TRADITIONALLY PUBLISHED AUTHORS
THIS WAS BUILT FOR YOU.
What Inspired it?
3 Things…
WE NEED WOMEN WHO SharE A SIMILAR SEASON OF LIFE
More than a year ago, I committed to five women to walk in what we called Covenant Community.
As women in high-level public ministry, we were craving real connection and accountability, so we decided to create our own space for just that. The result was truly transformational and too good to keep to myself, so I wanted to create something similar for you.
WE NEED WOMEN WHO CHAMPION ONE ANOTHER
I created Ministry Strong Cohorts for seasoned ministry leaders who didn't want to keep leading alone.
Inside those small cohorts, I've watched leaders who'd been isolated for years finally be known, challenged, and equipped by people who actually understood their world.
It confirmed something I already suspected: high-level women rarely need more information. They need the right room.
WE NEED WOMEN WHO SHARPEN EACH OTHER
For years, I've also provided One-on- One Coaching to authors and ministry leaders.
That work taught me how much women need seasoned, honest, high-level feedback. Not just support, but the kind of practical, hands-on guidance you can only get from someone who's actually been in the industry and knows what publishers and readers respond to.
And now - I’m bringing it all together for one very specific group of women…
Introducing the Authors’ Circle.
The Authors’ Circle is a year-long community for traditionally published authors. It’s a space to strategize, ask honest questions, and grow both your craft and your career alongside a small group of women who genuinely understand the road you're on.
This isn't a class. It isn't a critique group. It's a circle — peers, coaching, and real strategy, built around Kingdom impact instead of performance.
A 12-MONTH EXPERIENCE FOR TRADITIONALLY PUBLISHED AUTHORS
Why Traditionally Published Authors?
Over and over, I hear the same things from other authors:
“I wish I had known...” “I wish I'd had someone to walk through this with...” “I wish I could've asked someone who also understands this business...”
Publishing can be a lonely business, even when it looks successful from the outside. There's so much that isn't taught, isn't talked about, and isn't easy to ask about — not because authors don't want to help each other, but because there's rarely a safe, structured place to do it.
I wanted to build that place. So I did.
Is the Authors’ Circle for You?
The Authors’ Circle is an application-based, invitation-only circle limited to 8–10 traditionally published authors. We want to go deep instead of wide, so this circle is for you if:
You're a traditionally published author who has partnered with an established publishing company. (Self-published or hybrid published works do not qualify.)
You’re looking for a genuine peer community: not competitors, not strangers, but women who understand this business from the inside.
You want the freedom to strategize and brainstorm without the pressure to perform or impress.
You’re craving practical marketing and business guidance: negotiating contracts, nurturing agent relationships, building platform, developing beta groups and more.
You're ready to make a one-year commitment to your growth, your writing, and this group.
You’re looking for honest, high-level feedback on your ideas and your work from seasoned experts who've spent years in the industry.
What’s included:
Author's Circle is A ONE-YEAR COMMITMENT
(OCT 2026-SEPT 2027) AND IS built around real relationship and real strategy.
As a member, you'll receive:
Monthly private one-on-one coaching with Lisa.
Monthly meet-ups with Lisa and your circle of peers.
Two in-person retreats: One located on the east coast and another in the mid-west.
IDEATION: A safe, confidential space to bounce off ideas — from new book concepts to marketing what you've already published (every member signs a confidentiality agreement).
STRATEGY: Tactical strategy conversations on Instagram, Substack, contract renewals, negotiating ownership rights, and more.
BUSINESS: A behind-the-curtain look at the publishing business: the true insider information most authors have to learn the hard way
FEEDBACK: A built-in “test group” of high-level peers to read and respond to your material — not friends and family, but people who know the industry.
CONNECTION: A new circle of community, hand-picked and matched by Lisa Whittle.
COMMITMENT: This is a year-long commitment. Members meet for coaching (about 1 hour) and group calls (about 1 hour) monthly, plus the two retreats.
FAQ: All the Details
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The Ministry Strong Cohort is a total investment of $197 per month for the 6-month program.
This total includes all teaching materials, group sessions, access to the private circle throughout the six months, and free access* to the in-person retreat.PAYMENT SCHEDULE:
Application Fee: $197
Non-refundable upon application acceptance
Your application fee contributes towards total cohort cost as the first month’s payment.
Remaining Balance: $197/mo. (5 months)
Payments are collected on the 5th of each month via credit card payment.
Concerned about budget, but still want to join?
Many leaders reach out to their parent organization or church to inquire if they’d be willing to cover a portion of the cost or offer reimbursement as part of an ongoing education or leadership development fund.
*Attendees are responsible to cover their own lodging and travel to and from the retreat site.
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Due to the limited number spaces available in the cohort, the purpose of the application process is to ensure the members selected for this specific group will benefit from one another's experience and current season of life.
(Future groups may be formed, so don't be discouraged if it's not the right fit this time around!)
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Applications are due by September 10th.
Lisa & the team will prayerfully consider each application and respond no later than September 30th with next steps.
Upon acceptance to join the cohort, you'll be sent a link to pay a non-refundable application fee of $197.00 to secure your spot.
This fee will contribute towards the total cost of the program and will serve as your first month's payment.
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The Ministry Strong Cohort is primarily an online experience with a live chat component.
Through monthly meetings online, you can interact with Lisa and special guests from her network, as well as like-minded leaders in the cohort.
In addition, we offer a private chat area for each group to create space for ongoing conversation and relationship-building.
As an added benefit, an in-person retreat will be held for the group, but this is an optional experience. Details will be disclosed to applicants only.
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The cohort will meet once a month from October 2026 - March 2027. Specific dates will be released to applicants upon approval, along with the meeting link information.
Sessions will NOT be recorded or available for replay, so live attendance is strongly encouraged as a commitment to the rest of the group.
Ready to apply?
Because space is limited and the group is built intentionally, membership is by application.
Your application will ask about:
Links to your published book(s)
What excites you most about this circle
Whether you can make the one-year commitment
Your past experience in coaching groups or masterminds, if any
I can’t wait to see you inside and start this journey together!
