Year-long Novel Writing Mentorship Program. Finish A First Draft. Pitch an Agent.
My Novel Year:
The Draft
A 12-month mentorship program for serious writers who are ready to stop thinking about their novel and actually write it—with expert guidance and unprecedented industry access.
Professional novel-writing mentorship with developmental editing, literary agent and acquiring editor access, and expert guidance from an 8-times published author.
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 cohort of four other writers who understand the struggle.
This isn't another online course you'll abandon in a few months. This is the year your writing life changes and you write a novel.
You'll Write 10,000 Words Per Month (Here's How)
Most writers who can't finish don't lack talent—they lack structure. You need:
Monthly word count targets (10k words = ~2,500/week = ~360/day)
Craft guidance exactly when you need it (Month 3: character development, right when you're building your cast)
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"
In One Year, You’ll Have
-
✅
Your full first draft of a brilliant novel that can sell in today’s market (70,000 - 100,000 words — done)
-
✅
A professional developmental edit from me (10+ pages of detailed feedback to guide your final draft)
-
✅
12 monthly 2-hour group workshops with your cohort + 12 1-hour private 1:1 coaching sessions
-
✅
A live pitch session with a literary agent — no slush pile, no gatekeeping
-
✅
Direct access to published authors, agents, and marketing pros
-
✅
A clear revision roadmap and next steps toward publication
Waitlist now for 2026 *
Waitlist now for 2026 *
Get early access when enrollment opens in Q1 2026
Book a free 15-min call with Georgia to ask questions and discuss your creative goals.
No payment required.
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 2 years, I felt prepared to query thanks to Georgia’s industry insights. I received eight offers and signed with a senior agent at Transatlantic Agency. My novel, GRAND SLAM, was acquired by DoubleDay Canada and will be published in 2026."
Andrew Maguire
“Georgia Clark helped me turn a vague idea into a book deal.
How It Works
12-Month Novel-Writing Curriculum
You'll work directly with me in a cohort of just five writers, capped intentionally so everyone gets real attention.
Each month includes:
One 2-hour group workshop (accountability, craft lectures, peer support, guest Q&As)
One 1-hour private coaching session (tailored troubleshooting, no prep required)
Ongoing access via private Slack community
Your total time commitment: 3 hours/month + your writing practice
-
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 (500-2,000 words) after the first session
Receive detailed editorial feedback from me on structure, character, and story potential
Month 2:
Group Session: Story structure & plot — the architecture that holds your novel together
Begin drafting with your approved outline in hand
Private coaching: work through any obstacles as they arise
Month 3:
Group Session: Character development — creating characters readers can't forget
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.
-
Goal: Write 10,000 words/month and develop your craft
Month 4:
Group Session: Narrative strategy & POV — finding the right voice and perspective for your story
Hit your 10,000-word monthly target
Private coaching: personalized support for your specific challenges
Month 5:
Group Session: Dialogue — making your characters sound real and distinct
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 chapter 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.
-
Goal: Cross the finish line at 80,000 words
Month 7:
Group Session: Pacing & rhythm — keeping readers turning pages
The end is in sight: keep writing
Private coaching: problem-solve any plot tangles or motivation dips
Month 8:
Group Session: Scene structure — the building blocks of great storytelling
You're at 60,000+ words now
Private coaching: maintain momentum as you approach the finish line
Month 9:
Group Session: Endings — sticking the landing (because endings are hard)
Target: 80,000 words completed (flexible based on your progress)
Submit your full first draft for developmental editing
Private coaching: celebrate how far you've come and create a completion plan if you need a few more weeks
Throughout Q2-Q3: Intimate Q&A sessions with published authors and publishing professionals (agents, editors) — small group conversations where you ask your specific questions and get real answers.
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.
-
Q4: Professional Readiness (Months 10-12)
Goal: Get professional feedback and industry access
Month 10:
Receive your full developmental edit — a 10+ page editorial letter covering structure, pacing, character development, and market readiness
Group Session: Marketing masterclass — understand the business side of publishing and how to position your work
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 Allison Hunter — each writer presents their novel directly to a literary agent actively seeking new voices (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, direct contact with both an acquiring editor and a literary agent, and a clear roadmap for what comes next.
🎤Agent Pitch Session
with Allison Hunter
Allison Hunter is a founding partner and literary agent at Trellis Literary Management, representing commercial and literary fiction across genres including romance, women's fiction, thrillers, and book club fiction. She's sold a staggering number of books to major publishers including Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, and Simon & Schuster, and is always looking for new voices.
