Q: How do I choose a story to submit with my application?

A: If you're a prolific writer and can't decide which story to submit, consider the 3 E's of Novelly Storytelling: Equity, Emotionality, and Eloquence, meaning that it highlights To get a better idea of what this looks like in action, read published novellas in the Novelly library.

Q: What is the workload/time commitment during Part 1?

A: Part 1 is focused on writing and takes place during the summer. You'll be producing a ~5,000 word novella and writing or revising 1,500 words each week. You'll also be meeting with your for coach for 30 minutes each week. There will also be required writing jams held throughout the week, where you can get all your writing for the week done there.

Q: What are my publishing rights if I publish in the Novelly library?

A: Participants will retain 100% of the rights to their work and can expand on it to publish elsewhere, as they like. However, we will retain a license to e-book, promotional content, and the lesson plan. We will not incur any sales from the student’s work. We relinquish any rights to the students’ work and intellectual property outside of what is outlined above.

Q: What if I have an internship, travel, or other summer plans? Can I still participate?

A: All participants are expected to participate fully in the 4-week virtual summer creative writing intensive, where they will show up to 16 hours of classes and meetings from 10 am to 3 pm PT (1 to 6 pm ET) from Monday to Thursday. We believe that this will result in the best experience for all participants! If this is not possible for you, then unfortunately, this program is not be a good fit.

Q: How much support will I have for my writing?

A: You'll meet for 30 minutes weekly with your coach on Fridays during the summer program. Your writing coach will provide support with edits and revisions, help you push through writer's block, work with you to establish a writing schedule, and be your cheerleader throughout the entire writing process. In the fall, you’ll work with your editor to polish your final draft.

Q: What is the workload/time commitment during Part 2?

A: Part 2 takes much less time (we know you have school!) and it happens in the fall. You'll collaborate on a book cover design and an editor, so your final novella can be added to the Novelly library. You’ll work with us on teaching resources, social media posts, and an interview around your e-book. You’ll also have 1 or more virtual book talks.

Q: What is a writer-advocate?

A: Novelly defines a writer-advocate as someone who is committed to starting courageous conversations through the power of their storytelling. Writer-advocates at Novelly are young people who believe that great stories can make the world a more empathetic, inclusive, and understanding place.

Q: What does it mean to be an "underrepresented" voice and/or narrative?

A: We recognize all diverse experiences, including (but not limited to) LGBTQIA, Native, people of color, gender diversity, people with disabilities, and ethnic, cultural, and religious minorities. If the Toni Morrison quote, "If there's a book that you want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it" applies to you and your work, we'd love to read it!

Q: How much contact will I have with the other RVC Members?

A: During Part 1 (Summer 2024), you’ll see your fellow RVC members from 10 am to 3 pm PT from Monday to Thursday. During Part 2 (Fall 2024), you’ll work on publishing and promoting your e-book mostly independently, but you’ll have opportunities to keep in touch with your fellow authors.

Q: What are the word requirements/ limits?

A: When completed, your novella should be right around 5,000 words. We realize that for some this word count is a challenge, while for others, it can feel limiting. Your coach will be there to support you either way, but we do advise that when you enter the program, you have the mindset of keeping your narrative as tight and condensed as possible. You can always expand it later!

Q: I'm a little intimidated by this program. Should I still apply?

A: Absolutely, yes! As writers, we are our own worst critics. Many of our published RVC authors felt intimidated when they started the program, but they've assured us that the support we provide through the program allowed them to feel confident in publishing their work, and now they're so happy they took the leap to apply!

Q: What genres are published as part of RVC?

A: Rising Voices Collective authors write and publish across all genres, including, but not limited to, folktale retellings, historical fiction, and sci-fi. We value creative approaches to telling diverse stories, and believe that some of the most powerful narratives about diverse characters and issues are the ones that aren't on-the-nose.