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New York Publishing Workshop 2024

Merging the vibrant energy of New York City with the unparalleled expertise of industry professionals, our publishing retreat is set to be an intensive three days of workshops, craft seminars, one-on-one sessions, and illuminating discussions on both craft and business aspects of writing. The program will meet in the renowned Trident Media Group offices, providing participants an insider's look into the publishing world.

This retreat, intentionally limited to ensure quality and intimacy, will accept just 20 writers who want to amplify their voice, refine their craft, and navigate the path to publication. Participants have the unique opportunity to submit up to 5,000 words of their work in progress. This piece will be meticulously reviewed and critiqued, offering invaluable insights for the author. Additionally, craft talks and seminars, tailored to provide a comprehensive understanding of the industry, will be open to all attendees and steered by our esteemed faculty.

Leading the Publishing Workshop sessions are Mark Gottlieb of Trident Media Group and Marilyn Kretzner from Blackstone Publishing. Both, with their extensive industry experience, are keen on guiding writers to hone their skills, with a significant emphasis on imparting the craft of writing, ensuring each participant will have the tools they need to find their champion and a readership beyond the retreat.

Our primary goal is to transition your work from the solitude of your writing practice into a thriving community of like-minded artists. And come spring 2024, we believe there’s no better setting for such a transformative journey than within the buzzing heart of New York City's literary scene. Dive deeper below for more details on this publishing retreat!

Applications for our April 2024 New York Publishing Workshop will close on December 1st, 2023.


2024 Publishing Workshop Dates:


April 4th - 7th, 2024



Though our admissions process is competitive and the quality of writing high, all interested writers are encouraged to apply.


2024 New York Publishing Workshop Faculty:


Fiction Instructor Mark Gottlieb is a vice president and prominent literary agent working at book publishing’s leading literary agency Trident Media Group in New York City. He has ranked highly among literary agents across the industry for overall number of deals and other individual categories. While at Trident Media Group, Mark Gottlieb has represented New York Times bestselling authors as well as major award-winning authors. He has optioned and sold numerous books to production companies and studios for film and TV adaptation. Mark Gottlieb greatly enjoys working with authors to help manage and grow their careers with the resources available at Trident Media Group. In addition to having worked at the company’s Foreign Rights Department, he also ran the company’s Audiobook Department. Utilizing his drive and intuition for discovering talented writers, he is currently expanding his client list of authors. As a literary agent he looks forward to bringing authors to the largest possible audience.

Nonfiction Instructor Marilyn Kretzer is a senior acquisition editor at Blackstone Publishing and has over 30 years of experience in the publishing industry. Her roles have ranged from acquisitions and rights sales, including: international, subsidiary rights and editorial acquisitions and contracts. She has a strong network across the industry, with agents, editors, and rights professionals. Previously, she held key roles at Sterling Publishing as Rights and Editorial Director, and at Scholastic as Acquisitions Manager. While caring for her mother, she held freelance and contract positions, including audio licensing for HarperCollins, author acquisitions for Callisto Media and business development for Devar Entertainment (a tech company specializing in AR for books).

Workshop at Trident Media Group

Trident Media Group (TMG) is a prominent literary agency in New York City dedicated to championing authors throughout their careers. Founded in 2000, TMG represents a wide range of bestselling and distinguished authors, as well as newly emerging authors. TMG clients have won major literary awards and prizes, including the Pulitzer Prize, the National Book Award, the National Book Critics Circle Award, the P.E.N. Faulkner Award, the P.E.N. Hemingway Award, and The Booker Prize, among others.

TMG literary agents are skilled in all genres of fiction and nonfiction. With an eye toward innovation, TMG clients are supported by dedicated departments in all areas of rights and career management. TMG’s robust Foreign Rights Department leads the industry in sales of both fiction and nonfiction abroad. Our author services include Digital Media & Marketing, Business Affairs & Administrative services, and Film & Dramatic rights sales.


Class Size

The New York Publishing Workshop will accept a maximum of 20 writers. Each writer will submit up to 5,000 words of writing for feedback from Mark or Marylin, which includes a one-on-one meeting. Daily craft talks are open to all participants and led by program staff or faculty.

