Shape Your Story: Fiction or Non-Fiction
About the On-Campus Workshop
During this seven-day on-campus experience, you’ll have the chance to deepen your craft, find your voice, and connect with a community of passionate writers. Each day blends intensive workshops, craft talks, generative writing exercises, and discussions of published work—all designed to inspire and challenge you.
Workshops are small, with ten to twelve writers per group, allowing for meaningful feedback and close mentorship. You’ll meet individually with your instructor, take part in a group reading, and hear from visiting writers who’ll share insights through additional readings and talks.
Because writing is also about being read, you’ll have the chance to learn from publishing professionals in agent and editor panels. Participants working on book-length manuscripts may also be invited by their instructors to join focused pitch sessions after the agent discussion.
Most of your time will be spent in the workshop with your instructors and peers—or writing and revising your own work. Fiction workshops welcome both short stories and novel excerpts, while nonfiction groups focus on personal essays, memoir, and narrative forms. Across six workshop sessions, you’ll refine your writing, reflect on feedback, and grow your creative practice.
And for a little artistic inspiration, we’ll venture into Yale’s world-class museums for an ekphrasis writing adventure—because sometimes the best words begin with what we see.
[cal] On-campus Writing Workshop: May 31 - June 5, 2026 and
June 7 - June 12, 2026
The application for the 2026 Yale Writers' Workshop will open in January 2026.
Six Workshop Sessions with Your Instructor Include:
- Intensive group writing workshops where you will share your work, receive thoughtful feedback, and engage in lively discussion. You will receive your peers’ manuscripts in advance and are expected to submit your own piece (4,000 words or fewer) for critique, as well as provide feedback on your fellow writers’ work.
- Guidance in giving and receiving constructive criticism to help you develop a productive and supportive approach to workshop discussions.
- Focused instruction on technique, revision, and submission—along with practical insights and tricks of the trade that help you refine your craft and navigate the writing life.
- Collaborative activities that foster community and trust, ensuring a creative and encouraging environments for all participants.
The Welcome Orientation will take place on Sunday, May 31 (Session I), or Sunday, June 7 (Session II), followed by a campus tour and dinner in Yale’s Dining Hall. Your first workshop session begins the next morning.
For a detailed schedule of workshops, instructors, and guest writers, please consult the workshop schedule.