Write Better. Right Now.

The AutoCrit Academy – Where Maverick Writers Master Their Craft

Build your skills and discover your voice with the help of our exclusive premium courses, masterclasses and creative writing workshops.

Here to educate and inspire the next wave of successful authors.

Stacked with unique classes you won't find anywhere else, the AutoCrit Academy's broad catalogue keeps you covered from initial concept to completed manuscript.

Discover how to craft exciting fight scenes and riveting dialogue, structure your plots like a pro, write humor, vivid emotions, fantastical creatures, and even the most effective ways to market your books.

There's always something happening, and courses and workshops change from month to month, so be sure to check below for the latest!

One Pass. Every Class. Unlimited Possibilities.

With the Academy Pass, you get full, unlimited access to every live-taught resource AutoCrit Academy offers each month.

Forget restricting yourself to writing seminars just once or twice a year. The AutoCrit Academy brings you a massive, continually growing library of professional training. With your pass, you're free to enroll in any course or workshop that we offer live each month.

All content. No exceptions. Whether it's a two-hour craft workshop or a six-week Masterclass, you'll be first line for everything (and the replays) for as long as your pass is active.

Receive over $1000 in professional writing know-how every month, without having to pay for a separate writing course ever again.

Learn From the Best: Taught By Bestselling Authors & Industry Experts

You deserve instruction from people who have achieved professional success. When you join AutoCrit Academy, you're learning from authors and instructors who don't just talk the talk – they walk the walk.

You could spend countless hours gathering free advice and piecing together YouTube videos. You might learn how to write a book... eventually.

Our instructors don't just teach the craft; they live and breathe their publishing careers. Every technique, every strategy, and every market insight you receive is currently working for a USA Today Bestselling Author.

Theory is great, but it isn't enough. We teach proven, real-world practice that we stake our own business on. Get a direct line to the knowledge that creates successful, professional authors today, including unique sessions from specialized guest teachers to covering everything from the newest trends in editing, marketing, and the business of being an author, all the way to topics such as culture, food, niche literature, gaming, and more.

Isn't it time you invested in knowledge that actually pays you back?

Meet Some Of Our Fantastic Instructors & Guest Speakers

Your Genre. Your Path. Your Year. Your Career.
No Matter Your Niche, Our Expert Instructors Are Ready to Guide Your Success.

Whether you're drafting your debut romance novel, polishing a nonfiction memoir, or building a sustainable author career, our monthly workshops, courses, and masterclasses cover the exact skills you need to succeed.

Despite what your English teacher might have said, creativity isn't a disease that needs to be cured. At the AutoCrit Academy, we foster the next wave of maverick storytellers. The romantics. The world-builders. The mystifiers and the terrifiers. And those with heartfelt truths to tell.

It's where literary sophisticates and beautiful misfits gain access to topics, teachers, and techniques you won't find anywhere else.

With new, live-taught content flowing in every month, you can spend your year mastering skills relevant to your path instead of languishing beneath the confines of a generic curriculum.

100+ Courses Scheduled For 2026

"I've taken a lot – A LOT – of writing courses in the past year, and [AutoCrit's are] by far the most organized, comprehensive, and well-delivered (instructors, presentation, and course materials). I easily find two or three classes each month I'm interested in."

Masterclass Participant

A Glimpse at Our Extensive Premium Catalog

Here's a sample of what's coming up in the next few months! All accessible with your Academy Pass at no extra cost.

Yours in December 2025

30 Days of Self Editing Course - Starts December 1, 2025

Transform your draft into a polished novel in just 30 days! This course features professional support, live sessions, and hands-on exercises. Stay on track with check-ins and progress updates, while learning strategies to edit faster and more effectively than you thought possible.

Dystopian Fiction Genre Course - Starts December 5, 2025

Dystopian stories let readers explore the worst possible futures from a safe distance. In this four-week course, USA Today bestselling author Kat Campbell shows you how to design oppressive systems, collapsing worlds, and unforgettable characters who fight back. You will learn how to shape your ideas into a powerful story blueprint you can take straight into drafting.

