Full-Time Writing Apprenticeship
Christian creative writing training that actually works.
A full-time college alternative to develop Christian writers into published authors.
In-Person
This is the only in-person writing apprenticeship program in the world. Apprentices join us on-site in Cambridge, Ohio for two years. The program begins in the fall and runs year-round.
Practical
This isn’t about high-minded arts theory or intellectual discourse and we don’t play pretend. We empower you with the essential skills you’ll need to become an author that Americans want to read, see, and hear. You don’t waste your time on fake projects that you’ll throw away at the end of class, you learn by doing real-life work.
Spirit-Led
Fun
Our apprentices work hard every day. But we play hard too. We believe that great writers need to live lives worth writing about. We ride snowmobiles, shoot guns, go to jail, and so much more! As our experience gets broader, our writing gets deeper.
Ready to join us at our campus in Cambridge, Ohio to start pursuing your dreams?
What will I learn as a writing apprentice at The Company?
We really ought to call it a writing and publishing apprenticeship, but that’s kind of a mouth full.
You’ll learn how to write your best stories ever, but you’ll also learn all about the business of publishing, and you’ll participate in spiritual development to help you grow in your faith and connect powerfully (and consistently!) with the Holy Spirit.
Of course you’ll learn how to write amazing novels using Brad Pauquette’s bestselling Novel Matrix method. You’ll also learn about all of the topics below (among many others):
Short Story Writing
Writing for Marketing
Poetry
Podcasting
Copy Editing
Developmental Editing
Book Interior Design
Social Media Management
Business Formation
Basic Accounting
Best Practices for Taxes
Platform Building
Spiritual Disciplines
Evangelism
Bible Teaching
Group Leadership
In the first year, we cover the basics and everyone gets some experience in all of these areas (and more!). In the second year, we customize the program to your personal goals. You’ll develop real expertise in the areas that are most important to you.
Our vocational model is learning by doing. This isn’t classroom theory and endless reading, you do the real stuff under the caring guidance of an experienced professional.
Ready to start a conversation?
Meet the Instructor – Brad Pauquette
Brad Pauquette built a successful career in writing and publishing from 2008 to 2018.
In 2018, he heard God calling him to use his skills exclusively for the benefit of the Kingdom.
Brad and his wife, Melissa, run The Company. Brad provides the majority of the day-to-day instruction and Melissa focuses on student care.
Brad is the author of the bestselling writing craft book The Novel Matrix. He has worked directly with hundreds of authors to help them write and publish their best books, many of whom have won awards and bestseller status.
Brad and Melissa have lived radically faith-filled lives, with extensive experience in inner-city ministry, power evangelism, and teaching.
Learn more about the application process:
Books Published by Graduates
Here’s a sampling of some of the books published by our graduates:
Apprentice & Graduate Testimonials
Noah Matthews, age 18, from Grayling, Michigan
“Where do I start? My time at The Company so far has been beyond amazing—I’m having to work harder, trust God more, and step out in ways I wouldn’t have wanted to months ago. Get ready to have your buttons pushed, your boxes opened, your fears gently brought to light, your mindsets shifted, and your joy-tank filled.”
Noah is a first-year apprentice. He will graduate in August 2025. Listen to a podcast with Noah to learn more about his experience trusting God.
Alli Prince, age 24, from Las Vegas, Nevada
“Before coming to this program, I was extremely shy and lacked the confidence to become a full-time author. I knew what God wanted me to do, but I had absolutely no idea how to accomplish my goals. In the short time I’ve been in the program, I’ve watched my writing skills, my confidence, and my faith improve dramatically! I can’t recommend The Company enough!”
Alli graduated in August 2024. Listen to a podcast interview with Alli in which she shares her first-year experience.
Thirzah Griffioen, age 18, from Bryans Road, Maryland
“What I really love about The Company is that I can already see my writing improve– quite a bit. I’ve learned a lot of different techniques that have completely changed the way I used to write, and I’m so impressed with the results.“
Thirzah graduated in August 2023. Listen to a podcast reflecting on her two-years at The Company here.
