Get Your Novel Publication-Ready
It is without a doubt the best thing I’ve done to help my writing career.
- Robert FernandesMany 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.
Key Dates & Information
Location:
- The Novel Incubator will be held in person at GrubStreet’s Center for Creative Writing located in Boston’s Seaport neighborhood.
Application Info:
- Application Opens: November 6, 2024
- Submission Deadline: February 10, 2025, by 11:59pm ET
- Decision Notifications: Early 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: Mondays, 6:00 to 9:30pm ET
- First Day of Class: June 2, 2025
Free Information Sessions:
- In-Person Q&A: December 2, 2024, from 6:30 to 7:30pm ET at the Seaport location
- Online Q&A via Zoom: January 11, 2025, from 10:00 to 11:00am 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 Novel Incubator program, email [email protected] or call the office anytime at 617.695.0075.