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Lucinda Literary’s Mastermind
Your Writing Breakthrough Starts Here
2026 Sold Out!
If you’ve been revising alone, second-guessing your next steps, or sitting on a manuscript you know deserves more—this is where real momentum begins.
The Writers Mastermind is a six-month immersive experience for serious authors of memoir, fiction, and narrative nonfiction. Led by #1 New York Times bestselling writer and book collaborator JillEllyn Riley, it offers the structure, community, and expert insight you need to finally move your book forward—with confidence and conviction.
What You’ll Receive:
- Live coaching sessions every other week via Zoom, led by JillEllyn Riley (Feb–July 2026; replays available)
- Guided exercises, practical toolkits and curated resources backed by industry insiders
- A private online forum for accountability, feedback, and connection 24/7
- 1:1 workshop consultation with JillEllyn for personalized guidance
- A FREE ticket to our May 2026 Writers Symposium — a live, in-person NYC publishing retreat with fellow writers and special guest literary agents, editors, authors and more (held May 1-2)
- Agent review of your material at our live event
This is a focused, high-accountability environment designed to move your project forward—with the strategic support and insight most writers never receive.
How the Mastermind Changes That
Professional Coaching
Every two weeks, you’ll meet with a seasoned publishing expert and fellow writers to receive the latest insights from New York publishing, prompts to inspire meaningful progress, and guidance on your manuscript, proposal, or pitch.
Strategy & Clarity
See publishing through an insider’s lens, understand what drives decisions, and position your book to stand out.
Community & Accountability
Join an elite circle of ambitious writers in a collaborative, high-touch environment where progress is inevitable.
Direct Industry Access
Exclusive Q&As and sessions with top agents, editors, and authors—offering direct access to publishing’s most influential voices.
Exclusive Live Event
Attend our Writers Symposium in May 2026, taking place at the heart of where publishing happens—immersive experiences with industry leaders, live discussions, and authentic connections over shared meals and cocktails that will electrify your creativity.
What Is The Writers Mastermind?
A hybrid coaching and in-person experience for fiction and nonfiction writers who are ready to take their writing to the next level.
6 Months of Coaching & Community.
One Unforgettable Live Event.
Unstoppable Momentum.
A Steady Path to Break through
Biweekly sessions designed to sustain your momentum.
Throughout the Mastermind, you’ll meet every two weeks with New York Times bestselling author and book collaborator JillEllyn Riley for live coaching and insider insight, along with a selective group of writers who will become champions for your work. Lucinda Literary President Lucinda Halpern will also monitor your progress and attend select sessions for Q&A.
Each session will improve your craft and shift your entire mindset about publishing, preparing you for our live Writers Symposium—where all your progress comes together—and your journey beyond.
Through the Mastermind, we will give you the tools to create a winning market-ready pitch and manuscript destined to find readers.
You are the writer. We are your guide.
Step Inside the World of Publishing
All Mastermind members will have first access to our exclusive Writers Symposium weekend event, where you’ll meet a diverse group of elite publishing insiders, from literary agents to editors to bestselling authors and more—many of whom are usually out of reach to writers.
Held at The River Club of New York, this intimate experience replaces the noise of overcrowded conferences with direct, actionable, life-changing access.
When Is The Writers Mastermind?
February–July 2026
Biweekly Coaching Calls begin February 2026
Live Writers Symposium: May 2026
What You’ll Walk Away With
- Tips to effectively craft & refine your writing
- Expertise to strengthen your voice, shape your narrative arc, and bolster your book’s core message or theme
- Insights to develop winning marketing descriptions and book pitching materials
- Real relationships with decision-makers in publishing
- A clear strategy for your pathways to launching your book to agents, publishers, or simply readers
- Renewed momentum and creative confidence
- Membership in a private, ongoing community of peers
Membership Details
Your 6-Month Membership
Work with publishing pro JillEllyn Riley—and an intimate circle of serious writers—over six months of transformational coaching.
Meet twice monthly on Zoom for live sessions that blend expert editorial guidance, strategic positioning exercises, and practical market insights to elevate your pitch, proposal, or manuscript to industry standards.
What’s Included:
✓ Bi-monthly live coaching calls with JillEllyn Riley
✓ Curated craft exercises and positioning strategy
✓ Private VIP community forum for connection and accountability
✓ Ticket to our next live Symposium publishing event
Investment Options
We offer two ways to join the Mastermind—choose the payment plan that works best for you:
Upfront Payment – $15,000 USD total
• $5,000 deposit to reserve your place
• $10,000 due before the program start date
Monthly Plan – $15,600 USD total
• $5,000 deposit to reserve your place
• 5 monthly payments of $2,120, beginning on the program kickoff date*
Testimonials
“Taking part in the Lucinda Literary Mastermind Program has provided a unique and inspiring opportunity to do a deep-dive into the publishing industry, as well as my own memoir project. Guided, supported, and encouraged by industry experts, and working alongside a community of fellow writers, every aspect of my project—query letter, book proposal, and manuscript—has seen vast improvement. I highly recommend the Lucinda Literary Mastermind Program to every writer who is committed to the goal of being published.”
