From Story to Shelf: Writing, Craft & Publication Retreat

Mon 17 August 2026 - Fri 21 August 2026
Tutor / Elliot Prior
Guest Reader / Guest Reader
Course Fee / From £ per person
Genres / FictionMulti-genreNon-Fiction
Language / English

This immersive week-long retreat is designed for writers ready to sharpen their craft and gain real insight into the publishing world. Whether you’re polishing a manuscript, working toward submission, or searching for fresh creative momentum, this experience will help you move forward with confidence. 

You’ll be joined by literary agent Elliot Prior of Curtis Brown Group, whose list spans ambitious fiction and thought-provoking non-fiction. Across a dynamic programme of workshops and one-to-one sessions, Elliot will share practical guidance on self-editing, shaping your work for submission, and navigating today’s publishing landscape. You’ll also have the opportunity to submit your work in advance and receive personalised, professional feedback. 

Alongside expert tuition, there’s time to write, reflect, and connect with fellow writers. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of northwest Wales, the retreat offers sweeping views over Cardigan Bay and a peaceful creative atmosphere, perfect for generating new ideas, building momentum, and rediscovering your voice. 

Tutor

Elliot Prior

Elliot Prior works as a literary agent at The Curtis Brown Group. His list is a balance of non-fiction and fiction, representing authors including Alex O’Connor, Catherine Clarke, Luke Sherlock, and Ed Chisholm. He worked as an English Literature teacher for three years after graduating from university, before moving into publishing initially at Albatross agency in Stockholm and now in London. He set up The Conversation Prize in collaboration with Faber, as well as the IHR Pathway which provides a route for academics into the world of trade publishing. In non-fiction, he is looking for History and Big Ideas, Philosophy and Self-Help, as well as Nature and Environmental Writing. And in fiction, he is looking for books that are expansive, stylistic, and packed with well-drawn and complex characters. He works closely with Gordon Wise, who has been an agent at Curtis Brown for over 20 years.  

Guest Reader

Guest Reader

The guest reader for this course will be announced soon

Paying by Cheque?

If you wish to pay by cheque, simply use the online booking form above and select ‘Pay by Cheque’ in the payment options.

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+44 (0) 1766 522 811