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.
A 12-MONTH EXPERIENCE FOR TRADITIONALLY PUBLISHED AUTHORS
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.
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...”
Traditional publishing comes with a specific kind of pressure that's hard to explain to anyone outside of it. Self-publishing and hybrid publishing have their own unique challenges, but for traditionally published authors, once the book is under contract, much of it is out of your hands:
Your editorial team can change
Your agent is juggling a full list of clients
Your publishing house has it's own financial goals and metrics to meet
Your vision and their vision for marketing may vary
I've spent over 20 years in this industry, and I've watched author after author quietly wonder, "Is this normal? Am I the only one experiencing this?" The honest answer is almost always no.
You're not the only one, and there's nothing wrong with you for finding it hard. But without a room full of people who've actually lived it, it's easy to become discouraged and lose passion for the message God gave you.
That's exactly why I built the Authors’ Circle.
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 to connect on a deeper level
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.
PROMOTION: Opportunity to be featured on Lisa’s social media, email marketing, or Jesus Over Everything podcast (discounted rates may apply for podcast advertising.)
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 Authors’ Circle is a total investment of $$897 per month for the 1-year commitment.
This total includes monthly private coaching with Lisa, monthly group sessions, access to the private chat throughout the 12 months, insider resources, promotional incentives, and free access* to the two in-person retreats.PAYMENT SCHEDULE:
Application Fee: $897
Non-refundable upon application acceptance
Your application fee contributes towards total cost as the first month’s payment.
Remaining Balance: $897/mo. (11 months)
Payments are collected on the 5th of each month via auto drafted credit card payment.
*Attendees are responsible to cover their own travel to and from the retreat site. All lodging, meals, and retreat materials are included.
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Due to the limited number spaces available in the Authors’ Circle, 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 Authors’ Circle, you'll be sent a link to pay a non-refundable application fee of $897.00 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 Authors’ Circle is primarily an online experience with a live chat component.
Through monthly online meet-ups, you can interact with Lisa and special guests from her network, as well as seasoned authors in the Circle.
In addition, we offer a private chat area for the Authors’ Circle to create space for ongoing conversation and relationship-building.
As an added benefit, two in-person retreats will be held for the group, but this is an optional experience. Details will be disclosed to applicants only.
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The Authors’ Circle will meet once a month from October 2026 - September 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.
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Authors’ Circle is designed specifically for traditionally published authors and is not currently open to self-published or hybrid authors.
However, we strongly encourage self-published and hybrid authors to explore these other options:One-on-One Coaching with Lisa to get personalized guidance for your unique journey
Called Creatives is a low-cost alternative that provides community, resources, and training for a wide-range of writers.
Contact our team to be notified when future resources and groups like the Authors’ Circle are offered for self-published or hybrid published authors.
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Author's Circle is a one-year commitment with a limited number of spaces (8–10 members), reserved specifically for accepted applicants.
Because enrollment directly limits availability for other applicants, all payments are non-refundable, including the security deposit.
This applies regardless of the reason for cancellation or early withdrawal from the program. Thank you for your understanding!
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. Applications close September 10th, so add yours today!
More Resources for Authors
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One-On-One Coaching
Looking for personal guidance and feedback on your writing?
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Called Creatives
Looking to write, speak or podcast with real influence?
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Let's Be Clear (Substack)
Looking for more than just soundbites on your social media feed?
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LW Friends Insiders
Looking to be the first to know what’s next?