Year-long Novel Writing Mentorship Program. Finish A First Draft. Pitch an Agent.
My Novel Year:
The Draft
A 12-month mentorship for serious writers ready to stop thinking about their novel and actually write it. Taught live, all year, by an eight-time published novelist. No recorded lessons. Just you, your book, and me.
Apply now *
Apply now *
Now enrolling for the next Draft cohort. Small group. Applications reviewed on a rolling basis.
Book a free, 15-minute discovery call with Georgia Clark
You've Been Trying to Write This Book for Years
Maybe it’s a dream you can’t shake — the desire to write a novel. Maybe you even started, but then life happened. Now, the draft sits abandoned. You second-guess every sentence. You wonder if you're actually a writer or just someone who wants to be one.
Here's what you actually need: a proven plan to write 10,000 words/month, expert feedback at every stage, and someone in your corner who knows how to get you through your blocks because she's already published eight books.
My Novel Year: The Draft is a 12-month mentorship I've designed to take you from idea to completed manuscript — with professional guidance, industry access, and a small cohort of other writers who understand the struggle.
This isn't a library of videos you'll abandon. No modules. No pre-recorded lessons. No "learning portal." Every session, all year, is live, and it's with me.
This is the year your writing life changes and you write a novel.
My Novel Year: The Draft is a year-long novel writing mentorship program for writers who want to finish, revise, and prepare a novel for publication.
Led by an eight-time published author, My Novel Year includes professional novel mentorship, developmental editing, accountability, and access to a literary agent and acquiring editor.
How You'll Finally Finish Your Novel
Most writers don't fail because they aren't talented enough. They fail because writing a novel is a long project, and long projects require structure, accountability, and support.
That's exactly what this program provides.
Monthly word count targets (10k words = ~2,500/week = ~360/day)
Craft guidance exactly when you need it
Someone to troubleshoot your specific blocks (your 1-hour monthly private session)
Proof you're not the only one struggling (your cohort knows exactly what you're going through)
The curriculum is designed to keep you moving:
Q1: You build your foundation (outline, premise, structure) and write your first 10,000 words
Q2: You develop momentum with craft workshops (narrative strategy, dialogue, scene structure) and hit 40,000-50,000 words
Q3: You cross the finish line at 80,000 words with pacing and ending workshops
Q4: You get professional feedback and industry access
Your total time commitment: 3 hours/month in structured sessions + your writing practice
What you get: A clear path from "I can't finish" to "I have a completed manuscript"
Why This Isn't Like Other Writing Courses
Most online novel courses are built on modules: pre-recorded lessons you watch alone, with nobody checking in. Live time with an actual author is rare, limited, and rarely the point.
Here, the live time IS the program. We connect 1:1 every month. I know all your characters’ names. When life happens (and it will), I adjust the plan with you.
This is closer to an MFA workshop than an online course. Without the $60,000 price tag, and with the industry access an MFA can't promise.
In One Year, You’ll Have
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A completed first draft (70,000–90,000 words) and a clear roadmap for turning it into a publishable manuscript.
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A detailed, encouraging critique of your initial outline (10+ pages) that gives you a clear roadmap to crafting your first draft.
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Twelve monthly 2-hour live group workshops AND 12 private 1:1 coaching session, all live, all with me, all year
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A live pitch session with a literary agent AND an acquiring editor— no slush pile
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Direct access to published authors, agents, and marketing pros
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A rigorous developmental edit (15 -20 pages) to guide your final draft
Andrew Maguire
“Georgia Clark helped me turn a vague idea into a complete draft that landed a top agent and a book deal.
Her high-energy, affirming feedback gave me the confidence to seriously pursue my queer romance idea. Her programs provided accountability and valuable peer feedback. After two years, I felt prepared to query thanks to Georgia’s industry insights. I received eight offers. I signed with a senior agent at Transatlantic Agency for my novel, GRAND SLAM, which is coming out Spring 2027 from Alcove Press."
How It Works
12-Month Novel-Writing Curriculum
You'll work directly with me in a small cohort intentionally capped to ensure every writer receives meaningful attention and support. Not a team of coaches. Not a video library. Me, every month, for a year.
