After their time in the Novel Incubator, students have published novels with Simon & Schuster, HarperCollins, Penguin Random House, Macmillan, Hachette Book Group, and more. Alumni have also found literary success through winning writing awards and contests and launching their writing careers by teaching and presenting at conferences and festivals.
"In no other writing program will you have 10 dedicated novelists read your complete manuscript (twice!) and work with you to make it the best book possible."
- Stephanie Gayle, author of the novel IDYLL THREATSPatricia Park, author of the novels RE: JANE, IMPOSTER SYNDROME, & WHAT'S EATING JACKIE OH?
"The Novel Incubator was a rigorous year well-spent. The program takes a holistic approach to the novel-writing process, targeting big- and little-picture issues. Michelle and Lisa were generous, knowledgeable instructors deeply invested in their students. My manuscript was tighter and richer as a result of the Novel Incubator.”
Christine Murphy, author of the novel NOTES ON SURVIVING THE FIRE
"I owe my entire novel to Grubstreet. Drafting it in the Novel Generator with Henriette Lazaridis and our class (nicknamed the Illusions of Grandeur) and ripping it apart repeatedly in the Novel Incubator with Michelle Hoover (mighty Year 11), I would never have had the courage to dive so deeply into my subject matter if not for the support of my brilliant and wonderful writing peers. Grubstreet gave me a community, which gave me strength, endurance, and resilience. I am so grateful."
Belle Brett, author of the novel GINA IN THE FLOATING WORLD
"With two novels in various states of revision, I felt stalled. GrubStreet’s unique, year-long Novel Incubator program was just what I needed. With constructive feedback on an entire draft from a diverse group of talented writers, insights from critiquing other students’ work, advanced craft discussions, numerous hour-long individual consultations with our stellar instructor, and deadlines to propel me along, I am finally back on track. All this is taking place in one of the most supportive writing environments I have ever experienced."
Kelly Ford, author of the novels COTTON MOUTHS, REAL BAD THINGS, & THE HUNT
"This class is perfect for anyone who struggles with the dreadful question 'now what?' as they settle down to revise the first (or fifth) draft of their novel. Aside from the high level of input and support that comes from amazing classmates, there's the benefit Michelle's instruction. The most important lesson for me has been: What do your characters want? After six years of fits and starts, I can finally answer that question."
Stephanie Gayle, author of the novels IDYLL THREATS, IDYLL FEARS, & IDYLL HANDS
“In no other writing program will you have 10 dedicated novelists read your complete manuscript (twice!) and work with you to make it the best book possible. And the benefits of the Novel Incubator program extend past graduation. You will be part of a writing cohort that will support you in querying, editing, and marketing your work. This program isn't just a game changer; it's a life changer. And I'm so happy and grateful I am part of it.”
Mark Guerin, author of the novel YOU CAN SEE MORE FROM UP HERE
“I know of no other writing program that allows students to have their novels read and critiqued in their entirety by ten other writers while providing such useful and focused advice on the craft and business of novel writing. Yes, it is a great deal of work. I had to read and critique everyone else’s books, too, but in doing so, I feel like I honed my ability to think critically about my own craft, as much so while critiquing as I did when receiving comments on my own book. More than anything else, I enjoyed the motivating atmosphere and sense of purpose the members of my program shared.”
Louise Miller, author of the novels THE CITY BAKER’S GUIDE TO COUNTRY LIVING and THE LATE BLOOMERS' CLUB
“I received everything I hoped for from my year participating in the Novel Incubator. I had the chance to dig deep into studying the craft of the novel. I received generous, thoughtful feedback from my teacher, 2nd reader and fellow incubees. I made life-long friends and critique partners. I became a part of the amazing alumni community, who are incredibly supportive, inspiring and fun. I discovered how hard I can work. And I can honestly say that the final draft of my novel is much stronger because of all of this. But the most valuable thing that happened for me is that somewhere in between reading and critiquing and revising I stopped thinking about myself as a baker who happened to write a book, and started seeing myself as a writer. It’s a powerful thing to give yourself a year to devote to your creative self. For novelists, Novel Incubator is an amazing way to do just that.”
E.B. Moore, author of the novels AN UNSEEMLY WIFE, STONES IN THE ROAD, & LOOSE IN THE BRIGHT FANTASTIC
"The Novel Incubator has been the most intense educational experience of my life, pushing me to a productivity I didn’t think possible. Each member of our group, along with our instructors, gives insightful and supportive critiques while never flinching from the hard truth of what a manuscript needs. It’s a birthing process with all the pain and pleasure that involves. I value each of our group as a writer, an educator, a co-parent, and friend."
Emily Ross, author of the novel HALF IN LOVE WITH DEATH
"I am so glad to be part of GrubStreet’s Novel Incubator class. Before I took this class writing my novel was like driving in the dark. At best I could see a chapter ahead and had no sense of where I was going. The feedback I got on my entire novel from the wonderful instructor and my fellow ‘incubees’ has proven invaluable. Going through the revision journey with this same group of passionate writers has enabled me to take that feedback and make it work. I now have a clear vision of where I am going and the tools to get there. I can’t begin to say how grateful I am for that!"
Jennie Wood, author of the novels A BOY LIKE ME and PAPER PLANES
"The Novel Incubator class experience reminds me of my favorite quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson: "Our chief want in life is somebody who shall make us do what we can." In this case, that "somebody" is the Novel Incubator class. You go through the experience with nine fellow students, all deeply committed to providing endless feedback and support in the demanding, overwhelming process of revision. And you are guided by the highest level of hands on instruction, pushing you, daring you to write the kind of novel you are meant to write."