From Manuscript to Publication in Venice
Welcome Join us in Venice, a city shaped by art, history, and exchange. This retreat supports writers in making the transition from manuscript to publication with clarity and confidence. It’s time to turn your work into a polished, submission ready package.
Prepare your work for submission
Learn what agents and publishers look for — how to assess your manuscript’s readiness, polish your opening pages, and present your work at its best.
What You’ll GainThis retreat is for you if you want to…
Craft a submission pack
Work on your query letter, synopsis, and opening pages with expert feedback — and leave with a submission pack ready to send.
Approach agents and publishers
Understand the landscape: how to research and target the right agents, what to send, when to send it, and how to handle the waiting.
Course OverviewThe Workshops
Three days to assemble your submission pack.
Manuscript Assessments
Who to approach, and what to expect — an honest reading of where your work stands and where it belongs.
The Agent–Editor Submission Process
The full path demystified, from first query to signed contract, with the etiquette each step expects.
Finding Your Fit in the Publishing World
How publishing works today — traditional vs. independent, what agents do, how to find the right fit for your work. Imprints, independents, and the houses in between — and how to recognise the one your work is really for.
Which Agents Best Suit Your Style and Story
A targeted shortlist, built around your manuscript, so your first approaches are the right ones.
A Compelling Query Letter & Synopsis
Drafted with your mentor's feedback — how to distill your novel into a query letter that intrigues and a synopsis that serves the story.the two pages that must earn the read before a single chapter is opened.
Handling Feedback & Rejection
How to read editorial feedback, when to revise, and how to keep going through the inevitable rejections on the path to yes.
what you get…
Writing on this retreat is balanced with experiences that inspire and connect you to the culture of Italy
9 hours tuition over 3 days
1 hour private consultation to be booked in advance
4 star accommodation with breakfast, included.
Entrance to The Private Collection of Peggy Guggenheim in her Villa turned Art Gallery on the Grand Canal.
An Artists and Writer’s guided tour of The Secret Streets and History of Venice
Food Tasting Tour - we’ll discover the world of ‘Cicchetti’ (Venetian Tapas) as part of the city’s culinary culture.
Evening walks, Aperitivo, Shared Dinners and
Your Mentors
Your mentors for The Manuscript to Publication retreat will be announced as the programme takes shape. Expect agents, editors, writers with deep experience of the publishing landscape and a genuine commitment to new voices.
To Be Announced
Join us in Venice
Cost and Booking