Each month includes:
• One 2-hour live group workshop focused on craft, accountability, discussion, guest experts, and peer support
• One 1-hour private coaching session tailored to your manuscript and drafting challenges
• Ongoing access to our private Slack community for encouragement, accountability, and troubleshooting between sessions
Together, these touchpoints create the structure, momentum, and editorial support needed to complete a novel over the course of a year.
Your total live commitment is approximately three hours per month, plus your writing time.
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Goal: Build your roadmap and start drafting
Month 1:
Group Session: Set intentions, establish accountability structure, and dive into premise development — what makes a story compelling from page one
Submit your novel outline (1,500-2,500 words) after the first session
Month 2:
Group Session: Editorial Deep Dive — unpacking developmental feedback + creating a customized drafting timeline
Receive your in-depth, ~10 - 15 page outline critique
Re-outline and begin drafting
Private coaching: work through any obstacles as they arise
Month 3:
Group Session: Craft Masterclass #1: Story Structure & Plot — the architecture that holds your novel together
Continue building momentum: aim for 10,000 words this month
Private coaching: troubleshoot plot problems, talk through character decisions, stay on track
By end of Q1: You have a solid foundation and 10,000+ words on the page.
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Goal: Write 10,000 words/month and develop your craft
Month 4:
Group Session: Craft Masterclass #2: Character — creating characters readers can't forget
Hit your 10,000-word monthly target
Private coaching: personalized support for your specific challenges
Month 5:
Group session: Special Industry Guest Q&A #1 — small group conversations where you ask your specific questions and get real answers.
Continue your 10,000-word pace (you're at 30,000+ words now)
Private coaching: stay motivated, work through any sticking points
Month 6:
Group Session: Opening Pages Boot Camp — share your first ten pages (2500 words) for supportive, constructive feedback from me and your cohort
Cross the halfway mark: 40,000+ words completed
Private coaching: celebrate progress, recalibrate for the second half
By end of Q2: You're 40,000-50,000 words in with stronger craft skills and peer support.
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Goal: Cross the finish line at 80,000 words
Month 7:
Craft Masterclass #3: Dialogue & Scene Work — making your characters sound real and creating strong scenes that serve as the building blocks of your story
Private coaching: problem-solve any plot tangles or motivation dips
Month 8:
Craft Masterclass #4: Line Level + Final Polish — the finishing touches on your novel
You're at 60,000+ words now
Private coaching: maintain momentum as you approach the finish line
Month 9:
Group Session: Special Industry Guest Q&A #2 — Topic: Author Platform Guest expert session on building your author platform. Learn what agents and editors actually look for in an author's online presence, and how to position yourself in today's market (even before you have a book deal).
Target: 80,000 words completed (flexible based on your progress)
Submit your full first manuscript for developmental editing
Private coaching: celebrate how far you've come and create a completion plan if you need a few more weeks
By end of Q3: Most writers will have their completed 80,000-word first draft submitted. If you need more time, we'll adjust your timeline in your private sessions.
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Q4: Polish & Positioning (Months 10-12)
Goal: Get professional feedback and industry access
Month 10:
Receive your full developmental edit — a 15+ page editorial letter covering structure, pacing, character development, and market readiness
Private coaching: digest your editorial feedback, discuss revision strategy, and ask questions
Month 11:
Group Session: Direct access to Emma Caruso, acquiring editor at The Dial Press — each writer gets 15 minutes to pitch their novel and receive editorial insight on market viability and what makes editors want to acquire a book
Create your personalized revision roadmap based on your editorial feedback
Private coaching: process your edit, start planning your revision approach, and prepare for your agent pitch
Month 12:
Group Session: Live agent pitch session with Elizabeth Pratt — each writer presents their novel directly to a literary agent (no slush pile, no waiting)
Private coaching: final session to celebrate what you've accomplished, reflect on your journey, and set your path forward
Slack community access continues as you move into revision
By end of Q4: You have a finished first draft, professional editorial feedback, feedback from both an acquiring editor and a literary agent, and a clear roadmap for what comes next.
Want the full curriculum? Download the 12-month outline PDF.
