How did Ready Chapter 1 start?

RC1 was envisioned when COVID shut down a local in-person writers’ group led by Boston Globe Horn Book honor winning author / illustrator Fred Koehler. Not wanting to leave his fellow writers hanging, Fred asked them what they felt would be most helpful. The results of those conversations led to what we have now!

For whom is RC1 intended?

RC1 is designed for novelists and storytellers intending to pitch their stories to traditional publishers and beyond. Our online forum is a place to test out scenes and sections of writing, while our Pro program is built to move along with you as you write something new. A perfect candidate would come with the seed of an idea, ready to grow it into a fully fledged novel and pitch package. This process would also be useful for a finished novel undergoing a full revision.

What if I self-publish or use a hybrid publishing model?

Feedback is a critical tool for every author. You may even find out that a traditional publishing route is in the cards after all.

What if I write JUST for kids and teens?

You’re in the right place. Our forum has a section for you and our faculty members have extensive experience in the children’s market.

What if I write JUST for adults?

You’re still in the right place. Many of our faculty members write / edit / acquire for the adult market as well. And because great storytelling transcends genre, these tools can be valuable whether you write pre-teen friendship stories or futuristic zombie romance.

What if I write picture books?

We would love to say that picture book writers would benefit from RC1, but only some of the subject matter would be relevant. You are still welcome to participate, learn and grow in this community.

Can I participate if I’m a high school student?

This website is intended for users 16 years of age and older, and parental guidance is recommended. Content will push the boundaries of TV-14. This could include suggestive situations, coarse language, and depictions of violence. We don’t allow pervasive foul language, explicit sexual content, or excessive violence, but some content may still be unsuitable for some users under 16. Please note: Our moderation team works hard to remove content that violates our community standards. However, it’s possible that inappropriate content may be visible before it’s flagged and taken down.

Will I be able to query my book to faculty members?

Our faculty of acquiring editors and agents are often open to submissions, but that’s not the point of RC1. We hope that you’ll use the opportunity to learn and grow as a writer, especially using the feedback from our forum as part of your plan to find the perfect agents or editors to query–not just the ones on faculty.

Will I be offered a publishing deal through this program?

The RC1 faculty includes acquiring editors and/or agents, but there is no guarantee that they will be interested in representing or acquiring your story. If an agent or editor from the program is interested in your story, they will reach out to you individually and independently.

Can I speak/teach at the Academy?

RC1 carefully curates our faculty each year in order to secure experts at specific elements of craft. The best way to get invited is to continue doing great work as a teacher!

Can I share my business or author services with the Academy?

You’re welcome to talk about your books and writing but our non-solicitation policy states that we reserve conversation about author services to our affiliate partners.

How do I become an Affiliate Partner of Ready Chapter 1?

Reach out to us at team (at) readychapter1 (dot) com.

Will I be able to contact Ready Chapter 1 faculty outside of RC1?

Our faculty is made up of working authors, editors, and agents. We cannot guarantee that they will respond to personal emails.

I am having trouble logging on. What do I do?

Contact us at team (at) readychapter1 (dot) com. We’ll get you sorted.

Another Academy member is not adhering to the Community Standards, and it is affecting me negatively. What do I do?

Contact us at team (at) readychapter1 (dot) com. We immediately address all potential violations of community standards.

Is Ready Chapter 1 hiring?

We hope so! We’re good for right now but contact us at team (at) readychapter1 (dot) com for volunteer opportunities.