can I expect to accomplish?

Provided you give this program an honest effort, you can expect to:

Complete 2-4 full-length novels that are your best work so far.
Indie publish a professional novella to launch your publishing career.
Create all the pieces you need to pitch agents and publishers (e.g. query letter, book proposal, one-sheet, etc.).
Receive professional feedback on your writing from published authors, literary agents, and professional editors.
Develop a professional writing process for completing new projects on deadline for a publisher.
Launch a "pop-up" business venture and earn your first dollar as an entrepreneur.
Build additional revenue streams around your writing in order to double or triple your income as an author.

Depending on where you are starting from and how long you stay in the program… that could take you to a book contract and beyond.

Brett is a master at equipping young writers with the skills they need to meet and exceed their writing goals. With a thorough knowledge of all aspects of the writing process — from brainstorming an idea, all the way to creating a marketing plan and handling media interviews — Brett's coaching will give young writers the confidence to jumpstart their writing journey and see their projects through to completion. I consider myself blessed to have had the opportunity to work with Brett, and always come away from a mentoring session enlightened and encouraged.

The book publishing world was something I knew nothing about. It seemed like a foreign and almost impossible place to be part of. However, Brett did an amazing job stepping in and helping me better understand what it would take to be published. Being a successful author himself, and at a young age, he had many connections with publishing companies and knew what it would be like for a young author to go through the whole process. He becomes very passionate about the same cause as those he helps, which allows you both to have a much deeper connection. He isn’t just someone you work with, he will become a mentor and a friend.

Before working with Brett, I knew almost nothing about how to publish a book. I was a consistent and serious writer, but I lacked the knowledge of what I needed to do in what order and when to move on to the next step. Brett provided every missing piece, equipping me with the knowledge, tools, and resources I needed – going above and beyond what I ever expected! He answered every question I had, kept me motivated, gave me concrete action steps that resulted in massive progress, and was my biggest cheerleader along the way. Honestly, my book would not exist today if it weren’t for Brett Harris.

Anna Rose announced a book deal with Holiday House, a New York City publisher. Her middle grade novel will release next year.
Calissa launched her piano studio and already has five students and four more potential students in the pipeline.
Amie completed a 80,172 word novel (her second in the program).
Charis landed two more orders for her Etsy shop and has a bunch of people interest in her new Christmas-themed products.
Esther completed a 29,382 word novella.
Ryan launched her custom funko pop business for authors and readers and landed her first four customers.
Bailey completed a 60,288 word novel.
Cameron completed a 67,340 word novel.
Cassie landed her first client for her tutoring business.

Ryan completed a 36,583 word novella.
Jenny landed two more clients for her life story book service and is booked through the end of the year.
Kara finaled for a Christy Award. (Okay, she's not a student, but still!)
Hannah hit her income goal of $500/month with her piano studio.
Kellyn completed a 25,883 word novella.
Emeline completed a 57,399 word novel.
Anna pitched two Bethany House editors and both offered their email addresses and would like to see her project again.
Cara completed a 70,000 word novel (her second in the program).

Zach completed a 100,547 word novel.
Hannah launched her piano studio and sold out all six of her spots.
Jenny landed her first client for her life story book service with a $2,000 package.
Linnea completed a 54,484 word novel (her first one ever).
Alyssa had nine students sign up for her Chemistry Club, which will earn her thousands of dollars this semester at a high hourly rate.
Zoe completed a 43,813 word novella.
Kaylee completed a 33,009 word novella.
Charis landed another author partnership for her Etsy shop.
Zoe launched her book sleeve business and made 13 sales.
Hannah completed a 67,074 word novel (her first one ever).
Sarah completed a 51,349 word novel (her second in the program).

Jenny received a manuscript request from Tyndale House.
Jasmine completed a 107,714 word novel.
Faith enrolled three new clients in her health/wellness business.
Grace completed a 75,356 word novel.
Sarah made $1,400 from her pet-sitting business in one month.
Ryan completed a 13,312 word novelette.
Rachel received a manuscript request from Uncommon Universes Press.
Livy landed a new pet sitting client that pays her $450 per month.
Elena completed a 56,370 word novel.
Valari landed two new writing jobs worth thousands of dollars.
Naomi completed a 35,067 word novella.
Rachel completed a 73,885 word novel.
James received manuscript requests from two different publishers.
Calissa completed a 66,411 word novel.
Abi Lyn completed a 60,043 word novel (her first one ever).

Grace landed a major client for her art commission business.
Josiah completed a 111,784 word novel.
Charis landed two partnerships with authors for her Etsy shop.
Anna completed a 70,103 word novel (her second in the program).
Livy landed her first client for her pet-sitting business.
Elena landed her first customer for her thrift box business.
Cassie completed a 69,429 word novel.
Sarah landed her first four customers for her pet-sitting business.
Madi completed a 110,542 word novel.
Juliet made $700 from her house-cleaning business in one month while working only 20 hours (that’s 5 hours per week at $35 per hour).

