FAQ's

In the following FAQ format, we answer key questions, so that you can be certain that the Institute will meet or exceed your expectations. If you don’t find the answer to your question here, please feel free to email us at info@instituteforwriters.com, call us at 1-800-243-9645 or schedule an appointment with our admissions advisor.

admissions
overview
tuition
student life

Admissions

The Institute enrolls all students without regard to their gender, color, race, creed, religion or disability, or veteran status. Individuals with significant vision impairment should review our course format closely before enrolling to ensure their compatibility with this education model. The Institute does not permit auditing courses.

To qualify for admission, an applicant must meet the following requirements for each course:

Basic Courses – Breaking Into Print | Basics of Writing Stories & Articles for Publication

  • Complete our Enrollment Agreement for admission. The agreement outlines the obligations of Institute for Writers and the student. If choosing a payment plan, the required down payment must be submitted at time of enrollment.
  • All students are required to have a copy of their High School Diploma or GED Equivalency. 
  • If a student is between the ages of 14-18 and has parental/guardian approval, high school completion is waived.

Advanced Course Shape, Write, & Sell Your Novel

  • All students are required to have a copy of their High School Diploma or GED Equivalency. 
  • If a student is between the ages of 14-18 and has parental/guardian approval, high school completion is waived.
  • Our trained evaluator will review your sample in confidence and identify if you have what it takes to succeed in this ambitious course. Be on the lookout for an email with your results, within 3-5 business days!
  • Complete our Enrollment Agreement for admission. The agreement outlines the obligations of Institute for Writers and the student. The required down payment must be submitted at time of enrollment.

At Institute for Writers, we offer open enrollment—this means you can start online the same day you enroll or if you prefer, you can wait until you receive your course materials in the mail.

New students will fill out our online enrollment application with the appropriate down payment or to call us at 1-800-243-9645 to enroll over the phone with one of our student service representatives. Student looking to enroll in our Shape, Write, & Sell Your Novel course will need to submit a writing sample.

Our sister school, Institute of Children’s Literatures’ 2 advanced courses are available to graduates of our 4 basic courses: Writing for Children and Teens, Writing for Magazines, Breaking Into Print and Basics of Stories & Articles for Publication. 

The advanced courses are offered by instructor recommendation. If you’re interested in any of our advanced courses, please make your instructor aware. Feel free to browse the advanced courses within ICL’s course catalog.

You can also reach out to our student service team for more information by sending an email to info@instituteforwriters.com.

IFW tries to accommodate international enrollments. Head to our Admissions Requirements page and read over our “International Training” section for more detailed information.

Course Overview

Yes. Institute for Writers is approved as a private business and trade school in the State of Delaware.  IFW is also accredited by the BBB, with an A+ rating. 

It’s easy! Click on Request Info, fill in the required fields and download your course catalog. You will receive details on the program, course curriculum, materials, tuition cost, payment options, and more.

No. The Institute’s basic courses do not require prior training or experience. We begin with writing basics and progress to the more advanced techniques. Our coursework is designed to develop skills through mastery of writing techniques in straightforward, carefully planned assignments.

One of the advantages in taking an IFW course is that you are able to work at your own pace. While students on average complete their writing course in 18 months, your tuition covers up to 2 years to complete your course.

IFW has been in continuous operation for over 50 years, providing time-tested, one-on-one writing instruction to almost 500,000 students. We believe our record speaks for itself and encourage you to read success stories on our Winners Circle page.

Institute for Writers offers a variety of writing courses. To learn more, please visit our Course Catalog. Here you will find an overview and outline for each course, course details, and information on tuition. If you have any questions about a specific course, please reach out to our student services team at info@instituteforwriters.com or 1-800-243-9645.   

Each writing course offers specific materials based on the course objectives. To see what materials are offered, navigate to the course you are interested in, and scroll to the course materials section.

Tuition

The cost depends on which course you choose as the tuition varies. We offer a low monthly payment plan as well as a full payment plan for those that can afford to pay for their course upfront. In order to see costs and payment options for the course you’re interested in, navigate to our course catalog, choose your course, head to the Tuition section.

Fortunately, the Institute’s all-inclusive tuition means we provide all materials you will need to complete your writing course. That said, there are some technology requirements which you can read through on our Admission Requirements page.

Student Life

That’s easy! The flexibility and freedom our courses provide allow you to complete assignments at your convenience—at your own pace, and from your own home.

Upon completing the enrollment process, the Institute will email you detailed instructions on how to log into your online student account. If you do not see this email in your inbox, check your junk email. Remember to add “Institute for Writers” to your approved email list to ensure you receive all of our communications.

All assignments are evaluated by your instructor. Upon completion of each assignment, you submit it in your online student account. We require everything be submitted as a Microsoft Word document, which is the standard software used in the publishing industry.  All assignments are graded Pass/Fail and results are emailed back to you from your instructor. For more information, please see our Academic Info page under the “Instructor Feedback” section.

A student may cancel the course by notifying the school in any manner; a written request is recommended. If you cancel within 10 days from the signature date on your Enrollment Agreement, all tuition monies will be refunded. If you cancel after 10 days from the signature date of your Enrollment Agreement, but prior to receipt by the school of your first assignment, you are obligated to a registration fee of 20% of the tuition or $200, whichever is less. If you cancel after submitting the first assignment, you are obligated to pay the school the registration fee, plus a percentage of tuition as follows:

  1. A. Up to and including 10% of the assignments, 10% of the tuition.
  2. B. After submitting more than 10% up to and including 25% of the assignments, 25% of the tuition.
  3. C. After submitting more than 25% up to and including 50% of the assignments, 50% of the tuition.
  4. D. After submitting more than 50% of the assignments, you owe the school the full tuition.

Please contact Student Services if you have further questions.

In order to graduate, a student must maintain a passing average, satisfactorily complete all course assignments, and fulfill their financial obligations to the Institute.

Yes, all of the resources in your online student account are available to our graduates after completion of their course(s).

Upon successful completion of all course requirements, you will be mailed your diploma and an official transcript.

Institute for Writers graduates receive an official transcript with their graduation package. Additional transcripts are also available for a nominal fee. Please contact our student service team with your request at info@instituteforwriters.com or 1-800-243-9645.

Still have questions?

Speak with an Admissions Advisor today! We are available Monday – Thursday from 9:00 – 4:00 ET.

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