The Writer’s Edit

The Writers Edit: September 20-27 2026.

Candili Estate, Euboea, Greece

A Literary Retreat for Serious Writers. Transform your manuscript. Connect with industry leaders. Elevate your craft.

Nestled in the spectacular valley of the river Cereus, just two hours from Athens, The Candili Estate lies in spectacular scenery in the valley of the river Cereus in the North of Euboea, about 2 hours from Athens. This exclusive seven-day intensive brings together ambitious writers with the industry's most influential gatekeepers in an intimate, transformative setting.

An Unparalleled Opportunity

The Writers Edit isn't just another retreat—it's your pathway to publication. We've assembled an extraordinary faculty of top-tier literary agents from New York and London, alongside a renowned editor, a master book coach, and a bestselling author who has walked the path from aspiring writer to publishing success. This rare convergence of industry expertise creates an environment where manuscripts don't just improve—they get discovered.

Your Industry Insiders

Literary Agents from Premier Agencies

· Representative from boutique US agency

· Leading UK agent

· Specialists across fiction, memoir, and commercial non-fiction

· Combined decades of experience launching debut and established authors

Distinguished Editor

· Senior editor

· Track record of nurturing manuscripts from rough draft to bestseller

· Expert in developmental editing and market positioning

Master Book Coach

· Transforms struggling manuscripts into compelling narratives through her proven coaching techniques

Bestselling Author & Publishing Success Story

· Internationally acclaimed author with multiple bestsellers

· Sunday Times bestselling novelist

· Expert in commercial fiction and the business of writing

The Experience

Intensive Pitch Sessions Writers get face-to-face time with those in the industry who often appear unreachable. If done correctly, these three-to-ten-minute sessions can land a writer an agent and eventually a book contract. Each participant enjoys:

· One-on-one pitch sessions with different agents

· One-on-one mentorship sessions

· Personalised feedback on your query letter, synopsis and opening chapters

· Real-time guidance on refining your pitch

· Follow-up submission opportunities for promising projects

*Master Classes & Workshops including:

· The Art of the Hook - Opening lines that agents can't ignore

· From Rejection to Bestseller - The real journey to publication success (led by bestselling author)

· Market Intelligence - Understanding current publishing trends

· The Business Behind the Book - Contract negotiations and publishing paths

· Manuscript Makeover - Live editing sessions with an editor

· Character Chemistry - Creating unforgettable protagonists

· Writing with Commercial Appeal - Balancing art and marketability (led by bestselling author)

· The Author's Mindset - Mental resilience in the publishing world (led by bestselling author)

· Platform Building - Creating an author brand that sells

· Building Your Author Career - Beyond the first book (led by bestselling author)

*Intensive Manuscript Reviews

· Small group workshops (maximum 6 writers per session)

· Line-by-line feedback from industry professionals

· Genre-specific breakout sessions led by Sophie Hannah for crime/thriller writers

· Diagnostic sessions for stuck manuscripts

· Peer critique circles guided by publishing experts

· Bestselling author manuscript consultations for commercial viability

*Evening Salons:

· Wine tastings with informal agent Q&As

· Publishing industry storytelling sessions hosted by our bestselling author

· From Aspiration to Achievement - Keynote evening with our bestselling author sharing their publishing journey

· Networking dinners under the Greek stars

· Late-night manuscript consultations by the fireplace

· What Makes a Manuscript Irresistible - Panel discussion with authors, agents and editors

****The Writers Edit Query Challenge Throughout the retreat, participants work toward our signature competition. Using skills learned in workshops and feedback from agents, each writer crafts their ultimate query package (query letter, synopsis, and first chapter). Our panel of agents and editors judges all submissions, with the winner announced at our farewell dinner on the final evening. The most promising query package wins a complimentary place on a future Naxos Creative literary retreat. ****

The Setting

Candili makes a great base from which to explore the island and enjoy the many beaches. This distinguished estate accommodates up to 30 guests in authentic Greek hospitality. Between intensive sessions, restore your creative energy exploring ancient olive groves, swimming in pristine waters, or finding inspiration in the seminar hall that doubles as your private writing sanctuary.

· Included:

· Accommodation

· All meals featuring fresh, local ingredients

· Airport transfers from Athens

· All workshop materials and manuscript consultations

· Access to the estate's art atelier for creative breaks

· Welcome and farewell celebration dinners

Investment in Your Future

Pricing:

Early Bird Price: £3,200 per participant. (Early Bird Deadline: December 31, 2025).

£3,800 from 1 January 2026.

Final Application Deadline: August 15, 2026

Days 1 and 7 are reserved for settling in and travel. The five-day intensive programme runs from September 21-25, 2026.

Limited numbers

We maintain an intimate environment where every participant receives substantial individual attention.

This is more than a retreat—it's a launching pad. Join us where literary dreams meet industry reality, where manuscripts transform into publications, and where your writing journey takes its most important turn.

This investment includes five days that could change your publishing trajectory forever.

Apply now. Your published future awaits.

The Writers Edit is presented by Naxos Creative. All sessions conducted in English.

*Subject to programme confirmation.