Pacific Coast Children’s Writers Workshop

Details about the Novel Writer’s Retreat are posted on the Retreat page.

2021 UPDATE: Our virtual events will feature one agent or editor at each of our two workshops, October 8-10 and October 22-24. Writers will enroll in one session for the full range of activities, but may attend faculty’s full-novel critique sessions on the other weekend (if they have read and/or critiqued a novel being discussed on that date).

ADULTS: Basic Fee is reduced from $799-829 to $145. Critique fees are $3.00 per manuscript page. For full novels, aka Group A, writers receive two 45-minute sessions with our agent or editor. For 14 to 24 page partials plus synopsis, aka Group B, writers receive one session of 10 to 20 minutes, depending on page count. Group B is limited to two published, or selected advanced, writers per session. Possible critiques by teens; no charge.

TEENS: Basic fee, including faculty feedback on 3 to 10 pages of writing (by editor, agent, and/or teens’ instructor), is reduced from $499-549 to $120, or $95 for college students through age 24. Limited scholarships/discounts for qualifying students.

For more info and to request an application, contact us.

Designed for up to 16 accomplished adults and eight book-savvy teens, our workshop 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 homestyle resort while expanding your craft and career. Join our intimate professional community. Enrollment is limited and selective. Apply early!

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

Group A Perks: For the price often charged for just a full-manuscript “book doctor” critique, your workshop fees provide feedback from an editor or agent—one who has indicated an interest in your manuscript, and will meet with you twice for 30 to 45 minutes. Additionally, you may enjoy a beachfront retreat among congenial, accomplished peers. A value-packed package!

Group B Perks: Our editor and agent will critique not only your opening chapter(s), but also a later passage that you may wish to explore. Thus your 14-page manuscript submission will start on page one, but approximately one-third of the sample may be a later section. An unusual workshop option.

Group B-Plus Perk: If you desire, faculty author will brainstorm with you about ideas or problems in your story development. Ask your mentor for whatever will support your writing.