APPLICATION & TUITION

Applications

Applications for Fall 2027 – Spring 2028 open January 1st, 2027.

To apply, you will need:

5 minutes to complete the application.
A credit/debit card to pay the $25 application fee.
A 5,000-word writing sample (fiction only). Complete short stories are acceptable, as are excerpts from novellas and novels. Acceptance is determined by Dn. Nicholas based on submitted excerpts.
Applications will close February 28th, 2027.
Accepted students will be notified of their status on or before March 31st, 2027.

Tuition & Payment

The total cost of the Workshop is $5,000

(N.B. While food and lodging are covered for the in-person retreat in September, students will need to finance their own travel expenses to and from the retreat.)

Once accepted, a $1,000 non-refundable deposit is required within 5 days to secure your spot.
Balance of $5,000 (including deposit) must be paid in full by August 7th.

Academic Calendar

Our 2025 – 2026 Academic Calendar is available below.

View Calendar

Important Dates

September 1st – 5th, 2026: In-Person Kick-Off Retreat
September 2026 – May 2027: Online Courses
January 1st, 2027: Applications Open for Fall 2027

January 15th, 8 pm EST, 2027: Open House for Fall 2027
February 28th, 2027: Applications Close for Fall 2027
March 31st, 2027: Cohort 5 Accepted

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FAQ

Is writing experience necessary to be accepted?

As a prerequisite, we expect students to be committed writers who are trying to reach the next level. You do not need to be published to apply, but your submitted excerpt should demonstrate a basic understanding of the writing craft. You must be at least 18 years of age to apply.

Do the instructors provide direct feedback on my work in progress?

Each class is unique. At the in-person kick-off retreat, Dn. Nicholas provides direct feedback on student work and is available for 1:1 project workshopping. In Nicole Lyon-Roccas’s class, students write a personal essay and are given feedback on the essay but not their personal WIP. In Paul Kingsnorth’s class, students are given feedback on what they write in class but are not given feedback on their personal WIP. Throughout the fall semester, students are given blocks of time to apply concepts from their class to their personal projects. In the spring semester, students receive more direct feedback. First, they are taught how to give feedback to one another and are given a structure in which to do so throughout the semester. At the end of Jonathan Pageau’s class, students have an opportunity to pitch their novel idea in class to receive feedback on their world’s structure and symbolism. In Dn. Nicholas’s genre class, students receive feedback on their personal WIP as they did at the retreat. Students also meet with Katherine Bolger Hyde twice during the semester to workshop scenes from their WIP. The final course on publishing offers business advice on today’s publishing landscape and is not geared toward craft feedback.

Can I take just a few of the courses?

We do not offer individual courses because each course builds upon the learning in previous courses.

How much time should I expect to devote to classes and homework?

Approximately 5 hours per week, though students who wish to complete their major works in progress by the workshop’s end should expect to devote a little more time, at their own discretion, to their personal projects.

When does the next cohort start?

A new cohort starts at the end of each summer. The next cohort starts in Fall 2026.

Does the school provide accommodations for students with disabilities?

We are willing to make reasonable accommodations to support students with disabilities. Some disabilities and impairments may hinder a student’s ability to complete the program.

Do you offer financial aid?

We do not offer financial aid at this time. Please review the Tuition & Payment schedule above for tuition details.

What is your refund policy if I need to withdraw?

Refunds (excepting the non-refundable deposit) are offered prior to May 1st.

Can I apply if I live outside the US?

Absolutely! Our graduates include students residing in Canada, the UK, and New Zealand, to mention a few. Please be advised, however, that some countries require us to pay VAT taxes for students in other countries. If this is the case, there may be a small surcharge applied to your tuition to cover taxes at a flat rate. We will discuss this with you upon admittance.

What is the result of participating in the Workshop?

Improving your craft, coaching for navigating the publishing industry, and a possible option for publication.

Can I transfer credits from another school?

Due to the unique approach and content of our courses, we are unable to accept transfer credits.

Will my credits transfer to another school?

The Workshop does not produce credits for a transcript.

Where is the retreat?

The retreat takes place in upstate New York. Details are shared with accepted students.