Writing Festive Fiction Course - Starts December 10, 2025

Join bestselling authors Bekah Brinkmeier and Kat Campbell for three weekly sessions that blend festive storytelling with irresistible emotional depth. Discover how to write cozy romances, tales of merry magic, or heartwarming holiday adventures readers will revisit year after year.

Folk Horror Workshop - Starts December 11, 2025

Folk horror is where old stories, rural settings, and buried traditions collide with the modern world. In this focused, two-part workshop, writer and storyteller Casey Jones shows you how to tap into that tension and turn it into unforgettable fear. You will learn how to build atmosphere, shape rituals and legends, and deliver moments that feel both inevitable and shocking.

Writing Climate Fiction Workshop - Starts December 18, 2025

Readers are hungry for stories that explore the world we are heading towards: rising seas, fractured societies, impossible weather, new technologies, and human resilience pushed past the breaking point. Join USA Today bestselling author Kat Campbell in this exciting new workshop. Whether you’re writing a near-future thriller, a solarpunk hopepunk novel, or a bleak atmospheric dystopia, this workshop will help you sharpen your craft and strengthen your story’s impact.

Yours in January 2026

How To Query Workshop - January 2, 2026

Take the next step in your publishing journey with this interactive workshop led by USA Today bestselling author and pitch coach Katherine D. Graham. You’ll learn how to craft a standout query letter, research and target the right agents, and prepare a polished submission package. Gain expert insights, personalized guidance, and the confidence to send your queries with strategy and success.

Ink & Ivory: 6-Week Dark Academia Masterclass - Starts January 4, 2026

Dark Academia is far more than an aesthetic. It’s an obsession. And it’s a growing niche that spans elite boarding schools, haunted battle colleges, university campuses, and wicked reform academies. Blending elements of mystery, thriller, horror, fantasy, and romance, Dark Academia stories draw readers into the worlds of ambition, corruption and intellectual escapism. Take a six week journey into the heart of this niche and discover how to create worlds your readers can fall head first into!

Fantasy Genre Course - Starts January 5, 2026

Whether you’re planning to write epic high fantasy, action-packed tales of urban witchcraft, or a crushing grimdark saga, Fantasy Foundations contains the content and exercises that will push your imagination to its limits. Join USA Today bestselling author Kat Campbell on this quest to write Fantasy novels that sell.

Book Marketing 101 Workshop - Starts January 7, 2026

Learn the foundational strategies for successful book promotion. Build a rockstar author brand, master the essentials of email marketing, and use social media effectively to connect with readers and drive sales.

Self Publishing 101 Course - Starts January 8, 2026

Ready to publish your book? Whether you’re a first-time author or looking to refine your self-publishing journey, this four-session course is your roadmap to success. You’ll learn the essentials from bestselling author, ghostwriter, and author coach Bekah Brinkmeier. Gain hands-on strategies, insider tips, and expert guidance to bring your book to life and share it with the world.

Develop Your Magic System Workshop - Starts January 22, 2026

Learn the structured process for building a magic system that’s believable, consistent, and compels the plot. Master the rules, costs, and societal impact that bring fantastical worlds to life. Writer and storyteller Casey Jones will guide you through this two-part workshop and give you a step-by-step process for creating your own magic system and rules.

Writing Book Blurbs Workshop - January 31, 2026

Are you struggling to write a blurb that really grabs readers’ attention? Our workshop is here to help! In this fun and interactive session, you’ll learn how to hook your reader, summarize your story, create emotional impact, and stand out in the market.

Yours in February 2026

Writing Spicy Romance Course - Starts February 2, 2026

Learn to write high-heat, high-stakes romance in this four-week genre course. Master the art of building irresistible chemistry, choreograph effective and engaging sex scenes, analyze and execute popular spicy tropes, and use emotional tension to deliver satisfying payoffs every time!

