FEATURES & FEES

Fees and deadlines for the Novel Writer's Retreat will be posted on the Retreat page. 

Your fee makes possible this top-level, yet intimate seminar. Designed for 16 accomplished adults and six book-savvy teens, our event offers easy access to an East Coast editor and agent—a rare opportunity for relaxed, in-depth conversation with industry professionals.

Among our distinctive features: We’re a collegial-style seminar, not a convention. Our venue is not a city hotel, but an evocative coastal setting—a writer’s oasis. Here you may enjoy the comforts of a townhome-resort, while expanding your craft and career. Join us for the workshop and/or Novel Writer's Retreat.

Apply early! Seminar enrollment is limited and selective. Pre-register by May 15; applications are due May 25. When all other factors are equal, the earliest application receives priority.

Treat yourself (and your muse) to our comprehensive “Education Vacation.”

REGISTRATION FEES Figures to the left of slash are May 25 Early Bird fees; to the right are standard fees. These fees include lodging, most meals, workshop sessions and critiques except whole-novel critiques (varying fees; see CRITIQUE INFO below).
FEATURES of Each Enrollment Group	THREE ENROLLMENT GROUPS
	Group A Whole-Novel Critiques $769/799 +	Group B Masterclass Critiques $769/799	Group C Teen Critiques $469/499
Group A, Whole Novel Critique: Written critique, plus two in-person consults (30-45 minutes each), with an editor or agent (their choice of manuscripts) on whole novels; up to 250 pages, with 500-word synopsis *
Group B, Masterclass Critique: Brief written critique, plus in-person critique with editor and agent; masterclass (open clinic) format; up to 12 pages, with 250-word synopsis *
Group C, Teen Critiques: Written critique by adjunct faculty (teens’ instructor); up to 12 manuscript pages, with optional 250-word synopsis *

*   *   *  See CRITIQUE INFO below.

DETAILS

1) Your PERKS

• Workshop Content: Keynotes, focus sessions, Q&A. Observation and/or critiques in Master Classes and Spot Critiques sessions. Observation of selected whole-novel consults (prerequisite: your written critique of the same manuscript).
  
  Read about our innovative critique offerings. For supplementary info, see our Timeline and FAQs.
  
  
• Pre-workshop Materials: Peer anthologies (for master class and whole-novel prep; also, to get acquainted); course manuals (home study exercises and articles re: craft of fiction, critiquing, submissions, marketing); annotated Writers Roster; private, online enrollees’ bulletin board; local traveler’s guide
  
  
• Lodging, Meals: Standard lodging in a Pajaro Dunes beachfront townhome, Friday and Saturday nights. Triple occupancy (occasionally double or quadruple) in very spacious bedrooms, each with its own full bath; four bedrooms per unit. A few single-occupancy bedrooms may be available for an additional $75 per night. All meals (ultra-fresh ingredients) except Saturday dinner; order in or enjoy “Writer’s Night Out.” More info and photos: see Lodging.
  

• BONUS! Extend your stay. While availability lasts, add Sunday night for $45, and/or add Thursday night FREE.
  
  
• Freebies (business, health, recreation): Use of printer, copier, Internet; local and long-distance phone calls to over 40 countries; movie rentals (VHS, DVD); tennis courts; Thursday night lodging.

2) CRITIQUE INFO

Writers may request and/or be selected for either Group A (one core faculty critique on full manuscript) or Group B (two core faculty critiques on partial manuscript). Spot Critiques may be offered to Group C teens, or to anyone without a core faculty critique.

* Group A, Whole Novel (in addition to the above fees): Our discounted rate is approximately $2.60 per standard-formatted manuscript page. Your fee includes a faculty mentor’s written critique, plus two in-person consults with that mentor. Consults are observed by 0 to 5 enrollees who have written-critiqued your manuscript. Sample Fees: $399 for a 150-page manuscript (typical middle-grade novel); $599 for a 250-page manuscript (typical YA novel).

Tip: For the price often charged for a full-manuscript "book doctor" critique only, your workshop fees provide feedback from an editor or agent—one who has requested your manuscript—as well as a beachfront vacation among selected, accomplished peers. A value-packed package!

* Group B, Master Class: Our faculty will critique not only your opening chapter(s), but also a later passage that you may wish to explore—beyond the traditional “Submit only chapters one through three.” In a 12-page manuscript submission, this later passage comprises the final three to four pages (referenced in your synopsis). Faculty will also critique the overall structure of your synopsis.

* Spot Critiques: Editor and agent critique of a manuscript’s page one, for those with no other core faculty critiques (usually Group C, Teens and/or late-enrolling adults). Format is open clinic; manuscripts are available in advance; three minutes per writer, on a first-come basis.

3) DISCOUNTS

Up to two discounts per enrollee.

• Early Bird registration, postmarked through May 25 (teens June 25): Subtract $30. For more information, see our timeline.
  
  
• (PATS) Parents and Teens: If both register, subtract $30 from parent fee.
  
  
• Work Study: Limited scholarships for web-savvy enrollees of all ages.

4) OTHER

See non-tuition expenses such as transportation and recommended reading.