Pursue your writing goals within their God-given purpose:

Create like you were created to.

Explore your creative call in a truth-led, grace-filled space.

Experience gospel-centered courses that invite knowing through story, publication, & collaboration.

How It All Works

Program Overview

All courses are completely online.

Real-World Experience Meets Collaborative Exchange

Real-world experience is built into our premium mentorship program. Mentors prayerfully watch for natural talent and interest, and tailor this element to support individual goals & skillsets. No writer needs or receives the exact same experience. Instead, we nurture the strengths God has given. Some authors want to be able to give all work over to the editorial team so they can focus exclusively on writing. Others aspire to fully own every stage of their creative projects. Most fall somewhere in between.

We involve new authors in every stage of the publication process because no one understands their message like they do! As mentors observe interest and gifting, we assign custom projects that allow each author to explore the diverse work done by online publishing professionals: storytelling, editing, copywriting, design, marketing, professional communication, contracts, copyright, & more. Most of our authors start this training through creative nonfiction since this allows them to directly engage the ideas most relevant to their interest. Ultimately, this allows them to focus on doing the work God is sovereignly equipping them for!

But our authors don't pursue their individual gifting and call in a vacuum. Our live courses rally all creatives around the shared source of their call: to make Christ known! Each course is carefully designed to allow authors space to contemplate, pray, and discover how their call in Christ connects them to their individual goals—and to each other! Our collaboration is fueled by our shared passion to love God with all our heart, all our soul, and all our mind (Matt.22:34-40)—so that we can love others in spirit & in truth (John 4:23-26) through our words. We are a subsection of the body of Christ (Eph. 4:1-16), and as creative members in his body, our goal is not self-promotion; we succeed as we help one another succeed (Phil. 2:1-18). The following course work supports this shared goal of creating worthy content (Phil. 4:8)!

Year One

The Art of Meaningful Story

Start with storytelling in mind—because effective & enduring storytelling is the mark of all high-value writing and content.

Year Two

Story Craft: De-Composition

Practice the professional terminology, tools, and techniques used by professional editors and publishers to ensure credibility and trust.

Year Three (Optional)

Prepare to Publish

This is designed for career path writers, editors, and authors. Create a polished, entry-level portfolio of published work, design a cohesive brand, establish a professional online presence, and prepare for growing and nurturing an audience—or seeking freelance opportunities or employment. The previous two years are essential for authors (as they clarify their call) and for mentors (as they prayerfully observe author interest and gifting).

Ongoing Support for Certified Graduates

Professional Membership

Careers in writing are as unique as the writers that build them! It's impossible to predict or prepare for every situation, but you're never alone. Anistemi Authors Academy prioritizes building healthy, successful, long-term relationships with their authors. Anistemi Authors receive lifetime access to our growing team and the professional services they offer. We're committed to you—and here for you any time you need.

Who's This Perfect For

Our program is tailored to creatives 15 & up who want to:

CONNECT THEIR CALL IN CHRIST TO WRITING GOALS

PURSUE TRADITIONAL PUBLISHING DEALS

START THEIR OWN ONLINE PRESENCES & SELF-PUBLISH

GAIN PROFESSIONAL SKILLS TO START EARNING QUICKLY

BECOME PROFESSIONAL EDITOR, WRITER, OR CREATOR

PURSUE CAREERS IN PUBLISHING & WRITING

BUILD A STAND-OUT RESUME BY DEMONSTRATED EXPERIENCE

START A PORTFOLIO OF PUBLISHED WORK

LEARN ADVANCED CHRISTIAN COMMUNICATION SKILLS

FAQS

What are the prerequisits for enrollment?

There are no specific prerequisites, but students submit a piece of flash fiction along with their application. This writing sample should demonstrate (1) advanced writing ability and (2) strong control of story elements. See examples of students who were accepted into our program here.

What is the curriculum like?

Our curriculum is strategic and focused, designed for serious writers who are ready to pursue publication. What sets our curriculum apart is that it is designed for students to learn publishing by doing the work of publishing. Our students don't just gain knowledge; they gain experience. Each course builds upon the concepts, skills, and—most importantly—the experience previous courses provide. Our curriculum prepares successful graduates of the full program to exit with a branded author website, strategic email marketing plan, a portfolio of published work, and an entry-level resume.

I'm homeschooled. Do Anistemi Authors Academy courses count towards high school credit?