Expert Series: Writing Kink & BDSM - February 3, 2026

BDSM has obvious allure, but media often gets it wrong (making experienced kinksters cringe). In this workshop, guest instructor Stella Harris will cover the basics of writing about kink & BDSM, from choosing terms and language to show character development from dungeon to the bedroom. You’ll get an overview of common kinks from impact to bondage and beyond, while discussion safety, consent, and negotiation.

Charm & Comfort: Six-Week Cozy Fiction Masterclass - Starts February 11, 2026

Cozy fiction, whether mystery, fantasy, or romance, is a thriving niche built on specific rules of comfort and charm. This Masterclass goes beyond the basic definitions to teach you the high-level craft required to satisfy the most dedicated cozy readers. Master worldbuilding a charming community, creating relatable protagonists, and introducing low-stakes conflict.

First Chapters Workshop - February 13, 2026

This craft focused session, led by writer and speaker Kanika Bailey, teaches writers how to create compelling, high-impact first chapters that engage reader across genres. Attendees will analyze bestselling first pages, learn universal principals of strong openings, and participate in guided critiques of volunteer submissions.

Mafia Romance/Dark Romance Pop Up Workshop - February 14, 2026

Write the morally grey hero, high-stakes tension, and compelling power dynamics at play in Mafia Romance. This fun intensive workshop provides the framework to help you master the explicit tension and power dynamics required by this popular subgenre.

Blending Horror Into Other Genres Workshop - Starts February 20, 2026

The best stories often live between genres. Horror isn’t just for horror novels, it’s a potent narrative tool. Learn to skillfully weave elements of dread, suspense, and psychological terror into your Fantasy, Science Fiction, Mystery, or Romance. These elements can amplify stakes, deepen character tension, and create unputdownable reading experiences.

Sweet Romance Workshop - Starts February 21st, 2026

Sweet Romance (fade-to-black, closed door, clean & wholesome) is a highly beloved and profitable genre that demands masterful control over emotional conflict and character connection. Without relying on explicit scenes, how do you deliver that satisfying, swoon-worthy tension. This course teaches you how to highlight the emotional bond and intimacy, without sacrificing character chemistry!

Romance PlotCraft Workshop - February 22, 2026

Immerse yourself in the art of plotting a romantic novel. Discover how to create an engaging ‘Meet Cute’, introduce a compelling conflict, and design a believable ‘Winning Back’ scene. A robust plot is essential for your characters to truly resonate.

Yours in March 2026

Heart of Darkness Villain POV Workshop - March 10, 2026

Villain POV is a powerful tool that can deepen tension and make readers question what they believe about your hero. Without careful control, it can turn into melodrama or backstory dumps that slow the story down. This workshop teaches you how to write villains as realistic heroes of their own story and craft dedicated villain POV scenes that balance motivation, backstory, and pacing with maximum impact.

Worldbuilding 101 Course - March 12, 2026

Join USA Today bestselling author Kat Campbell for this four-week worldbuilding intensive where you’ll learn to create vibrant settings, intricate societies, and compelling magic systems. We’ll master the foundations of geography and history, design rich cultures and landscapes and learn how to integrate your worldbuilding seamlessly.

How To Write Dialogue Workshop - March 20, 2026

Does your dialogue drive the plot, or does it just take up space? Join us for an interactive 90-minute workshop focused on the rhythm of speech. We’ll cover how to make every line reveal character and motivation and turn bland scenes into emotional powerhouses!

Legacy & Lore: A Six-Week Historical Fiction Masterclass - Starts March 21, 2026

Write the past with heart, depth, and unshakeable confidence. Whether you’re navigating the political paranoia of a Tudor court or the quiet, stifled whispers of a Victorian parlor, your story deserves to feel as vivid, urgent, and human as the present day. This Masterclass will take you on a deep dive through six of the most iconic eras of storytelling. We’ll cover the art of research, the psychology of the era, period-flavor dialogue and voice, and how to use the specific laws and customs of an era to create organic tension.

Mystery & Thriller Pacing Workshop - Starts March 23, 2026

Mystery and thriller readers crave momentum, but pacing is a delicate balance of pressure and release. Without the right rhythm, hooks fall flat, the middle sags, and twists land too late to satisfy. This workshop teaches you how to control narrative speed, sharpen tension, and time your clues and reveals so your story feels relentless, deliberate, and impossible to put down.

