Big Idea

So you want to be a writer… but you don’t know how to get there?

Open Books Publishing Academy is a year-long program that turns young writers (7th-12th grade) into published novelists. Writers participate in a rigorous five-week intensive in the summer, followed by monthly workshops on the second Saturday of the month from September through April. During this time, they write full-length novels with guidance from teachers and writing coaches. Students learn the fundamentals of fiction writing, consult with industry professionals about design and publication, hear first-hand advice from published authors, and foster peer relationships with other writers.

At the end of this journey, each young author’s book is published and celebrated.

This year, Publishing Academy will be a virtual program over the summer. With a combination of Zoom, Google Classroom, and written feedback, we will provide all the instructional lessons, assignments, group activities, and workshopping groups that make this program so special. As the year progresses, we will evaluate if we are able to hold the monthly sessions during the school year in person.

At A Glance

What: An intensive writing workshop experience that takes students from blank page to finished – and published – novel.

Where: Online! Zoom, Google Classroom, and at home.

When: Five weeks in the summer, July 6 to August 6, 2020 (Monday-Thursday); online classes will take place between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m., with an expectation that students spend two hours independently writing each day. Summer session is followed by workshops on the second Saturday of each month from September to April.

Who: 7th–12th grade authors

How: Applications for Publishing Academy will be considered on a rolling basis. The Publishing Academy team will review each candidate’s application, writing sample, and scholarship application (if applicable). Once reviewed, all accepted students will be invited to interview via video conference.

Price:*

• $400
  *Need-based scholarships are available

For more information, contact [email protected]