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 1st to June 1st.

"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 2023-2024 Author Academy program application window: JANUARY 1–August 25, 2023. 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, 2023. The second-semester tuition of $2750 is due on JANUARY 15, 2024.

To apply for the 2023–2024 program and need-based scholarships, all required materials must be received by MARCH 15, 2023.

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 Marcia Thornton Jones, Author Academy Coordinator.

QUESTIONS? Contact Marcia Thornton Jones, Author Academy Coordinator, at MJones@CarnegieCenterLex.org.

APPLY NOW!

Click the button below to access the 2023-2024 CCAA application. A fillable PDF will open in a new tab. Complete the "Application Cover Sheet" before you download and save the document. 

We hope to see you soon at the Carnegie Center, home to writers, lifelong learners, & the Kentucky Writers Hall of Fame.

Join Us

251 West Second Street
Lexington, KY 40507

(859) 254-4175
info@carnegiecenterlex.org

Monday – Thursday: 10:00AM – 7:30PM
Friday: 10:00AM – 5:00PM
Saturday: 10:00AM – 2:00PM
Sunday: CLOSED

NEW HOURS – STARTING SEPTEMBER 5, 2023
Monday – Friday: 10:00AM – 7:30PM

Saturday & Sunday: CLOSED