Insight & Impact: A Six-Week Nonfiction & Memoir Masterclass - Starts March 25, 2026

Build your authority and cement your legacy with a nonfiction work. Whether you’re seeking to write a business authority book that positions you as a thought leader or recording your life story through your memoirs, we’ll provide you a step-by-step system that can take you from idea to published in only six weeks. This Masterclass is intensive and taught by WSJ Bestselling author and ghostwriter Brock Swinson. Spaces are limited.

Yours in April 2026

30 Days of Self Editing Course - Starts April 1, 2026

Young Adult & Middle Grade Fiction Course - April 6, 2026

Young Adult fiction demands authenticity, emotional depth, and a strong narrative drive. How do you capture the voice, intensity, and perspective that make YA stories unforgettable across any genre? This four-session live course guides you step by step through crafting relatable teen protagonists, emotionally rich scenes, and tightly structured novels that resonate with young readers and keep them turning pages.

Historical Fantasy Workshop - April 12, 2026

Blend history and magic without losing credibility. This two-part workshop gives you the research strategies, worldbuilding tools, and character techniques you need to write immersive, well-researched historical fantasy.

Game Writing & Design Workshop - April 16, 2026

Game writing blends structure and spontaneity, demanding mastery over narrative design, player agency, and long-term adventure arcs. Unlike traditional fiction, your story evolves through collaboration at the table. This workshop teaches you how to design player-driven adventures that feel cohesive, cinematic, and unforgettable without sacrificing flexibility or momentum.

Short Story Plotcraft Workshop - Starts April 17, 2026

Master short-fiction plotcraft in this two-hour intensive led by USA Today bestselling author Kat Campbell. Learn to structure powerful narratives, weave in character arcs, tighten tension, and deliver satisfying endings—all in half the words.

Liminal: Writing Atmospheric Scenes Workshop - April 24, 2026

Atmospheric Paranormal Fiction is a craft-driven genre that depends on tension, spatial awareness, and emotional unease rather than jump scares or overused descriptors. If your setting feels flat or decorative, how do you make it pulse with quiet wrongness? This workshop teaches you how to manipulate sensory detail, awkward geography, and silence so your scenes feel immersive, unsettling, and unforgettable.

Low-Heat Romance Course - April 26, 2026

Low Heat Romance (slow burn, closed door, emotional-first) is a deeply beloved genre that relies on tension, restraint, and emotional connection rather than explicit scenes. How do you create that aching, page-turning chemistry without physical payoff? This course teaches you how to build longing, subtext, and emotional intimacy that keeps readers invested from the first glance to the final confession.

Yours in May 2026

Haunt & Hex: Paranormal Masterclass - April 28, 2026

Paranormal and supernatural fiction are beloved, high-demand genres that require careful control of tone, worldbuilding logic, emotional stakes, and genre expectations. Without a clear framework, magic systems feel inconsistent and romantic or mystery arcs lose impact. This masterclass teaches you how to build immersive supernatural worlds, craft multidimensional characters, and balance otherworldly danger with emotional resonance so your story lands exactly where your readers want it.

Writing Memoir Workshop - May 1, 2026

How do you turn lived experience into a story that resonates beyond your own life? This workshop teaches you how to uncover emotional bedrock, capture unforgettable detail, and shape raw memory into structured, meaningful memoir that readers cannot ignore.

Instagram for Authors Course - May 6, 2026

Stop treating your profile like a business card. Instagram discovery doesn’t require chasing trends or posting around the clock. It requires a system. This four-week course breaks down how to translate your book’s DNA into a repeatable content engine that captures interest and converts it into readers.

Nightmare Fuel Course - May 6, 2026

He’s back. Are you ready to face the dark? Join AutoCrit’s own Gareth Jones to master the art of the scare. From foundational building blocks to gut-wrenching scene techniques, you’ll learn exactly how to construct horror narratives that resonate—and terrify.