🎤Agent Pitch Session
with Elizabeth Pratt
Elizabeth Pratt is a literary agent at Trellis Literary Management — one of the most respected agencies in publishing — where she is actively building her list and selling books to major publishers. She came to Trellis via The Wylie Agency and Park, Fine & Brower, two of the most prestigious names in the business.
Elizabeth knows what it takes to get a manuscript in front of the right editors.
The average agent receives 5,000-10,000 queries per year and signs 1-3 new clients. Most writers never get past a form rejection—let alone a conversation about their work.
My Novel Year gives you something extremely rare: a 15-minute one-on-one feedback session with Elizabeth. You’ll pitch your novel directly to her and she’ll respond with honest feedback, ask questions about your story, and share what she looks for when evaluating manuscripts.
You'll gain professional insight into your story's market potential, specific feedback on premise, character, and stakes, and an understanding of what needs strengthening before you query. You’ll make a real industry connection.
This isn't a signing meeting—your first draft will need revision before it's ready for submission. But you'll learn exactly what agents look for, what's working in your concept, and what to focus on during revision.
This isn't a conference-style panel or group Q&A. It's dedicated one-on-one time focused on your manuscript, query strategy, and market positioning.
Who This Novel-Writing Program Is For
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You have a novel idea (or a few competing ones) and you're ready to commit
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You've tried writing solo but you need structure and accountability
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You're willing to write 10,000 words/month (roughly 2,500/week) over eight months
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You want to understand the publishing industry, not just write in a vacuum
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You’re ready to meet face-to-face with a literary agent and acquiring editor and pitch your book
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You're ready to invest in yourself, your creative work, and your dream of being a writer
This is NOT for you if:
❌ You have a first draft you want to revise (join The Revision)
❌ You're not ready to show your work or receive meaningful feedback
❌ You want a quick fix or paint-by-numbers formula
❌ You're not willing to commit to a full year
❌ You don’t have time to write a novel-length work
❌ You want pre-recorded lectures or a digital course with no human element
What Writers Say About Working With Georgia Clark
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"Working with Georgia Clark was an absolute game-changer. Her insight was invaluable in shaping the emotional arc of my main character. Georgia has an incredible talent for crafting fully realized, relatable characters, and her notes were both thorough and inspiring."
Cat Disbato, author of Rooting Interest
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"Working with Georgia was like getting an MFA in writing romance. I worked with her on two rounds of developmental edits for my book, Down to Earth. Having Georgia in my corner made revision feel not just doable, but joyful — like rewriting with a trusted collaborator. Taking her advice made me a better writer."
Julia Turshen, Down to Earth
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"The easy part was deciding I wanted to write a novel. The hard part was figuring out where to begin. My Novel Year gave me a clear roadmap. Georgia has equipped me with the tools to believe this goal is actually possible, while reminding me that writing takes time and doesn't demand perfection. I'm grateful for the accountability, support, and community, and excited to see where this journey leads."
Ashia Aubourg, The Draft
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"I'm a few months into My Novel Year and I can't emphasize enough how much this program has helped me. Whenever I have a question or idea, Georgia is there to provide in-depth feedback, letting me think out loud, and making the whole process feel less daunting. I leave our meetings feeling seen, motivated, and fully equipped to do hard things. If you're writing or revising a novel, Georgia is the perfect mentor."
Maddi Heise, The Revision
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"Georgia's expert editorial guidance is exactly what I need to get through another draft of my manuscript. No more feeling lost. No more feeling lonely. What sets Georgia apart is her ability to see what a manuscript is trying to be, and then coach writers through the tedious process of getting to the finish line."
Hope Highland, The Revision
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"Being part of this community has been the most impactful experience in my writing journey. I completed the first draft of my romantic comedy in five months. Georgia's guidance, mentorship, and thoughtful edits have been invaluable."
Mandi Kayne
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"Georgia created a safe space for all of us aspiring writers to explore what we could do. She guided each of us with gentle encouragement while also providing real insight into what the writing and publishing process is like."
Amanda Foor
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“I’ve been impressed and motivated by the monthly feedback. Each month we discuss what works and what doesn’t. As we get to know each other, the encouragement on our Slack and via workshop has grown. Setting monthly goals has motivated me to get more words on the page!”
