Get Your Memoir Publication-Ready
You learn why one line is a good and another needs to go. You learn how and where to start. You learn that you're not alone when you consider giving up.
- Rudy Wilson GaldonikMany writers spend years building their memoir drafts only to feel a little lost when it comes to transforming their drafts from an assortment of memories and personal experiences into a compelling, cohesive manuscript ready to pitch to agents and editors. It’s also difficult to find reliable, consistent, and skilled writing groups ready to read multiple chapters and/or full manuscripts. Over the course of 12 months, the Memoir Incubator provides a supportive and accelerated dive into the memoir form where a small and committed group of ten writers will revise their memoirs, strengthen their knowledge about the memoir form, and gain a thoughtful introduction to the publishing world, which includes industry and alumni guest speakers. Even after the program concludes, Memoir Incubator writers become a part of a wider alumni community that informally supports one another in a wider network of mutual benefit.
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 minimum of 50 pages of a memoir draft (even if it’s a very rough draft), and all styles are welcome. Writers who would like to build more pages of their memoir draft in a supportive, focused environment should consider the Memoir Generator program prior to the Memoir Incubator; however, it is not a requirement and does not guarantee acceptance into the Memoir Incubator program. They are distinct yet complementary programs designed for writers at various stages of the memoir writing process.
Below is a quick list of key dates and information. More details about the program can be found via the side links.
Key Dates & Information
Location:
- The Memoir Incubator will be held remotely via Zoom.
Application Info:
- Application Opens: November 6, 2024
- Submission Deadline: February 10, 2025, by 11:59pm ET
- Decision Notifications: Early/mid April 2025
- Application Preview: Curious to see what’s on the application? View a preview here to help you prepare.
- Apply Here.
Program Dates:
- Program Duration: June 2025 – May 2026
- Class Time: Tuesdays, 6:00 to 9:00pm ET
- First Day of Class: June 3, 2025
Free Information Sessions:
- Online Q&A via Zoom: December 5, 2024, from 6:00 to 7:00pm ET
- Online Q&A via Zoom: January 14, 2025, from 6:00 to 7:00pm ET
Financial Info:
- Tuition Total: $8955
- 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.
Questions?
If you have specific questions about the Memoir Incubator program, email [email protected] or call the office anytime at 617.695.0075.