Allison is my agent—the person who helped me bring my novels to publishing houses and navigate the industry for over a decade. She knows what makes a manuscript sell in today’s market.
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 (Allison famously remembers every in-person pitch.)
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.
Are you ready for your 1:1 with Allison?
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 Allison. 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.
Who This Novel-Writing Program Is For
-
✅
You have a novel idea (or a few competing ones) and you're ready to commit
-
✅
You've tried writing solo but you need structure and accountability
-
✅
You're willing to write 10,000 words/month (roughly 2,500/week) over eight months
-
✅
You want to understand the publishing industry, not just write in a vacuum
-
✅
You’re ready to meet face-to-face with a literary agent and acquiring editor and pitch your book
-
✅
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
-
![Successful novel writing program graduate testimonials]()
"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
-
![Successful novel writing program graduate testimonials]()
"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
-
![Successful novel writing program graduate testimonials]()
"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
-
![Successful novel writing program graduate testimonials]()
"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
-
![Successful novel writing program graduate testimonials]()
“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
-
![Successful novel writing program graduate testimonials]()
“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
-
![Successful novel writing program graduate testimonials]()
“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
-
![Successful novel writing program graduate testimonials]()
"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
-
![Successful novel writing program graduate testimonials]()
"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
📚Direct Access to an Acquiring Editor at The Dial Press
Emma Caruso is an 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.
Ready to get insider perspective from someone who actually acquires books?
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
Waitlist now for 2026 *
Waitlist now for 2026 *
Get early access when enrollment opens in Q1 2026
Book a free 15-min call with Georgia to ask questions and discuss your creative goals.
No payment required.
Why a Full Year?
Because writing a novel isn't a sprint. It's a sustained creative practice that requires time, consistency, and support.
A year gives you:
Time to write around your other commitments (8 months at 10,000 words/month)
Space to develop craft as you draft (learning dialogue when you're writing dialogue)
Sustainable momentum (2,500 words/week, not crash-and-burn intensity)
Professional editorial feedback while your draft is still fresh
You'll leave with a completed first draft and a clear revision roadmap. Agents don't want to see your first draft—they want to see your revised draft. This program gives you the foundation to revise well.
This is the foundation year. Revision is what comes next.
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 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'm a freelance editor with 831 Stories and serve as story consultant on over a dozen of their titles. I also co-host their romance book club in partnership with McNally Jackson.
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 a private coach and the creator of Kindred.
My students have secured literary agents and book deals. One mentee received eight agent offers and signed with Transatlantic Agency — his debut novel is being published by Doubleday Canada in 2026.
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: $10,000
Founding Member Rate
As I launch the inaugural cohorts of My Novel Year, I'm offering a special founding member rate of $10,000.
This rate recognizes the trust early participants are placing in this program — and rewards you for taking the leap with me as we begin this journey together.
This founding rate is available only for the first two cohorts (Q1 and Q2 2026) and will not be offered again. Future cohorts will be priced at $13,000+.
Payment Options
💳 Monthly Plan — $833/month for 12 months (Most Popular)
💰 Pay in Full — $9,000 (Save $1,000)
📅 Quarterly Plan — 4 payments of $2,500
Compare:
MFA programs: $30,000-$60,000 (no guaranteed agent access)
Year of private book coaching: $12,000-$24,000 (no community)
Developmental edit alone: $2,500-$5,000 (one-time feedback only)
Writing conferences with agent and editor pitch: $1,500-$3,000 each (for a 3-day weekend)
You're getting: A full year of high-touch mentorship, community, professional edits, industry access, and a finished manuscript — for less than the cost of a single edit + conference.
The real question isn't "Can I afford this?"
It's "What's it worth to finally finish my draft and get it in front of an agent & editor?”
✺ Frequently asked questions ✺
-
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.
-
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.
-
Most writers do — but if you need more time, we'll create a completion plan in your final quarter.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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)
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Writers of all genres participate, most commonly those working on their first or second full-length manuscript.
-
Your manuscript must be under 100,000 words to receive the developmental edit.
This isn’t arbitrary — debuts over 100K are rarely 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.
Waitlist now for 2026*
Waitlist now for 2026*
Get early access when enrollment opens in Q1 2026
Book a free 15-min call with Georgia to ask questions and discuss your creative goals.
No payment required.
