Los Angeles Region Working Writers Retreat 2024
Sep 27, 2024 - Sep 29, 2024
Holy Spirit Retreat Center 4316 Lanai Rd, Encino, CA 91436
WE'RE NOW OFFERING A FEW REMAINING COMMUTER SPOTS TO THE RETREAT. SCROLL DOWN TO THE “WAITLISTS” SECTION AND CLICK ON THE LINK TO THE GOOGLE FORM. ONCE ON THE GOOGLE FORM, SELECT “COMMUTE” IN THE “ROOMING PREFERENCE” SECTION.
In small groups with peers, led by industry professionals, you’ll receive feedback to help elevate your craft and move your project to new heights. In between critique sessions, you'll have quiet time to revise in your room or on the peaceful grounds of the retreat center. Participants also receive submission opportunities with our faculty after the event.
This exclusive event has a limited number of residential spaces that allows for meaningful experience with faculty and writing peers of all levels. Your room, meals, snacks, beverages and our legendary wine and cheese karaoke night are all included. Come make new friends and network with professionals. We traditionally sell out quickly, so don’t wait to sign up!
Registration opens Friday, August 30 at 9am.
Retreat Options:
Staying Onsite (Double Occupancy Room) $515
Single Rooms - will be available only if space is available. Sign up for the Staying Onsite option as well as the Single Room waitlist and we will contact you if space becomes available. There will be a $75 additional fee for a total of $590.
Commute – we will only offer commuter spots this year if space is available. Signing up for the Commuter waitlist does not guarantee a spot at the retreat. Cost for the commuter spots will be $450.
If you clicked the "Register for Event" button at the top of this page and it says the event has sold out, click here to sign up for the waitlist.
The Retreat Fees cover the following:
- Four critique sessions led by industry professionals
- Accommodations
- One first page panel
- All meals from Friday dinner to Sunday breakfast
- Snacks throughout the weekend
- Wine & cheese party (Friday)
- Karaoke Party (Saturday)
TO REGISTER:
Click the "Register for Event" button at the top of the page. Registration opens Friday, August 30 at 9am.
WAITLISTS:
To sign up for the waitlists, fill out the Google Form at:
https://forms.gle/GHWZmrjN8aGrF2EZ9
** Make sure you use the email address you use for your SCBWI membership when filling out the form.
Meet Our Retreat Faculty
Melanie Figueroa
Melanie Figueroa is a literary agent at Root Literary and a member of the Association of American Literary Agents (AALA). She represents award-winning and bestselling authors of children’s literature and adult fiction. A Southern California native, she was born and raised in a multicultural, blended family, so she has a soft spot for books that shine a spotlight on the nuances of relationships, identity, and culture.
Mary C. Moore
Mary C. Moore is a literary agent with Aevitas Creative Management based in the Bay Area. She has represented the Nebula-nominated "The Unbroken" by C.L. Clark, and Indie Next and Book of the Month pick "The Keeper of Night" by Kylie Lee Baker. She loves working with writers to launch and develop their careers, primarily in middle grade, YA, and adult fiction. In her off time you can find her either in the garden or on the pickleball court.
Jenny Lopez
Jenny Lopez is an Assistant Editor at Sourcebooks based in Chicago. She works primarily on middle grade through young adult novels and loves diverse and inclusive stories across all genres. On her down time you can find her exploring the city libraries or learning a new language.
Jim Averbeck
Accomplished writer and illustrator, Jim Averbeck, has officially moved into his new role as agent with East/West Literary Agency. Jim is keen to find author/illustrators and writers with great stories to share, and the Los Angeles Working Writers Retreat is his first official SCBWI event in this new role! Jim's specialty is editorial feedback. He has over a decade of experience mentoring authors to help make their stories irresistible to editors. His resume includes a long list of children’s creators who have achieved their goal to become published authors.