Unearth your potential. Build your nightmare.

Space Opera Workshop Workshop - May 7, 2026

The galaxy is waiting. Will you lead the way? Step into the grandeur of Space Opera with master storyteller Casey Jones. In this two-part workshop, you’ll weaponize the timeless frameworks of the stars—from the genre’s essential DNA to the power of the Rule of Three.

Craft a saga that dazzles across the cosmos!

Motorcycle Club Romance Workshop - May 9, 2026

The club comes first. The heart comes second. Master the brutal allure of MC Romance. This two-hour workshop strips down the outlaw lifestyle to its core: unyielding loyalty, morally grey kings (and queens), and the high-octane tension of the open road.

Romance Tropes Workshop - May 15, 2026

Give readers what they want—without the cliché. Tropes like Enemies to Lovers or Only One Bed are the lifeblood of romance, but the magic is in the execution. This workshop is about taking the beats readers crave and making them feel fresh. We’ll dive into how to lean into the familiar while twisting the tension to keep the story your own.

Publishing & Book Marketing Intensive - May 18, 2026

You’ve finished the book. Now, let’s get it into the hands of readers. Many authors treat self-publishing like a lottery, hitting upload and hoping for the best. But hope isn’t a business strategy. To succeed as an independent author, you need to stop thinking like a writer and start thinking like a publisher. Over 7 weeks, we will move past the theory and show you how to create a launch plan, professional brand, and a sales funnel that builds your reader base while you’re busy writing the next book.

Cozy Mystery Workshop - May 21, 2026

The setting may be soft, but the stakes are sharp! A good cozy mystery is a balance between a world readers want to live in and a puzzle they can’t put down. In this two-part workshop, Casey Jones breaks down the mechanics of the genre—from building a small town that feels like home to layering clues that keep the reader guessing until the final chapter.

Foreshadowing Workshop - May 22, 2026

Foreshadowing is one of the most effective tools for pulling readers in, keeping them hooked, and delivering satisfying payoffs. In this workshop, you’ll learn how to plant clues, build anticipation, and craft stories that reward your readers for paying attention.

Creating Narrative Tension Workshop - May 30, 2026

Tension drives your fiction. No matter your genre, from Cozy Mystery to Epic Fantasy, the ability to control anticipation and manage stakes is what transforms a good story in a great one. This intensive workshop delivers the secrets to building the pressure that readers can’t ignore.

Showing vs Telling Workshop - May 31, 2026

Stop reporting on your characters and start breathing life into them. In this workshop, you’ll learn how to replace clinical observations with cinematic moments and stale exposition for dynamic dialogue and evocative action. We’re moving past “he was angry” and into the grit of how characters actually live on the page.

Yours in June 2026

Conteporary Romance Masterclass - June 10, 2026

This six-week masterclass is designed to take writers from a sparking “meet-cute” concept to a structurally sound contemporary romance manuscript. It balances the emotional “happily ever after”(HEA) expectations of the genre, with the gritty, relatable complexities of modern love.

Gothic Fiction Course - Starts June 11, 2026

Learn how to craft unforgettable Gothic fiction in this 4-week live course with USA Today Bestselling Author Kat Campbell. Explore the roots, tropes, and techniques of Gothic storytelling and create a chilling outline for your next book.

Writing A Book Series Course - Starts June 12, 2026

Writing one book is a massive achievement; writing a connected, compelling series is a career builder. This intensive course, led by series expert and USA Today bestselling author Kat Campbell, delivers the strategic planning and high-level structural skills need to maintain momentum and loyalty across multiple volumes.

First Chapter Workshop - June 13, 2026

Whether it’s a casual reader, an agent interested in seeing your work, or a prospective publisher, first impressions count. With AutoCrit’s First Chapter Workshop, we cut right through the fluff and bad advice and show you how to get it right first time.

Overcoming Writer's Block Workshop - June 28, 2026

Feeling stuck? Unlock your creativity and conquer the curse of writer’s block in this live, interactive workshop. Through proven techniques and practical exercises, you’ll learn how to defeat blank pages, unleash your creative flow, and maintain productivity without burning out. Say goodbye to creative slumps and hello to consistent progress on your writing journey!

