The Work Conference – a boutique writers' conference

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

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.

Twitter Feed

View on Twitter

Keep in touch

Don't miss a chance to join us at the next conference! Sign up below to stay current on our scheduled events, submission window openings, and other TWC-related news. You won't hear from us often -- just when we've got something important to share.

Newsletter Sign-Up

Testimonials

What attendees had to say about the 2016 inaugural event

The Work Conference is a force for writers serious about craft and the business of publication. The conference details were created with a thoughtful attention to all the participants […] That approach makes this debut conference a quintessential stop in a novelist’s year of writing.

C. DeBerg
The Work Conference broke down the barriers between writers, agents and editors. We spent three days together learning, talking, editing, sharing meals and going to happy hour. The casual environment made it easy to ask questions, whether in a workshop, a one-on-one meeting, or after hours in a karaoke bar.

J. Dalton
This is the best conference I have ever been to, bar none. It doesn’t just raise the bar for what a conference should be like. It throws away the bar and does cartwheels across the mat.

M. Wilkinson
A great educational choice for writers poised to breakthrough and become published.

C. Dailey
Not only did this past weekend light a fire in me to take my writing to the next level, it also gave me the self-esteem to participate more in the writing community. I feel truly special and very fortunate to have been a part of this inaugural conference.

D. Stanley
The panel discussions were superior to those I’ve been to at larger conferences (and many of those were good). There was an unhurried conversational feel to the discussions, and their depth was immensely helpful.

S. Dawley
You felt like you were away at the most amazing summer camp ever and every day was rainbows, sunshine and a careful and measured dose of good reality.

M. Barrett
Typically conferences do not give you a real chance to network, talk, make friends and/or critique partners. This was different.

J. Stock
Just when I thought the panels could not get any better, the next one came along. Every topic was relevant to me. The support from other attendees was mind-blowing.

J. White
Everyone came with an open mind and open heart, ready to meet other writers, learn and share. I made some great connections and got a deeper understanding of how others hear my work.

C. Lunday

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.