Latest News
Celebrate the latest books and accomplishments from writers and graduates of the Book Project.
What's the Book Project?
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. 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 a supportive, encouraging community to thrive in. 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.
Why Choose It?
The Book Project is affordable, at just a fraction of the cost of an MFA degree, yet every bit as rigorous as the best creative writing programs. It's a personalized course of study and a proven way to break through the mire of drafts that never seem to get finished. And remote study is available; you can participate in Book Project even if you don't live in the Denver area. As of 2025, we've seen 29 Book Project book deals with major publishers. Several nonfiction books, novels, short story and essay collections, and more have come out--some best sellers and award winners. We can't wait to see what you're working on.
Info Sessions
Wondering if the Book Project is right for you? Our informal info sessions are your opportunity to ask questions, meet mentors, and figure out if you're ready to take the leap. Stay tuned for our next info session. In the meantime, you can view recent sessions below.
Mentors
Our mentors are working, award-winning writers—William Haywood Henderson (Director of the program), Erika Krouse, Vauhini Vara, Anna Qu, Rachel Weaver, 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 for the Book Project and the 2025 Book Project Fellowship have now closed. If you're looking for a mentor and cohort with which to work on your project before they open again in April 2026, apply for the Portfolio Year by July 1.
Tuition
Tuition is $8,850 per year, which includes all courses and weekend intensives, mentor meetings, agent meetings, and manuscript read. We also help facilitate two optional writing retreats (food and lodging up to participants) per year. Our Book Project Fellowship covers partial or full tuition for the entire two-year program. Awards are based on merit and financial need; see the link below for more information.
Fellowships
In 2018, we launched the Book Project Fellowship, which covers full or partial tuition for the entire two-year program. We also are pleased to announce the Nighthawk Nature Writing Fellowship as well.
Post-Grad Year
The Post-Grad Year is designed for any graduates of the Book Project who need another year of mentorship and community to finish their projects, start new projects, or get re-energized with their writing. Repeatable any time. Applications for 2025–2026 will open in April.