The Incubator
Personalized support for writers, at every stage
Whether you have a half-formed idea, a manuscript that needs a fresh eye, or a story you need someone else to tell, this incubator meets you where you are.
Through 1:1 sessions with Nandita, you'll receive sustained, personalized support across every stage of the writing process: developing an idea from scratch, drafting, editing, or tailored writing on your behalf: including ghostwriting memoirs, family histories, and more. Support can also extend beyond the page: Nandita can help build your author website and advise on social media and marketing strategy. Sessions can be virtual or in-person; Nandita is based in San Francisco.
Nandita brings two decades of experience as a writer and educator to this work. Her books span memoir, creative nonfiction, autoethnography, academic writing, and immersive storytelling. This range means she can meet writers working in virtually any form or genre. If you're unsure whether your project is a fit, reach out and ask.
Who this is for
Any writer. Any genre. Any stage.
The Incubator is for writers of any level, background, or genre: fiction, nonfiction, memoir, essays, academic writing, and beyond. What matters most is that you're ready to commit: to your project, to the process, and to yourself.
This program is not the right fit if you're not yet able to make a consistent time and financial investment. That's not a judgment; it's a practicality. Meaningful creative work takes sustained attention, and this program is designed to provide exactly that.
How it works
A plan built around you
We begin with a free 45-minute conversation to explore fit, discuss your project, and understand your goals and timeline. If we decide to move forward, Nandita will design a plan tailored specifically to your needs.
- Step 1: Free 45-minute introductory conversation
- Step 2: Nandita designs a plan unique to your project
- Step 3: Sign a letter of agreement to begin
- Step 4: Weekly invoicing — pay as you go, week by week
Commitment & investment
What to expect
This structure exists because it's what the work genuinely requires, both to build your project with the attention it deserves, and to make the engagement sustainable on both sides.
The 10 hours per month are not all spent in live sessions. They typically include occasional 1:1 check-ins and workshops alongside asynchronous work: draft feedback, written notes, ideation, and more. The mix is tailored to what your project needs.
For context, mentors with comparable experience in the Bay Area typically charge significantly more. This rate reflects a deliberate commitment to transparent, accessible pricing. No scholarships are available at this time — if cost is a barrier, we encourage you to explore professional development grants through your workplace, or consider asking friends or family to contribute as a gift toward your creative work.
Let's find out if we're a fit.
Schedule a free 45-minute conversation. No commitment required. Just a conversation.
Schedule your conversationFREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
-
Absolutely not. While English is the primary language of facilitation, you are welcome to write in the language of your choice.
-
Yes. Ghostwriting — including memoirs, family histories, and other personal narratives — is available within this program. This will be discussed and scoped during the initial conversation.
-
That's exactly where many participants begin. Idea development is one of the things the Incubator does best. Come with whatever you have.
-
The 10-hour monthly minimum is required for all participants. It exists because sustained attention is what allows a project to develop and what makes the engagement worthwhile on both sides.
-
No. The hours are a mix of synchronous and asynchronous work. Live time typically includes occasional 1:1 check-ins and workshops; the rest is asynchronous: draft feedback, written notes, ideation, and other work done on your behalf between sessions. The balance is shaped around what your project needs.
-
Absolutely. The 1-month minimum is just that — a minimum. Many participants continue working with Nandita well beyond the initial period.
-
Yes. References from past clients are available upon request. Existing testimonials can also be found below and on the testimonials page.
-
No advance payment is required. You will receive an invoice once a week for hours worked. No refunds are possible for hours already completed.
Venmo, PayPal, credit/debit card payments, and Zelle are accepted.