Shannon Whitney
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“Exceeded my expectations—from learning, group critique sessions and feedback from Georgia—she’s created a supportive writing community and gives 1:1 attention and coaching at the same time. My writing practice has improved in quality and in speed!”
Sarah Constanza
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“Becoming part of Georgia Clark’s year-long writer’s group has changed my relationship with writing for the better. Working with her and this group of writers has allowed me fully step into myself as a writer and finally work on the book of my heart. I recommend this to anyone looking for a writing community that truly helps you flourish.”
Jessica Pascale
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"Georgia's workshop was the first writing class I ever took, and it showed me how transformative it can be to share your work with others. I met writers whom I now consider friends. Georgia's workshop gave me high-quality editorial feedback in a workshop setting, and it lit a fire in me to achieve my dreams."
Elizabeth Watson, author of The Rise of Scarlet Heroux
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"Working with Georgia was exactly what I needed to complete my first draft. The consistency of monthly meetings and community support helped cultivate the comfort of a tribe — reminding me that while this thing we're doing is hard, we're all in it together."
Michelle Hickey
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"Georgia's feedback held up a mirror to my story and revealed things I couldn't see myself about why the opening chapters weren't working as effectively as they could. Her expertise in the industry meant that her feedback had a different level of depth and a perspective that none of my beta readers had. And she's a joy to work with - always honest, optimistic, and an advocate for chasing your dream."
Rachel Grate
📚Direct Access to the Editorial Director of Dial Delights (The Dial Press)
Emma Caruso is the Editorial Director of Dial Delights and acquiring editor at The Dial Press, an imprint of Penguin Random House known for publishing #1 New York Times bestsellers and prize-winning literary fiction. She's the editor who reads manuscripts, makes offers, and decides which books land on bookstore shelves. She’s also my editor.
Emma has acquired and edited critically acclaimed novels across commercial and literary fiction. When she says yes to a manuscript, she's betting hundreds of thousands of dollars that readers will love it. She knows what works—and what doesn't.
Most writers only interact with editors if their agent gets them a meeting—which means you need an agent first, a polished manuscript second, and even then, you might never get direct feedback.
Attending a writing conference with editor access? That's $1,500-$3,000, and you're competing with 50+ writers for limited slots.
In My Novel Year, you get guaranteed time with Emma—no agent required, no conference badge needed, no connections necessary.
This isn't a guest lecture or webinar. It's an individual pitch session focused entirely on your manuscript.
In Month 11, you'll have a 15-minute private session with Emma to pitch your novel and get her honest editorial perspective: Is this premise compelling? Does this story have commercial or literary potential? What would make an editor excited about this book?
What you'll walk away with:
Editorial insight into whether your concept is marketable
Understanding of what makes editors acquire a book
Specific guidance on strengthening your story before you query
Knowledge of how your genre is performing in today's market
Apply now*
Apply now*
Now enrolling for the next Draft cohort. Small group. Applications reviewed on a rolling basis.
Book a free, 15-minute discovery call with Georgia Clark
Why a Full Year?
Because writing a novel isn't about finding a burst of inspiration.
It's about building a sustainable creative practice.
A year gives you the time to develop your idea, strengthen your craft, work around the realities of your life, and complete a manuscript without burning yourself out.
Instead of trying to write 80,000 words in a frantic sprint, you'll build steady momentum—supported by coaching, accountability, deadlines, and a community of writers working toward the same goal.
By the end of the year, you won't just have a completed draft.
You'll have the skills, habits, and confidence to keep writing long after the program ends.
About Me
I'm Georgia Clark — a New York-based internationally published author of eight novels, and developmental editor who helps writers finish their manuscripts and navigate the publishing industry. My books include Play It Again, Most Wonderful (a Book of the Month pick), Island Time, It Had to Be You, and others. My work has been published by Penguin Random House and Simon & Schuster, optioned for film and TV (where I've also produced treatments and scripts), and translated into multiple languages.
I’ve worked as a freelance editor with 831 Stories and served as story consultant on over a dozen of their titles.
Beyond my own writing, I'm the founder of Generation Women, an internationally popular storytelling series. I’ve helped over 600+ women and non-binary writers shape their stories for stage. I’m also the creator of the Generation Women Writers’ Retreat.