Lodging at Hilton Garden Inn

For those coming in from out of town, immerse yourself in both comfort and inspiration for 4 nights, 3 days at Hilton Garden Inn Midtown Park Ave Hotel. This 4-star hotel is a block from the Empire State Building and the shops of Fifth Avenue, and steps from seven different subway lines. New York attractions like Broadway, Macy’s, and Madison Square Garden are within three blocks. Your own room is included in your workshop tuition.


Note: We have a separate tuition option for those attending the workshop who do not plan to stay at Hilton Garden Inn and have made their own arrangements.

Workshop Schedule Overview

Thursday, April 4
3:00PM: Hotel check-in begins.
6:00PM: Meet & greet + dinner at The Shakespeare.

Friday, April 5-Sunday, April 7
Mornings: Workshops and one-on-one instructor meetings led by Mark Gottlieb and Marilyn Kretzer.

Afternoons/Evenings: Lunch Break followed by more workshops and seminars led by Mark Gottlieb and Marilyn Kretzer. Optional mid-afternoon/evening activity followed by dinner.

If weather permits, some workshops/seminars/one-on-one's will be moved to nearby Bryant Park. Otherwise, meetings will take place in Trident Media Group's office at 355 Lexington Ave, floor 12.

Monday, April 8
12:00PM: Hotel check-out time.


2024 New York Publishing Workshop Schedule Detail

(exact start times of events may change slightly, a finalized schedule will be sent out a few weeks before the workshop)

Publishing Workshop Tuition

Workshop Tuition is $2995 (with lodging) or $1695 (without lodging) and includes the following:

  • Lodging in your own room at Hilton Garden Inn Midtown Park Ave Hotel for 4 nights, 3 days
  • 3-day writing workshops in small groups of no more than 10 writers
  • Critical feedback on up to 5,000 words.
  • Several craft of writing and/or business of writing seminars
  • One-on-one conference with faculty
  • Optional afternoon activities
  • The time of your life
  • Please Note: meals are not included in the price of tuition.
  • Payment Plans: accepted writers will have the option to pay their tuition in full or opt for a payment plan divided into equal monthly payments by selecting Affirm (for U.S. & Canadian residents) at checkout.
  • FAQ at the bottom of this page.

Testimonials For Our Retreats

"There's not enough words to fully describe how amazing this workshop retreat was for me. Between the instructors, the city, the feedback, and the writing -- I was in writerly heaven. I'm so thankful for the opportunity to experience it, because it's something I will remember forever." -Jade E.

"Do this if you are serious about writing." -Jeannette B.

"It was amazing. I am so so grateful that I was chosen to be a part of such a special space and rich experience." --Dakotah J.

"Hands down the best workshop feedback I’ve ever received. I felt so lucky to be a part of this workshop and really enjoy the friendships I forged." - Ben H.

"For me, as a yet-unpublished writer, it was a great introduction to the world of workshopping. I felt comfortable sharing my stories with this helpful, diverse and dedicated group. And even though I'm daunted by the amount of work I have ahead of me, I'm inspired to start combining my stories into a memoir--something I hadn't considered before." -Sue P.

"This workshop exceeded my expectations. The classroom critiques and instructor one-on-ones were extremely helpful, the people were wonderful, and the atmosphere was inviting. It was an experience I'm so glad I didn't miss." - Carissa C.

"The communication leading up to the workshop was excellent. Diana was a wonderful workshop leader and I would gladly take a class from her again. As organizers, Blake and Mike cover all the bases so attendees can totally relax in the environment and focus on writing and group connections. The overall experience, the inclusion of food and housing, the community that was built, the work we did -- thumbs up on everything!" -Catherine V.

"Best experience I've had as a writer. I have done writing workshops before, but nothing like this one. I received genuinely transformative feedback, knowledge, and social support around my writing and novel. I will always be grateful for all I gained, learned, and experienced in this workshop. I can wholeheartedly say that the amateur writer who came into this workshop is now a tremendously evolved amateur writer with a new lens on transferring thought into text. I learned so much about my own craft, and how to tailor the style, and plot points to better suit the story I want to tell. The adventures, authors, experiences, feedback, people, places and workshops were gratifyingly high quality. It felt safe being an amateur. I received transformative feedback on my current WIP which has greatly shifted the ways I write." -Enrique E.