The AutoCrit Academy:
Where Writers Find Their Shine

Some encouraging words from academy attendees.

Got Questions?

Here's everything you need know about your Academy Pass

What is the AutoCrit Academy?

For more than 13 years, AutoCrit has been known for serving authors with best-in-class software and tools to make writing and editing smoother and faster. The AutoCrit Academy is our educational wing, where we host our premium online writing workshops and courses – all created and hosted by professional authors, industry experts, and experienced writing tutors. AutoCrit Academy courses and workshops have been enjoyed by thousands of writers across the world.

Why should I take an AutoCrit writing class?

Our online writing courses can help writers from numerous genres and mediums dramatically improve their writing skills. Our resources give authors access to personalized feedback and industry-standard insights.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced author, our courses offer genre-specific and targeted lessons to strengthen storytelling, structure, and style.

With a user-friendly platform and community support, you’ll learn how to self-edit effectively, boost your confidence, and enhance your chances of publication – or prepare your manuscript for self-publication.

AutoCrit’s practical, hands-on approach helps you transform your drafts into polished, compelling stories.

Are the courses online or in person?

Currently, all of our writing classes and workshops are online. This allows learners from all over the world, living in any time zone, to access the courses and make the most of our writing programs.

Our online writing classes are in-depth and hands-on, targeting specific genres and elements of writing. Think of them as your boot camp for precisely the area of your writing you want to improve.

New classes are added to the schedule frequently, so sign up on this page to get notified of upcoming events and watch for online enrollment to open.

What's included with the AutoCrit Academy Pass?

For just one single payment, the AutoCrit Academy Pass grants you access to every live workshop and course run by AutoCrit within the timeframe your pass is valid.

What exactly do you mean by "live" courses and workshops?

This means any workshops and courses that are being held with a live time period, usually via Zoom.

You’ll also gain access to recordings of any courses and workshops for which you register using your pass throughout the year, so you can catch up for as long as your pass is active.

Access to historic recordings of courses or workshops held before your pass was purchased is not included.

What's the difference between a premium course, masterclass, and a workshop?

Premium courses are four weeks of lessons, exercises and activities, all backed up with weekly live sessions with your tutor. Masterclasses are deeper dives into the subject matter spanning over six weeks.

Workshops are either two hour or two 90-minute live lessons with writing exercises and dedicated Q&A segments with the tutor.

How often will courses and/or workshops run throughout the year?

The schedule changes from month to month, so it’s impossible to say exactly how many courses, workshops, or masterclasses will be present in any given month. That said, you are guaranteed to see value worth 5x the price of your pass at the very least.

Does the pass get me access to all self-paced (non-live) courses in the Academy?

No. The Academy Pass covers you for live access to courses and workshops only.

Recordings of any courses and workshops for which you register throughout the year will be available as long as your pass is active.

So the pass gives me unlimited access to all live courses and workshops, correct?

Absolutely! If you want to join every single session for every single workshop you are more than welcome.

When does my Passholder access begin?

Immediately. Depending on when you purchased it you may have to wait a few days for the first session, but you can also jump into any courses that are currently under way once your pass is activated.

When does my Passholder access end?

Your Access Pass subscription renews every 30 days after purchasing unless cancelled. Once cancelled, all access ends, including any access to recorded sessions from past courses or workshops.

If I buy a course standalone, without the pass, do I keep it forever?

Yes. Any single course, workshop, or masterclass you purchase at the standard cover price entitles you to unlimited access to the recording(s) from that course.

Does the Academy Pass include AutoCrit Pro membership?

No. The AutoCrit Academy Pass provides access only to the offerings from the AutoCrit Academy. It does not include Pro-level access to the AutoCrit software suite and associated member benefits like clubs or other exclusive live member events.

For AutoCrit Pro access, you can either join on a standard software subscription or grab Lifetime access right here during this Black Friday offer week!