Over the last decade, I've helped writers from all backgrounds develop stories, complete manuscripts, navigate revision, and better understand the industry.
I know what it takes to finish a novel and get it published. I also know the exact obstacles that stop writers — and how to help you overcome them. That's what I'm here for.
Investment
Novel Writing Mentorship Pricing & Payment Options
Total Standalone Value: $16,000+
Three rounds of editorial feedback + 12 months mentorship + agent and editor pitch session + industry access
Your Investment: $12,000
Founding Year Rate
Future cohorts will be priced at $13,000+.
Payment Options
💳 Monthly Plan — $1,000/month for 12 months (Most Popular)
💰 Pay in Full — $11,000 (Save $1,000)
📅 Quarterly Plan — 4 payments of $3,000
Compare:
MFA programs: $30,000-$60,000 (no guaranteed agent access)
Year of private book coaching: $12,000-$24,000 (no community)
Developmental edits alone: $4,000-$6,000 (one-time feedback only)
Writing conferences with agent and editor pitch: $1,500-$3,000 each (for a 3-day weekend)
Self-paced online novel courses: $2,000–$4,000 (video lessons, a handful of coaching hours, no dedicated mentor)
You’re getting: A full year of high-touch mentorship, private coaching, professional editorial feedback, accountability, community, industry access, and a completed manuscript.
The real question isn't "Can I afford this?”
It's “What's it worth to finally finish the book you've been thinking about for years?
Not quite ready yet?
Check out my free writing guides:
✺ Frequently asked questions ✺
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A. My Novel Year is a year-long novel writing mentorship program led by bestselling novelist Georgia Clark. It combines monthly coaching, accountability, community, and live feedback to help writers complete a full draft and move toward publication.
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A. Yes. My Novel Year is designed as a practical, mentorship-based alternative to MFA programs, focused on commercial fiction, romance, and women’s fiction.
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A. The program is for women and non-binary writers working on novels who want structure, accountability, and professional guidance over a full year.
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Group sessions meet once a month for two hours on Zoom.
The exact time will be set based on group availability, but sessions typically run from 6–8pm ET on a weekday (Monday–Thursday).Before the program begins, I’ll poll the cohort to find a recurring monthly slot that works for everyone, and we’ll keep that same time each month for consistency.
Recordings are provided if you need to miss a session.
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Novel writing isn't always linear, and life happens. The monthly 1:1 coaching sessions help you adjust your manuscript timeline, troubleshoot writer's block, and create realistic writing goals based on your schedule. The 10,000 words/month target (about 2,500 words/week) is achievable for most committed writers, but some months you may write more, others less. The goal is completing your 70,000-100,000 word first draft by the end of the year—whether that happens in Month 9 or Month 11. Your private coaching ensures you stay accountable while maintaining flexibility. The Slack community also provides ongoing support and encouragement between our monthly novel writing workshops.
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Most writers do — but if you need more time, we'll create a completion plan in your final quarter.
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Q. What if I already have a partial draft?
Totally fine — you can begin at any stage of development:
a vague idea you’ve never written
a few chapters you abandoned
30,000 words that need reshaping
three different openings of the same book
a draft you stalled out on
As long as you’re ready to commit to one version and move forward, you’re a fit for The Draft.
If you already have a full draft and want to focus exclusively on revision and refinement, that’s where My Novel Year: The Revision is the better match.
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Payment plans are non-refundable after the first 30 days. I'm committed to your success — if something isn't working, we'll troubleshoot together.
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Unlike MFA programs that cost $30,000-$60,000 and focus primarily on literary craft, My Novel Year is a results-oriented novel writing mentorship designed to help you complete a publishable manuscript in 12 months. You'll receive personalized developmental editing, direct literary agent access, and practical publishing industry guidance—not just academic writing theory. MFA programs rarely guarantee agent meetings or provide professional manuscript editing. This program delivers both, along with small cohort accountability (just 5 writers) and monthly 1:1 coaching sessions tailored to your specific book project. You'll finish with a completed first draft, a comprehensive developmental edit, and a clear path to querying literary agents—practical outcomes that support your publishing goals.
