15+ Years Representing Bestselling Authors
Only 5 In-Person Seats Remaining • 5 Virtual (Zoom) Seats Available
The Writers Symposium
Enter the Inner Circle
of New York Publishing
May 1st - May 2nd
The River Club
(447 East 52nd Street, New York, New York 10022)
The Writers Symposium is a two-day, small-group publishing intensive designed for writers preparing their work for professional representation.
Through focused workshops and a live Publishing Insider Panel, participants receive direct evaluation of their material and candid insight into what moves a manuscript from draft to submission-ready in today’s competitive market. Dedicated networking sessions give you direct access to the agents, editors, and publishers who shape today's acquisition decisions.
This is where committed authors elevate their work to industry standard and build the professional relationships that move careers forward.
What It Takes to Move Forward in Today's Publishing Market
Most writers do not lack talent — they lack informed access to how the publishing market actually works. Without direct exposure to how manuscripts are evaluated, writers often revise without strategy — resulting in misaligned pitches, weak framing, and stalled momentum.
Our Writers Symposium is designed to close this gap.
Over two focused days (May 1–2), you will gain:
★ Expert feedback on your material from literary agents and former New York Times bestselling editors
★ Clear marketplace positioning so your project is easy for agents and publishers to understand and say "yes!" to
★ Advanced craft insight from seasoned professionals to strengthen structure and voice
★ Live pitch practice with working literary agents so you can communicate your idea with clarity and confidence
★ A circle of ambitious writers building real momentum toward publication
★ Insightful recommendations on next steps for your personal publishing goals
★ A front-row seat to learning from industry insiders — with the opportunity to network and build longterm relationships
If you are serious about moving from draft to publication, we invite you to join us.
"Lucinda Literary offers a rare space where writers are both challenged and nurtured. The instruction, the community, and the access to publishing professionals made the experience truly transformative. I left re-energized, more focused, and deeply grateful for the space Lucinda (Literary) has created for writers to grow.”
– Dr. Paule Valery Joseph, Scientist, Author, and Guggenheim Fellow
Who This Symposium Is For
The Writers Symposium is intentionally limited to just 30 participants to ensure depth, access, and 1:1 engagement.
This Symposium is a fit for:
✔ Writers looking to learn more about the publishing industry, and the paths toward having a successful book
✔ Authors preparing to query agents and refine submission materials
✔ Writers with completed or partial manuscripts seeking professional evaluation
✔ Writers actively positioning their project for representation
✔ Ambitious authors committed to elevating their work to industry standard
✔ Authors ready to move from revision in isolation to strategic advancement
This is not for casual hobbyists or early exploratory writers. It is for those ready to measure their work against the realities of today’s publishing market and strengthen it accordingly.
“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 experience was informative, supportive, and I left with a clear path forward to get signed. It was all worth every cent.”
— Gretel Patch, Memoirist
Get to know the team
The Writers Symposium is led by publishing professionals who work at the forefront of today’s literary marketplace. From literary agents and New York Times bestselling authors and editors, this team brings writers into the inside circle.
Meet the Creator of the Writers Symposium
Lucinda Halpern
President & CEO, Lucinda Literary
Lucinda is a New York literary agent, founder of Lucinda Literary, and author of Get Signed (Hay House / Penguin Random House). With two decades of experience spanning HarperCollins, Scholastic, and United Talent Agency, Lucinda represents New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling authors across business, psychology, memoir, narrative nonfiction, and upmarket fiction.
Meet the Instructors
Craig Pyette
Agent and Senior Collaborator
A former senior editor at Knopf and Random House Canada, Craig brings more than 20 years of editorial experience to the Symposium. His projects include nine #1 bestselling books, including 12 Rules for Life, which has sold over 10 million copies worldwide. Craig has worked closely with journalists, scientists, political leaders, and bestselling authors, developing projects that combine intellectual rigor with commercial impact.
Lauren Eldridge
Agent
Before joining Lucinda Literary as a literary agent, Lauren was an editor at Macmillan, where she worked on New York Times bestselling and award-winning titles. She brings editorial precision and market insight to fiction and narrative nonfiction alike, helping authors refine structure, strengthen voice, and position their projects with clarity.
