Full-Time Program Expectations
This full-time apprenticeship program at The Company feels more like working for a creative agency than going to school. This is a vocational program, which means it is learning by doing. As an apprentice here, you’ll write short stories, essays, blog posts, advertising copy, novel-length work, and more. Apprentices generally work on site for an eight-hour workday, five days per week, but there’s no homework. Your evenings and weekends are your own.
While you’re here, you’ll retain the rights to your work and you’ll leave the program with a catalog of materials ready to sell. Some apprentices earn money with their writing and/or publish work during the second year of the program. Apprentices also contribute to publications and special projects produced by The Company, and help run The Company.
Part of being a successful writer in today’s media market is the development of a platform or audience. With guidance and oversight, you’ll create personal brands and develop their audiences.
We’re not just teaching you how to write. We’re teaching you how to do the work of being a writer. You’ll leave this program ready to step into an independent or conventional writing career.
Apprentice Qualifications
We are not interested in the degrees, certifications, or credentials that you’re bringing with you. There’s a good chance that students who haven’t thrived in a conventional educational setting will find the right home here.
Many of our apprentices were homeschooled or followed an alternative path to us.
Only one qualification matters: do you have an unquenchable drive to write for Jesus?
Our only goal is to identify up to twelve apprentices per year with a calling and potential to be effective writers to influence the American media.
This program is open to writers of all ages and backgrounds. We love having a diverse body of apprentices. Many of our apprentices are college-aged, but adult writers of all ages and life situations are welcome. Our apprentices have arrived with everything from a high school diploma to a masters degree.
Year-by-Year Expectations
With our apprenticeship mode, our lead instructor, Brad Pauquette, works with each author individually to learn your unique goals and help you to step into your calling. Most of the instruction is completed in a small group setting, and you’ll develop a 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 training, apprentices build skills and experiment with their work. In the first year, you’ll 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 for success.
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’re now building on the foundation of the first year to put your individualized plan in action. Some apprentices begin earning 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 develop healthy, sustainable professional and spiritual routines.
Do I need to commit to both years?
One of the biggest assets of our program is the flexibility. Most apprentices do commit to the two year program and that’s usually the best fit. However, please contact us to discuss your unique situation. Ultimately, we’re here to help you reach your goals as an author and to help you step into the calling the Lord is inviting you into. We’re happy to discuss your work and life situation to address the best way we can incorporate you into our apprenticeship program.
Questions?
We'd love to hear from you!
Please send us an email at info@writers.company, or use this contact form to get in touch with us.
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