At Hugo House, we offer courses in a wide range of writing styles and experiences. Whether you’re struggling to write your first poem or have a few novels behind you, Hugo House offers a class to help you become a better writer. Our classes are taught by published writers who are also stellar teachers. Our students come from a variety of backgrounds and life experiences. What they all have in common is a love of words.
Generally Hugo House classes include one or more of the following formats:
- generative, in which new work is created in class or based on assignments
- workshops, in which every student submits work to receive helpful critique from both teacher and class
- discussion-based, covering essential elements of craft
- reading courses, in which work is studied closely for its literary craft
Hugo House classes meet for varying lengths of time, from half a day to ten sessions to yearlong manuscript classes. All classes listed are offered in Pacific Time. We offer classes at our Capitol Hill location and, occasionally, other partner venues around the city. A new set of course offerings becomes available once a quarter. Sign up for a newsletter at the bottom of this page to keep up on new course offerings.
COVID-19 Update: Select fall & winter classes will take place in person. Learn about our COVID-19 policies for in-person classes »
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Early Bird Pricing
Register early and save on classes. Members can bundle the membership discount with early bird pricing as well.
Winter 2022: Early bird pricing will be in effect from November 30 through December 13.
- $10 off classes that are one to three sessions
- $20 off classes that are four to eight sessions
- $30 off classes that are ten sessions or more
Early bird pricing will automatically apply at checkout.
Class Scholarships
We offer scholarships every quarter. Students are eligible for up to two scholarships per year. Applications are reviewed by a committee of staff.
If you would like more details about the scholarship process or eligibility, take a look at our Scholarship page.
The application for Winter Quarter 2022 is now open. Applicants will be notified of scholarship decisions on Dec. 13th.
Scholarship Donation Day
The first day of registration (the Monday before member registration opens) is open to anyone who donates $250 to our scholarship fund*. Donations must be made over the phone.
Call us at 206.322.7030 on November 29 to make your donation and sign up for the classes of your choosing.
*Applicable to specific scholarship fund donations made between member registration of the previous quarter and Scholarship Donation Day each quarter.
Accessibility
If you have access needs we can assist with, please contact welcome@hugohouse.org and we will be happy to help. Captions are available upon request for all our classes. Our aim is for Hugo House to be a barrier-free learning environment. If you have suggestions about how we can improve, we welcome your input.
Class Levels
Most classes at Hugo House are intended for writers with all levels of experience, from beginning to advanced. If a class is intended for a specific level, it will be noted in the class description.
Introductory | Writers with little or no experience in a writing class or workshop setting but want to expand their knowledge of craft should consider beginning classes. These classes are also suitable for writers of all levels exploring a new genre.
Intermediate | Writers with some experience in genre-specific instruction who want to deepen their understanding and further hone their craft should consider intermediate classes. These classes often feature a workshop component where students share and critique their work, and students should feel comfortable with this model.
Advanced | Writers with significant experience in a writing class or workshop setting who seek assistance and feedback with revision should consider advanced classes.
All Levels | Classes open to all levels are useful to a writer at any level regardless of prior writing class experience.
Classes in our course catalog are meant for adults unless otherwise marked or included on our Youth page. If you are a minor who would like to attend an adult class, please contact welcome@hugohouse.org to receive a waiver to be signed by your parent or guardian certifying that you understand adult content could be discussed in this class.
Academic Calendar
Fall 2021 September 6–December 17
Jul. 12 | Catalog Posted Online/Scholarship Applications Open
Aug. 9 | Scholarship Donation Day (by phone only)
Aug. 10 | Member Registration
Aug. 17 | General Registration
Aug. 16 | Scholarship Applications Due
Aug. 23 | Scholarship Applicants Notified
Winter 2022 January 10–March 31
Nov. 1 | Catalog Posted Online/Scholarship Applications Open
Nov. 29 | Scholarship Donation Day (by phone only)
Nov. 30 | Member Registration
Dec. 7 | General Registration
Dec. 6 | Scholarship Applications Due
Dec. 13 | Scholarship Applicants Notified
Spring 2022 April 4–June 10
Feb. 8 | Catalog Posted Online/Scholarship Applications Open
Mar. 7 | Scholarship Donation Day (by phone only)
Mar. 8 | Member Registration
Mar. 15 | General Registration
Mar. 14 | Scholarship Applications Due
Mar. 22 | Scholarship Applicants Notified
Summer 2022 June 13–September 2
Apr. 25 | Catalog Posted Online/Scholarship Applications Open
May 16 | Scholarship Donation Day (by phone only)
May 17 | Member Registration
May 24 | General Registration
May 23 | Scholarship Applications Due
May 30 | Scholarship Applicants Notified
Fall 2022 September 12–December 16
Jul. 18 | Catalog Posted Online/Scholarship Applications Open
Aug. 15 | Scholarship Donation Day (by phone only)
Aug. 16 | Member Registration
Aug. 23 | General Registration
Aug. 22 | Scholarship Applications Due
Aug. 29 | Scholarship Applicants Notified
Asynchronous Classes
Cancellations and Transfers
If you need to cancel your registration for a class, the following refund schedule applies:
- 3 business days or more before a class, class credit or transfers will be issued less a $15 fee. Refunds will be issued less a $35 fee.
- Less than 3 business days before class start, no refund, credits, or transfers are available.
- No refunds, class credits, or transfers will be available after classes begin.
To cancel your registration, email registrar@hugohouse.org.
Hugo House cannot provide refunds, transfers, or offer makeup sessions for classes a student might miss. If Hugo House has to cancel a class, you will receive a full refund. Tuition credit expires in one year.
For information about Scribes cancellations, please look at the Scribes FAQ.
There are no cancellations, or transfers available for the Writer’s Welcome Kit.