WRITERS RETREAT

Spend several days with published authors and professional editors一and their main goal is to make your book idea better so you can pitch it to publishers!

JUNE 10-12, 2024 | San Luis Obispo, CA

3 Goals for the Retreat

#1: Give you expert feedback on your book concept.

You’ll have a designated window of time to pitch your book to a cohort of other writers, including your mentor (Steve, Brett, or Will). We will put our heads and hearts together on your behalf, helping you hone your book idea until it shines!

#2: Help you create an impressive book proposal.

Book proposals are your first impression to agents and publishers一showing at a glance who you are and the message you’re hoping to share. Proposals literally make or break publishing deals.

Will Anderson (an acquisitions editor at Penguin Random House who fields dozens of proposals every year) will guide you step-by-step through the process, helping you create a knockout proposal.

#3: Form lasting friendships with like-minded writers.

Writing is extremely rewarding, but also difficult. Making friends who are on the same journey will refuel your soul and sharpen your craft. 

We’ve carefully planned this experience to give you ample time to connect with others while enjoying fantastic meals in one of California’s most charming coastal cities. 

How will we spend our time? Glad you asked…

There is no substitute for being in the room together. This relational retreat is designed to forge lasting friendships and catalyze your success as a writer. 

We’ve designed it to do 3 things.

How We’ll Spend Our 2 Days Together

From Monday evening to Wednesday late morning, you’ll participate in the following with your mentors and 14 other writers.

WORKSHOPS

Mastery comes through mentorship. With your book idea(s) in hand, using our “Book Concept Catalyst,” which we provide beforehand, you will present your book concept to a small cohort of 4-5 other writers (including your mentor). 

Together, you will workshop your book idea. This is an invaluable process that usually happens inside a publishing house, between author, agent, editor, and marketers… we’re giving you access to that now, so your book takes off.

CRAFTING YOUR PROPOSAL

For several hours on Wednesday morning, we will guide you step-by-step on how to build a knockout book proposal. Topics will include:

  • The 3 essentials every publisher is looking for

  • How to transfer your killer book concept into a proposal

  • Secrets to building a platform, finding an agent, and more

We’ll send you home with our “publishing playbook” so you can implement everything you’ve learned.

HOT SEATS

Ever wish you could rub shoulders with published authors and professional editors? Bring your most pressing questions on writing or publishing, and we’ll share our best practices. One tip from one of our mentors, or another writer, could make the entire trip worthwhile! 

Devotionals and Worship

Tuesday and Wednesday will begin with a short devotional from one of our mentors, to anchor our day in the goodness and beauty of Jesus, and to remind us that the ultimate aim of writing is to glorify God. Then, we’ll spend time worshiping together in song.

Connection Breaks

As much as we will accomplish and learn, the point of this retreat is also to connect with one another. So we’ve scheduled plenty of breaks (including coffee!), so you have ample time to build friendships with your fellow writers and mentors.

Feasts

San Luis Obispo has some incredible food! From the hotel, we’ll take short walks to some of the best restaurants in this quaint city一including dinner at Novo, where we’ll enjoy their iconic outdoor patio overlooking a creek.

ABOUT THE RETREAT

Who This retreat is For.

  • Non-fiction writers of adult or children’s books. (We do not offer cohorts for fiction writers at this time. Maybe one day.)

  • Writers hoping to land a book deal with a major Christian publisher (Zondervan, Waterbrook and Multnomah, Nelson, Baker, Crossway, etc)

  • Writers at all stages of the book writing process, whether you’re narrowing down your topic or already have a full manuscript

  • People writing for Christians and/or non-Christians

  • Writers looking to build relationships in the publishing industry

  • Writers eager to learn from top-tier mentors

Space is Limited!

Reserve Your Spot Today!

Registration will close once we hit 15 people. 

Upon your arrival to San Luis Obispo, everything is included in the price of admission, including:

  • “Book Concept Catalyst,” a helpful step-by-step guide for clarifying and articulating your book concept

  • Full Itinerary detailed above with Workshops, Crafting Your Proposal, Hot Seats, Devotionals and Worship, Connection Breaks, and Feasts.

  • Private room at the stunning Hotel San Luis Obispo

  • All food, including meals at the hotel and restaurants

  • Copy of our “Publishing Playbook,” which includes everything you need to pitch your book to agents and publishers.

  • Private Facebook group, where you can continue to connect with your cohort.

