Nonfiction Cohort is for you if
• You have completed at least 2 nonfiction manuscripts.
• You have been attending a critique group regularly and are beginning to get positive feedback on your work.
• You’re looking for feedback to take your work to the next level
You’ll submit a nonfiction picture book manuscript OR up to 10 double-spaced pages of a longer nonfiction manuscript each month, for a total of 6 mentor critiques, plus monthly peer critiques from the other members of the cohort.
Maximum size of this cohort is 6 participants.
Cost: $600
About Mentor Ann McCallum Staats
Ann McCallum Staats
is the author of over 12 books. Her latest is FANTASTIC FLORA: THE SCIENCE OF PLANT SURVIVAL (Candlewick/MIT Kids Press, 2025). She is also the initiating author of the Women of Power series with Chicago Review Press. For her books HIGH FLYERS and THRILL SEEKERS, she interviewed over 30 high-profile women including a senator, astronauts, jet and commercial pilots, Olympians, and Hollywood stunt women. Ann is a vigorous researcher who writes in a variety of genres, mostly nonfiction. She has appeared on TV and radio and her books have won various awards, including ForeWord Magazine’s Gold Book of the Year for her very first book. Ann holds a master’s degree in education. A former teacher, she has taught in three countries from elementary math to ESL to university classes. Ann divides her time between writing, mentoring, and connecting with readers.
Nonfiction Cohort Cohort Dates and Deadlines
January
Online meeting (60-90 minutes): Tuesday, January 9, 2024, 6 PM Eastern
Deadline to submit materials for mentor and peer critique: Tuesday, January 16, 2024
Mentor and peer written critiques due: Tuesday, January 30, 2024
February
Online meeting (60-90 minutes): Tuesday, February 6, 2024, 6 PM Eastern
Deadline to submit materials for mentor and peer critique: Saturday, February 17, 2024
Mentor and peer written critiques due: Thursday, February 29, 2024
March
Online meeting (60-90 minutes): Tuesday, March 5, 2024, 6 PM Eastern
Deadline to submit materials for mentor and peer critique: Saturday, March 16, 2024
Mentor and peer written critiques due: Tuesday, March 26, 2024
April
Online meeting (60-90 minutes): Tuesday, April 9, 2024, 6 PM Eastern
Deadline to submit materials for mentor and peer critique: Saturday, April 20, 2024
Mentor and peer written critiques due: Tuesday, April 30, 2024
May
Online meeting (60-90 minutes): Tuesday, May 7, 2024, 6 PM Eastern
Deadline to submit materials for mentor and peer critique: Saturday, May 18, 2024
Mentor and peer written critiques due: Tuesday, May 28, 2024
June
Online meeting (60-90 minutes): Tuesday, June 4, 2024, 6 PM Eastern
Deadline to submit materials for mentor and peer critique: Wednesday, June 12, 2024
Mentor and peer written critiques due: Tuesday, June 18, 2024
Final online meeting (60-90 minutes): Wednesday, June 26, 2024, 6 PM Eastern