Daniel Weizmann
Author & Senior Collaborator
Daniel is a critically acclaimed novelist and book collaborator whose work spans literary and genre fiction, narrative nonfiction, memoir, and cultural journalism. Drawing on decades of experience across publishing and media, Daniel brings deep craft expertise to manuscript development and narrative structure.
JillEllyn Riley
Author & Senior Collaborator
JillEllyn Riley is a #1 New York Times bestselling writer, collaborator, and editor known for helping authors craft their most powerful, authentic stories. For JillEllyn it all comes down to voice — listening, honing, and developing the author’s distinctive voice in deep partnership.
Meet Our Guest Publishing Experts
Each year, the Writers Symposium brings together a dynamic mix of publishing leaders and accomplished authors for candid, in-the-room conversation about how books are evaluated, positioned, and acquired.
Speakers List
Sheila O'Shea (Associate Publisher, Farrar, Straus & Giroux)
Sara Weiss (Editorial Director, Penguin Random House)
Karyn Marcus (Executive Editor, Hachette Book Group)
Edie Astley (Editor, HarperCollins)
Christina Henry de Tessan (Girl Friday Productions)
Alex Glass (Agent & Founder, Glass Literary)
Craig Pyette (Agent, Lucinda Literary)
Lucinda Halpern (Founder, Lucinda Literary)
While the speaker lineup evolves each year, the throughline remains the same: direct access to experienced decision-makers across major houses and agencies.
“I appreciated the instructors eagerness to share what they know to truly help us move forward with our books. I appreciated how they strived to make sure everyone was included. The teaching felt authentic, and not like a show they were putting on.”
— Deanna Washington, Novelist
Ready to Reserve Your Spot?
The Writers Symposium offers different access levels depending on where you are in your publishing journey and how deeply you want your work evaluated.
Every access level gives you meaningful exposure to the industry. The distinction lies in the level of feedback, pitch coaching, and direct interaction with publishing experts.
An optional pre-Symposium "Pub Crawl" experience is available as an add-on to in-person tiers for those seeking additional insider access.
Choose Your Access Level
Standard Access — In Person
$2,750
Standard Access tickets include:
★ Agent Workshop
★ Publishing Insider Panel
★ Meet & Greet with Publishing Insiders
Premiere Access — In Person
$3,750
Premiere Access includes all Standard Access events—plus advanced instruction and live pitch coaching designed to strengthen your craft and boost your confidence.
Premiere Access tickets include:
★ Agent Workshop
★ Our "Submissions Lab" Presentation and Q&A
★ Publishing Insider Panel with Agents & Big Five Publishers
★ Meet & Greet Cocktail with Publishing Insiders
★ Our "Agent Pitch Studio" Live Feedback Event
Virtual Premiere Access — via Zoom
$1,450
Virtual Premiere Access tickets include:
★ Our "Submissions Lab" Presentation and Q&A
★ Publishing Insider Panel with Agents & Big Five Publishers
★ Our "Agent Pitch Studio" Live Feedback Event
Replays to the above sessions are provided to all Virtual Premiere Access ticket holders!
“I’m proud to say after implementing the advice of Lucinda Literary, I did indeed get signed and landed a book deal with a major publishing house!”
— Dr. Mary Anderson, Author of The Happy High Achiever
"Pub Crawl" & Private Dinner with Lucinda Halpern
Thursday, April 30th | 4:00 PM – 8:45 PM
$1,597 per attendee
*Available only to Standard and Premier ticket holders
★ NOW SOLD OUT ★
Exclusive Private Dinner & Tour with Lucinda | Limited to 5 participants
For writers who want even closer access, this intimate pre-Symposium experience offers a rare look inside New York publishing — led personally by Lucinda Halpern.
The afternoon begins with visits to historic publishing houses and literary destinations, where you’ll step inside the spaces where books are acquired, edited, and launched. Along the way, Lucinda shares her candid perspective on how decisions are made and what truly stands out in today’s market.
