If you have a story to tell but think voices like yours aren’t heard…

If you’ve been writing for years but can’t get a foot in the door…

If you know there’s an audience for your words but don’t know what the next step might be…

… 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 Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds.

Launched by HarperCollins UK and headed by Rose Sandy, Publishing Director, Harper Non-Fiction, it 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 the week of 26 September 2022, the courses will run remotely for six weeks, with weekly live-streamed tutorials and access to other course materials. Please see the weekly scheduled below. Additional on-demand masterclasses cover the fundamentals of publishing as a business, and you’ll be supported by a mentor throughout. The author guest speaking sessions may vary depending on author availability.

Fiction course: Thursdays 10-12pm

Non-fiction course: Thursdays 1-3 pm

Children’s course:  Wednesdays 10-12pm

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 the 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. Motivated writers and budding authors can apply for one of the Academy’s limited 45 places in January, 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. Successful applicants will be alerted by 6 September 2022.

To apply, complete the application form by following the link.  Applications close on the 15th of August 2022.

Please note that you will be taken to a recruitment system to complete an application. Some of the wording will refer to CV’s 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.