Grace completed a 60,608 word novel.
Kyla completed a 83,131 word novel.
Valari landed a major client for her proofreading business.
Esther completed a 52,766 word novel.
Valari completed a 76,353 word novel.
Bethany landed two more customers for her gardening business.
Sequoyah completed a 77,848 word novel.
Amie launched her read-aloud business and landed 21 customers.
Olivia completed a 60,068 word novel.
Anna completed a 36,000 word middle-grade novel.
Sam landed two customers for his tech support business.
Sarina completed a 115,039 word novel (her first one ever).
Livy completed a 76,586 word novel.
Hope completed a 61,143 word novel.

Learn The Writing & Business Skills You Need To Get Published And Support Yourself Financially

All From The Comfort Of Your Own Home

FROM THE CREATORS OF OTHER FAMILY RESOURCES LIKE:

Should Writers Go To College?

Problem #1: College doesn't teach the skills you need to become a successful author.

Take a look at these curriculums from some of the top college writing programs in the country (you've probably seen similar curriculums in your research):

Here's What You Can Expect In College

Problem #2: College degrees are expensive.

It's no secret that college is expensive. If you're not lucky enough to land one of those limited scholarships, you're stuck paying a lot of money.

That's why we created The Author Conservatory.

The Author Conservatory is an affordable three-year program that launches Christian students into sustainable writing careers.

The Author Conservatory is perfect for:

"I'm so honored to be part of something that feels groundbreaking." — Nadine Brandes

Award-winning author of Fawkes, Romanov, and the Out of Time Series

What You'll Do In This Program

"One of the most comprehensive writing programs you'll find anywhere." — Steve Laube

President of The Steve Laube Agency, Enclave Publishing, and The Christian Writers Institute

“I can say without reservation that this is one of the best things that ever happened to my writing and to me as a person. If your goal is to be an author, I can’t recommend The Author Conservatory highly enough.”

“I cannot stress enough how much stronger of a storyteller I am after just one year in The Author Conservatory than after four years of attending college for writing.”

“I’ve seen my storytelling skills begin to sharpen, and myself beginning to become the writer I’ve always known I could be. My stories are starting to take shape, in all the complexity and depth that I always wanted but could never find.”

This is the mentorship you've been looking for.

Get Clarity & Confidence to Move Forward

Kaitlyn Donihue Non-Fiction Student

Kellyn Roth Fiction Student

Hope D. Fiction Student

We're in the publishing trenches with you.

Brett HarrisCo-Founder

Kara SwansonCo-Founder

Nadine BrandesExpert in Residence

Steve LaubeExpert in Residence

Joanne BischofInstructor

Sara EllaInstructor

Katie PhillipsInstructor

Gregg HarrisInstructor

Mary WeberInstructor

Andrew PetersonVisiting Expert

Make Real Progress Towards Your Goals

A. Johnson Fiction Student

Sara Barratt Non-Fiction Student

Amanda Libby Fiction Student

How Does This Work?

Fill Out An Application

Talk With Admissions

Choose Your Start Date

Apply For The Conservatory

Space is limited. Apply today to get started.

QUESTIONS?[email protected]

Get The Feedback You Need to Grow

Bethany MeltonNon-Fiction Student

Jenny ChasteenFiction Student

James Noller Fiction Student

FAQ

Get The Support You Need to Succeed

Amanda Barratt Fiction Student

Riley Banks-Snyder Non-Fiction Student

Jaquelle Crowe Ferris Non-Fiction Student

Apply For The Conservatory

Space is limited. Apply today to get started.

QUESTIONS?[email protected]

Student Achievements

October 2021

September 2021

August 2021

July 2021

June 2021

May 2021

April 2021

March 2021

February 2021

January 2021

Apply For The Conservatory

Space is limited. Apply today to get started.

QUESTIONS?[email protected]

“Kara said she hoped this place would be my Inklings. Well, she was right, it is. There’s no where else I feel more at home than with you guys. Thank you, thank you, thank you!”

President of The Steve Laube Agency, Enclave Publishing,
and The Christian Writers Institute

Brett Harris
Co-Founder

Kara Swanson
Co-Founder

Nadine Brandes
Expert in Residence

Steve Laube
Expert in Residence

Joanne Bischof
Instructor

Sara Ella
Instructor

Katie Phillips
Instructor

Gregg Harris
Instructor

Mary Weber
Instructor

Andrew Peterson
Visiting Expert

QUESTIONS?
[email protected]

Bethany Melton
Non-Fiction Student

Jenny Chasteen
Fiction Student

James Noller
Fiction Student

QUESTIONS?
[email protected]

QUESTIONS?
[email protected]