The Carnegie Center Author Academy is a 9-month student-driven certificate program that provides writers with the support to grow rapidly in their craft and to prepare their work for publication.
The Author Academy is open to adult writers of all genres and experience levels. The study year runs from September 1 to June 1, and is led by Author Academy Coordinator Tracee de Hahn.
"You can never find a more supportive program to help you fine-tune your craft, network with fellow writers, and finally put your work first. The Author Academy lets you create your own path and gives you all the tools you need to finish the piece of art you are wanting to create." -Dan Billings, 2022 Author Academy Graduate
Mentors Celebrate Their Students
Listen to Author Academy mentors celebrate students and their growth during the 2022-2023 program.
PROGRAM INFORMATION
AUTHOR ACADEMY PARTICIPANTS RECEIVE:
• 75 hours of one-on-one mentoring with an experienced writing mentor
• Access to Carnegie Center classes while in the program (some restrictions apply)
• Advanced writing seminars
• Discounted fees for Master Classes and The Poetry Gauntlet
• Two weekend day retreats
• Free registration to the Carnegie Center Books-in-Progress Conference
• Free consultation with a literary agent at the Books-in-Progress Conference
Acceptance to the program depends on the ability of the Carnegie Center to match an applicant with an appropriate mentor.
TUITION: $5,500
IMPORTANT DATES: The 2024-2025 Author Academy program application window: JANUARY 1–JULY 15, 2024. Applications are reviewed in the order they are received. All applications remain in the pool until the class has been filled. If accepted, applicants may reserve their spot in the 2023-2024 Author Academy with a $250 non-refundable tuition deposit. The remainder of the fall tuition ($2500) is due on AUGUST 15, 2024. The second-semester tuition of $2750 is due on JANUARY 15, 2025.
To apply for the 2024–2025 program and need-based scholarships, all required materials must be received by MARCH 15, 2024.
SCHOLARSHIPS: The Emerging Writer Scholarship is a need-based scholarship that covers $5,000 of the annual tuition ($5,500) for the Carnegie Center’s Author Academy. The scholarship is awarded to one applicant each year based on financial need in combination with writing goals, a writing sample, letter of recommendation, and a completed application. Additional information for applying for the Scholarship can be found on the application form or by contacting Adult Programming & Outreach Director Z Jackson at zjackson@carnegiecenterlex.org.
QUESTIONS? Contact Author Academy Coordinator Tracee de Hahn at authoracademy@carnegiecenterlex.org.
Meet the Author Academy Coordinator
Tracee de Hahn is a published author of both fiction and non-fiction. A frequent instructor in topics related to writing, editing, and “getting published,” she enjoys helping writers identify their path and set a course for success. She has experience across the gamut of publishing, from Big 5 and Indy houses to self-publishing. She has also created, authored, and edited a range of magazines for major universities. Her latest book is A Well-Timed Murder, the second in the series from St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur Books. Currently, she is working on a mystery set in Kentucky.
APPLY NOW!
Click the button below to access the 2024-2025 CCAA application. A fillable PDF will open in a new tab. Complete the "Application Cover Sheet" before you download and save the document.
