Join Lucinda in Italy: Make Manuscript Momentum

An Invitation to Italy

Manuscript Momentum:

A 5-day Retreat in Italy to Fast-Track Your Publishing Journey
March 16th – 21st, 2026 | Florence, Italy

A transformational retreat for first-time fiction, nonfiction, and memoir writers from a New York City literary agent

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If you have a book idea percolating, are completing a draft, looking to uplevel your writing, or readying yourself for the querying process, my retreat in Florence is where you’ll unlock the secrets to be successful in today’s publishing market.

Set within Florence’s most beloved neighborhood, you’ll stay in San Firenze Suites & Spa to unwind and find the perfect balance of expert guidance, creative inspiration, and unforgettable surroundings, where you’ll be ready to improve—or finally finish—your book and your pitch.

Whether you’re writing memoir, nonfiction, or adult fiction, this unique experience is designed to move your project forward in the most inspiring setting imaginable.

Book Your Spot

Meet Lucinda

• Founder and CEO of Lucinda Literary & The Lucinda Literary Academy

• Two decades of experience in corporate and agency publishing

• Clients include internationally bestselling authors like Susan Peirce Thompson, Chris Bailey, Cait Flanders, Paul Jarvis, Nicola Kraus, Dan Martell, and Jayne Allen

• Author of the bestselling book for writers, Get Signed: Find an Agent, Land a Book Deal, and Become a Published Author

 

Make Manuscript Momentum

Revitalize Your Writing & Step Into Your Author Career in the Heart of Florence with Dynamic, Personalized Learning and Workshopping

It’s not just the setting that’s unforgettable. It’s what happens to your writing while you’re here.

You’ll gain:

✔ Momentum — rekindling commitment and the joy of writing; reawakening your creativity

✔ Accountability — creating a system that sustains your progress during and post-retreat

✔ Clarity — identifying your next steps, from completing revisions to submission

✔ Connection — forming bonds that last long after the retreat ends

Ideal Participants

Perfect for Writers of All Levels

This retreat is for aspiring nonfiction, memoir, and fiction writers—whether you’re:

• Starting a manuscript or book proposal

• Midway through your draft

• Polishing pages under contract

We’ll have a dynamic mix of writers—some new, some further along—offering a rich range of feedback and inspiration.

Unlike most retreats led by authors or coaches, this one is guided by a top NYC literary agent. You’ll gain insider tools and insights most writers never access.

No publishing experience required. No pages due upfront.
Just bring your story—and your commitment—to move it forward.

Book Your Deposit

How We’ll Spend Our Time

Each day includes focused teaching with Lucinda—with industry-tested strategies from the publishing frontlines—plus breakout sessions, solo writing time, and prompts inspired by Florence itself.

Writing Workshops
Engage in interactive writing workshops that encourage creativity, skill development, and constructive feedback, facilitated by experienced instructors in a serene Italian setting.

Cultural Immersion
Experience the richness of Italy through local traditions, cuisine, and arts, enhancing your writing with authentic cultural insights and inspirations drawn from Florence’s vibrant landscape.

Time to Write
Allocate time daily for personal reflection and creative exploration, allowing you to internalize lessons and pursue your unique voice amidst the tranquil beauty of Florence.

When Will We Write?

Each morning, from 9:30–12:30—with Italian espresso in hand—we’ll gather for guided workshops rooted in the heart of your book.

Join us to discover:

1. The Shape of Your Story – Structure, flow, and what keeps readers turning pages

2. Your Ideal Reader – Who you’re writing for and how to connect with them

3. Common Mistakes, Uncovered – What holds writers back—and how to fix it

4. Launch-Ready Strategy – From pitch to platform, preparing for agents or self-publishing

Enriching Experiences

Immerse yourself in Italy’s culture while enhancing your writing skills

Afternoons are designed for cultural immersion—each experience chosen to awaken your senses and deepen your storytelling. Included in this experience, you’ll enjoy:

• A private walking tour through historic Florence, with artisan tastings along the way

• A skip-the-line tour of the Uffizi Gallery—home to masterpieces that inspire artistic clarity

• A hands-on cooking class in a Florentine kitchen

• Wine tastings and curated dinners at some of Florence’s most celebrated restaurants

Pricing Details

Comprehensive packages to suit aspiring writer’s needs

Pricing & Reservations

• $7,700 per person – $7,900 per person

• $2,000 deposit is required upon registration with remaining balance collected 90 days before retreat

Please note:

• Airfare is not included.

• If you would like to extend your stay, please contact the hotel directly.

• This retreat is for individuals only. Due to the limited space, we cannot allow ‘plus ones’ at the current hotel. We’re happy to provide other accommodation options!

Our Goals For You

By the end of the retreat, you’ll walk away with:

• A clear plan to complete or revise your manuscript

• A refined pitch and market positioning—ready for agents, readers, or media

• Insightful peer feedback and confidence in yourself as an author

• A renewed writing practice and a momentum plan for the next two months

• A deeper connection to your “why”—and the impact your book is meant to have

This is more than progress. It’s transformation.

Make Your Deposit Now to Hold Your Spacce

Questions about the retreat? Send your question to [email protected].

FAQs

Who This Retreat Is For

This retreat is designed for aspiring and emerging writers of fiction, nonfiction, or memoir—especially those at the beginning or midway through their creative journey. Whether you’re deciding between book ideas, shaping a draft or proposal, or preparing to query agents, this experience will give you clarity, structure, and direction.

Unlike other writing retreats led by authors or coaches, this one is guided by a top NYC literary agent and industry insider—a rare opportunity to gain firsthand insight into the publishing process while advancing your craft.

