Book Lab

Take your book from draft to submission-ready manuscript.

You’ve finished a draft. That’s no small thing. 
It’s a little messy—there are plot holes, chapters labeled “fix this later,” and whole sections you pretend not to see. But it exists. You made a book. 

Now you’re staring into the space between finished and publishable, and the gap feels enormous:  
How do I know if it’s ready? What does ready even look like? 

Book Lab is a nine-month intensive for writers who’ve completed (or nearly completed) a draft of a novel, short story collection, memoir, nonfiction, or hybrid manuscript and are asking: What now?  

Whether you’re preparing to publish or refining your story into the best version of itself, this program offers mentorship, structure, and community to help you take the next step in your book journey.  

Book Lab is by application only. You don’t need an MFA or a perfect manuscript to participate in Book Lab. But you do need a project you believe in, and the readiness to take your work seriously. 

Over the course of Book Lab, you will: 

• Work with a dedicated mentor—a published author who meets you where you are and pushes you toward your end goal. They’ll read your entire manuscript, provide detailed feedback, and help you build a personalized revision roadmap. Whether you’re restructuring your plot, deepening emotional stakes, or fine-tuning line edits, they’ll help you strengthen and polish your draft. 
• Learn alongside a small, committed cohort of fellow writers who are also in the thick of it. You’ll write together, workshop monthly, share progress, swap strategies and—most importantly—cheer each other on. 
• Get smart about the industry. You’ll explore the publishing world: how it works, where your book fits, and how to move forward with confidence. And learn to pitch your work, write an effective query letter, and develop a strategy for next steps—whether you’re planning to query agents, submit to small presses, or explore alternative publishing routes. 

You’ll also get: 

• A $500 professional development stipend to use on: 
  • A second read by a published author 
  • One-on-one sessions with a Hugo House coach or consultant 
  • Hugo House classes of your choice 
• A one-year Hugo House membership (or extension of an existing membership) 
• Access to a private Book Lab Slack space to connect with your cohort between sessions 

You’ll leave Book Lab with: 

• A thoroughly revised manuscript 
• A draft of your query letter 
• A personalized submission strategy 
• A clear, actionable roadmap for what comes next. 

Program Schedule:

You’ll start in the fall with a ten-week course: part welcome wagon, part story lab. This is where you’ll meet your cohort, share your project, and begin charting your revision path. Expect guided readings, craft conversations, and light critique designed to prepare you for deep-dive manuscript work. 

In the winter and spring, you’ll move into focused revision and long-haul strategy. That includes: 

• A full editorial read of your manuscript from your mentor, including a detailed editorial letter, margin notes, and line edits (where appropriate) 
• Monthly cohort meetings to workshop scenes, swap feedback, and stay accountable 
• Four one-on-one mentor sessions to troubleshoot, talk about your project, and celebrate progress 
• Guest talks and craft lessons to sharpen your revision skills and deepen your industry insight 
• A revised draft, a working query letter, a clear path forward—and a community of fellow writers cheering for your project. 

Is Book Lab Right for Me?

Book Lab is open to writers of all genres and backgrounds, and we’re especially excited to support voices that have historically been excluded from traditional publishing spaces. We’re looking for: 

• Writers with a completed or nearly completed draft of a book-length manuscript (fiction, memoir, nonfiction, or hybrid) 
• Writers ready to revise, experiment, and commit to their project for the long-haul. 

If you said yes to all of the above, but still find yourself asking, Am I ready? The answer: You are. 

How to Apply:

To apply, you’ll submit three short pieces: 

• A short bio (250 words max): In 250 words or less, tell us who you are, what your writing journey to date has looked like so far, and any struggles you’re currently facing in your writing life. 
• A project synopsis (500 words max): Give us the big picture of your book. What genre are you working in? What story are you trying to tell? Where are you in the process (drafting, revising, reimagining)? Include the current word count—or your best guess. 
• A 3–5 page writing sample from your manuscript: Send us the pages that best reflect what you’re working on—whether it’s a novel, memoir, short story collection, or a hybrid-style manuscript. We’re looking for a sense of your voice, your vision, and where you might want to go next. 

This process helps us get to know you as a writer, your project, and your goals so we can place you in the cohort that best supports your growth. We’re not looking for polished perfection—just an honest reflection of you and your work. 

Important Dates:

• Priority applications open Monday, July 21, and close Sunday, August 17 at 11:59 pm PT 
• Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis starting Monday, August 18—until the program fills.  
• Applicants will begin receiving decisions on Tuesday, September 2, 2025. 
• In Person Book Lab with Tara Conklin starts on Tuesday, September 23, 2025 at 7:10 pm PT  
• Virtual Book Lab with Sonora Jha starts on Wednesday, September 24, 2025 at 5:00 pm PT 

Book Lab tends to fill quickly. If this sounds like the right next step for you, we recommend applying early. 

Important Notes:

• This is an application-based program.  
• Winter & Spring cohort meeting dates are tentative and subject to change. 
• Payment plans are available. Students may choose to pay in 5 monthly or 10 semi-monthly installments. 
• There are no refunds once the class begins—please apply only if you can commit fully.