OUR STORY
Coaches who care. Community that nourishes. Writing that soars.
The Unicorn Authors Club is a microcosm of a world in which authors receive all the support they need to finish their books. Our unique coaching methodology aims to liberate writers from imposter syndrome and bring joy to the writing process, even as we navigate our intersectional oppressions. Our leadership is 100% BIPOC, and our membership and team are always majority BIPOC.
A Writing Program for Our Times
Founded by Minal Hajratwala amidst multiple pandemics, the Unicorn Authors Club is a coaching-centered membership community created by and for us. Unlike most other intensive writing programs, we began as a virtual space, so all of our work is beautifully designed to create connections and accessibility across a global community. We are grounded in our convictions that community is our deepest resource in capitalism, that truth-telling is superior to assimilationism, and that generative support for writers will triumph over racist gatekeeping.
From our first community of 33 writers who convened in October 2020, we now form a close network of 150+ Unicorn alums, many of whom stay connected long after their memberships. Together they have generated hundreds of thousands of words and gone on to win prestigious writing prizes, secure literary agent representation, and sign five- and six-figure book deals. Literary agents tell us that book proposals from Unicorn authors are among the strongest that are coming across their desks. We’ve celebrated eight published books so far, with many more in the works.
Our Approach
As studies and articles have shown, changing the landscape of the publishing industry is a long game. We draw inspiration from recent movements such as #WeNeedDiverseBooks and #PublishingPaidMe, bringing light to injustices and systemic biases within the industry.
We coach writers on three dimensions of creating books: developing the story, building skills, and creating sanctuary. Alongside generous 1:1 coaching, we facilitate plentiful group support to nurture the whole writer—making it safer to craft narratives that crack open worlds. Individuals are welcome anytime, while our partnerships subsidize movement authors, bridging the gaps between the demands of activism and traditional publishing pathways.
As we grow toward our vision of a world in which our stories can be told whole, we hold true to our core values of anti-racist organizing, disability justice, and gender euphoria. Two terms may stand out as you explore these pages:
BIPOC stands for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. There is some controversy around this term, as language is always in flux, but for now it’s the most accurate umbrella term to describe our core membership.
By “allies who really mean it,” we invite white folks who have a passion for racial justice that has been backed up by action in their lives; who have deep, persistent relationships with individuals and communities of color; and who are excited to learn in a writing space that is led by and is majority BIPOC.
When joining the Club, all writers are asked to sign onto our principles.