Who we are

A writers’ conference focused on giving 30 fresh voices in adult or YA literature unprecedented access to the agents, editors and industry experts who can help make dreams come true.

Why boutique

The Work is all about details. From attendees to agents to lunch menus, the weekend’s finer points have been carefully considered and hand-selected.

What to expect

A weekend of intensive attention to your novel, innovative programming, inspired revision, strong coffee, and big fun.

The Work Retreat 2020

The Work Retreat is back for a second year of workshopping, critique, revision and craft! Join us March 27-29, 2020, at the historic Endicott Estate in Dedham, MA.

The Work Retreat is designed for authors of fiction and narrative non-fiction, whose works-in-progress are intended for traditional publication. Participants will workshop up to 50 pages of a WIP in a series of supportive, constructive, small-group sessions led by an editor or agent, and you’ll meet one-on-one with your workshop leader, too. All-faculty panel discussions on topics of craft, revision and industry give participants a chance to hear from and engage with all our experts. You’ll have plenty of time to write throughout the weekend, and the sprawling mansion and estate provide ample space to find your perfect writing nook.

Group-rate accommodations are available at the Courtyard Marriott in Westwood, MA, and shuttle service will be available to hotel guests to/from the venue daily (ride time: approx. 7 minutes). 

Programming begins at 9am on Friday, March 27th, and ends by 2pm on Sunday, March 29th. Out-of-town participants should plan to check-in at the hotel  Thursday evening, March 26th, to ensure timely arrival at the venue on Friday morning.

Pricing:

Early-bird tickets (purchased by 1/31/20): $1000.

Tickets purchased after 1/31/20: $1200.

3-night stay at Courtyard Marriott Boston-Westwood (check-in Thurs. 3/26): + $435

2-night stay at Courtyard Marriott Boston-Westwood (check-in after programming Friday): + $288

Travel costs, including airport shuttle transportation, not included. Those traveling by train should arrive at Amtrak’s Rt-128 station, located directly across from the hotel.

To apply, email a cover/query letter and the first five pages of your manuscript draft to beccaheyman@gmail.com

2020 Retreat Faculty

Rebecca Brewer

Penguin Random House

Sylvan Creekmore

SMP/Wednesday Books

Loan Le

Atria Books

Rebecca Heyman

Conference Director

Amara Hoshijo

Soho Press

Kerry D’Agostino

Curtis Brown

Rhea Lyons

HG Literary

Contact Us

For details, questions or comments about the work, contact:
@TheWorkConf on Twitter
Email The Work Conference

FAQ

Q: Will my 50-page submission be edited by a publishing professional?

A: Yes and no. We do not require line editing from our workshop leaders, since much of the work at the Retreat is in-progress, but you can expect to receive written notes and personalized feedback during your one-on-one session.

Q: Do I get to choose my editor/agent?

A: Nope. After you put on the Sorting Hat — wait, no. That’s not right. You’ll be placed in a critique group based on your genre, style, and the workshop leader’s specific expertise/interests.

Q: Do I get to read for the other members of my critique group?

A: You sure do! No need to edit others’ submissions, though — that’s for your workshop leader.

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Keep in touch

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Testimonials

What attendees had to say about the 2016 inaugural event

Past Faculty

If you're an agent or editor interested in joining a future Work Conference, please contact theworkconference@gmail.com, or reach out on Twitter via @TheWorkConf.
Laura Apperson
Editor
Alex Arnold
Editor
Noah Ballard
Agent
Carmiel Banasky
Guest Author
Katie Bayerl
Guest Author
Rebecca Brewer
Editor
Laura Brown
Editor
Natalka Burian
Guest Author
Serena Burdick
Guest Author
Laura Chasen
Editor
Stephanie Delman
Agent
Matthew Dicks
Guest Author
Heather Flaherty
Agent
Kaitlyn Greenidge
Guest Author
Katie Grimm
Agent
Natalie Hallak
Editor
Erin Harris
Agent
Julie Lekstrom Himes
Guest Author
Leon Husock
Agent
Annie Hwang
Agent
Guy Intoci
Editor
Daniel Kirschen
Agent
Loan Le
Editor
Sarah Levitt
Agent
Tiff Liao
Editor
Monica Odom
Agent
Veronica Park
Agent
Elana Roth Parker
Agent
Emma Patterson
Agent
Soumeya B Roberts
Agent
Liz Stein
Editor
Jennifer Udden
Agent
Carolyn Williams
Editor
Kate Johnson
Agent
Kent Wolf
Agent
Adriann Ranta Zurhellen
Agent
Jon Michael Darga
Miranda Hill
Bridget Smith
Sylvan Creekmore
Jim McCarthy
Samantha Fabien