Apply for The Verge
And yet:
- The silence stretches
- The feedback is thin
- The near-misses are draining
This isn’t a talent or effort problem. It’s the nature of this stage. Progress here depends less on working harder and more on interpretation, positioning, and access—things that are difficult to see clearly, and harder to navigate alone.
You’re Closer Than It Feels.
You’re on The Verge.
The longest, hardest wait is right now.
Publishing doesn’t stall writers at the beginning.
You're now at the make it or break it stage...
Where talent is real, effort is high, but progress feels slow or invisible. You’re close, but without a reliable way to tell what’s actually missing.
This Stage Isn’t Theoretical for Bethany
- Early agent representation and picture book revise-and-resubmits
- Completing an MFA and a middle grade novel
- Being dropped by an agent after years of work
- Returning to the query trenches
- Signing again—and finally selling her first novel
Ten long years of growth, recalibration, and persistence.
Now, after 17 years published, 13 books out, and on her third agent, Bethany and her team guide writers across this threshold with clarity, support, and fewer wasted years.
What The Verge Actually Is
- Helping writers cross the threshold into representation and publication.
- It does this by combining personalized strategy, deep project-specific feedback, ongoing creative support, and real contextual access to agents, editors, and publishing professionals.
- This is what turns guessing into informed submission—and near-misses into momentum.
Unlike courses, conferences, MFAs and book coaches, the Verge positions you and your work to break out in the publishing market.
What Writers Receive—and the Results That Follow
Visibility & Deal-Making Opportunities
2 Pitch & Play Industry Engagement Events
3 Spotlight Salons with acquiring agents and editors
By the Numbers (So Far)
42 writers completed The Verge
32 agent offers made
25 writers signed with agents
14 books sold (advances from $8,000–$18,000)
Industry Advisor Access
3 Industry Advisor Deep Reads (first 6 months)
6 one-on-one Industry Advisor Calls
Core Structure + Support
Weekly Milestones & Movement Data Tracker (reviewed weekly)
Weekly Momentum & Magic Coaching Calls
Access to Courage to Create
You aren't just working with just “any” faculty. You are working with award-winning, actively acquiring, and deeply engaged authors, agents, and editors.
Ellen Goff
HG Literary
Heather Cashman
Storm Literary
Christie Megill
CAT Agency
Michaela Whatnall
Dystel, Goderich & Bourret
Lori Steel
Steel Works Literary
Julie Romeis Sanders
Steel Works Literary
Carter Hasegawa
Tugeau 2
Hannah Teachout
Folio Literary
Sarah Stephens
Red Fox Literary
Kaitlyn Sanchez
Bradford Literary
Ariel Richardson
Chronicle
Melissa Manlove
Now at Sourcebooks/Jabberwocky
Andrew Karre
Dutton
Nicole Fiorica
Atheneum/Simon & Schuster
Catherine Laudone
Beach Lane/Simon & Schuster
Kat Brzozowski
Feiwel & Friends/Macmillan
Hilary Van Dusen
Candlewick
Emily Daluga
Chronicle
How Progress Happens at This Stage
Step 1: Diagnose + Position
- Custom strategy based on your work, voice, and goals
- Clear targeting of agents, editors, and submission pathways
- Guidance on what matters now—and what can wait
How Progress Happens at This Stage
Step 5: Keep Creating While You Submit
- Protected space to develop new workOngoing connection to the Courage to Create community
- Support that sustains momentum across long submission cycles
Step 2: Strengthen the Work + the Pitch
- Industry Advisor Deep Reads
- Query, pitch, and synopsis feedback
- Clear next-step direction based on real responses
Step 3: Submit With Context and Access
- Submission windows tied to real agent/editor sessions
- Pitch & Play Industry Engagement events with guaranteed feedback
- Spotlight Salons where agents and editors request work live
Step 4: Interpret, Adjust, and Move Again
- Guided interpretation of feedback
- Strategy adjustments as new data comes in
- Ongoing clarity about your next right move
This is the difference between waiting and crossing.
What You Get Inside The Verge
Step 5: Keep Creating While You Submit
- Protected space to develop new work
- Ongoing connection to the Courage to Create community
- Support that sustains momentum across long submission cycles
Step 1: Diagnose + Position
You stop guessing.
- Custom strategy based on your work, voice, and goals
- Clear targeting of agents, editors, and submission pathways
- Guidance on what matters now—and what can wait
- Custom strategy based on your work, voice, and goals
- Clear targeting of agents, editors, and submission pathways
- Guidance on what matters now—and what can wait
Step 2: Strengthen the Work + the Pitch
- Industry Advisor Deep Reads
- Query, pitch, and synopsis feedback
- Clear next-step direction based on real responses
Step 3: Submit With Context and Access
- Submission windows tied to real agent/editor sessions
- Pitch & Play Industry Engagement events with guaranteed feedback
- Spotlight Salons where agents and editors request work live
Step 4: Interpret, Adjust, and Move Again
- Guided interpretation of feedback
- Strategy adjustments as new data comes in
- Ongoing clarity about your next right move
This is the difference between waiting and crossing.
Investment
It's more affordable than an MFA ($50K for a two-year program) and ensures your work is seen, connecting you directly with the publishing industry.
You already know how to write. The Verge helps you become a professional.
$12,500
$1,200
Annually
(save $1,900)
per month
Trusted by Writers—and the Industry
“I’ve been very impressed with the level of talent in The Verge program.”
Editor Advisor turned Agent Advisor
Carter Hasegawa
“Even though I have an agent and had several books under contract, there’s so much I don’t know and so much to navigate as I prepared to launch.”
Alyssa Eisner Henkin
“It’s a treat to work with writers who have put in serious work and are still eager to grow.”
Author Advisor
Carter Higgins
“Even though I have an agent and had several books under contract, there’s so much I don’t know and so much to navigate as I prepared to launch.”
Alyssa Eisner Henkin
“The salons are especially revealing of very strong writing and polished drafts.”
Agent Advisor, HG Literary
Ellen Goff
- Many Verge writers are already agented but not yet sold
- Some writers are re-entering the market after parting with an agent
- Support is customized based on your background and needs
- This is a high-touch, high-investment program with limited capacity
Important to Know
Ready? Commit to the Verge now.
Click the button below to message Bethany and the team and get started.
Is the Verge Right for you?
- Stop guessing
- Stop going it alone
- Step into informed, supported visibility
