ABOUT BETSY

Betsy Cornwell is a New York Times bestselling author of six novels and founder of The Old Knitting Factory, an arts residency and retreat space for single parents in Connemara. She holds an MFA in creative writing from the University of Notre Dame and a BA from Smith College, and currently teaches at the University of Galway. She serves as a mentor for the Irish Writers Centre and was the first recipient of their Blue Mountains (Australia) Residency in 2023.

Her debut memoir, Ring of Salt, is forthcoming from Avid Reader Press/Simon & Schuster (USA) and Renegade/Hachette (Ireland/UK) in 2025. She received the Markievicz Award in 2024 for her work on this project.

Betsy is represented by Sara Crowe (children’s and YA market) and Dara Kaye (adult market).

Betsy has over a decade of experience as a writing mentor, and she helps both aspiring and professional authors at every stage of drafting, revision, and publication.

A warm and engaging speaker, Betsy brings
inspiration and creative spark to each of her classes, workshops, and talks. She is available for both online and in-person speaking engagements.

TESTIMONIALS

  • It was only with Betsy's guidance and encouragement that I was able to finally finish my book and, more importantly, build the confidence I needed to see myself as a "real" writer. Her sharp insight and clarity of vision for all of our collaborative projects have been invaluable and I wouldn't have reached the success milestones I cherish so much without her.

    — Alex Zaleski

  • Betsy is a wonderful teacher! She prioritises the joy of writing, and the playfulness of creativity and imagination, while simultaneously providing tools to maintain a productive (and fun!) writing practice — even in the midst of everyday chaos.

    — Surnaí Molloy

  • This manuscript has been in development for a number of years and is in its 5th draft. I was struggling with a number of aspects and sought her help. Her response far exceeded my expectations. She dealt with structure, narrator and character issues and made recommendations which I found constructive, comprehensive, insightful and practical. I am re-energised to get on with the next draft in the certainty that it will be all the better as a result of her input.

    Adrian Taheny

MY TEACHING METHOD

  • Once Upon a Time

    If you’ve always dreamed of becoming a writer, Betsy knows how to help you get started — and stick to your goals.

  • An Epic Quest

    Betsy specializes in helping you break through writers’ block, finish your projects, and find joy and flow in writing again.

  • Happily Ever After

    Ready to share your work with the world? Betsy offers experienced guidance through the publishing process.

Private consultations, writing groups, and retreats.

FIND THE SOLUTION THAT SUITS YOUR WRITING AND LIFESTYLE.

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