Tess Enterline, Nonfiction
“Lucinda Literary’s Mastermind program is a terrific way for aspiring authors like me to learn how to navigate the world of traditional publishers and literary agents. I’ve been working with the team for almost nine months now and have been thrilled with their hands-on support to help me turn my big idea into reality. Such wonderful folks ” Geoff Sease, Novelist
“I still don’t quite know how I ended up in this magnificent group — but I’m so grateful that [the Lucinda Literary] team saw something in me, invited me in, and, more importantly, believed in me. Even joining virtually, I felt the same creative energy, generosity, and excellence as if I were in the room. The Lucinda Literary Mastermind is unlike anything I’ve experienced — it’s a rare space where writers are both challenged and nurtured. The instruction, the community, and the access to publishing professionals made it truly transformative. I left re-energized, more focused, and deeply grateful for the space [they] created for writers to grow. ” Dr. Paule Valery Joseph, Scientist, Author, and Guggenheim Fellow
“Lucinda is consistently present for each individual participant, cheering them on, encouraging them, and giving profound and thoughtful advice to each person that is specific to where they are in their book project. She has a wealth of experience and knowledge in how we can uplevel our material–and not only get signed but get launched into the world of book publishing. I highly recommend you work with Lucinda!” Patricia Lynn Mann RN, MSN, Mind Body Spirit Writer
“Lucinda and her entire team are professionals with not only expertise but hearts. They know the industry, they know writers, they know content and strategy. This course was informative, supportive, and I left with a clear path forward to get signed. It was all worth every cent.”
Gretel Patch, Memoirist
“I really do love our Mastermind group, and am enjoying learning about other people’s projects and processes. I think it’s lit a fire for me to not just finish Inventing Mademoiselle, but motivating me to invest as much as I can in it. In seeing how others are putting together their proposals, I realize the deficit I have in knowing how to package the book and myself as the writer. It’s been incredibly instructive.” Renée K. Nicholson, MFA, Novelist
“I attended the Accelerator Workshop with JillEllyn and spent 6 amazing weeks soaking up her knowledge and expertise. JillEllyn is very generous, kind and thoughtful in her guidance and her enthusiasm puts you at ease. Her vast experience in the industry makes her a gold mine of information, no matter your genre.” Chef Kelly Unger of The Rooster & The Carrot Cooking Studio
MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR FOR THE 2026 MASTERMIND
NYT #1 BESTSELLING AUTHOR & COLLABORATOR
JillEllyn Riley is a #1 New York Times bestselling writer, collaborator, and editor known for helping authors craft their most powerful, authentic stories. It all comes down to voice — listening, honing, and developing the author’s distinctive voice in deep partnership.
JillEllyn relishes her work with beginning memoirists, novelists, and burgeoning writers as they launch their publishing journey, specializing in mission-driven collaborations, particularly memoir; narrative nonfiction; cultural history; women’s issues; social & popular psychology; literary and upmarket fiction, as well as middle grade/YA fiction.
Some of her authors include Madeleine Albright, Julianna Barbassa, Mel Brooks, Sue Coe, Eoin Colfer, Amy Cuddy, Arianna Huffington, Adam Gopnik, Judith Newman, and Rick Riordan, along with others whose names may not be as familiar but whose projects are just as essential, urgent, and unique. Her own writing has also appeared in the New York Times, Washington Post, and the Atlantic.
As a ghostwriter and developmental editor, she’s helped secure many major deals and six-figure+ advances with major publishers and indies.
Meet the Creator of the Mastermind
PRESIDENT OF LUCINDA LITERARY
With 20 years in corporate and agency publishing, Lucinda Halpern bridges the literary and business worlds as an editorially invested partner and marketing strategist known for her “all in” dedication to authors.
She began in HarperCollins’ publicity division, assisting on campaigns for Freakonomics, and later represented authors at Fletcher & Company (now United Talent), also consulting for Gretchen Rubin of The Happiness Project.
Today, as founder of Lucinda Literary, she represents New York Times and international bestselling authors across business, health, lifestyle, and narrative nonfiction—including Dan Martell (Buy Back Your Time), Jayne Allen (Black Girls Must Die Exhausted), Susan Peirce Thompson (Bright Line Eating), and Chris Bailey (The Productivity Project).
She’s also the author of Get Signed (Hay House/PRH, 2024), endorsed by Adam Grant as “the definitive guide to attracting an agent and laying the groundwork for a book worth publishing.”
