Mary Adkins is a published novelist and the founder of The Book Incubator, a mentorship program designed as a democratic alternative to traditional MFA pathways. She provides technical instruction for writers through her video series, The First Draft Club, where she dissects craft elements such as storyboarding, character voice, and the nuances of upmarket fiction. Her expertise is supported by a career as the author of the novels When You Read This, Privilege, and Palm Beach, the latter of which received a Best Book designation from the New York Post. Adkins has contributed to The New York Times and The Atlantic, bridging the gap between professional authorship and educational coaching. Her recent work includes the 2025 release of her memoir, You Might Feel A Little Pressure, published by Third Rail Press. Through live feedback sessions and structured strategy guides, she assists aspiring authors in navigating the transition from manuscript completion to securing literary representation in the traditional publishing market.