The evening concludes with an intimate dinner at a traditional Manhattan New York literary pub, where attendees engage in small-group conversation with Lucinda about publishing pathways, career strategy, and navigating the industry.
The Pub Crawl & Private Dinner is an optional add-on event exclusively for Standard or Premiere Symposium attendees. Only 5 seats are offered on a first-accepted, first-enrolled basis. To purchase a ticket to this segment, select your preferred Access Level and on its booking page, select the "Add" button as you complete your booking.
"Lucinda Literary gave me the tools, the strategy, and the mindset... I now have hope and a plan."
— Dave Davison, Fiction Writer
Schedule of Events
DAY ONE: The Publishing Strategy Intensive
Friday, May 1st, 2026
Session 1: Agent Workshop
When
Friday, May 1st at 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Access Level
Standard Access
Premiere Access
Session Details
In a small-group setting, literary agents review your submitted materials and provide direct, strategic feedback. The focus is manuscript readiness, market positioning, and identifying key strengths and gaps.
Instructors:
★ Lauren Eldridge (Literary Agent)
★ Craig Pyette (Literary Agent & Book Collaborator)
Session 2: Submissions Lab: The 6 Foundations of an Agent-Ready Manuscript
When
Friday, May 1st at 2:30 PM – 3:45 PM
Access Level
Premiere Access
Virtual Premiere Access
Session Details
You’ll view an exciting live presentation and Q&A session that uncovers the crucial elements to prepare your book package for an agent-ready submission. This segment dives into building a compelling hook in your work, refining comparative titles to frame where your project sits on bookshelves, learn the ingredients agents and publishers look for in your platform, and how to effectively package
your book for agent or publisher evaluation.
Instructors
★ Lauren Eldridge (Literary Agent)
★ Daniel Weizmann (Book Collaborator & Author)
Session 3: The Publishing Insider Panel
When
Friday, May 1st at 4:00 PM – 5:15 PM
Access Level
Standard Access
Premiere Access
Virtual Premiere Access
Session Details
Join a live, moderated Q&A panel featuring an array of literary agents and publishing professionals, guided by your most burning questions submitted in advance. The discussion will highlight what decision-makers are most seeking from authors, current market trends, and strategic ways to navigate the traditional publishing path.
Special Host and Guest Speakers
★ Lucinda Halpern (Literary Agent, President & CEO of Lucinda Literary)
★ Panelists from major publishing houses, and literary agencies
Session 4: Meet & Greet The Publishing Insiders
When
Friday, May 1st at 5:15 PM – 6.30 PM
Access Level
Standard Access
Premiere Access
Session Details
Following our Publishing Insider Panel, you’ll join our
experts within a cozy networking session designed for meaningful interaction with the leaders in the publishing fields along with fellow writers in a small-group setting.
Attending Experts
★ Lucinda Halpern (Literary Agent, President & CEO of Lucinda Literary)
★ Panelists from major publishing houses and literary agencies
DAY TWO: Final Programming
Saturday, May 2nd 2026
Session 5: The Agent Pitch Studio
When
May 2nd at 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Access Level
Premiere Access
Virtual Premiere Access
Session Details
In the final session of the Writers Symposium Weekend, attendees will present their book concepts in concise pitch to receive live diagnostic feedback on their hook and overall pitch clarity. This is an educational coaching session (not a formal audition for representation), where you’ll hear directly from a panel of literary agents how you and other writers in the room can instantly improve your pitch, the most valuable part of your submission package.
Instructors
★ Lucinda Halpern (Literary Agent, President & CEO of Lucinda Literary)
★ Lauren Eldridge (Literary Agent)
★ Craig Pyette (Literary Agent & Book Collaborator)
"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!”
– Dr. Dympna Weil, Self-Help Writer
FAQs
How small is “intentionally limited”?
In-Person Standard: 10 seats
In-Person Premiere: 10 seats
Virtual Premiere: Limited
Pub Crawl: 5 seats
Does my ticket include airfare or hotel accommodations?
Travel and hotel accommodations are not included within your booking. We have secured preferred discounted hotel rates near The River Club, available on a first-come, first-served basis. For questions regarding reservations or room availability, please contact The River Club directly at: [email protected]
Additional hotel recommendations are also available upon request.
