Over the last six weeks two of Narrative Initiative’s marquee projects have joined forces: Word Force and The Changemaker Authors Cohort. The combined program expands the definition of author to include movement workers who perhaps may have a book in them, but have not yet established themselves as seasoned writers with numerous bylines beneath their belt. The change in the scope of the program is two-fold: 1. Shifting the focus from books to long form non-fiction articles between 800 and 3,500 words equates to a faster writing and publishing timeline. 2. The increased pace allows the teams from Word Force along with The Unicorn Authors Club to work with more people in two 10-week cohorts instead of just one year-long program.
However, this change did not come without its challenges. One major difference for the Word Force team was shifting from a strategy that urged movement workers to go around the gatekeepers to get their stories out to publishing their work themselves. As thought partners and content collaborators with the leadership of several grassroots organizations, Word Force editors urged executive directors and communications teams to employ a self-publishing strategy, building their bylines through blogs published on Medium, LinkedIn, or Substack. This strategy went around typical publishing gatekeepers (editors) in traditional media such as newspapers, magazines, and journals. However, since our team would be picking and choosing which movement-worker writers would be invited and approved to participate within the program, we had to change our strategy. This informed how we designed the program curriculum ensuring that it was a safe space for anyone of any identity, accessible, and rigorous.
Creating this space started with the application. We asked potential participants questions about their ethnic background, socioeconomic status, whether they had a disability, if they identified as LGBTQIA+ or a service member. These questions were then used to curate a cohort that was demographically diverse but also welcoming and inclusive. We also knew we wanted the cohort to come to us with some proven writing skill. In the application we asked for a writing sample, a pitch for the piece, as well as any previous publication bylines. In doing so we were able to gather together a group of movement workers who had a story, were clear on their voice and the audience they wanted to reach, and who also had the determination to see their work through from idea to completion with the goal of publication over the course of the program.
Beyond Narrative Basics
Targeting movement workers who already had a proven writing track record meant this cycle of the Changemaker Authors Cohort was able to move quickly beyond narrative basics. Instead, we have focused on the craft of writing and the business of publishing with sessions on the differences between an audience and a target, the importance of revision, how to identify the right outlet and editor for your piece, and finally tailoring your pitch and piece to meet the standards of the desired publication.
This work is similar to what is required in book publishing which was the goal of previous cohorts. An intense focus on the craft of writing and understanding the business side of the publishing landscape is important for changemakers whether they want to pursue an op-ed strategy or have a deep desire to write an organizing tome that’ll become canon for future movement workers. The change in format does not forsake the art of writing or the strategy required to publish.
The Path to Publication
For changemakers who want to tell stories and make sure their messages are accepted by mass media before then being absorbed and understood by the mass culture, writing and publishing can seem opaque; publishing is an industry that people can absolutely become a part of, but the path is nebulous at best. The Changemaker Authors Cohort is an intervention for movement workers who write making clear where to begin. However, the legibility of the starting point is only the first step. Combining with the Word Force team and their proven track record of working with organizers to place and publish op-eds brings years of journalism experience into the program for cohort members to tap into in addition to the assistance from a pitching coach.
As someone who has built a career in letters as a journalist and as an author I can attest to the difficulty of finding a way into publishing. It took years to build my byline. During that time I had to improve in my craft as well as my strategy for pitching ideas I knew I could turn and placing them with publications that eventually led to some prominence. The same goes for the work in building my book backlist that led to the publication of my current novel. I had to improve in my craft as a writer as well as be strategic when approaching literary agents who would represent me in any future forays in book publishing. The two go hand in hand.
As the saying goes (in literary circles at least), “Writers write!” For movement workers who want to leave something lasting through language they must write. They cannot write a book before they write a story. This new iteration of The Changemaker Authors Cohort recognizes this order and seeks to walk members through each step of the process with strategic narrative guidance, writing experience, and publishing expertise. There are never any guarantees in publishing but this program seeks to open a door for anyone to walk through.