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Yes. I occasionally take on private clients for bespoke 1:1 novel mentorship when there's a strong fit. This is a premium offering designed for writers who need highly personalized guidance or have unique circumstances that don't align with the cohort model.
If you're interested in exploring a custom program, please contact me with details about your project and goals. Due to limited availability, I can only accommodate serious inquiries.
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Yes. Here's the math:
10,000 words/month = 2,500 words/week = roughly 360 words/day
That's about 1-2 pages per day, 5 days a week
You write 8 months at this pace (months 2-9), giving you 80,000 words
Month 1 you're outlining, months 10-12 you're getting editorial feedback
If you fall behind, your monthly private sessions are where we troubleshoot and adjust your timeline. Most writers finish by month 9; some need until month 10. Either way, you finish.
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Q1 — Outline Critique: Detailed feedback on your 2,000-word outline to ensure you're building something strong.
Q2 — Mid-Year Excerpt: Supportive feedback from me and your peers on a short excerpt.
Q4 — Full Developmental Edit: An 8-10 page editorial letter covering structure, pacing, character development, and market readiness. Actionable, encouraging, tailored to your voice.
(Combined standalone value: $5,000)
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No. You don't need anything except a great manuscript. But here's what I learned: I only landed my first major book deal because I worked with a freelance editor through two rounds of revisions. Not because the editor "fixed" my book - because she taught me how to think and write like a professional novelist.
Publishing is increasingly competitive. The question isn't "Do I need this to get published?" - it's "What's the fastest way to develop the craft skills that will serve me for my entire career?"
My Novel Year isn't about outsourcing your revision - it's about learning to revise at a professional level. The developmental edits you receive aren’t a "fix" – they’re a masterclass in seeing your own work clearly. Plus: You're not just getting editorial feedback. You're getting agent and editor access, craft workshops, and a year of mentorship. This is professional development, not a shortcut.
The bottom line: Can you query without professional support? Absolutely. Will you learn faster with expert guidance? I did, and so have my students who've landed agents and book deals.
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Probably not — and that's by design. First drafts are rarely submission-ready, no matter how strong the writer. The publishing market is competitive, and agents expect polished, revised manuscripts that have been through beta readers and multiple drafts.
Year One gets you to a completed first draft with professional editorial feedback. Most writers will need 6-12 months of revision before they're ready to query. (That's what Year Two: The Revision is designed for.)
The agent consultation in Month 12 gives you a roadmap for that revision — so when you do query, you're pitching with clarity and confidence.
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You'll receive three rounds of professional editorial feedback throughout the year:
Round 1 (Month 1): Detailed feedback on your 500-2,000 word novel outline covering story structure, premise strength, and character development foundations
Round 2 (Month 6): Supportive workshop feedback on your opening pages/first chapter from both me and your writing cohort during our Opening Pages Boot Camp
Round 3 (Month 10): A comprehensive 10+ page developmental edit of your complete first draft addressing plot structure, character arcs, pacing, narrative cohesion, point of view, dialogue, and market readiness—similar to what you'd receive from a professional book editor at a publishing house
All feedback is constructive, actionable, and designed to strengthen your manuscript for the revision process and eventual literary agent queries. This is the same level of developmental editing I provide to authors at 831 Stories.
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Yes. While the program is designed around completing a novel-length manuscript (70,000-100,000 words), I welcome writers working on novellas. The curriculum, feedback structure, and industry access remain the same, and the price point doesn't change—you're paying for the mentorship, editorial guidance, and agent/editor access, not just word count.
If you're writing a novella, we'll adjust your monthly word count goals in your 1:1 sessions to reflect your project's scope.
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Writers of all genres participate, most commonly those working on their first or second full-length manuscript.
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Your manuscript must be under 90,000 words to receive the developmental edit.
This isn’t arbitrary — debuts over 90K are less competitive in the current market, and keeping the length in range allows me to give your draft a high-quality, thorough edit. -
In extenuating circumstances, group Zoom meetings may be rescheduled. Every effort will be made to to ensure all writers can join the rescheduled session. All sessions will be recorded for anyone who can’t make a rescheduled time.
