No problem! You start wherever you are in the process. If you have a full draft written and ready to revise, you'll start with the revision modules, then move into feedback and a second revision. After your second revision based on feedback, you'll pitch your book, and while you're waiting to hear from agents, you'll start a draft of your next book with us. See how easy it is? You'll get your full value out of your year in The Book Incubator™ no matter where in the process you join.

Right away. The moment you enroll we'll set up an onboarding meeting to get you going, and you can be at your first live meeting the day you join (if there is one that day).

Self-publishing authors are also welcome to join the program. You won't be pitching your book during the pitch phases, but you'll be laying the groundwork to publish yourself, which is equally as much (if not more!) work, so you'll have plenty to do. Our in-house editor, Ashley Strosnider, has worked with dozens of self-published authors.

Sure! Most people do. It’s helpful to be able to work on a new book while you set the other side to rest, or while you’re pitching it.

For a year after you complete the program (so for a total of 2 years), you’ll retain access to all evergreen videos in the curriculum: the 3 courses and our archived catalog of 50+ hours of group coaching calls. If you’d like to extend that access further in order to maintain access to ongoing live meetings and recordings, you’re welcome to for an additional fee.

No. You write it—we can help you write your best one, and pitch it well. But we don’t control the publishing industry, the market, or your story. Nor do you, for that matter. What we do guarantee is that you’ll be as set up for success as any writer can be. You’ll have the tools, resources, and support to be an outstanding writer with the business know-how to succeed.

It varies. We keep the program a size at which we (Mary included) are able to have personal relationships supporting every person who is a member. Attendance at meetings fluctuates—sometimes 10 people are present, other times it’s 30. You will not disappear. You will not get lost. We will be checking in on you and holding you accountable to the goals that you set (in a good way).

Nope! You shouldn’t. The program includes a Pitch Readiness Read by one of our editors—they’ll read your entire manuscript and give you feedback before you start pitching.

We’ve got an entire team of talented and experienced writers to support you in The Book Incubator™️.

Click here to meet our team.

P.S. Can you believe that the TBI team likes Candy Corn over Almond Joy bars and every single one of them loves Maroon 5?! Every. single. one.

We all have things that come up. If you have something you know is coming (for example, giving birth, or major surgery) reach out to us now at hello@maryadkinswriter.com so we can make a plan that works for you. We are compassionate human beings and are on your team!

This program is tailored to long-form narrative books—novels and memoirs (whether they're written for adults, young adult, or middle grade). You can join if you're working on a how-to, business, or picture book, but just know that while the process discussions will be useful to you, much of the content around craft won't be as relevant to your project.

No. We accept approximately 30% of applications, depending on the month.

If you can’t make the live meetings, you’ll be able to watch the recordings. Right now, live meetings are mid-day on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Co-writing sessions are at various times throughout the week.

You’ll have the option to extend, and over 50% of people do—not because they haven’t reached their goals, but because they have, and they want to remain in the program for the next phase of their careers! (It’s an incredible satisfaction rate that we’re very proud of 🙂.)

Zero question. This is the absolute best thing you can do for yourself to improve your craft.

There are no refunds or cancellations—so be certain before you join. This is a small, high-touch coaching program. Once you sign on, you're part of the community and get access to everything instantly, which is important so that you can start where you need to start. We screen all applicants very closely, only selecting people who are dedicated, passionate, and driven to write their books during this program and to learn from and support their fellow writers. Allowing cancellations or refunds would force us to reserve content past a certain trial point, jeopardizing the value of the program for members. It would also be detrimental to the tight-knit community to offer departures mid-stream. Further, it's powerful to commit to and stick with that commitment. For all of these reasons, refunds are not consistent with our overall philosophy, curriculum design, and approach. Luckily, no one has ever been dissatisfied or asked for one!

The program is not even two years old as of this writing—our very first members are currently landing agents and getting book deals! So yes, there are a few—a number that’s growing every day. And the coaches/editors in the program—Mary, Rufi, Ashley, Emma, and Andrea—have personally worked with dozens of writers to publish successfully, and you can find some of their books showcased above. You’re in good hands. :)