Schedule & Time Commitment

The Incubator takes place on Zoom. Our initial two weeks will focus on laying the groundwork (materially, socially and emotionally) for a six-week deep-dive into book writing.

  • Monday Heartwork (weeks 1-8): 12:00 - 1:30pm PST/3-4:30 EST

  • Tuesday Practicalities (weeks 1-8): delivered to your inbox/WhatsApp

  • Virtual Writing Room (weeks 3-8): daily, 8-11am PST, 11-2pm EST*

  • Wednesday Guest Author Craft Talks (weeks 3-8): 12:00 - 1pm PST/ 3-4pm EST

  • Thursday Book Therapy (weeks 1-8): Day & evening time slots available

  • First 5,000 Words Workshop (week 5): TBD

  • Friday Table Reads (weeks 3-8): 12:00 - 1pm PST/3-4pm EST

  • Weekly Writing Partners (weeks 1-8)  

Time commitment may range from 6-10 hrs/week during the two-week ramp-up, and 15-25 hrs/week thereafter, depending on your use of the virtual writing room. However, an asynchronous experience of this Incubator is entirely possible. All live sessions will be recorded. We’ll work with each writer to make sure this program fits their life, work, and family situation.

*Subject to change according to group preferences.

Overview

Anna and Colleen will guide a select cohort of writers through an eight-week program of helpfully pressurized writing. The Incubator begins with a two-week ramp-up of individualized coaching, goal-setting, and exercises designed to set boundaries and prime you for a concentrated plunge into book writing.

The next six weeks of the Incubator feature a daily virtual writing room; accountability partners; seminars aimed at cultivating creative endurance; a first 5,000 words workshop; craft talks with distinguished guest authors; an agent visit; and one-on-one “book therapy”—a chance to dig in on anything that’s thwarting momentum, whether in the manuscript or the mind. Friday “table reads” punctuate and celebrate the week’s progress.

For more details about the various components of the Incubator, see our FAQ. The next Incubator is September 7 - October 30, 2025. Applications open on April 15, and close June 10.

Rates & Financial Aid

The cost of this 8-week Incubator is $4400, including weekly one-on-one Book Therapy sessions, and individualized feedback on 5K words of your manuscript. Paying the full rate enables us to offer full and partial scholarships to writers who otherwise can’t afford to participate. Please apply even if finances are a barrier.

A 20% deposit is due upon acceptance. Full payment is due two weeks before the Incubator start date.

“All writers know that the writing itself can sometimes be quite isolating. This incubator was a miraculous way to feel like I was working ‘in the trenches’ alongside colleagues. The experience of collective process and journey was priceless.”

—Samantha Culp