2026 Literary Novel Intensive

Have a book-length novel in progress? The Literary Novel Intensive is designed to help you advance your knowledge of the genre, make significant progress on your manuscript and gain momentum toward its completion in the community of a small, committed circle of peers.

We know genres are limiting labels and most writing is more fluid than fixed, but we've had overwhelming interests for novel intensives in the past and wanted to run two sessions so more folks have a chance to participate: one for writers working on projects more readily seen as "literary fiction" and one for writers working on projects more readily seen as "genre fiction."

We carved out these two intensive spaces for writers to support one another within their traditions, and you can apply for whichever one feels like a better fit (or apply to both if you prefer). NOTE: You will only be accepted and able to participate in one intensive at a time to maximize space.

The Literary Novel Intensive workshop provides the forum for aspiring novelists to discuss their works in progress and receive reader reactions, all while generating or revising additional pages. During the every-other-week two-hour workshops, writers will briefly share new work, raise questions about craft or process, read and discuss samples from published novels, and receive support from other novelists in the trenches. In-class feedback will largely take the form of questions surrounding the novel’s world and novelist’s vision in order to respect the ongoing drafting process. The instructor will also provide one written critique for each writer throughout the duration of the workshop.

This class takes place remotely online via Zoom.

About Literary Cleveland Intensives‍

Intensives are six-month classes designed to help intermediate and advanced writers make significant progress on a book-length project. Classes are application-only and limited to eight dedicated participants selected through an application process. If you are committed to your work and could use structure, encouragement, and accountability to finish a book draft, Literary Cleveland Intensives are for you.

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Class Details

‍Details: Lit Cleveland 2026 Literary Novel Intensive takes place Saturdays January 17, January 31, February 14, February 28, March 14, March 28, April 11, April 25, May 9, May 23, June 6 and June 20 from 10am-12pm remotely online via Zoom.

Prerequisite: None

Genre: Fiction

Level: Intermediate/Advanced

Format: Workshop

Location: This class takes place remotely online via Zoom.

Size: Limited to 8 participants.

Scholarships: Scholarship spots may be available for this class for writers in Northeast Ohio. If you are accepted for the class please let us know if you need a full or partial scholarship.

Cancellations & Refunds: Cancel at least 48 hours in advance of the first class meeting to receive a full refund. Email info@litcleveland.org.

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How to Apply

To apply for the 2026 Literary Novel Intensive, you need to submit a one-page overview of your project and a five-page sample of writing from your novel-in-progress (double-spaced, 12-point font).

Click the register now button to apply or follow this link to the application: https://forms.gle/G1vmNh2vyBCrpLNc6

Deadline for submissions is December 22 by 11:59pm EST. Writers selected for the class will be notified by January 3 and will need to complete registration by early January. Interest-free payment options available. A limited number of scholarships are available.