What does the Membership include?
The Writer’s Community Membership includes weekly skill-building assignments, an open invitation to all live webinars, and unlimited access to community discussions. You’ll choose from five pathways (or tracks), so each week’s content meets you where you are in the writing process.
How do I use the Pathways & Skill-Building Content?
You’ll self-select the pathway that best reflects your stage of the journey. This ensures the assignments support your current needs (while still allowing you to explore other pathways anytime). Each pathway is organized into six steps—each step includes a webinar, writing prompt, workbook, and two assignments centered around a core theme.
Every week, you’ll have one or two things to watch, read, write, or practice—building your skills, keeping you engaged, and providing accountability. You may also work ahead if you prefer.
What are the Webinars?
In addition to the recorded videos at the start of each step, you’ll be invited to live monthly webinars featuring Q&A sessions with industry experts and your hosts, Kelly Notaras (founder of KN Literary Arts) and Reid Tracy (CEO of Hay House).
What are the Community Discussions?
No matter which pathway you choose, you’ll have access to a vibrant message board where you can ask questions, share challenges, and celebrate your wins with thousands of other members.
What are the “Pathways” all about and which one is right for me?
The Writer’s Community welcomes writers at all stages, and the pathways help ensure you receive content that’s relevant to you. The five pathways are:
- Beginning Writer
- Aspiring Author
- Published Author
- Promoting Author
- Fiction Writer
You’ll choose the pathway that matches where you are right now. A “Pathway Progression Map” is available in the Welcome Area to help you decide.
Each pathway includes six steps designed to take about four weeks each. Every step includes a teaching webinar, writing prompt, workbook, and two assignments. Once you complete all six steps in a pathway, you’ll move on to the next one.
Pathway 1: Beginning Writer
For writers just starting out. Ideal if you’re unsure what to write, juggling multiple ideas, or still clarifying your genre. Topics include Writing Habits, Finding Inspiration, Writing About Your Life, Organizing Your Time, From Writing to Writing a Book, and Putting Yourself Out There.
Pathway 2: Aspiring Author
For writers who know what book they want to write and are committed to completing a manuscript. Topics include Author Motivations, Choosing Your Hook, Building Your Outline, Genre & Ideal Reader, Overcoming Obstacles, and Creating a Book Proposal and Business Plan.
Pathway 3: Publishing Author
For writers in the editing, polishing, and publishing stages. You’ll prepare your manuscript for agents and publishers and learn to navigate the publishing world. Topics include Publishing Basics, Working with an Editor, Timelines, Cover & Interior Design, Hybrid or DIY Publishing, Finding an Agent, and Book Launches.
Pathway 4: Promoting Author
For authors with a completed and published manuscript. Focuses on marketing and strategies to get your book into readers’ hands. Topics include Platform Overview, YouTube, Lead Magnets, Newsletters & Blogs, Organic Social Media, and Advertising.
Pathway 5: Fiction Writer
A standalone pathway that addresses the specific concerns of the fiction writer. Learn about the three elements found in every great novel, as well as fiction genres and tropes; plotting, editing, promoting and publishing options.
Can I work in more than one Pathway at the same time?
While all pathways are available, we recommend working through them in order. You won’t get as much value if you skip ahead. For example, Pathway 3 won’t make sense if you’re still deciding what your book is about—after all, you can’t contact agents until you know what you’re pitching.
How can I find out what is Coming Soon and when?
The “Pathway Progression Map,” found in the Welcome Area, outlines each pathway and the order of topics in case you want to skip ahead.
Each pathway includes six steps, and each step is designed to take about a month. Following this pace means you’ll set yourself up to have a finished book after about a year. Try to avoid doing only the assignments without also progressing your actual book.
Here’s what each step includes:
- Week 1 – Teaching webinar and writing prompt
- Week 2 – Assignment #1
- Week 3 – Assignment #2
- Week 4 – Workbook
Your focus will vary depending on your pathway. For example:
- Pathway 1: Capturing ideas for your book
- Pathway 2: Writing early drafts
- Pathway 3: Researching or editing
- Pathway 4: Creating marketing content
As you progress, you’ll find there’s more to keep you engaged. If you want to do even more, you’re always welcome to join the monthly Q&A webinars and participate in the Community Discussions.
Each month also features a keynote speaker from past Writer’s Workshops—an invaluable source of inspiration and motivation.
How do I communicate with other members?
Look for the word Community. At the top of every page (and in several other places), you’ll find a Community link that takes you to the message board.
In the message board, you’ll find discussions by topic. Here are some tips:
- Use @ to tag another member so they see your message (e.g., @Jane Doe).
- Use @ to tag an admin (e.g., @Anna Pettit).
- Optional writing challenges are also available here to help you get comfortable sharing your work.
Pro Tip: Complete your profile with a photo and a short bio (under 150 characters).
Where do I watch the Webinars?
Webinar details are announced in the Community. You can RSVP to receive email reminders. Replays will be available afterward. The webinars are a great chance to ask Reid and Kelly your questions and learn from answers that benefit everyone. After the main session, you can join a breakout room with other members.
Do your videos have closed captions?
Yes, all videos include closed captions.
What if I want to cancel my membership?
You can cancel your membership at any time. Your billing will stop at the end of your current cycle (quarterly or annual). There are no prorated refunds for unused time, and canceled members are not eligible for the twice-yearly book proposal contests. You may rejoin during the next open enrollment period, which may be several months away.
To cancel:
- Log in to your Writers Community account.
- Click your profile image → Settings.
- Under Account Information, click Billing.
- Select Cancel in the orange box next to your Membership.
- Confirm by clicking Cancel this Subscription.
How can I search for an answer or topic?
All of the Q&A sessions in the library are searchable by keyword. Click the button at the top of the page between My Dashboard and Community. Enter your keyword and you will be given a list of videos containing that word, play the video to be taken to the exact place in the video. How easy is that!
Can I watch the videos and webinars on my phone or iPad?
Yes! Download the Kajabi app from the App Store or Google Play. Your membership content will be available there.