Kgotla ya Bakwadi

The circle where authors
are made.

A six-month mentorship - one module per month - taking twenty authors at a time through writing, editing, design, publishing, marketing and distribution. Graduate with a live Amazon listing, working royalty payments and a launch plan.

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The packages

Three rungs, one ladder

Compare what each package includes below. Every question we get asked is answered in the expandable details underneath the table - open a package to see exactly what you're signing up for before you pay.

What's included Compare across all three packages Foundation P150/month The outer ring - self-paced Flagship Growth Cohort P2,600 once-off or P475 × 6 months Chief's Counsel P5,500 Premium, done 1:1
Self-paced training manual✓✓✓
Templates & resource library✓✓✓
Community WhatsApp circle✓✓✓
Monthly live group Q&A✓✕✕
Live weekly teaching (6 months)✕✓✓
Direct mentor feedback on your manuscript✕✓✓
Thursday hot-seat circle✕✓✓
Professional editing (Villescence studio)✕✕✓
Full cover & interior design done for you✕✕✓
KDP, ISBN & payment setup - done with you✕✓✓
Launch managed by the studio✕✕✓
Certificate & alumni circle✕✓✓
Pay online Mobile money Pay online Mobile money Pay online Mobile money

Choosing "Mobile money" opens WhatsApp - tell us which package you want and we'll send Orange Money, Pay2Cell, eWallet, MyZaka or EFT details. Once payment reflects, scroll down and select your package to unlock the application form.

Full details & frequently asked questions

FoundationP150/month›

The outer ring of the circle - built for writers who want to learn at their own pace, or who aren't ready yet for a live cohort commitment. Start any time, no application needed.

What's included
  • Full self-paced training manual - all six modules, written out in complete lessons
  • Every template we use: outlining, style sheets, KDP metadata, launch plans and more
  • One live group Q&A call every month
  • The Foundation WhatsApp community, always open
  • A quarterly open masterclass shared with the active live cohort
Do I need a finished manuscript?
No entry requirement at all - Foundation is designed for exactly this stage, whether you have a full draft, a rough idea, or nothing written yet.
Can I upgrade to the Growth Cohort later?
Yes - many authors start on Foundation and move into a live cohort once one opens. Message us when you're ready and we'll place you in the next intake.
Is there a contract or minimum term?
No - it's a simple monthly membership. Cancel any time by letting us know.
Pay online (PayPal / card) Pay by mobile money
Growth CohortP2,600›

The flagship programme - a full six-month guided journey through writing, editing, design, publishing, marketing and distribution, in a live circle capped at twenty authors. This is the complete manuscript-to-marketplace path.

What's included
  • Six months, one module per month, taught live every week
  • Direct mentor feedback on your actual manuscript, not a generic example
  • The Thursday hot-seat circle - structured peer and mentor counsel
  • Saturday writing sprints with the cohort
  • KDP setup, ISBN registration and royalty payment rails - done with you, step by step
  • Author brand kit and a dated 90-day launch plan
  • Graduation certificate under The Villescence seal and lifetime alumni access
Payment options
  • P2,600 once-off - saves you P250 versus the monthly plan
  • P475 × 6 months - spread the cost across the programme (totals P2,850)
Do I need a finished manuscript to join?
No - you need a clearly defined book concept or outline. Month 1 is designed to shape and pressure-test your idea if it isn't fully formed yet.
How much time does this take each week?
Plan for 4-6 hours: the live teaching session, the Thursday circle, the Saturday sprint, plus your own writing. Sessions are recorded if you miss one.
Are sessions online or in person?
Both. Weekly sessions run on Zoom and WhatsApp, with one in-person masterclass and co-working day in Gaborone each month, streamed for those who can't attend physically.
Is there a scholarship or discount?
Every cohort carries one applied-for scholarship seat. We don't discount the published price otherwise, but the six-month instalment plan exists so cost is never the barrier for a committed writer.
What happens after I pay?
Your application form unlocks immediately below. Complete it and we'll follow up within five working days with a short counsel call to confirm your seat and answer any questions before the cohort starts.
Pay online (PayPal / card) Pay by mobile money
Chief's CounselP5,500›

Everything in the Growth Cohort, delivered one-on-one and done with you rather than alongside a group. Built for professionals and leaders who want the outcome of a premium book with minimal friction on their own time.

What's included
  • All six months of mentorship content, delivered privately on your schedule
  • Professional editing by the Villescence studio (developmental, line and copy)
  • Full cover and interior design, done for you rather than taught to you
  • KDP, ISBN and royalty payment setup handled together
  • Launch managed by the studio, not just planned by you
What's NOT included, that costs extra?
Local print runs, ghostwriting, and extended launch management beyond the standard package are quoted separately, based on your specific book.
How many Chief's Counsel clients do you take at once?
A limited number of seats per quarter, since this track is delivered personally by the studio. Apply early if your timeline is fixed.
Can I pay in instalments?
Yes - a payment plan is available on request. Mention this when you apply and we'll structure it with you on the counsel call.
Pay online (PayPal / card) Pay by mobile money

Ask us for the programme dashboard link - Module 1 of the training manual is open there as a free preview of the teaching standard.

Applications

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To keep the circle focused on committed authors, applications open once payment is made or confirmed. Choose your package above, then come back here to complete your intake.

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