Who’s qualified for an apprenticeship?
Two qualifications are REQUIRED for all apprentices:
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- You’re all-in for Jesus. You’re a Christian and you want to live your life His way (even if you’re not good at it yet).
- You’re certain you want to be a professional writer.
Most of our apprentices are college-aged (18-25), but the program is open to adults of all ages and backgrounds. If you’re all-in for Jesus and ready to be a professional writer, you’re in the right place.
We don’t expect you to be a perfect Christian or perfect writer when you apply. That’s why you come here!
Learn more about expectations & qualifications:
What’s it really like as an apprentice at The Company?
The Company is intentionally small. We usually have between 4 and 12 apprentices in the program.
What does a typical day at The Company look like?
Our firstfruits belong to God – We start each day at 8:30am with worship, prayer, and Bible study.
Independent Work Time – The apprenticeship is learning by doing. So we make time for the doing. There is no homework, all of the work is done during the normal workday.
Lunch – One of the most fun times of the day. Man of our apprentices find that others in the program share their eclectic interests.
Afternoon – The afternoons are spent in group discussions, formal lessons, one-on-one coaching, and collaborative projects. Each day ends at 4:30pm.
Evening – Apprentices go home and work part-time jobs, engage with their church communities, relax, and recharge.
Life Experience – Not every day is exactly like this. In order to write well, we believe you have to live a life worth writing about. We take the apprentices to ride snowmobiles, shoot guns, go behind the scenes at the county jail, and tour factories and industrial sites. The specific experiences are different each year, but how can you write about something if you’ve never experienced anything like it?
Apprenticeship Method
With our unique apprenticeship model, our lead instructor, Brad Pauquette, works with each author individually to understand your unique goals and help you to step into your calling. The instruction is completed in a small group setting, and each writer develops a personal one-on-one relationship with Brad as a trusted mentor.
Year 1
The first year of the program lays down a foundation of writing skills, professional assets, and spiritual development. There’s lots of instruction in a small group setting. Through hands-on instruction, apprentices build skills and experiment with their work. In the first year, you will write many short stories, a novella, and a full-length novel.
You’ll also build a professional website, launch an effective professional social media presence, develop a mailing list, and legally set up your writing business. You’ll learn not only fiction writing, but also how to write for business and marketing, as well as how to create multimedia content.
In the first year, apprentices are encouraged to explore lots of different genres and writing styles to find their voice. We also work together to seek the Holy Spirit to identify how He’s calling you to use your gift for the Kingdom.
Year 2
The second year is all about implementation. We build on the foundation of the first year to put your individualized plan into action. Many apprentices begin earning some money with their work in the second year.
In the second year, you are producing work for the market, aggressively building your marketing platform, and applying the lessons of the first year to build healthy, sustainable professional and spiritual routines.
Explore the full-time writing apprenticeship at The Company
Steps to Apply:
Step 1: Schedule a time to chat or visit (Optional)
We’d love to get to know you and to answer all of your questions. Click here to schedule a time to chat (via email, Zoom, or phone), or to schedule an in-person campus visit.
Step 2: Read the “Prepare to Apply Page“
This page will tell you exactly what to expect from the application process, so that you can prepare your answers and materials ahead of time.
Step 3: Apply
Click here or the “Apply Now” button below to visit our secure applicational portal. Simply create an account, fill out the form, and upload your materials.
Additional Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Find the answers to some of our most commonly asked questions here–>Frequently Asked Questions.
Looking for a part-time opportunity that you can do from home?
Our part-time, online program is called Arche Year. Over the course of a year, you’ll write a complete novel manuscript and build a professional author’s marketing platform. Learn more here.
Questions?
We’d love to hear from you!
Please send us an email at info@writers.company or use the contact form to the right to get in touch with us.
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