You Don’t Need to Give Up Your Writing Dreams
Many writers find themselves lost for good options.
- Writing degrees don’t often focus on genre fiction or novel-writing.
- Friends and family tell them getting published is like winning the lottery.
- They struggle to find the mentorship and guidance they need to move forward.
What if there was a better way?
Conservatory, noun: “A school specializing in one of the fine arts.”
The Author Conservatory was started by professional authors who saw the limitations of most college creative writing programs and wanted to create a better route that trained students to write genre novels & didn’t involve college debt.
The conservatory model dates back to the 16th century. Instead of taking classes in a broad range of disciplines, students in a conservatory take classes exclusively focused on the craft & business skills needed for their future career.
In the past, conservatories only existed for the visual & performing arts. We’ve innovated this time-tested model by bringing it online for writers.
We follow an intensive mentorship format so you can get regular professional feedback on your writing.
You’ll be taught by award-winning authors, professional editors, and successful entrepreneurs.
You’ll complete at least two full-length novels under the direction of industry professionals.
You’ll launch a profitable entrepreneurial venture and learn tools for building a business around your writing.
You’ll graduate with the tools you need to pursue publication and earn money as an entrepreneur.
“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.”
We provide the laser-focused educational experience you’re looking for.
Learn about the three distinctives of our online program:
Character
Get coached by authors, editors & entrepreneurs who care about you holistically.
Craft
We use a “learn by doing” model and train students to value substance before style.
Career
We have a “No Starving Artists” policy and train our students to be entrepreneurs.
(These profiles accurately reflect what is possible when students are trained in both writing and business skills – but results reflect our students’ own intense dedication and hard work. We cannot guarantee these outcomes for every student.)
Learn One-on-One from Authors, Editors, & Entrepreneurs
Brett Harris
Bestselling author of Do Hard Things and Start Here
Kara Swanson
Award-winning author of Dust and Shadow
Katie Phillips
Professional editor and author branding coach.
Brian O'Rear
Founder of a multi-million dollar home inspector franchise
Joanne Bischof
Christy and Carol award-winning author.
Margaret McGriff
Digital content strategist & fantasy adventure author.
Lauren Hildebrand
Associate editor with Havok & Uncommon Universes Press.
Katie Williams
Enclave Publishing proofreader & freelance editor.
“I will never be a starving artist, and I have the Author Conservatory to thank for that.”
Graduate in 3 years with…
Two full-length projects written with coaching & direction from writing professionals.
A viable financial strategy for writing & entrepreneurship.
The tools necessary for your own business venture that earns money at a high hourly rate.
A network of writing peers and professional industry connections to support your career.
How to Apply:
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Apply for the Conservatory
“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!”
Profile of Our Ideal Student
Dreams of writing and publishing books for the rest of their life.
Loves Christ and wants to make a difference in the lives of their readers, whether in the Christian market or the general market.
Has already established a rigorous writing habit and spends hours on their writing each week.
Has accumulated meaningful experience working on writing projects.
Is ready to take their next steps and start preparing for a future writing career now.
(Unsure if you meet our ideal profile or not? Fill out an application and we’ll let you know if you’re ready for the Conservatory or not.)
FAQ
Do I Have to Join If I Fill 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.
What Ages is the Conservatory Designed For?
The Author Conservatory normally accepts students who are between the ages of 15 & 30, though we occasionally make exceptions. Generally speaking, students thrive the most when they aren’t doing this alongside other schooling or full-time working hours. That being said, we’ve seen dedicated students succeed while they’re still in high school, a traditional college, or working full-time. If you’re within this age range and want to consider the program more, we’d love to see your application.
How Much Time Does the Conservatory Take?
We recommend that students set aside a minimum of 15 hours per week engaging in the instructional content of the program and working on their personal writing & business projects. That being said, because this is an intensive mentorship program, we can take students a lot further if they invest more time. Students who are able to spend 20-30 hours a week on the program are able to set and achieve more ambitious writing & business goals.
When Do New Students Start?
We operate all twelve months of the year and don’t take a three-month summer break, so we have new students starting the program every month. Spots do fill up, however, and we can be booked months in advance. If we accept a new student into the program, we’ll talk with them about what our availability looks like and allow them to choose their own start date, up to 12 months in advance, as long as spots are still open. For more information on what spots are currently available, fill out an application so we can talk to you more about the program.
Do Students Need to Write Christian Fiction?
Nope! We give students the tools to pursue a sustainable writing & entrepreneurial career, whether they want to go into the Christian market or the mainstream market. Students don’t need to write for the Christian fiction genre. But we will help students who want to do so–and equip students who want to subtly weave their faith into writing for the general market.
Apply for the Conservatory
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