ABOUT US

At Onward Literary, everything we offer is built around individualized guidance—writing instruction designed to meet you where you are and move your work forward.

As a child, I had a clear goal in life: become a writer. After trying to find my way via publishing, law, and academics, it became obvious quite quickly that the path is not exactly clear. Over the years, I have grown to rely on my fellow writing colleagues as my first readers. Early on, though, I often wished for a mentor outside the workshop; someone I could turn to with unfinished work, difficult questions, and decisions that extended beyond the page. Writers talk fondly about mentors they met in school, but many writers never have that opportunity—or no longer have access to that kind of guidance. Onward Literary grew out of that need.

Our current offerings include The Onward Writers’ Studio for accountability and community, specialized programs like Creative Writing for Lawyers, Developmental Editing, and our flagship one-to-one Mentorship Programs. This year, we are also expanding to include writing retreats, additional classes and seminars, and Onward, Jr., a program for young writers. No matter the format, the goal is the same: serious writing, real momentum, and guidance that adapts to the realities of your creative life.

Why “Onward”?

For years, as I submitted my work to agents and publishers, rejections were often signed simply: “Onward!” The word was not an apology or a dismissal—rather, it was a reminder to keep going, toward the next draft, the next submission, the next idea. Writing moves forward through continued work, and so I created Onward Literary to support that process through individualized writing instruction and tailored guidance.

SOCIAL JUSTICE

Because we believe that writing has the power to effect social change, we will also be donating a percentage of our fees from the mentorship programs to an organization of the mentor’s choosing, so when you are choosing your mentor, you are also choosing to support a specific organization by seeing each mentor’s choice of nonprofit.

The writing life is one without a clear path. Onward Literary provides you with tailored guidance as you navigate your own path forward.

Join us. We can’t wait to read you!