No publishing experience or manuscript submission is required. If you’re seeking expert guidance, supportive feedback, and creative momentum—all in an unforgettable setting—this retreat is for you.

What makes this retreat different from other writing retreats?
This isn’t just a writing getaway—it’s a rare opportunity to work closely with a top literary agent and publishing expert. Most retreats are led by writing coaches or authors, but this program gives you direct access to the president of a New York literary agency, who has over a decade of experience pitching first time authors to major publishers and helping them land 6-7 figure book deals.

You’ll also enjoy a curated cultural experience in one of the world’s most inspiring cities. This opportunity includes access to enriching experiences from museum tours, culinary experiences, relaxing activities, and more.

Do I need to have a finished manuscript or book proposal to attend?
Not at all. Many participants come with an idea or partial draft. This retreat is designed to meet you where you are—whether you’re deciding between multiple projects, feeling stuck, completing your manuscript, or ready to polish your pitch. You’ll leave with more clarity, stronger material, and a clear path forward.

How much time will we actually have to write?
You’ll have dedicated writing time daily—both independently and alongside others in the group. The schedule is designed to strike the right balance between structured workshops, cultural inspiration, and quiet time to focus on your work.

Will I receive individual feedback on my writing?
Yes! While Lucinda will not be reading chapters of your book (we do have plenty of coaches outside of this program who do this!), Lucinda will provide live feedback on select material during group sessions, including guidance on your pitch and concept. The small group size ensures everyone gets individual attention and the chance to ask questions specific to their project.

Pricing & Availability
The retreat investment starts at $7,600 per person. A $2,000 deposit is required upon registration, with the remaining balance due 90 days before the retreat begins. Airfare is not included. Due to limited space, this retreat is for individuals only—no “plus ones.”

Is there a refund policy if I need to cancel?
Please refer to the cancellation policy on the enrollment page. Because space is extremely limited, we encourage you to reach out with any questions before enrolling to ensure it’s the right fit.

Can I attend if I’ve already self-published or traditionally published before?
Absolutely. Writers at various stages can benefit from updated industry insights, professional feedback, and the chance to reframe or repitch a new project. If you’re ready to refresh your approach, reconnect with your creativity, or re-enter the marketplace, this retreat is for you.

Is there any support after the retreat ends?
Yes! You’ll leave with exclusive resources and a strategic plan for continuing your progress. Plus, we’ll share follow-up opportunities through Lucinda Literary Academy to keep you accountable and moving forward on your path to publishing.

Will I have time to explore Florence?
Yes! Each afternoon includes optional cultural experiences like museum visits, dining, and local tours. You’re also welcome to enjoy the city at your own pace—Florence is walkable and magical in every corner.

Does participating mean I will receive representation from Lucinda Literary or another agency?

This program is hosted via the Lucinda Literary Academy, which is a separate educational division from Lucinda Literary, LLC. These services help authors get agent-ready with advice on how to capture the widest possible attention for your work, whatever publishing path you choose. Evaluation of your material for agent representation is separate from this program. Participating in our programs does not guarantee an offer of representation from any agency or a later publishing deal. We are giving you the guidance, tools, and strategy—the execution is up to you. Writers of all kinds will benefit from genre industry insights, best practices, and expert guidance to help strengthen their book projects. 

I have questions about the experience. Who can I contact?

[email protected]

Limited space: Only two spots remain open! No manuscript required.

Ready to get going? Download the Brochure

What Writers Are Saying About Working With Lucinda

“Lucinda’s direct feedback helped me move from writing about myself to writing for the reader. She helped me clarify my message, strengthen my positioning, and bring together my decades of experience in a way that felt both meaningful and marketable.”

-Aseem Desai, MD, Nonfiction Writer

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“I’m proud to say after implementing the advice of Lucinda, I did indeed get signed with an agent and landed a book deal with a major publishing house! Lucinda is the best.”

-Dr. Mary Anderson, Nonfiction Author of The Happy High Achiever 

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“Working with Lucinda, I filled up my notebook with enough ideas and information to put together a bang-up book proposal for my memoir.”
-Frank Hyman, Memoirist 

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“I had the privilege of consulting with Lucinda for my upcoming debut novel. As a Black writer, I have often felt the need for advocates who genuinely understand the importance of diverse voices in literature. Lucinda’s dedication to championing writers of color and aiding us in telling our own stories resonated deeply with me.”
-Yasin Kakande, Novelist

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“[Lucinda Literary] provides a true creative sanctuary. It offered me not just access to top publishing professionals but a space to feel seen, supported, and inspired. Now I’m thrilled to report that I’ve signed with a top NYC agency! I wouldn’t have taken that leap without the clarity, confidence, and contentment [Lucinda] provided. It’s been nothing short of transformational.”
-Dr. Dympna Weil, Self-Help Writer

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Lucinda’s prowess? She is able to guide a creative person’s mind—which fires in a million divergent directions—towards a single, poignant, powerful idea… and then helps refine the idea to ensure it resonates with readers. Masterful!”
–Serena Quaglia, Nonfiction Writer

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 “I’ve been part of many coaching programs throughout a decade or so in the publishing world. However, [Lucinda Literary’s] Program was unique in the specific ways it pushed writers to accelerate in their publishing journey. I made connections with industry professionals I never would have otherwise and finished the program seeing my manuscript in an entirely new light. Writers are always told to consider the reader, but this program gave me the concrete tools to understand how to do so as well as how to position my book in the marketplace. Both aspects are vital to succeed in traditional publishing. Thank you, Lucinda and team!”

Sarah Rexford, Fiction Writer