All of this and more, for just $3,500

JOIN US IN 2024 | SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA

When, Where, and What Are We Eating?

Here are all the basic details of the retreat!

WHEN IS THE RETREAT?

The retreat will kick off with a welcome reception at 4:00 p.m. PST on Monday, June 10, 2024 and will end around 11:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 12.

WHEre IS THE RETREAT?

In the charming city of San Luis Obispo一a true gem along California’s central coast. This area is known for its mild temperatures, rolling hills, delicious cuisine, and breathtaking ocean views.

Which airport should I fly into?

We recommend flying directly into SLO County Regional Airport. From there, you can Uber/Lyft or taxi 3 miles to the hotel. Everything during the retreat is walkable, so you don’t need a rental car!

Alternatively, if you’re up for a longer drive (3-4 hours) through the beautiful countryside of Southern California, you can fly into San Jose or LAX. 

If you’re feeling super adventurous, consider taking the train to SLO from Los Angeles!

Where are we staying?

At the stunning Hotel San Luis Obispo, a modern urban resort nestled in SLO’s highly walkable, quaint downtown. Your registration fee includes a private room at the hotel. (Please note: all room service or other amenities are not covered by registration)

What’s nearby?

So much! Wine tasting, horseback riding, dining, hiking, and of course, the beach. You can visit the SLO website for some great ideas! If you like hiking, Will’s favorite is Montaña de Oro State Park (about 30 mins from the hotel), an 8,000 acre wilderness area with trails along sea cliffs.

What are we eating?

Glad you asked because, full disclosure, we’re all foodies! Here’s our dining itinerary, and remember, all meals are included in your registration fee. We got you!*

  • Monday dinner: Our first meal together will be at Luna Red, a close walk from the hotel.

  • Tuesday and Wednesday breakfast will be hosted by our hotel.

  • Tuesday lunch: We’ll walk to SLO Provisions, with an optional stop at Field Day Coffee on the way.

  • Tuesday dinner: We’ll walk to Novo, voted SLO’s best restaurant, known for its locally sourced cuisine and creekside outdoor patio. 

*All alcohol purchases at any lunch or dinner will be at your own expense. We’ll cover everything else!

Other Questions & Answers

  • Getting feedback is vulnerable. We get it! As your writing mentors, our goal is to be direct, specific, constructive, and encouraging. We will have suggested improvements for every book concept, but we promise to do so with thoughtfulness and never in a way that belittles or criticizes you. We’re excited to put our heads together so you have the best chance to publish your work!

  • No, your room is all yours! The registration fee includes a private room at the stunning Hotel San Luis Obispo.

  • Absolutely! If your spouse isn't planning on participating in the retreat, simply register for one and your spouse can stay in your room (each room has one king bed). If your spouse would like to participate in the retreat as well, use this link to register for two and save $500: REGISTER FOR TWO

    Please note: if you bring a guest who is not participating in the retreat, they will not be able to attend meals with you. We make all reservations well in advance and unfortunately can not change them.

  • Yes, you’re welcome to participate! However, we’d love to help you brainstorm some book ideas before you arrive. Upon registration, you’ll receive our “Book Concept Catalyst,” which will help you ideate.

  • Due to the strict rules in our contract with the hotel, we are unable to offer a guaranteed refund after you register for the event. That said, if we end up having a waiting list for this event and someone is willing to buy your seat, we will issue you a 100% refund if you're unable to attend.

  • Absolutely not! Scripture makes clear that Christians have the freedom to drink responsibly, but this decision is ultimately a matter of conviction (see Romans 14 and 1 Corinthians 10). For many participants, they will likely enjoy a glass of wine or beer at meals, including the hotel bar. Those who choose to drink should do so in moderation, as is fitting for Jesus followers, while those who choose not to will experience zero pressure to partake.

  • Drop us a line at: hello@thewriterscircle.com

Requirements and Expectations

  • Before the retreat, we ask you to complete our “Book Concept Catalyst” guide, which takes a few hours, depending on how developed your book idea is. We promise this is the fun kind of homework!

  • Be willing to give feedback to others in a cohort environment. You don’t have to be an expert, just an encourager and question asker!

  • Show respect and honor to others, including their book ideas and theological convictions. No debates, insults, or sarcasm, please.

  • Participants should be comfortable walking 1-2 miles each day, as we’ll walk daily from the hotel to various restaurants in downtown SLO.