YALE UNIVERSITY · UNITED STATES
Work-in-Progress Intensive
Certificate · Taught in en
At a glance
1 mo
Duration
—
IELTS
€2k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Certificate
Level
- 2 weeksDuration
- 8 writersSmall Cohort Size
- Hybrid (on-campus & online)Delivery Mode
- YWW Alumni OnlyExclusivity
- Book-length projectsProject Focus
- Kirsten BakisTaught By
The Work-in-Progress Intensive is an exclusive two-week workshop designed for Yale Writers’ Workshop (YWW) alumni who are developing book-length projects in fiction or nonfiction. This highly competitive program brings together a select cohort of eight writers for a focused and collaborative experience. The first week takes place on campus at Yale, providing an immersive environment for deep creative engagement, including critiquing peers' manuscripts and participating in generative and revision-based activities. The second week continues virtually, allowing participants to sustain momentum, share new work, and receive continued feedback on revision strategies, structural development, and next steps towards a full manuscript. The small cohort size ensures close collaboration and personalized guidance from faculty and peers.
Curriculum
The intensive workshop spans two weeks, focusing on manuscript critique, generative exercises, revision strategies, and structural development.
- Week One (On-Campus)
- Manuscript Critique
- Generative Activities
- Revision-Based Activities
- Week Two (Virtual)
- Sharing New Material
- Revision Strategies Discussion
- Structural Development
- Next Steps Towards Full Manuscript
Frequently asked questions
- Who is eligible to apply for the Work-in-Progress Intensive?
- This program is exclusively open to alumni of the Yale Writers' Workshop. Applicants should also have at least 7,000 words of a book-length manuscript draft.
- What is the cost of the program?
- Tuition without housing is $2,740 USD. Tuition with one week of on-campus housing is $3,165 USD. These costs are for the 2026 program.
- How long is the program and how is it delivered?
- The program is two weeks long. The first week is on-campus at Yale, and the second week continues virtually.
- What materials do I need to submit for my application?
- You will need to submit a 1000-word writing sample from your manuscript, along with answers to specific questions about your project's status and word count.
- When are the application deadlines and program dates?
- The application opens on January 16, 2026, and the deadline is January 30, 2026. The on-campus portion runs from June 7-12, 2026, followed by the online portion from June 17-19, 2026.
Entry requirements
Yale Writers' Workshop AlumniApplicants must be alumni of the Yale Writers' Workshop.
Manuscript DraftApplicants should have at least 7,000 words of a book-length manuscript draft. Priority is given to those with confident first drafts.
Exercises and readings will be assigned prior to arrival, and writers should expect to meet online with the group before coming to campus.
Fees
Tuition (international)Tuition without housing: $2,740 USD. Tuition with one week of housing: $3,165 USD.
Tuition (home)Tuition without housing: $2,740 USD. Tuition with one week of housing: $3,165 USD.
LivingThe difference between tuition with and without housing ($425 USD) covers one week of on-campus accommodation. Housing closes at 6:00 pm on Friday, June 12.
All costs are for the 2026 program. The program is 2 weeks long, with only 1 week on-campus needing housing.
How to apply
1. Application OpensThe application portal opens on January 16, 2026.
2. Prepare Application MaterialsPrepare a 1000-word writing sample from the manuscript you intend to work on. Additionally, be ready to answer the following questions in your application:
1. Is your submission fiction or nonfiction?
2. What is the working title of your manuscript?
3. How many words have you written?
4. What is the status of the draft? (e.g., just starting, half written, completed first or second draft)
5. Who has offered/given you feedback on the draft?
3. Submit ApplicationSubmit your complete online application by the deadline of January 30, 2026. Include alternative workshop choices on your application in case you are not selected for the intensive.
4. Receive DecisionDecisions will be released on February 6, 2026.
5. Secure Your SpotIf accepted, payment is due by February 13, 2026, to secure your place in the program.
Frequently asked questions
Who is eligible to apply for the Work-in-Progress Intensive?
+
This program is exclusively open to alumni of the Yale Writers' Workshop. Applicants should also have at least 7,000 words of a book-length manuscript draft.
What is the cost of the program?
+
Tuition without housing is $2,740 USD. Tuition with one week of on-campus housing is $3,165 USD. These costs are for the 2026 program.
How long is the program and how is it delivered?
+
The program is two weeks long. The first week is on-campus at Yale, and the second week continues virtually.
What materials do I need to submit for my application?
+
You will need to submit a 1000-word writing sample from your manuscript, along with answers to specific questions about your project's status and word count.
When are the application deadlines and program dates?
+
The application opens on January 16, 2026, and the deadline is January 30, 2026. The on-campus portion runs from June 7-12, 2026, followed by the online portion from June 17-19, 2026.