Lucinda Literary Invites You To Italy

Florence Writing Retreat
March 16th – 21st, 2026 | Florence, Italy

A transformational retreat for first-time fiction, nonfiction, and memoir writers

If you’ve carried a love for books your whole life and felt the pull to write your own, this retreat in Florence, Italy is your chance to finally begin.

Hosted by Vita Bella Retreats, seasoned literary agent & author of Get Signed Lucinda Halpern will lead this immersive experience that supports aspiring authors in bringing their stories to life. With over 15 years of industry experience, Lucinda has secured Big Five publishing deals and helped launch bestsellers across fiction, memoir, nonfiction, and business.

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 begin—or finally finish—your book.

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

Save Your Place

Join us for a 5-day writing retreat in Florence, Italy, designed to help you gain clarity, confidence, and momentum on your path to publishing.

Led by a top NYC literary agent Lucinda Halpern, author of Get Signed, this retreat offers live feedback, industry insights, and community support—without the need for advance submissions, and no publishing experience required. Seasoned writers will also find value in learning the ins and outs of publishing and marketing in today’s landscape.

Leave this retreat with a sharper pitch, clear progress, and the motivation and accountability to move your project forward.

✔ Live pitch coaching in a supportive group setting

✔ Expert insights tailored to new authors

✔ Guidance for choosing between multiple book ideas or genres

✔ Guidance for choosing the right literary agent and publishing path for your work

✔ Exclusive resources and a strategic plan to continue your progress post-retreat

✔ Daily time to write independently (and together) in a beautiful setting

✔ Cultural experiences in beautiful Florence, ranging from museums, dining, and more

• Morning Workshop (pitching, planning, agent insight)
• Lunch Solo or with Members of the Group
• Optional Curated Cultural Activity and Open Writing Time-  Group Dinner or Solo Evening

Want to learn more about this experience? Click here.

This retreat is for aspiring nonfiction and fiction writers—especially those at the beginning or midway through their creative journey. Unlike other writing retreats taught by writers and coaches, this program is taught by a top NYC literary agent and industry insider. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that most writers will never have access to provides a supportive space to write, while also taking writers through the essential steps of “getting signed” with an agent or publisher.

You may be choosing between projects or have a partial draft. You want a literary agent’s guidance and a strong push toward publishing success. If you’re craving structure, support, and scenic inspiration, this is your next step. Limited space, 15 spots available and less than half remain open, no manuscript submission required.

Ready to get going?

Save Your Place

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

Who is this program for?
This retreat is designed for aspiring and emerging writers of fiction, nonfiction, or memoir—especially those who are just starting out or are midway through a draft or book proposal. Whether you’re deciding between book ideas, in the early stages of writing, or preparing to query agents, this experience will offer you clarity, structure, and direction.

No publishing experience is necessary, and no manuscript submission is required. If you’re looking for expert industry guidance, supportive feedback, and creative momentum—all in an unforgettable setting—this program 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.

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]

“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

~~~

“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 

~~~

“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 

~~~

“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

~~~

“[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

~~~

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

~~~

 “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