Yes (depending on your state homeschool laws)! Email specific questions to us at [email protected]. Our courses are a great fit for motivated writers seeking high school credit in advanced courses that prepare them for the real-world work done by writers. Students who complete each course earn enough Carnegie Credit Hours to earn one full high school credit per course.

How are grades calculated and tracked?

They're not. Professional writers do not work for grades; they earn publication and the notice of professional peers. High quality feedback, not grades, is of the highest value to professional writers. To help young writers adjust and prepare for professional levels, our mentors provide constructive and supportive, professional-level critique.

If using for homeschool English credits, parents should assign and track grades. U.S.-based families can know that our courses are designed with Carnegie Credit Hours in mind. We can affirm that each course is worth 1 advanced high school level credit (students will complete more than 120 hours of study and writing work). In fact, dedicated students will discover they are far more prepared for not only college, but also to pursue careers directly after graduation than if they had completed a typical academic writing course. For questions related to transcripts, please email support@anistemibooks.

Will the courses work as supplemental for students enrolled full-time elsewhere?

Yes, students are able to complete Anistemi Authors Academy courses as an enrichment, supplemental, or elective program!

Many writing programs push rigorous productivity because it creates the appearance of progress. However, the reality is that it doesn't matter how many words or pages you write per hour or week; Christ calls us to fruitfulness—not productivity (Gen. 1:28, John 15:8, Col. 1:10, etc.). So, our program takes a unique approach: meaningful experience, not mindless writing to timers, produces better story. And better story always connects, always impacts!

What if I cannot make the weekly live workshops?

If you cannot attend live workshops, you should only consider completing the self-paced courses. Live workshops are a key advantage of the premium plan—delivering most feedback and peer networking. They mirror protocols of professional editing teams and provide real-time mentorship in collaboration, communication, writing, and editing skills.

Do courses provide learning accommodations for students with learning or processing disorders?

Our courses do not offer accommodations or cover possible supports for writers that need them. However, we do know that there are many exciting (& rapidly growing) opportunities for writers who have experienced challenge, overcome, and desire to write about that experience! While we cannot claim expertise in accommodations, our mentors are delighted to support and learn from and with students that rely on assistive technologies. God equips those he calls, and mentors can share valuable input to help writers lean into the unique strengths of their perspective, voice, style and interests.

If young writers desire to glorify God through use of their writing gifts, we'll do our utmost to support them!

What is your refund policy?

We cannot offer full refunds once the courses have started due to their downloadable nature. That's why we offer a free consultation call to all accepted applicants. This call helps us be sure our program is a good fit for each writer's individual goals.

Furthermore, to ensure that all clients have fair access to limited seats, students who enroll in live options (our plus or premium plans) must drop 3 weeks before the start of classes to be eligible for refunds.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in respecting this policy. It allows us to serve all clients more effectively and efficiently. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to email us at [email protected].

What if I still need to drop the course unexpectedly due to unforeseen changes?

Refunds are not possible, but we do everything we can to ensure you still get value when unexpected life changes occur. In fact, that's why our plus and premium options come with lifetime access! Your purchase will not be wasted, even if you need to unexpectedly step away from writing for a season; you can always opt for an asynchronous version or join the next year's cohort. We work through each situation individually to tailor solutions to specific needs. Please contact your instructor, or if the course has not yet started, email us at anistemibooks.com.

Can I enroll if I am younger than 15?

It is possible with the support of a parent or guardian; please let us know on the application, so that we can discuss this in our consultation. The courses are advanced and not designed for younger students, since younger students are not legally able to enter into contracts, which is an essential component of the capstone project. We do not recommend our courses or program for students younger than 15, unless they are exceptionally mature and ready for professional-level critiques. Anistemi Authors Academy is for serious writers and those who want to obtain professional level writing and analysis experience while still in high school.

When do live courses start and end?

Please see our calendar here.

We Believe

Writing, and our words, are innately connected to our call in Christ, The Word (John 1). Our program fully integrates scriptural teaching on word use because it's the most advanced—and doesn't give unnecessary attention to antiquated writing forms that don't convert with modern audiences. Scripture goes deep without adding extra burdens on writers. We also focus on storytelling since God does in His Word to us...and since every industry writers work in does, too!