What Writers Say
Taking part in the Lucinda Literary Mastermind Program has provided a unique and inspiring opportunity to do a deep-dive into the publishing industry, as well as my own memoir project. Guided, supported, and encouraged by industry experts, and working alongside a community of fellow writers, every aspect of my project—query letter, book proposal, and manuscript—has seen vast improvement. I highly recommend the Lucinda Literary Mastermind Program to every writer who is committed to the goal of being published. Tess Enterline, Memoir
Just wanted to thank you for a fantastic event filled with friends, feedback, and ideas. It was great to have the opportunity to talk with JillEllyn and get her perspective – and everyone at The River Club was so kind and helpful. Start to finish – a wonderful experience at MM LIVE #2! Dympna Weil
“I am both jealous of and thrilled for anyone who gets to work with JillEllyn! She has the incredible gift of drawing the story out of you while simultaneously helping you shape it all while making you feel absolutely brilliant and comfortable in the process. She goes all in with you—a true wizard and just a joy. Ariel Aberg-Riger, author of America Redux, Kirkus Prize Winner 2023
Ready to Step Inside the Gates?
Access to New York publishing doesn’t happen by chance—it happens by invitation.
If you’re ready to do the work, get expert guidance, and finally bring your book to life,
we invite you to apply today.
FAQs
“When does the Mastermind program begin?”
Our next six-month cohort kicks off February 12, 2026 and runs through July 2026. This immersive container is designed to guide you from wherever you are in your writing journey to a pitch-perfect proposal, polished pages, and a clear path to agents and publishers. Enrollment is limited to maintain the intimacy and personal attention our writers value most. We host 90-minute sessions every other week via Zoom.
“What is the Writers Symposium—and when is it held?”
The Writers Symposium is our premier in-person event, held May 1–2, 2026, in New York City. It’s a rare opportunity to connect face-to-face with literary agents, publishing insiders, and fellow writers in a curated, high-impact setting. Programming includes live agent panels, writing workshops, and inspiration you’ll carry back to your desk. Admission is included for Mastermind members. If you’re unable to attend in person, you may attend virtually via Zoom.
“What if my manuscript isn’t ready yet?”
You do not need a finished manuscript to join. Writers enter the Mastermind at different stages, from having an early book idea, or a draft in progress, or a full manuscript developed. The guidance you’ll receive is tailored to where you are, so you’re always working on the next meaningful step, not trying to skip ahead.
“I’m busy. Will I be able to keep up with the program?”
The Mastermind is intentionally structured to support progress without burnout. Sessions are held every two weeks, giving you time to absorb guidance, apply what you learn, and move your project forward at a sustainable pace. This is designed for writers with full lives, not unlimited time. Plus, the replay of every session is provided after each meeting, so that you never fall behind!
“Is this only for people who already have publishing experience?”
No! Beginners and those further along in the publishing process are all welcome here! What matters most is commitment. The Mastermind exists to help writers build clarity, positioning, and confidence with their own author goals. Many writers join precisely because they want insight they cannot get on their own.
“Will I get to meet with Lucinda Halpern and other literary agents?”
Yes—Mastermind members gain rare access to Lucinda Halpern and select agents (along with several other publishing insiders) through select live sessions and our in-person Writers Symposium.
“Is this worth the investment?”
This program includes six months of dedicated work with publishing experts, the opportunity to meet with agents and publishers, a serious community to workshop with, and tools and resources most of the industry will never directly teach or give you.
Gaining the skill set of the most successful writers, improving your work, and getting meaningful access to New York publishing insiders are things people routinely spend years—and tens of thousands of dollars—trying to achieve on their own.
Here, we’re offering both improvement and access, guaranteed, in one complete experience and at $5,000 off. As one Mastermind alum puts it: “This course was informative, supportive, and I left with a clear path forward to get signed. It was all worth every cent.”
“Will Lucinda Literary represent me if I take the Mastermind?”
The Writers Mastermind is hosted via the Lucinda Literary Academy, which is a separate educational division from Lucinda Literary, LLC. 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.
“What am I guaranteed to gain?”
You’ll receive group and individual lessons and insights straight from a publishing expert, thoughtful review of your material, plus access to the skills, tools, and publishing insights that set successful authors apart. You’ll also be part of a vibrant community of like-minded writers and readers—all guaranteed outcomes of your Mastermind experience.
Don’t see your question answered here?
Reach out to us directly at [email protected]—we’re happy to help.
Not Sure Where to Start?
Option 1: Virtual Introductory Strategy Session (30 Minutes) Connect with our Sales Associate for a quick, friendly conversation to learn more about our services and discover which path is the best fit for you. Perfect if you’re exploring your options and want to understand how we can help you reach your publishing goals.
Book A Call With Our Sales Associate
Option 2: Personal Book Strategy Session (45 Minutes) Book a deep-dive virtual consultation session to discuss your unique book project—whether you’re at the idea stage, mid-draft, or ready to publish. You’ll receive personalized insights and clear next steps to move your manuscript forward. All genres and stages welcome. Please note: This is not an agent interview, but an opportunity to benefit from an expert’s guidance in an informal, accessible setting.