On Deck Writer Fellowship (ODW)
Become a prolific internet writer. In 8 weeks.
The Writer Fellowship is an eight-week remote program for internet writers who want to improve their writing and grow an audience. We combine writing groups, a world-class curriculum and an incredible community to help you find traction online.
"It's not an overstatement to say that ODW has changed the trajectory of my writing life. I know that sounds hyperbolic, but it's not.
"My decision to join On Deck's Writer Fellowship completely changed the trajectory of The Flywheel, which may completely change the trajectory of my career."
"As someone who’s more introverted, I loved the writing workshops because they're smaller groups, so it was easier for me to give and receive feedback."
"On Deck has been HUGE in helping me to meet other writers struggling through the same problems, and learn what it actually takes to be a good writer."
"Folks, this On Deck Writer Fellowship content & community are outstanding beyond words. So impressed with the team and the cohort; so many opportunities to learn and grow."
Everything you need to become a prolific internet writer
Improve your writing via weekly writing groups and peer editing
The best way to become a better writer is through consistent, structured practice. That’s why writing workshops make up the core of the ODW Fellowship. Your cohort will be divided into small groups who meet once a week for peer editing and live feedback alongside one of our expert facilitators.
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Grow your audience via tactical sessions and proven frameworks
Growing your readership isn’t about growth hacks, SEO, or “one weird trick”—it’s about understanding what your audience wants and building a connection with them that enables you to deliver more and more value each time. Learn the strategies and tactics that have helped the best writers in the business take their readership to the next level.
Apply NowBecome a member of an engaged, creative community
Every writer can benefit from being part of a supportive group of peers. Meet a diverse set of writers from around the world, and find a crew who can keep you inspired and accountable.
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Join a community of internet writers
Nick Whitaker
Dave Nemetz
Madison Kanna
Sahil Lavingia
Alysia Harris
Ashley Tolbert
Leo Polovets
Soona Amhaz
Apply for the On Deck Writer Fellowship
On Deck helped me realize that writing was a viable career. As a Software Engineer in SV, thought founding a tech startup was the only path. Then ODF1 happened.
12 months later, and I got a book on the way & a newsletter with 44k subscribers. Big fans of @david__booth & team!
It's not an overstatement to say that @beondeck has changed the trajectory of my writing life. I know that sounds hyperbolic, but it's not.
If you want to start writing, hold yourself accountable to a regular writing practice, or level up your writing, don't hesitate.
Couldn't recommend this enough. If you're writing for the internet or writing in general, this is the community you never knew you needed.
I was part of ODW1, without a doubt it was a life changing experience for me.
Choosing to be a part of #ODW1 was easily the best decision of this year. I found a group of people who are invested in each other's growth and the growth of the creator ecosystem at large. Cannot recommend it enough.
Speakers & Curriculum
Byrne Hobart
Katherine Boyle
Thomas Chatterton Williams
Robert Cottrell
Tyler Cowen
Nadia Eghbal
Polina Marinova
Kmele Foster
Introduction
Navigating the Writer Fellowship
Website and newsletter infrastructure
Finding Your Voice + Niche
Finding your niche
Developing your voice and brand
Understanding your audience
Research & Writing Process
Research
Interviews
Writing your first draft
Accountability & the Psychology of Writing
Building a writing habit
The psychology of writing
Storytelling, Narration and Structure
Narrative building
Structure and pacing
Editing Your Writing
Editing
Distribution, Growth & Monetization
Distribution and growth
Analytics for writers
Monetization 101
INCLUDING...
Writing Groups
Editing Support
Writer's Library
The On Deck Method
We're building a modern educational institution that redefines how community and learning come together. Being part of any On Deck program means you’ll have access to a community of world-class professionals. With every new program we launch and cohort we start, your network gets stronger.
Here are the cornerstones of the On Deck experience:
Deep Friendships
Unparalleled Knowledge
Community Diversity
Scaled With Software
Engineered Serendipity
Spirit of Service
Alumni Case Study
Michael Jones
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"There is a general expectation that writing fellowships are very tactical. Those things are valuable, but the humanity of On Deck is what has supported me in my writing life moving forward."
Apply for the On Deck Writer Fellowship
FAQ
ODW is a good fit for anyone who wants to write regularly and publicly on the internet. Fellows can be early on in their writing journey—beginners are welcome!
Common archetypes include:
- Someone who has written a lot for work or school but is new to writing outside of an established institution.
- Someone who has been writing their blog or newsletter for a while and is looking to take it to the next level.
- Someone who is a more experienced writer in traditional media (e.g. magazines, books, etc.) but is new to writing online.
Nonfiction writers are the best fit for ODW, as most of our content focuses on blogs, newsletters, and essays.
Joining the On Deck Writer Fellowship is $1,990.
We're currently offering this as special early-bird pricing—it'll rise in the coming months, so apply now!
Our goal is to make the Fellowship accessible to the absolute best talent, no matter their financial situation.
All Fellows have the option to pay in four monthly installments (with no interest or additional charges). We also have a limited number of scholarships available thanks to our Access Fund. Information about scholarship applications will be provided to accepted Fellows closer to the kickoff date.
Between attending your workshops and giving peer feedback, you should expect your writing workshop to take up around three to four hours a week.
Beyond workshops, ODW is a choose-your-own-adventure buffet. You get out what you put in: often, the biggest contributors are also the biggest beneficiaries.
Depending on your schedule and interests, you could choose to:
* Attend everything and “gorge” yourself on knowledge until you explode
* Tune in at your leisure to attend sessions that interest you
* Or just search the directory and connect with interesting people one-on-one
Most ODW Fellows have full-time jobs, so our programming is designed with that in mind.
Absolutely not! Our Fellows write about a diverse list of topics. ODW1 features writers focused on technology, history, philosophy, science, international relations, arts and literature, religion, personal stories, and even fiction.
Yes: ODW will be run entirely remotely. This enables participation from all corners of the world. We’ve spent the past two ODF cohorts mastering the playbook for building remote communities and relationship building online, and will apply the same approach here.
Post-COVID, we’ll return to organizing offline programming like dinners, small gatherings, and retreats, but the core Fellowship will remain a remote-first experience.
You can! The sun never sets on ODW1: roughly 30% of current Fellows are from countries other than the U.S.
We offer a wide range of scheduling options for writing workshops so that you can find a time that works for you, wherever you are. Our other live programming mostly happens on U.S. Eastern hours, but is all recorded and made available later in case you can’t attend live.
There are also many opportunities for asynchronous editing, learning, and socializing through our Slack community.
You can view our values here, but to summarize: Service, Sacredness, Respect, and Gratitude.
Application deadline: April 2, 2021
Kickoff: April 17, 2021