"The combination of high-caliber writers and exciting locations is what drew me in. I had no idea just how life changing my time in Dublin would be. I came home with lasting friendships, meaningful memories and thoughtful suggestions to improve my work in progress. I'd recommend these workshops to any writer." -Carol D.

"When I applied for Writing Workshops Dublin, I was hoping for an inspirational experience to revitalize my writing. The workshop completely exceeded my expectations, not only because of the transformative feedback I received in workshop but also because of the friendships I came away with. While rigorous and intensive, the week was also relaxing and full of fun, exactly what I needed to come back to my writing with energy. Thank you for such a wonderful experience! " - Alexa D.

"As someone new to writing non-fiction, I found the Dublin Workshop to be extremely helpful. Not only did I get thorough and helpful feedback on my own work, but the general group discussions on writing and publishing were very informative. Dublin also provided a perfect literary backdrop for workshop, and the schedule - with a combination of workshop time, one-on-one time with the instructor, free time, and excursions - was prefect. I will definitely do another workshop in the future!" -Dana Z.

"Writing Workshops Dublin is wonderful in every way. Blake and Mike thought through the details of workshops, craft talks, one-on-ones, tours followed by dinners, the hotel’s location, and probably more that happened behind the scenes. They are gracious, generous, and funny! The workshop facilitators, Stuart and Diana, are personable and generous with their knowledge and experience. The other writers are now friends and writing buddies. I left Dublin full of happy memories and with a stronger vision for my novel-in-progress. Thank you for an outstanding week!" -Jenn G.

"Writing Workshops Dublin was far and beyond the best workshop I've attended in a very long time. The city of Dublin was the perfect place to home in on my current projects with a group of talented, dedicated writers. The workshop instructors were the best I've worked with. I will never forget what I gained during that short week, and will keep in touch with so many of the people I met. Thank you for an incredible experience!" -Anne H.

"I arrived in Dublin for the Writing Workshop a little uncertain about how it was going to work. It was my first time in a nonfiction workshop, and I only knew one other person. The experience exceeded my expectations: the meticulous planning and organization, the participants, and particularly, the instructors. Diana Spechler (my nonfiction workshop instructor) was a joy: straight-forward, knowledgeable, supportive and accessible. I left with a solid sense of how to approach my nonfiction work, but more importantly, I greatly appreciated Diana's support of my work in general. I would recommend the Writing Workshop in Dublin to anyone who wants to combine a week of exploration, history, new friends, and terrific instruction ." -Joanna S.

"The Dublin Workshop more than delivered on its promise. Great, insightful discussions in the workshops, an invaluable one-on-one opportunity with a world-class novelist, and a new circle of talented and supportive writing partners." -Rita M.

Program Staff

Executive Director Blake Kimzey worked as a bicycle tour guide in Paris in his 20s. He is the founder of WritingWorkshops.com and has an MFA from UC Irvine. Blake sits on the Board of the Elizabeth George Foundation and his fiction has been broadcast on NPR and published by Tin House, McSweeney’s, VICE, Longform, Redivider, Short Fiction, Smokelong Quarterly, Hobart, The Los Angeles Review, The Masters Review, and The Best Small Fictions. Blake’s collection of short tales, Families Among Us, was published by Black Lawrence Press. He also co-wrote, with Kyle Minor, a dramatic WWII movie about the war-time actions of Polish underground hero Jan Karski, set for production in 2024.
Operations Director Mike Franz was General Manager and Tour Guide at Fat Tire Bike Tours, Paris, for seven years. His tours were featured on Rick Steves-Paris, The Independent-UK, and the television show 1,000 Places to See Before You Die. Mike taught government, economics, and public speaking for ten years at Headwaters High School in Austin, Texas, where he won teacher-of-the-year award after his first year of teaching.

