Why a College Alternative Program for Writers?

Many creative young people who love writing find themselves floundering after high school. You know they have a creative spark, and worry that a traditional college program could stifle them. But you also want them to mature into a responsible adult who can pay the bills and pursue their dreams wisely.

That’s why the Author Conservatory exists. We help aspiring authors lay a strong foundation for a long-term, sustainable writing career.

instructors-teaching-creative-writing-students

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.

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We follow an intensive mentorship format so students an get regular professional feedback on their writing.

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Students are taught by award-winning authors, professional editors, and successful entrepreneurs.

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Students will complete at least two full-length novels under the direction of industry professionals.

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Students will launch a profitable entrepreneurial venture and learn tools for building a business around their writing.

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Students will graduate with the tools they 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.”

Sarah Pagel

Class of 2024

Watch Your Students Learn 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

Amanda Dykes

Christy award-winning author.

Margaret McGriff

Digital content strategist & fantasy adventure author.

Kimberley Woodhouse

CBA bestselling & multi-award-winning author of 45+ books.

Katie Williams

Enclave Publishing proofreader & freelance editor.

And Achieve Real Results

Graduate Spotlight: Anna Rose Johnson

Anna Rose won an NPR Best Book of 2022 award for her debut novel, The Star That Always Stays. She has since published multiple award-winning novels, including The Blossoming Summer and Secrets at Sparhawk Point.

Her books have been a Christy Amplify Award winner, Bank Street Best Children’s Book of the Year, and Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

Anna Rose continues to write and impact readers with her historical fiction. Speaking of her time in the program she's shared, “The Author Conservatory really has made all the difference for me!”

Graduate Spotlight: Juliet Artman

Juliet has drafted two full-length novels, three novellas, and eight pieces of short fiction. Plus, she earned $30,000 from her cleaning business the year she graduated from the Author Conservatory at 20-years-old.

With a growing business and a stellar writing education, Juliet is positioned to pursue her writing dreams without financial pressure. As she puts it, “I will never be a starving artist and I have the Author Conservatory to thank for that.”

Graduate Spotlight: Calissa Ding

While she was still a teenager, Calissa signed a six-figure two-book contract with an imprint of Macmillan for her middle-grade contemporary novels. Her first book, A Thousand Paper Lives, will release in 2028.

As Calissa looks forward to releasing her first book, she had this to share about her time in the program: “You guys are the best mentors I could’ve hoped for… I’m only too happy to brag about The Conservatory to everyone I meet.”

Graduate Spotlight: Sarah Pagel

Sarah drafted five novels, two novellas, and a short story and completely paid for her Author Conservatory tuition through the petsitting business we helped her start.

She writes: “I grew up dreaming about Hogwarts, Narnia, Camp Half-Blood, and Rivendell—places of wonder and belonging I ached to step into. The Author Conservatory has been that place for me, a haven that’s given me a community, taught me how to wield my sword for the Kingdom, and helped me step into the woman God created me to be.”

Following graduation, Sarah landed a job at Tyndale House Publishers, where she works as a part of their sales department.

(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.)

Every Student Graduates in 3 years with…

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A mastery of the fundamentals of fiction.

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Two full-length projects written with coaching & direction from writing professionals.

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A viable financial strategy for writing & entrepreneurship.

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The tools necessary for their own business venture that earns money at a high hourly rate.

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A network of writing peers and professional industry connections to support their career.

“I will never be a starving artist, and I have the Author Conservatory to thank for that.”

Juliet Artman

Class of 2024

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166 students as of September 2025

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Average class size: 6 students

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8:1 student-faculty ratio as of September 2025 (national average: 14:1)

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19% acceptance rate in 2024-25 (national average: 70%)

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74% retention rate for 2024-25 (national average: 67%)

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88% of 2024 alumni would choose the Conservatory again 9 months after graduation

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Founded in 2020

How to Help Your Students Thrive

We’d love to work with your avid young writers and help them discover a plan and a purpose for their writing gift. But we also know that before you feel ready to recommend the Author Conservatory to them, you may want to see us in action.

Every November, we run the Next C.S. Lewis Fellowship, a free month-long event for high schoolers that helps them take their craft to the next level. This program absolutely fits around a school schedule. You’re also welcome to attend lectures to see what they’re like!

Click the button below to learn more and nominate a student for the Fellowship today.