authors studio
Write and Shine: A Year with Daybreak Press – 2026 Applications Opening Soon!
To support this goal, we are launching a 12-month Authors Studio designed to guide writers from early drafting to a completed, polished manuscript!
Accepted writers will attend monthly online classes that focus on writing craft, manuscript development, and editing. Each writer will also be assigned an editor mentor who will guide her through the program, offering individualized feedback and support. At the end of the program, writers will be encouraged to submit their completed manuscripts to Daybreak Press for potential publication.
The Authors Studio is structured to guide you through every step of writing and editing a manuscript. Each month will focus on a key aspect of the writing process, ensuring that by the end of the year, you have a completed manuscript. The program includes:
The studio is ideal for established and aspiring Muslim women authors who are passionate about storytelling, committed to the writing process, and ready to take their manuscript to the next level. Whether you’re new to writing or have experience, if you’re serious about your craft, we encourage you to apply.
- Upload a favorite writing sample (2,000–5,000 words)
- Respond to a writing prompt (500 words)
- Share your book idea: What do you hope to work on in the Authors Studio? (500 words)
-
Weekly Writing Sprints
-
Monthly Live Workshops
-
Monthly 1:1 Mentorship
-
Quarterly Guest Speakers
-
Professional Editing
- Quality of Writing Sample
Writing samples should demonstrate originality, clarity, and strong storytelling or argumentation, with room for growth. - Proposal Alignment with Daybreak Press Values
The proposal should reflect Islamic values and promote positive cultural change, aligning with the mission of Daybreak Press. - Commitment to Dedicated Writing Hours
Applicants must agree to dedicate 5–10 hours a week to writing, workshops, and meetings, with clear writing goals in mind.
Yes, participants are welcome to continue working on an existing manuscript or begin a new one for the Studio.
Participants should expect to dedicate 5–10 hours per week, including working towards your writing goals, completing writing exercises, participating in weekly sprints, and attending monthly workshops and quarterly events.
If you encounter any issues with your mentor, you can reach out to the studio advisor via email or during her office hours for assistance and resolution.
Submission to Daybreak Press is optional, but highly encouraged. We offer feedback to help prepare your manuscript for submission to any publisher.
-
Najiyah MaxfieldInstructor -
Shabnam MahmoodInstructor
-
Leanna AbdelmagedStudio Advisor
-
Jessica HassanMentor
-
Fatema HakimMentor
At Daybreak Press, we’ve published a wide range of books that reflect diverse Muslim women’s voices. Our publications represent the creativity and depth of the Muslim women’s writing community.
Want to learn more about Daybreak Press? Sign up here for our monthly newsletter, The Daybreak Dispatch! Get sneak peeks at upcoming releases, cover reveals, exclusive access to sales and pre-orders, behind-the-scenes insights from our team, and updates on all things reading, writing, and publishing! View past issues.
Join the Daybreak Writers Circle! This free online class meets on the first and third Thursday of each month. Enjoy writing activities, project support, and occasional guest speakers, all while connecting with a supportive community of like-minded writers. Sign up to receive Zoom links and join our WhatsApp group.