Application & General FAQ

 

What is the application deadline?

Early applications for our April 2024 New York Publishing Workshop are encouraged and the deadline to apply is December 1st. 

What is your COVID policy?

It is the responsibility of attendees of the April 2024 New York Publishing Workshop to have the appropriate documentation required and to meet any COVID vaccination requirements implemented by New York. Writing Workshops will not reimburse for any airline tickets or additional trip-related expenses incurred. If the April 2024 New York Publishing Workshop takes place on the dates planned, no program fees will be reimbursed, regardless of attendance.

What will my application include? 

  • Brief bio  informing us of your involvement in the writing and literary community,  as well as any prior or forthcoming publications. (250 words max)
  • Purpose statement  explaining why you would like to participate in the New York Publishing Workshop. You can also discuss current manuscripts or writing projects that  you might choose to workshop. (500 words max.)
  • Writing sample excerpt in fiction or nonfiction. This does not have to be  published work, though that is acceptable, nor does it have to be a piece you plan  to workshop. Complete works under the word count are not required;  excerpts are acceptable. (Fiction/nonfiction: 2500 words max).
  • Applications are open. Click here to apply now.

When will I know if I've been accepted to the workshop?

We cap our workshop participation at 10 writers in each genre cohort (fiction and nonfiction) for the week. Our goal is to provide an intimate, rigorous workshop environment so that participants can come to New York and find meaningful connections and excellent feedback on their work. We employ a reading committee of professional writers and editors, and applicants will be notified after the application window closes. Due to the volume of  applications and competitive acceptance, writers are encouraged to apply early. In some instances, if the quality of writing immediately stands out, applicants will be notified before the deadline closes.

How much does it cost?

Workshop Tuition is $2995 (with lodging) or $1695 (without lodging).

Are Payment Plans Available?

Yes. Accepted writers will have the option to pay their tuition in full or  opt for a payment plan divided into equal monthly payments by selecting  Affirm (for U.S. & Canadian residents) or Lay-Buy (for applicants  inside or outside of North America) at checkout.

Are Scholarships Available?

Unfortunately, we do not have the ability to offer scholarships for this workshop. However, we do have payment plans available.

What does workshop tuition include for the dates of April 4th - 7th, 2024?

    Lodging in your own room at Hilton Garden Inn Midtown Park Ave Hotel for 4 nights, 3 days
    3-day writing workshops in small groups of no more than 10 writers
    Critical feedback on up to 5,000 words.
    Several craft of writing and/or business of writing seminars
    One-on-one conference with faculty
    Optional afternoon activities
    The time of your life
    Please Note: meals are not included in the price of tuition.
    Payment Plans: accepted writers will have the option to pay their tuition in full or opt for a payment plan divided into equal monthly payments by selecting Affirm (for U.S. & Canadian residents) at checkout.
    FAQ at the bottom of this page.

What is tuition payment schedule? 

If your application is accepted, full tuition is due within 14 days of acceptance. You can pay your tuition in full or opt for a payment plan by selecting Affirm or Shop Pay at checkout.

What is your refund policy for the workshop in New York City?

Given the intimate nature of our destination workshops and our own, non-refundable deposit schedule as organizers, our refund policy is as follows: 

90+ days before your trip, tuition payment minus a $900 deposit is fully refundable.  

60+ days before your trip: 50% of your tuition is refundable.  

30+ days before your: 25% of your tuition is refundable.  

Less than 30 days before your trip: no refunds can be offered.

Where is the hotel and workshop venue?

Immerse yourself in both comfort and inspiration for 4 nights, 3 days at Hilton Garden Inn Midtown Park Ave Hotel. This 4-star hotel is a block from the Empire State Building and the shops of Fifth Avenue, and steps from seven different subway lines. New York attractions like Broadway, Macy’s, and Madison Square Garden are within three blocks. Your own room is included in your workshop tuition.

Our workshops will take place at the Trident Media Group offices, located on Lexington Avenue in New York City.

I have a question not answered here.

Please contact us and we’ll reply promptly. You can also Chat with us (lower left of your screen).