Help us find the next
C.S. LEWIS
They’re out there. The next generation of Christian storytellers who will captivate readers and change hearts through the power of fiction. We just need your help discovering them.
Sponsoring Organizations
The world is hungry for hope.
In an age of darkness and division, we desperately need modern-day C.S. Lewises and J.R.R. Tolkiens—writers who can weave truth into unforgettable tales that inspire, challenge, and transform lives.
These young visionaries exist.
Right now, there are teenagers filling notebooks with epic fantasies, college students crafting moving literary fiction, and young adults building intricate sci-fi worlds. They have God-given talent burning within them, but they’re missing one crucial element: the roadmap to turn their dreams into published reality.
That’s where YOU come in.
Do you know a young writer between the ages of 15-30 who:
- Loves stories and storytelling
- Dreams of writing and publishing their own books someday
- Loves Jesus and want to glorify Him through their art
We can help set them on the path to success. But we need your help.
Nominate a young writer for the “Next C.S. Lewis Fellowship”
Help us discover the talented young writers who are ready to take their craft to the next level. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, mentor, or friend of a young writer – or if you’re a young writer yourself (yes, you can nominate yourself) – all it takes is a simple nomination to change a life for the better.
“This was life-changing. Learning these things before I start trying to publish has helped me feel like I finally have an idea of what I’m getting into.”
Allison N., 2025 Fellowship Participant
Every young writer you nominate will receive an invitation to join The Next C.S. Lewis Fellowship
This is a transformative five-week mentorship experience that is completely FREE for all nominees.
This fellowship, running five weeks from November 1 to December 5, 2025, is a rare opportunity for aspiring authors to receive the same caliber of training typically reserved for tuition-paying Author Conservatory students.
Nominations must be received by October 31.
Fellowship participants will receive:
Live Mentorship with Industry Leaders
Join interactive group sessions with bestselling author Brett Harris, founder and CEO of The Author Conservatory, and other industry experts. Ask questions, receive personalized feedback, and gain insider insights into what it really takes to succeed as a professional author.
Access to Our Curated Training Library
Participants receive access to our most valuable training courses, designed to fit busy schedules across all time zones. Learn foundational industry knowledge, improve your writing craft, and discover the business side of authorship – all at your own pace.
Opportunities to Apply for $100K+ in Scholarships
Every fellowship participant will be invited to apply for prestigious scholarships from The C.S. Lewis Foundation, The Author Conservatory, and Young Writer’s Workshop – including high-value awards that could launch a writing career.
Who are we?
The Author Conservatory is a comprehensive, online, three-year college alternative training program that transforms passionate young writers into professional authors ready to impact the world with their stories.
We don’t just teach writing craft—we guide students through every aspect of building a sustainable writing career, from developing strong manuscripts to growing an audience to generating an income. As a result, our students graduate with completed novels, real-world business skills, and the confidence to pursue their God-given calling as storytellers.
Our graduates have signed six-figure deals with Big Five Publishers while earning recognition from the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, Realm Awards, Christy Awards, NPR’s Best Books, and more.
Will you help shape the future of literature?
Imagine if no one had encouraged C.S. Lewis.
Or if Tolkien had never received the guidance he needed? The world would have lost The Chronicles of Narnia, The Lord of the Rings, and countless other works that have shaped generations of readers.
Today, that same pivotal moment is here.
Somewhere, a young writer is crafting the next great fantasy novel. Another is writing soul-shaping stories for children. A third is penning the romance that will redefine what love looks like in a broken world.
But without guidance, many of these future literary giants will give up. They’ll abandon their notebooks, silence their stories, and the world will never know what could have been.
YOU can make a difference.
The C.S. Lewis Fellowship Makes a Difference
“Probably the best decision I’ve ever made as a young writer. The knowledge and confidence I gained is priceless for anyone who dreams of writing.”
Emrie M., 2025 Fellowship Participant
“I didn’t realize how much I needed this.”
Jael K., 2025 Fellowship Participant
“I wish I’d told more of my writer friends about it when they could still sign up.”
Anna T., 2025 Fellowship Participant
“I originally wasn’t going to do this fellowship, and a little voice told me that it would be worth it. It was SO worth it. I will be forever thankful that I did it.”
Ellie B., 2025 Fellowship Participant
“This has been a Top 10 life moment for me.”
Emma S., 2025 Fellowship Participant
“Like Google Maps for any young writer trying to decide where they need to go.”
Adalynn H., 2025 Fellowship Participant
“This fellowship wasn’t just eye-opening, informing, and encouraging; it showed me exactly how I could follow my dreams of glorifying God with my writing. It was truly one of the most beneficial experiences I’ve ever had.”
Kaitlyn S., 2025 Fellowship Participant
“This will change your life. It is not just about how you write or the plot you make up. It is about how you view your life. It changed my life.”
Julia M., 2025 Fellowship Participant
Commonly Asked Questions
What happens when I nominate a young writer?
When you fill out a nomination form, we will ask you to provide the nominee’s name and email address. The nominee will then receive an invitation via email to participate in The Next C.S. Lewis Fellowship. He or she may accept the invitation or decline. If they accept, we will share all the pertinent details with the young writer in order to prepare them for a successful fellowship experience.
Does every participant get a scholarship?
Once enrolled in the fellowship, every participant will be invited to submit a questionnaire that helps us determine eligibility for the various scholarships based on skill level and interests. We will invite students to accept scholarships to our various training programs and events, including:
- The Author Conservatory: Our comprehensive college alternative program for serious aspiring novelists where amateur authors become career-ready writers
- The Young Writer’s Workshop: An interactive online community for high school and college-age students providing weekly guidance, live coaching, writing challenges, and connection with fellow Christian writers
Are nonfiction writers eligible for the fellowship?
The Next C.S. Lewis Fellowship is currently available for aspiring fiction authors only. The Author Conservatory specializes in training for up and coming novelists.
Who will be teaching within the fellowship?
Our primary instructor will be the CEO of The Author Conservatory, Brett Harris, who is a bestselling author and successful entrepreneur with a heart for raising up the next generation of Christian writers.
Can I nominate a writer outside the 15-30 range?
On occasion we work with students as young as 12, but for this event the best fit will be students of high school or college age, as well as young writers in their 20s who are passionate about turning their writing hobby into a career.
Are current students and graduates of The Author Conservatory or The Young Writers Workshop eligible for the fellowship?
Yes, current students and alumni may be nominated (or nominate themselves) to participate in The Next C.S. Lewis Fellowship, which will involve close communication with our CEO and beloved instructor, Brett Harris. However, current students and alumni will not be eligible for scholarships for any programs in which they are already enrolled (or have graduated from). For example, YWW members won’t be eligible for YWW scholarships, but they will be eligible for Author Conservatory scholarships (if they’re not already enrolled in the Conservatory). Author Conservatory students will not be eligible for Author Conservatory scholarships, but they will be eligible for scholarships to attend the C.S. Lewis writers conference, etc.
Nominate a Young Writer Now
It takes less than 2 minutes and could change a life forever.
I know a young writer
I am a young writer
© 2026 The Author Conservatory