Author Academy: January-June 2027
Is 2027 the year you’re finally going to write that book you’ve been talking about? If you have a work in progress, could you benefit from advanced programming and personal attention from a published writer? If so, the Author Academy may be perfect for you.
About the Author Academy
The January-June 2027 Carnegie Center Author Academy (CCAA) is a certificate program that provides aspiring and emerging writers the support to grow quickly in their craft and prepare their work for publication.
CCAA is open to adult writers of all genres and experience levels
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, Author Academy Graduate
Author Academy graduates at BIP 2025
Watch the 2025 class of the Author Academy read their work at the Books In Progress conference.
PROGRAM INFORMATION
The January-June 2027 Author Academy provides accelerated learning, making for an exciting, intensive half year of writing involving these essentials:
- A mid-January kickoff that includes an orientation, meet-and-greet, and writing retreat
- 40 hours of one-on-one mentoring with an experienced writing mentor from January – June
- Ongoing Saturday accountability group
- Unlimited Carnegie classes and seminars during the academy (excluding Master classes)
- Advanced CCAA seminars tailored to the group
- One day (10 am – 3 pm) writing retreat including lunch, a critique session, and a group reading
- Free registration to the Center’s June 11-12, 2027 Books in Progress Conference
- Free consultation/pitch with a literary agent at the 2027 Books in Progress Conference
- Commencement with student/mentor reading
TUITION: $3,000
APPLICATION WINDOW: Applications close November 1, 2026. Acceptance to the Author Academy depends on the ability of the Carnegie Center to match an applicant with an appropriate mentor. 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 Author Academy with a non-refundable tuition deposit.
SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE: The Emerging Writer Scholarship is a need-based scholarship that covers $2,500 of the annual tuition ($3,000) for the Carnegie Center’s January-June 2027 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 due by November 1, 2026. Additional information for applying for the Scholarship can be found on the application form or by contacting Author Academy Coordinator Tracee de Hahn at authoracademy@carnegiecenterlex.org.
APPLICATION: Download Application By Clicking Here
PROGRAM 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 helping authors across the gamut of publishing, from Big 5 and Indy houses to self-publishing. Her own work has been published by Chelsea House Publishing and Minotaur Books.
