In other words, we create intimate, small-group, carefully managed environments far more conducive to learning the skills and knowledge needed to realistically approach the making of a competitive novel. See our Frequently Asked Questions page and workshop syllabus for more details on Algonkian origins, as well as our methods and goals. If you are beginning a novel or working on a novel-in-progress, or if you have a completed ms and you require a strong reality check, you must receive professional and highly focused reaction not only to your prose and narrative, but to your entire work, including but not limited to premise, complications, plot, theme, and character arc.

We don't deny that several writers conferences out there like Tin House, Maui, Santa Barabara, etc., stir up lots of energy and make for a good time and even include some useful short workshops for beginning writers. Of course. Regardless, given they are mob-heavy and juggling speakers, panels, brunch for two thousand, and whatnot, they can't (and won't) spend the time it takes to prepare each individual writer for the ruthlessly competitive atmosphere of the literary book market. Fact.

There are 50,000+ first-novel manuscripts being written each year in America. What percent of those will eventually fail to be published by a major house? 99.5% or worse? ... The statistics can't be denied. The job of Algonkian isn't to make this process risk free and easy. Our ultimate goal is to realistically increase your odds of becoming a published author by showing you how to inhabit that upper percentile of writers who will have their work taken seriously by professionals in the business.

Take a minute and read our commentary page and the writer interviews there to get a better feel for what we're talking about.