Everyone has a God-given voice and a call to use it, and answering this call requires committed and consistent effort. But... you can rest in knowing that God has already sovereignly ordained your audience and reach (Acts 17:26). And the benefits you receive from exercising and honing your God-given gifts of communication cannot be measured by numbers. Confident communication is not an external matter; it is deeply personal, and it is innately freeing.

Experienced mentorship is invaluable in this developing this level of written ability because it helps you:

  • recognize the strengths (& weaknesses) of your innate voice, tone, & style;

  • understand & practice leaning into your strengths to overcome & eventually defeat weaknesses;

  • prioritize which tools and techniques will most quickly & efficiently help you maximize effectiveness;

  • learn how to navigate the realities and legalities of writing as a profession;

  • overcome external pressures & internal fears that cause you to doubt your call & ability to pursue it;

  • help you build connections that will keep you engaged, up-to-date, & Christ-centered within the writing industry;

  • actively rest in Christ while exercising growing mental muscles!

We deliver practical instruction, supportive community, and experienced mentorship to help you recognize your innate voice, understand how to lean into its innate strengths, and develop a strategy that prepares you for pursuit of the opportunities God provides for your writing.

We also know, personally, that—despite daunting statistics—it is possible to earn an income as an author, writer, editor, or content creator. Such creative work demands consistency & boldness in the face of external opposition and internal fears. Our leadership understands these realities and is committed to helping young writers transform dreams into actionable goals, without going into debt for degrees that offer no job guarantees.

OUR PROFESSIONAL MENTORS

Janie Barbosa

Founder, Publisher, & Acquisitions Editor

Janie specializes in:

project management, production, design,

personal branding, business strategy,

publishing, & illustration.

Devon Kelly

Arts Program Director &

Acquisitions Editor

Devon specializes in:

curriculum development, narrative storytelling,

literary fiction, thematic conceptualization,

& compositional style.

Steffanie Schweikert

Editor in Chief &

Acquisitions Editor

Steffanie specializes in:

literary fiction, editing, Christian literary criticism, creative nonfiction, linguistics, world literature

& compositional style.

Plans & Pricing

Price is per course.

Self-Paced

Self-Paced: No Application Required

A great fit for self-starters who want advanced instruction in creative writing & insider publication opportunities

$340 Introductory Pricing $239

*Discount ends 3/27/2026

*All-inclusive; no hidden fees or sales tax

  • Join any time

  • Lifetime access to course

  • Digital course anthology included

  • Private invitation to submit piece for possible publication each semester (optional)

  • Invite to Anistemi Leadership's Summer Strategy Summit (attendance optional)

*All courses include a digital copy of the anthology. Students in The Art of Meaningful Story will need Beowulf by Seamus Heaney & Till We Have Faces by C.S. Lewis.

*No hidden costs or other purchases are necessary.

*Publication hinges on the writers' willingness to accept & apply editorial feedback.

*Self-paced submissions are pulled into the editorial team's publishing calendar, which means they will be evaluated in January and June

Live Cohort with Editorial Mentorship

Live Instruction: Application Required for New Students

Invested support for serious writers looking to start a career in writing, editing, & publishing industries

$8,130 Introductory Pricing $6,909

*Discount ends 3/27/2026

*All-inclusive; no hidden fees or sales tax

  • Lifetime access to course

  • Registration opens in March & is limited to 20 seats per mentor

  • Cohorts launch in late August & run for 28-32 weeks (see course descriptions)

  • Digital course anthology included

  • Individualized guidance on style, voice, tone, branding, & overall strategy through workshops

  • One-on-One Writing Intensive (fall & spring) to discuss application of feedback within pieces submitting for publication (Year 3 has quarterly check-ins to discuss strategy)

  • High-level editorial feedback on submissions selected for publication

  • Invite to Anistemi Leadership's Summer Strategy Summit (participation required; select senior Anistemi Authors share projects in the Summit)

*All courses include a digital copy of the anthology. Students in The Art of Meaningful Story will need Beowulf by Seamus Heaney & Till We Have Faces by C.S. Lewis.

*No extra fees or confusing materials lists; everything is provided within course.

*Publication hinges on the writers' willingness to accept & apply editorial feedback and writing mentor's advice.

*Application process includes a free one-on-one placement consultation to ensure excellent experience!

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Copyright 2025 | Anistemi Publishing LLC |  Disclaimer | Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy