Why Apply?
The Author Academy is dedicated to elevating, uplifting, and championing underrepresented voices in the industry.
The HarperCollins Author Academy was set up in 2021 to help unagented writers from underrepresented ethnic backgrounds break into the publishing industry as authors.
Since then, over 300 writers have graduated. Many have gone on to achieve book deals and literary agency representation, and receive award wins, nominations and grants.
The six-week programme is free to the student and delivers high-quality instruction in creative writing, covering adult fiction, non-fiction and writing for children, taught by industry professionals.
Expert Tuition
The HarperCollins Author Academy delivers instruction in creative writing, covering adult fiction, non-fiction, and writing for children, taught by industry professionals. Tutors will deliver the course through a mix of live webinars and streamed content.
In addition, the programme provides access to 13 industry focused Masterclasses, featuring HarperCollins colleagues in key business functions, and round-table discussions with HarperCollins authors.
Mentor
A HarperCollins mentor will be appointed at the end of the six-week course and will over two-hour long sessions provide guidance on the publishing process and be a sounding board for questions. Please note that mentors will not provide editorial advice.
Class Materials
Additionally, for 12 months after the end of the course, students will be able to access the course materials, recorded live webinars, and other videos.
Manuscript Submission
The Author Academy offers students the unique opportunity to submit an unagented manuscript for consideration by HarperCollins UK in the year following graduation.
Submitted manuscripts will be made available for HarperCollins UK imprints to review and in some cases take forward with a view to acquisition.
Click here to discover some of the books published by HarperCollins by graduates of the Author Academy.
Alumni Network
The Author Academy has produced over 300 graduates. Many have gone on to achieve book deals and literary agency representation, and receive award wins, nominations and grants.
To read and see more of the vibrant community of voices the Author Academy has produced click here.
Official Certificate
On graduation will receive a certificate of completion and access to the HarperCollins Author Academy alumni network.