The Book Project is an intensive, two-year program aimed at giving writers of book-length manuscripts the classes, advice, and moral support they need to draft, revise, and—most importantly—finish. This program provides the inspiration and resources to help you finish your book and take the step in your literary journey.
Whether you're working on a novel, memoir, short story collection, or narrative nonfiction title, your mentor will work closely with you to chart a path through your project. Intensives, retreats, and classes with fellow Book Project participants give you an encouraging community where you can thrive. And our in-house publishing expert provides the advice you need to take your completed book to market. You'll emerge with a manuscript you can be proud of and a support team ready to help you take the next steps.
Applications for this year close on June 22, so get yours in today!
Publication Success Stories
Since 2020, Book Project writers have signed over 30 book deals with prestigious presses and imprints. Several nonfiction books, novels, short stories, and essay collections have come out--some best sellers and award winners. Celebrate the latest books and accomplishments from writers and graduates of the Book Project.
Program Benefits
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Affordable: Getting an MFA can cost well over $50,000. This program is only a fraction of that cost and every bit as rigorous.
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Flexible: You can participate virtually, so this program can be completed anywhere in the world.
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Goal-Driven: This personalized course allows you to reach your personal goals. Through the support of your mentor and the Lighthouse community, you will access workshops, genre-specific Fests, manuscript reads, and feedback from our publishing expert.
Hear from Alumni
“The Lighthouse Book Project gave me exactly the mentorship, community, and support I needed at a critical time in my writing career. The faculty is engaged, the peers are committed, and the value is excellent. Book Project has also continued to support me as my writing career progresses, and I'm so grateful to have the terrific team in my corner.” –Lior Torenberg, Just Watch Me (Simon & Schuster, January 2026)
Experience the breadth of talent and knowledge from current and past participants of the Book Project in these accounts on their experiences with craft sessions, events, and more.
Info Sessions
Is the Book Project right for you? Our info sessions are your opportunity to ask questions, meet mentors, and figure out if you're ready to apply.
Mentors
Our mentors are working, award-winning writers—William Haywood Henderson (Director of the program), Erika Krouse, Vauhini Vara, Anna Qu, Rachel Weaver, Tiffany Tyson, Evanthia Bromiley (2026–2028), and Benjamin Whitmer—all highly skilled teachers with years of experience nurturing creative writers. Our resident publishing expert, Shana Kelly, will guide you through the process of finding an agent, sending out queries, and handling the business side of book writing.
Applications
Applications opened on April 1 and close June 22. Please include:
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Project synopsis, a brief outline of your proposed project
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References (two or three), ideally from current or former writing instructors familiar with your work
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Short biographical statement
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Writing sample (up to 30 pages), ideally from the book you plan to complete during the Book Project
Tuition
Tuition is $8,950 per year
Do you need support funding this program? No problem! Two fellowships can be applied to The Book Project to partially or fully cover tuition: the Book Project Fellowship and the Nighthawk Nature Writing Fellowship.
Payment plans are also available with no additional interest.
Portfolio Year
If you are interested in The Book Project but it sounds like too big of a commitment right now, Portfolio Year is a great alternative. This one-year intensive program will take your writing to the next level, so you will have a solid body of work to present when you are ready to take the leap into applying for the Book Project or a similar venture.