April 30, 2026 - June 25, 2026
Online
$2199Overview
Apply for this transformative opportunity to have your entire draft (up to 85,000 words*) of a novel read by faculty, with detailed written feedback and a private consultation provided. This online program is for any writer of a middle grade or young adult novel.
KEY DATES:
- Apply on or before April 9 (with final notifications on or before April 16)
- Live sessions Thursdays, 7:30pm – 8:30pm Eastern: April 30 – June 25
- Lectures: Thursdays: April 30, May 7, May 14, May 21
- Reading week for peer groups: May 28
- Peer to Peer Workshopping: June 4 & June 11
- Final Presentations: June 18 & 25
- All lectures are recorded for those who cannot attend live.
- Complete manuscript submissions due by May 21
- Feedback letters delivered to writers by June 30
- 60-minute, 1:1 Private Zoom Consultation: Scheduled at a mutually convenient time, June 30 – July 11
- The cost of the full course (including live sessions, feedback letter, 1:1 consultation, workshopping, and writing exercises) is $2,199
- Spots in the program are limited based on availability
Why Do I Need to Apply to this Program?
There is no fee to apply.
The Whole Novel Workshop is reserved for novelists who have made significant independent progress on their drafts and need a review of the “whole novel” to move forward in their revision goals.
As such, you will need to have a completed draft of your novel that matches the criteria for the course by the submission due date (no later than May 21).
We ask that you apply to the course to make sure that the Whole Novel format is the best fit for your goals.
Please submit:
- The first 10 – 15 pages from the manuscript you wish to workshop
- A one-page synopsis or general outline
- Tentative word count, workshop goals, and a short bio (including how you are connected to this project)
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, starting immediately through April 9.
You will be notified of your acceptance status no later than April 16, 2026, and if accepted, asked to pay a $500 non-refundable deposit and set up a payment plan or pay your registration in full. (You may also use a scholarship that you have been previously awarded to attend a Whole Novel program.) Once manuscripts have been submitted in full there is a cancellation fee of $1,100. You will receive your feedback letter and consultation with this cancellation.
The cost of the full course (including live sessions, feedback letter, 1:1 consultation, workshopping, and writing exercises) is $2,199.
Why This Workshop?
Online, Multi-Week Whole Novel Program
The Whole Novel Workshop offers writers the rare opportunity to have the entire draft of a novel (up to 85,000* words) read with written feedback and a private consultation, along with rich presentations specifically designed for novelists at this stage in their writing journey.
This virtual course features:
- Rich presentations (Sessions may include: The Importance of Setting; Deepen Your Characters; Bringing Yourself to the Page; Revision; The Power of Language; and more!)
- Writing exercises and small group workshopping (First 15 pages for peer groups due May 21.)
- A feedback letter offering written insights and questions about your drafted novel (up to 85,000* words) to help you prioritize goals and next steps.
- A 60-minute private consultation with your reader to discuss feedback, revisions, and next steps.
- Connection opportunities with fellow writers.
All presentations are recorded for those who cannot attend live.
Please note:
- If accepted to the program, your full novel draft must be submitted to your reader by May 21, 2026.
- *If accepted, should your full novel be over the 85,000 word limit, you may be asked to summarize a portion, or compensate your faculty reader for additional length.
It’s a Great Fit If…
- You have a complete or near-complete draft of a novel. You’ll get the most out of this workshop if you’re at this stage. Your full workshop novel submission is due May 21.
- Your project is one of many fiction genres, a graphic novel, a verse novel, or a multi-genre novel. If you aren’t sure if your novel fits the program specifics, please reach out and ask.
- You would benefit from receiving multiple feedback perspectives. In addition to a whole novel review by your faculty reader, you will lead a discussion for feedback from fellow writers.
- You’re willing to work! This program is best for those who will dedicate time and attention to processing feedback, revising, writing exercises, and group sessions.
- You enjoy online learning. This workshop takes place on Zoom with regular meetings on Thursdays, April 30 – June 25. Can’t attend live? Presentations will be recorded. (Please note that 1:1 consultations and small group workshopping will not be recorded.)
About the Whole Novel Workshop Online
DUMMY ROW - WILL BE HIDDEN
What Level of Feedback Can I Expect for My Work?
Feedback Expected
- You will spend time with peers in small groups discussing and workshopping select writing assignments from the virtual classroom. You will be expected to read and engage with these short submissions. (Word count will be limited with ample time to read and prepare.) First 15 pages for peer groups due May 21.
- You will be thoughtfully paired with a faculty reader who will offer written insights and questions about your drafted novel (up to 85,000 words), and help you prioritize goals. You will receive this written feedback by June 30. A private consultation to discuss feedback and goals with your faculty reader will be scheduled at a mutually convenient time.
- Informal feedback will occur throughout the presentations.
If you’d like to learn more, see our note on feedback in our programs.
How Does This Workshop Support Our Mission?
Our mission is to positively impact children by amplifying the voices of storytellers who inform, educate, and inspire children to become their best selves. Your novel can make a big impact on a child’s life. This workshop helps you take steps toward bringing it to market in a way that is authentic to your voice and your story, because that is just what your reader needs.
Can I Connect with Other Participants Prior to the Workshop?
You will receive a link to our virtual classroom where you can introduce yourself to fellow creatives and engage in Highlights Foundation related resources (including our Community Standards), prior to the event.
Where Can I Learn More About the Whole Novel Workshop?
Here are some helpful resources from past participants and Whole Novel Workshop faculty:
Podcast: The Braintrust Critique, with Nicole Valentine and Rob Costello
Just Do It: How Momentum and Effort Can Help You Finish Your Draft
5 Tips to Make Your Novel Opening a Strong One
Podcast: Melissa Wyatt on Inspiring Your Writing Practice with Prompts
Take Your Character to Work Day
Sarah Aronson on Play, Revision and the Whole Novel Workshop