Class Description
Class Description
About the GrubStreet Novel Incubator:
Many writers spend years toiling away on their novel drafts only to get stuck on how to take their work from a good draft to a great manuscript ready to approach agents and editors. It can be difficult to find a reliable, consistent, and skilled writing group, especially one that’s prepared to read full manuscripts. Over the course of 12 months, the Novel Incubator provides a supportive and accelerated dive into the novel form where a small and committed group of ten writers will revise their novels, strengthen their knowledge about the novel form, and gain a thoughtful introduction to the publishing world, which includes industry and alumni guest speakers. Even after the program concludes, Novel Incubator writers become a part of a wider alumni community that informally continues the spirit of mutual learning and support.
Whether you’ve been writing for decades or only started a year ago, writers of all experience levels and backgrounds/identities are welcome to apply to the program. We believe that the best writing is born out of an expansive mindset in the way we read and write, and of course, grow together, especially in areas less familiar to us.
The ideal applicant will have previously participated in some kind of writing group or workshop that includes giving/receiving feedback, and they should have a generous, community-building mindset with an openness to learning ambitious craft skills together. Ideal applicants will also have a complete novel draft (even if it’s a very rough draft), and all genres are welcome. Writers who still need to build toward a complete novel manuscript should consider the Novel Generator program prior to the Novel Incubator; however, it is not a requirement and does not guarantee acceptance into the Novel Incubator program. They are distinct yet complementary programs designed for writers at various stages of the novel writing process.
Below is a quick list of key dates and information. More details about the program can be found via the side links.
At-a-Glance Program Dates and Information:
- Location: The 2026-2027 In-Person Novel Incubator will be held at GrubStreet’s Center for Creative Writing located in Boston’s Seaport neighborhood.
- Instructor: Michelle Hoover
- Application Info: Application Opens: Monday, November 3, 2025
- Submission Deadline: Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET
- Decision Notifications: April 2026
- Program Duration: June 2026 – May 2027
- Class Time: Mondays from 6–9:30 PM ET
- First Day of Class: Monday, June 1, 2026
- Tuition Total: $9,225
- Scholarship Info: Available in the amount of 25% to 75% off the total tuition cost. The optional and brief application is attached at the end of the standard program application for your convenience.
This class will take place in-person at our Center for Creative Writing in Boston's Seaport neighborhood.
Covid-19 Update:
GrubStreet's space will be mask-optional when Boston's Covid-19 Community Level is low or medium. When the Covid-19 Community Level is high, our space will require masks. Please check GrubStreet's Covid-19 page for the latest info on masking and Community Levels before visiting in person.
Space Accessibility:
Our space is ADA accessible with automatic door openers, ADA-compliant restrooms, desk and table spacing, braille signage, and elevator. Our classrooms can be equipped with ALS for hard of hearing individuals. We cannot guarantee a scent-free environment. For more accessibility requests, please contact our Operations team at [email protected] or (617) 695-0075.