2026 Poetry Intensive

If you are working on a book-length poetry collection, this class is designed to advance your knowledge, make significant progress on your manuscript and gain momentum toward its completion in the community of a small, committed circle of peers.

This intensive includes instruction on craft elements such as form, line breaks, persona, theme; analysis of examples from published poetry collections; and the exchange of thorough, respectful critique. Each participant will have two opportunities to workshop a portion of their work in progress as well as a one-on-one meeting with the instructor halfway through the program. Class meets remotely online via Zoom twice a month; participants should plan to attend all eleven sessions plus their individual meeting.

The class meets twice a month, first in person and then via Zoom, alternating throughout the six months.

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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 via 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 Poetry Intensive takes place the 1st and 3rd Mondays from April 6-September 28 with some flexibility for holidays (April 6, April 20, May 4, May 18, June 1, July 6, July 20, August 3, August 17, September 14, and September 28 with 1-on-1 conferences scheduled individually around June 15th) from 6:30-8:30pm remotely online via Zoom.

Prerequisite: None

Genre: Poetry

Level: Intermediate/Advanced

Format: Workshop

Location: This class takes place remotely online via Zoom.

Size: Limited to 8 participants.

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 Poetry Intensive, you need to submit an overview of your project and a 5–10-page sample of writing (double-spaced, 12-point font).

Click the register now button to apply or follow this link to the application: https://forms.gle/u4LJuBKKZi3yWjgC9

The deadline for submissions is Monday, December 22 at 11:59pm EST. Writers selected for the class will be notified by January 5 and will need to complete registration by February 1, 2026. If you are accepted, the total cost of the class is: $720 non-members/$600 members. Interest-free payment options are available. One scholarship is available.