Launching in...
One cohort of fellow writers.
Five months of feedback.
Every tool in our toolkit.
Back by popular demand, RC1 will lead a cohort of writers through our exclusive master class series in our 2025 Novel Academy.
This time there’s a twist: Every participant gets a 1-on-1 with a literary agent.
Since launching Ready Chapter 1, our guest agents have raved about the quality of pages they read from our community. It’s because our writers DO THE WORK. So when we invited them back to participate in a mid-cohort Critique-fest, many were excited to say yes. And we’ve secured enough agents for everyone to get a spot.
What is Novel Academy and how is it structured?
RC1’s Novel Academy is a 5-month writing program designed for aspiring novelists actively working toward their first (or next) book publication. With two live webinars per month and a full curriculum to complete, everything about our program is designed to push our writers toward a common goal: A market-ready story that is READY to go out on submission.
Here’s how we get there, together:
- Refine your concept to ensure a sellable story in our kickoff ideation workshop
- Expand your author toolkit as you complete learning modules at your own pace
- Grow your network during bi-weekly meetups to discuss curriculum and craft
- Polish and elevate your story through peer review in our cohort-exclusive feedback forums
- Push toward an incredible chapter 1 for your agent meeting and a completed pitch package for your query process
What exactly will we be learning?
Novel Academy is a chance to go through RC1’s Total Story Accelerator curriculum as a cohort of writers. This master class series and toolkit is laser-focused on empowering you to create a lifetime of finished novels poised for publishing sales. Developed in collaboration with Janice Hardy’s Fiction University, these exclusive tools exist nowhere else on the planet and offer everything you need to become a top 1% writer as you draft, polish, and pitch your novel.
We push you to become the type of author who consistently produces:
- Fun, fresh book ideas with great story hooks
- Authentic, unexpected characters you can’t get out of your head
- Fast-paced plots with thrilling twists and killer cliffhangers
- Professional pitch packages that get requests from industry gatekeepers
What makes Novel Academy different from other writing programs?
Emphasis on Concept + Craft
Novel Academy starts with a live workshop on Concept. Why? Because a great idea can always be polished, but a bad idea, even if brilliantly written, will have a hard time finding a place in the market. We’re going to give you every tool to ensure you’ve got the bones of a great idea.
Then, as a cohort, we’ll be going through RC1’s Total Story Accelerator curriculum. Developed in collaboration with Janice Hardy’s Fiction University, these master level fiction classes are designed to fill all of the gaps in your author toolkit. Every two weeks, you’ll work through a different module in the curriculum at your own pace, then meet as a group with RC1 staff to go over the tips, tools, and challenges of crafting a brilliant story.
Revision Based on Feedback
Whether it’s your single-sentence log line, jacket flap copy, or entire first chapters, Novel Academy participants use our exclusive feedback exchange to craft a market-fit concept, pitch package, and opening chapters.
Here’s why: Your pitch and opening chapters are what get your foot in the door with an agent or editor. Our goal is to make that first impression so rich and compelling that gatekeepers have no choice but to ask for more.
Pitch to an Agent
At the midway point of the cohort, you’ll have your big moment – a chance to send pages to an agent from our network and participate in a 1-on-1 zoom call to discuss your story. Don’t think of this as your one and only chance to get discovered. Treat it as a dry run for your actual submission process.
Polish and Repeat
Throughout the second half of the cohort, we’ll keep learning in community as everyone fine-tunes their opening chapters, synopsis, and pitch. By the end, participants will have:
- Multiple rounds of feedback on your opening chapters
- An agent meeting under your belt to add clarity to your revision process
- Tools you can use over and over with each new novel you write
- A network of writer friends to push you along your journey
- A completed pitch package for when you are READY to go out on submission
Get More Opportunity for Less
It’s easy to spend thousands of dollars in the pursuit of getting published. Workshops, writing conferences, and private editors all add up, and there’s no guarantee of success. Here’s a closer look at how RC1’s Novel Academy offers a superior alternative at a fraction of the cost.
Traditional Costs:
- Independent Editors: Hiring a professional editor can easily cost between $2,000 and $5,000 for a comprehensive edit of your manuscript.
- Writing Conferences: Attendance fees, travel, accommodation, and meals can total $1,500 to $3,000 for a single event.
- Writing Courses and Workshops: University or specialty courses often charge $500 to $2,000 for a semester or intensive workshop.
The Ready Chapter 1 Alternative:
Join our next cohort of Novel Academy for only $1450 $597. This comprehensive package includes every tool you’ll need to write, polish, and pitch a market-ready manuscript. Our unique blend of peer critiques and in-depth training helps you refine your craft and ensure your stories stand out in the competitive publishing world–that’s why publishers come to us to find new talent.
Real Writers. Real Community. Real Success Stories.
100% Satisfaction Guarantee
We know that Ready Chapter 1’s methodology is a transformative process for those who do the work. That’s why the program comes with a full money-back guarantee. If you complete the curriculum, post weekly in the forums, and see NO INCREASE in your Story Scores, simply request a full refund. It’s that easy.
See what users are saying about Ready Chapter 1
Frequently Asked Questions
When you sign up, you are registering to participate in a 5-month cohort-based program going through RC1’s Total Story Accelerator masterclass series. This includes Pro-Level access to our Peer Critique Forum, where you can exchange feedback with other cohort members. Cohort members are also guaranteed a 1-on-1 agent meeting.
While individual results can vary, many of our users report significant improvements in their writing and feedback scores within just a few months of active participation and consistent application of the techniques learned in the program.
Absolutely! Whether you are just starting out or have been writing for years without breaking through, our program is designed to help writers at all levels improve their craft and increase their chances of success in the publishing industry.
Yes, we regularly host contests and challenges where your work can be reviewed by industry professionals, including literary agents and editors. These opportunities are designed to provide you with valuable insights and increase your visibility in the publishing industry. Novel Academy specifically includes a 1-on-1 with an agent, although we can not promise a specific agent will read your work.
We recommend dedicating at least 5 hours each week to engage with the course materials and participate in the Peer Critique Forum. The more you put into the program, the more you’ll get out of it in terms of skill development and manuscript improvement.
You will have access to all course materials and forum features for the duration of the program. You can secure continued access after the subscription period by staying on as a pro member.
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.
Build Your Author Toolkit
The more you learn, the quicker your work will be ready. Every RC1 class is laser-focused on preparing your story / manuscript for publication.
Grow Your Writer Network
Through contests judged by acquiring editors and agents. Learn what they’re looking for in a manuscript and submit with confidence knowing you’ve made a personal connection.
Break the Rejection Cycle
Polish your work in progress until it shines. Then, learn tricks of the trade for getting past the slush pile and into the eager hands of editors and agents.
