Career Authors Writer’s Retreat 2026

The Career Authors Retreat Is a Game Changer

Discover how one retreat really can change your writing life. Get individual attention for you and your work-in-progress from our dedicated team of experienced professionals—agents, editors, bestselling authors and publishing insiders—in this exclusive one-of-a kind weekend of craft, creativity, and camaraderie, all set in a gorgeous mansion (with fabulous food!).

This intensive three-day experience includes:

–Extraordinary insight and unparalleled access to our faculty that previous attendees have dubbed “the fab five”: 

• Emmy-winning reporter & bestselling suspense author Hank Phillippi Ryan

• Literary agent and award-winning novelist Paula Munier

• New York Times bestseller Brian Andrews, part of the co-writing team behind the latest Jack Ryan novels for the Tom Clancy estate

• USA Today bestselling novelist & Writer’s Digest Editor-at-Large Jessica Strawser

• And longtime editor for major NYC publishers Dana Isaacson.

–Dedicated hour-long writing craft workshops presented by each member of our team

–Panels with plenty of audience Q&A on the business of publishing

–Critiques of your first pages in a small group setting, a positive, interactive workshop experience where everyone learns together

–One-on-one feedback on your first five pages with one of our faculty member

–Opportunities to practice your pitch (optional, for those at that stage)

–Networking with fellow attendees in a fully catered setting where everything is handled for you

Whether you’re struggling through your first draft, looking to take your self-publishing career to the next level, or dreaming of your big breakthrough with a finished manuscript in hand, the Career Authors can help guide you on your own path to success with your novel, nonfiction book or memoir.

Join us for a lineup of all-new classes—and focused attention to your ideas and your manuscripts. Schedule and session titles will be finalized in early 2026, but don’t wait to save your seat! Space is limited to provide for the inclusion of one-on-one consultations.

SAMPLE AGENDA (from 2025 event) LINK BELOW – 

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Here’s what some of our past attendees had to say:

“Whether you just have a vague idea of what you want to write or your novel is 90% finished, whether you intend to traditionally publish or self-publish, I’d recommend this retreat. There is literally something for everyone, from fine-tuning pitches (which can be useful to help you write your novel, believe it or not!) to pushing through the ‘sagging middle,’ to finding who you are as a writer, you will get help here. Bonus, the teachers are friendly and available at all times and you get the sense that they really want you to succeed.” —Laura K. Curtis, author of the Harp Security series

“The Career Authors retreat has been invaluable to my confidence as an aspiring author. I cannot say enough good things about Brian, Dana, Hank, Jessica and Paula – as individuals, they are each masterful in presenting specific industry insights, and I find myself hanging on their every word! Together, they are even better, if that’s possible: their combined experience, their rapport and genuine team leadership makes the retreat not only wickedly useful, but inviting and FUN! 

I’ve thanked my lucky stars that I came across this life-changing retreat and would recommend it wholeheartedly to anyone ready to take the next steps in their writing career!” —Caitlin Gertsev