Are you ready to work with Lucinda Literary in 2026?   

      A FREE Live Virtual Open House Session from 

The Lucinda Literary Academy

Join us to learn more about what ways to work with Lucinda Literary beyond traditional representation and a unique event series for aspiring authors of fiction, memoir, and inspirational books. 

SESSION DATES:

January 27th, 2026 at  2:00 PM Eastern 

January 28th, 2026 at 6:00 PM Eastern

Just 25 seats available - Save your spot now!

Do you have a book idea and are ambitious about getting it done, and done right?

Are you confused about what publishing looks for, or not sure if you’re getting it right?

Are you passionate about creating the best book possible, and sharing your message with others?

Do you want to gain confidence talking about your book proudly - as well as writing it?

Are you really ready to get an agent?

Stop guessing. Make progress. Get the invisible map that only industry insiders can teach.  

In this intimate 1-hr live session, you’ll spend time with JillEllyn Riley, a #1 New York Times bestselling writer and longtime collaborator, alongside Lucinda Halpern, President and Founder of Lucinda Literary. Together, they’ll offer a behind-the-scenes look at how dedicated first-time authors can succeed in an often opaque publishing landscape. 

This Open House is designed for writers who aren’t afraid of hard work—but who want reassurance that their effort is being invested wisely.   

Join us to get the clear view of what real progress looks like, and how a structured program with publishing insiders helps you stop guessing and start moving forward. This is your moment to listen, learn, and gain clarity about what’s possible for your writing—and what your next step may be.

Note: This Open House Info Session is designed to provide you an inside look Lucinda Literary’s paid programs — including program structure, fees, and application details. This is NOT a publishing expert Q&A, workshop, or pitching session. We won’t be reviewing individual book projects during this event.

Open House Session Details  

📅 Date: January 27th, 2026 

🕐 Time: 2 - 3 PM Eastern

📍 Location: Live on Zoom (Link Provided Upon Registration)

🎟️ Cost: Free

And

📅 Date: January 28th, 2026

🕐 Time: 6-7 PM Eastern

📍 Location: Live on Zoom (Link Provided Upon Registration)

🎟️ Cost: Free

Seats are limited — join us for an inspiring hour that could be the start of your book’s next chapter.

Who This Session Is For

This experience is ideal for:

- Writers of fiction, memoir, and inspirational nonfiction writers in progress who have been at work on an idea or manuscript but are new to publishing.

You’ll gain a clear understanding of how Lucinda Literary supports writers in building momentum, confidence, and long-term success, and what that process actually looks like in practice.

Specifically, you’ll walk away with:

✅ A behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to work with the Lucinda Literary team, from editorial guidance to strategic and professional support   

✅Understanding of the avenues available where writers can develop and refine their voice, shape narrative arcs, and clarify the core message or theme of their work   

✅Candid insights from publishing professionals on maintaining focus, avoiding burnout, and following through on meaningful creative goals    

✅Renewed assurance, creative confidence, and a clearer sense of your potential way forward—whether toward agents, publishers, or an engaged readership.      

    What Writers Are Saying About Working With 

Lucinda  Literary  

“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

“[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

“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.”

-Sarah Rexford, Novelist

“Taking part in [Lucinda Literary's 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 [it] to every writer who is committed to the goal of being published.”

-Tess Enterline, Nonfiction Writer

 “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 ” 

-Geoffrey 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. [It] 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 Literary!” 

-Patricia Lynn Mann RN, MSN, Inspirational Writer

“[The] 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 [...] 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 [my book project], 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

 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  

“As a Black writer, I have often felt the need for advocates who genuinely understand the importance of diverse voices in literature. [Lucinda Literary’s] dedication to championing writers of color and aiding us in telling our own stories resonated deeply with me.” 

-Yasin Kakande, Novelist  

An Insightful Hour. A Clear Path Forward.

If 2026 is the year you want your writing to feel focused, supported, and moving toward your goal of getting published one day, this is the most informative place to begin.