WORK-IN-PROGRESS GROUP COACHING
Introducing work-in-progress group coaching for fantasy and science fiction writers…
Our work-in-progress group coaching program combines critiques and guidance from an expert tutor with feedback and support from a group of fellow fantasy and science fiction writers. The program takes place online and lasts for six months.
Applications are currently closed. To register your interest and get updates on when you can apply, join our waiting list via the button below.
Key features
Tutor critiques
Every month, you’ll submit up to 5000 words of your writing. You will receive two critiques on these submissions from your expert tutor over the course of the six months.
The critiques will include margin comments on your work, together with a substantive report. They will be shared with the wider group so that everyone can learn together.
Peer critiques
Every month, your writing submission will be critiqued by two other group coaching participants. In return, you’ll critique two submissions yourself. You’ll do this by adding margin comments and a summary of your impressions at the end.
As well as being a fair exchange, you’ll find the process of critiquing other people’s writing a useful learning exercise.
Live tutor Q&As
Once a month, your tutor will host a live video Q&A on our group coaching platform. You can ask questions about your writing, or you can benefit from the Q&A as an observer.
If you can’t attend live, you can submit a question in advance and watch the recording later.
One-to-one coaching session
At the end of the six months, you will have the option of an hour-long one-to-one coaching session with your tutor via video call.
They will review the progress you’ve made, answer any questions you may have about your writing, and help you consider the next steps on your writing journey.
Key points
Who is the program for?
The program accommodates a range of experience, from writers who are just starting on their first novel to those who have already been published. You might be about to start writing, you might be halfway through, or you might be editing your first draft. As long as you expect to be writing and/or editing your novel for at least the next six months, this program is for you.
How long does the program last?
Six months.
When and how can I apply?
You can join the waiting list via one of the buttons on this page to register your interest and get updates on when you can apply. When applications are open, you will be able to apply via the buttons on this page. You will be asked to submit 1) a brief blurb outlining the premise of your novel (a full synopsis is not necessary), and 2) a writing sample of 1000 words. The sample can be from your current project or from a previous one, but it must be fiction.
Where does it take place?
It’s an online program. We use a private Facebook group for exchanging critiques and community discussion, and Zoom for the live Q&As and one-to-one coaching session.
Can I participate from anywhere in the world?
You can participate if you are resident in the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, or any EU country.
How many writers will there be in my group?
There will be approximately six to ten members per group.
How is it structured?
Each group works to a timetable. The deadline for writing submissions is the 19th. Critiques are due by the end of the month. Every month, there is one live Q&A session with the tutor, the date and time of which will vary. You will be invited to have a one-to-one coaching call at the end of the six months.
How do the submissions work?
You’ll submit up to 5000 words of your writing each month. This is the maximum amount you can submit, but you can submit less if you like. The minimum submission is 1000 words. You don’t have to submit new writing every month, though. You can alternatively submit writing that you’ve edited after submitting it in a previous month.
What happens if I change my mind?
You can leave the program if you change your mind or are no longer able to participate. You will pay for the duration of the current month, but we’ll refund any payment you’ve made for the following month, and you won’t have to pay for any subsequent months.
More questions? No worries. There’s an extended FAQ section further down.
Pricing
$95.00 USD per month
Meet your tutor
Fabled Planet’s executive editor, Kahina Necaise, has worked with dozens of authors to bring out their stories’ strengths and iron out their weaknesses. She focuses on giving in-depth feedback, encouraging writers to settle for nothing less than the best version of their stories, and providing concrete solutions they can use to achieve it.
Kahina also knows as much about the writing process as about the craft and is a firm believer in the importance of developing good writing habits and a healthy writer’s mind.
Kahina Necaise
Executive editor
Alliance of Independent Authors
We’re pleased to be a trusted partner member of the Alliance of Independent Authors and to adhere to their code of standards. Their Watchdog Desk, which vets author services for their ethics and professionalism, has given Fabled Planet the highest possible rating of ‘excellent’.
Frequently asked questions
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Which sub-genres and forms will you accept?
The program is designed for people who are writing fantasy or science fiction novels. Applicants who are writing novellas or short stories will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
We’re open to the major genres and subgenres of speculative fiction, including (but not limited to) high fantasy, science fiction and science fantasy, low and urban fantasy, post-apocalyptic, paranormal, historical fantasy, and young adult fantasy or science fiction.
We do not accept erotica. We reserve the right to make exclusions on a case-by-case basis. If you’re not sure whether your sub-genre/form is a good fit, don’t hesitate to email us and ask.
Are there any other eligibility requirements?
Yes. The program is carried out in English, so you’ll need to be able to write and communicate proficiently in English. You’ll also need to be at least 18 years old and over – as is the case for all of our programs and services.
What if I haven't started my novel? What if it's finished and I'm editing it?
As long as you’re expecting to work on your novel for the duration of your time on the program, this is a good fit for you. Beyond that, it doesn’t matter what stage you’re at, and it doesn’t matter how long you’ve been working on it previously.
Do you accept applications from anywhere in the world?
You can apply and participate in the program if you are resident in the United Kingdom, United States, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, or any EU country. If you are not resident in one of these countries, unfortunately we won’t be able to accept your application at this time.
When and how can I apply?
Please join the waiting list via one of the buttons on this page for updates on when you can apply. When applications are open, you will be asked to submit 1) a brief blurb outlining the premise of your novel (a full synopsis is not necessary), and 2) a writing sample of 1000 words. The sample can be from your current project or from a previous one, but it must be fiction.
How will we share our writing?
You’ll upload your writing and critiques to a dedicated channel on our private Facebook group.
Will we have to be available at certain times of the day?
No. There’s no requirement to be available at any particular time or to be in any particular time zone. You’ll complete critiques in your own time, allowing you to participate around your schedule, no matter which time zone you’re in. The timings of the live tutor Q&As will vary from month to month to accommodate different time zones, and you will have the opportunity to submit a question in advance and watch the recording afterwards if you can’t attend live.
5000 words? I can’t write that fast!
5000 words is the maximum you can submit, but something around the 3000 to 4000 range might be more typical. You could aim to submit roughly a chapter each month. However, you can also submit much less, such as a single scene. 1000 words should be the minimum you aim for.
You can also submit previous writing that you’ve improved upon, rather than submitting something new each month.
Will I be able to email the tutor with questions during the program?
What if I'm away/on holiday for part of the program?
No problem. Just let the tutor know, and you won’t have to submit any writing or do any critiques for the period that you’re away.
Am I guaranteed critiques?
Yes. You’ll receive two tutor critiques over the course of the six months. You’ll also ordinarily receive two peer critiques each month. However, it’s occasionally possible that, for various reasons, another group member may not be able to complete a critique for you. This only happens rarely.
What if I change my mind or need to leave the program early?
Although it’s a six-month program, we know that circumstances can sometimes arise that may prevent you from continuing. You can leave at any time if you’re no longer able to participate. You will pay for the duration of the current month, but we’ll refund any payment you’ve made for the following month, and you won’t have to pay for any subsequent months.
Is there a limit on how long I can stay in the program?
There’s no limit – once the six months are up, you can re-enroll for another six months if you wish.
How do I pay?
Payment is via credit or debit card. Your first payment will be taken when you enroll, and it will renew automatically every month on the same date during your participation in the program. UK clients will pay in GBP, US clients will pay in USD, and EU clients will pay in EUR. All other clients will pay in USD.
More questions?
If you have any additional questions or would like to discuss whether the program is right for you, don’t hesitate to get in touch by emailing us at enquiries@fabledplanet.com.