How much of my manuscript should I submit for review?
Submission requirements will be requested prior to the event. You do not need to have a fully completed manuscript to attend.
Depending on your stage in the writing & publishing process, you may submit:
• Opening pages
• A partial manuscript
• Or a query letter
Do I need to have a finished book to attend?
No. This Symposium is designed for writers at multiple stages of development.
Several are just beginning to write a book; others have completed one.
Can I attend only the Pub Crawl experience?
The Pub Crawl + Private Dinner is an exclusive, curated extension of this program and is reserved for registered attendees of the Symposium weekend.
Can I register for individual workshops separately?
The Symposium is intentionally designed as an integrated, immersive experience. Each session builds strategically upon the next to provide meaningful momentum across the two days.
For that reason, individual workshops are not available as standalone purchases.
Is there a Standard Virtual ticket option?
Due to limited capacity, only Premiere Virtual access is available.
If I cannot attend one of the in-person days, will I receive a replay?
Yes!
Will there be opportunities to ask my own questions?
Yes. Panel questions are guided by attendee submissions, and there are dedicated Q&A segments throughout the programming. The size of the event is designed to ensure participants can engage directly with faculty.
Are meals included?
With a focus on active working sessions, we serve beverages at each event, and appetizers as well as beverages during the cocktail with editors and agents. Additional dining experiences (such as the Pub Crawl & Private Dinner) requires an additional ticket. Select this as an add-on to your cart when you click the button to purchase your Symposium ticket while spaces remain.
Will I have the opportunity to speak directly with publishers and pitch agents?
Yes! The exclusive, small-room nature of the event allows for 1:1 access with the publishing professionals attending. To pitch agents, a VIP ticket allows access to our Agent Pitch Studio event on Saturday.
What is your cancellation and refund policy?
Due to capped seating and the curated nature of this event, tickets are non-refundable. If unforeseen circumstances prevent attendance, we will accommodate a conversion to a Virtual Premiere ticket and provide replay access.
Is this an audition for agent representation?
No. This is not an audition for representation, though many writers in our community do establish these direct relationships to query in the future. Beginners and writers in progress are both welcome.
What time should I check in on May 1?
Programming on May 1 begins in the 9:00 AM hour. We recommend arriving in advance to allow time for check-in and settling before the first session begins.
What time does the Symposium end on May 2?
The final day concludes in the afternoon at approximately 12:00 PM ET.
How long should I book my hotel stay?
For in-person attendees, we recommend booking accommodations from April 30 through May 2 or May 3 to ensure a comfortable arrival and departure schedule.
Is there a discounted hotel rate at The River Club for attendees?
Yes! Limited rooms have been reserved at the venue itself where the Symposium is hosted, allowing for community gathering in between events. The rate begins at $315 per night plus tax.
For questions regarding reservations or room availability, please contact The River Club directly at:
Will my material be reviewed?
Yes. Material feedback is included in select programming, depending on your access tier.
Formal review and live feedback occur during:
-Agent Material Workshops (included in Core Symposium programming)
-The Agent Pitch Studio (included with Premiere Access)
Please refer to the Access Level section to confirm which sessions are included with your specific ticket.
How should I prepare to receive the most helpful feedback?
Preparation will directly impact the quality of feedback you receive.
We recommend arriving with:
• A polished writing sample or pitch (as refined as possible at your current stage)
• Specific questions for our experts
Is parking available at The River Club?
The River Club does not have its own parking facility or affiliated garages. However, several public parking garages are located nearby within a short walking distance:
• Icon Parking – 350 East 52nd Street (between 1st and 2nd Ave)
• Icon Parking – 420 East 53rd Street (between Sutton Place and 1st Ave)
• Rivercourt Garage – 436 East 53rd Street (between Sutton Place and 1st Ave)
• BK Parking – 351 East 51st Street (between 1st Ave and 2nd Ave)
Guests planning to drive may use one of these nearby garages for convenient access to the venue.
I have additional questions about the experience. Who can I contact?
Please reach out to [email protected] with any questions.