AUTHOR DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (ADP) 2026
At AWCS, we want writers to achieve their writing goals and continue to build a community of writers who support and encourage each other.
APPLY TO BE A STORY COACHWe are pleased to announce we are now accepting 2026 Story Coach applications. Deadline for application: July 31, 2025
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apply to be a story makerAre you ready to take the next step as a writer?
Applications for 2026 are NOW OPEN Deadline: October 31, 2025 |
hOW THE PROGRAM WORKS
Loosely modeled after the Humber School Creative Writing Program, the Author Development Program (ADP) is an opportunity for a Story Maker to work one-on-one with a Story Coach and bring their writing closer to publication. Think of it as personal training for writers.
A Story Maker will choose their Story Coach and work through all or part of their manuscript with attention given to elements of craft such as plot, story, character, dialogue, pace, style and structure. Makers will focus on the particular needs of the manuscript, as determined by the Story Coach.
The Story Coach will provide feedback and meet with the Story Maker to discuss next steps, suggestions for improvement and to provide the encouragement needed to see their writing projects to completion. There will also be workshops and roundtable discussions with other participants within the program. Story Makers will maintain regular communication with their Story Coaches and meet one-on-one at various points during the program.
The AWCS will provide private meeting/writing space for Story Makers to work together or independently, to form new connections to further advance their professional development and networking opportunities.
This program is for intermediate to advanced level writers with a complete first draft of a full-length manuscript in any genre.
Preference will be given to those with publication credits and/or a proven commitment to professional development (courses, workshops, writers in residence). Experience giving and receiving feedback is essential.
A Story Maker will choose their Story Coach and work through all or part of their manuscript with attention given to elements of craft such as plot, story, character, dialogue, pace, style and structure. Makers will focus on the particular needs of the manuscript, as determined by the Story Coach.
The Story Coach will provide feedback and meet with the Story Maker to discuss next steps, suggestions for improvement and to provide the encouragement needed to see their writing projects to completion. There will also be workshops and roundtable discussions with other participants within the program. Story Makers will maintain regular communication with their Story Coaches and meet one-on-one at various points during the program.
The AWCS will provide private meeting/writing space for Story Makers to work together or independently, to form new connections to further advance their professional development and networking opportunities.
This program is for intermediate to advanced level writers with a complete first draft of a full-length manuscript in any genre.
Preference will be given to those with publication credits and/or a proven commitment to professional development (courses, workshops, writers in residence). Experience giving and receiving feedback is essential.
wHAT TO EXPECT
No two pairings are the same.
Each pairing is based on the needs of the Story Maker. You will work with your coach, meeting a couple of times a month to discuss your work and next steps in your process, focusing on the goals of the Story Maker.
The Story Maker is expected to produce/write/re-write and submit 20-30 pages every two weeks to the Story Coach and be available to meet for a manuscript discussion. These meetings can be scheduled offsite, at AWCS, or online as determined between Maker and Coach.
The Story Coach will read and review submissions and provide feedback on manuscripts, identifying areas that need improvement and giving suggestions, writing exercises, and reference materials as it pertains the Story Maker goals.
Program Time Frame/Length:
January 2026 - June 2026 (6 months)
2026 ADP PROGRAM FEES
Application Fee(non-refundable): $100
Program Fee: $2700 (minus application fee upon acceptance)
Fee includes: One year AWCS membership, one-on-one story coaching, monthly featured workshops for your cohort and THREE regularly scheduled workshops/or class of your choosing that MUST BE USED during the program.
Each pairing is based on the needs of the Story Maker. You will work with your coach, meeting a couple of times a month to discuss your work and next steps in your process, focusing on the goals of the Story Maker.
The Story Maker is expected to produce/write/re-write and submit 20-30 pages every two weeks to the Story Coach and be available to meet for a manuscript discussion. These meetings can be scheduled offsite, at AWCS, or online as determined between Maker and Coach.
The Story Coach will read and review submissions and provide feedback on manuscripts, identifying areas that need improvement and giving suggestions, writing exercises, and reference materials as it pertains the Story Maker goals.
Program Time Frame/Length:
January 2026 - June 2026 (6 months)
2026 ADP PROGRAM FEES
Application Fee(non-refundable): $100
Program Fee: $2700 (minus application fee upon acceptance)
Fee includes: One year AWCS membership, one-on-one story coaching, monthly featured workshops for your cohort and THREE regularly scheduled workshops/or class of your choosing that MUST BE USED during the program.
