The Manuscript Series Retreat

Join us for an immersive online writers' retreat designed for marginalized voices ready to take their work to the next level.

Over three transformative days, you'll workshop your manuscript with industry professionals, learn directly from published authors and literary agents, and connect with a community of writers who understand your journey.

Whether you're crafting your first ten pages or preparing to query agents, this retreat meets you exactly where you are—and propels you forward.

What you’ll get

  • ✺

    It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.

  • ✺

    It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.

  • ✺

    It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.

  • ✺

    It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.

  • ✺

    It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.

  • ✺

    It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.

What’s inside

Friday Evening

Welcome & Community Building Session

Duration: 1.5-2 hours
Format: Virtual happy hour with breakout rooms

Activities:

  • Welcome and introductions

  • Writer project sharing (2-3 minutes each)

  • Pre-retreat data collection via live polls:

    • Writing experience levels

    • Current project stages

    • Biggest writing challenges

    • Publishing goals

  • Icebreaker activities in small groups

  • Q&A collection for weekend sessions

  • Networking time in themed breakout rooms by genre/experience level

Saturday (All day)

Start Time: 9am ET (6am PT) / 12pm ET (9am PT)

These sessions run simultaneously and you will only be able to attend one.

Session 1A: First Ten Pages Workshop (Beginner Track)

Duration: 2 hours
Target Audience: New writers, first manuscripts

Content:

  • Hook development and opening lines

  • Character introduction techniques

  • Setting establishment

  • Pacing in opening chapters

  • Common beginner mistakes to avoid

  • Interactive workshop with sample submissions

  • Peer feedback breakout sessions

Session 1B: Manuscript Preparation (Intermediate/Advanced Track)

Duration: 2 hours
Target Audience: Writers with completed or near-completed manuscripts

Content:

  • Professional formatting standards

  • Self-editing strategies and checklists

  • Beta reader coordination

  • Synopsis writing

  • Preparing submission materials

  • Manuscript assessment tools

  • Professional presentation standards

Session 2: Authors' Journey Panel

Duration: 1 hour
Format: Moderated panel discussion

Session 3: Publishing Pathways Deep Dive

Duration: 90 minutes
Format: Multi-presenter session with Q&A

Sunday

Journaling & Reflection Session

Duration: 45-60 minutes
Lead: TBD

Activities:

  • Guided writing prompts for goal setting

  • Reflection on retreat learnings

  • Personal writing practice commitment

  • Community connection exercises

Keynote Address

Duration: 45-60 minutes
Format: Inspirational closing keynote

Limited Enrollment

Limited Enrollment

✺ Frequently asked questions ✺

  • Not at all! While we designed the retreat as a complete weekend experience, you can register for individual sessions based on your schedule and interests. The Friday evening welcome session is included only with full weekend packages, but Saturday and Sunday sessions are available à la carte. That said, participants who attend the full weekend often report the deepest transformation and strongest community connections.

  • All sessions are recorded and made available after the retreat. Members receive lifetime access to all recordings, while non-members have 30 days to review the content. You'll receive access information in your confirmation email. We do encourage live attendance when possible, as the interactive elements and networking opportunities are most powerful in real-time.

  • Absolutely! We've designed sessions specifically for writers at different stages. The "First Ten Pages" workshop is tailored for beginners and those working on their first manuscript, while other sessions like "Manuscript Preparation" serve more advanced writers. Our panels and publishing pathway sessions benefit writers at all levels. Choose the sessions that match where you are in your journey.

  • Unfortunately, we're unable to offer payment plans at this time. However, we do offer à la carte session options if you'd prefer to spread your investment across individual sessions rather than purchasing a full weekend package. We're also committed to accessibility through our scholarship program—if cost is a barrier, we encourage you to apply for one of our full scholarships for writers from historically excluded communities.

  • Current members receive 20% off all packages and individual sessions. With a code provided in our private community. Not a member yet? You can join our community at http://permissiontowrite.org/join and immediately access the member pricing for the retreat, plus gain lifetime access to all retreat recordings and other member benefits.

  • All sessions will be hosted via Zoom. You'll receive specific Zoom links for each session you're registered for one week before the retreat. No special software is required beyond a standard Zoom account (free). We recommend joining from a computer for the best experience, especially for the workshop sessions with breakout rooms.

  • In addition to everything in the Community Access Pass (all sessions, recordings, resources, and community access), Premium Pass holders receive an extended resource library with templates and guides, plus an exclusive group coaching call one month after the retreat to continue your momentum and stay accountable to your writing goals.

  • The Literary Agent Meeting add-on is available to anyone registered for the retreat (either full weekend or à la carte). This optional add-on provides a 15-20 minute one-on-one conversation with a participating literary agent where you can ask questions about your project, their list, the querying process, and get market insights. Due to agent availability, spots are extremely limited and will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. You'll receive a separate email after registration to schedule your meeting, which will take place in the 2-4 weeks following the retreat. Come prepared with your questions—this is an invaluable opportunity for direct guidance from industry professionals. Item description