Welcome to the HarperCollins Author Academy

The HarperCollins Author and Design Academy trains and supports writers and designers from underrepresented ethnic backgrounds, with the aim of helping them to become commercially successful in the publishing environment. The six-week programme, in which we equip enrolled students with the tools to succeed in the publishing industry is free to attend. Our aim is to help motivated and dedicated students to participate in, and navigate, the publishing industry.

“HarperCollins keeps leading the way in our quest to create equality for everyone in the publishing industry from agents to authors, employees to freelancers. With the Academy, they are making the next step in creating the space for a new generation of authors to learn their craft, to develop the skills and to make the connections that they need to become writers. I’m delighted to be supporting this initiative and look forward to seeing these future stars launch their writing careers.“

June SarpongAuthor of The Power of Privilege

“I am so delighted to be taking part in the HarperCollins Author Academy as a guest speaker on fiction writing.
I wish something like this had existed when I was starting my author career. It’s brilliant that 90 writers a year will be able to add to their skills and also participate in this industry.“

Rachel EdwardsAuthor of Darling

“The creation of a writing academy, specifically for giving opportunities to underrepresented voices, is an incredibly important initiative. Our society is richly diverse: full of different backgrounds and cultures, and full of untold stories which need to be told. The academy, in helping to nourish a new generation of writers, will undoubtedly discover exciting talent. Having been given the chance to tell my stories, I am privileged and excited to be a part of this vision.“

Jamila Gavin Author of The Wheel of Surya and Coram Boy

About the Academy

The Academy trains and supports writers and designers from underrepresented ethnic backgrounds, with the aim of helping them to become commercially successful in the publishing environment.

More about the Academy

Admissions

The Academy provides a warm and supportive environment for eligible students. It assures that once students have completed our courses, they will take part in the publishing industry.

More about Admissions

Alumni Network

The Academy Alumni network exists to ensure students can continue their learning and connection to the publishing industry.

More about Alumni Network

Course Dates

The Academy courses will run twice a year, and were launched in January 2021.

More about Course Dates

Guest Speakers

The Academy has lined up some amazing guest speakers for the each of the courses; Writing Fiction, Writing Nonfiction and Writing for Children. Our new design courses launch autumn 2022.

More about Guest Speakers

Tutors

The Academy delivers high-quality instruction in creative writing, covering adult fiction, nonfiction, and children’s writing delivered by industry professionals. September 2022 will see the launch of the design strand which will provide a solid understanding of design for commercial publishing.