If you believe there’s an audience for your words but don’t know what the next step might be then the HarperCollins Author Academy may be the right place for you.

 What our graduates and alumni are saying…

 “I love the programme format. I believe it provides an excellent foundation for future writing success. We received priceless access to amazing tutors, published authors, mentors, and leaders within HarperCollins, including the UK CEO, who we could literally ask anything. The hands-on curriculum inspired me to begin daily action towards my dream of getting published.”

Maxine Nwaneri

“The masterclasses, in particular, were my favourite part of the course. The time taken by those working at HarperCollins, as well as other industry professionals, to share their knowledge clearly showed their passion for the work they do, as well as their generosity in imparting that knowledge and experience on to us.”

 Vanisha Sumboo

Wait no longer…

The HarperCollins Author Academy offers free training to support writers from underrepresented minority ethnic backgrounds.

Launched by Rose Sandy in 2022, and currently headed by Ken Wilson-Max, publisher at HarperCollinsChildren’s Books imprint Kumusha Books, the Academy provides authors from underrepresented groups with the knowledge and skills to succeed.

The Academy offers three courses covering three different genres: Fiction, Non-fiction, and Writing for Children.

Our next courses start on the 9th May 2025, running for six weeks, with live-streamed tutorials and access to other course materials. Please see the weekly schedule below. Additional on-demand masterclasses cover the fundamentals of publishing as a business and author Q&As will give further insight into achieving success as a writer.

Fiction course: Thursdays

Non-fiction course: Thursdays

Children’s course:  Wednesdays

Your backstage pass

Once you’ve put your thoughts into words, you’ll learn how get your work ready for publishers. Our courses offer crucial insights across a range of industry topics, including:

• Turning an idea into a solid book proposal;

• Working with agents, editors and publishers;

• Contracts, copyright, and royalties;

• Genres and formats;

• The craft of storytelling;

• Author branding.

When you complete the course, you’ll be awarded a HarperCollins Academy Certificate. You’ll also be invited to join the Academy’s Alumni Network and connect with fellow students and industry contacts.

Before you apply

Please read our enrolment criteria on our website. Budding authors can apply for one of the Academy’s limited 45 places, split into three live teaching streams as shown below:

• 15 places in the Writing Fiction Course

• 15 places in the Writing Nonfiction Course

• 15 places in the Writing for Children Course

So don’t miss out!

Please only apply for one course. Applicants will be selected based on samples of their work, assessed by a panel of HarperCollins experts. The course is free of charge. All students need is a computer and internet access. Here are the key dates:

• 07/02/- applications open

• 24/02 – applications close

• 17/04 – successful candidates contacted

• 09/05 – induction event

• w/c 12/05 – course begins

• 03/07 – graduation event - submissions window opens

• 30/07/26 – submissions window closes

To apply, complete the application form by following the link. Applications close on the 24th of February 2025.

Please note that you will be taken to a recruitment system to complete an application. Some of the wording will refer to CVs and ‘hiring’. Please ignore these references as they do not apply to your application. The benefits are not applicable as this is not an advert for a job vacancy.