Writers Retreat in Tuscany

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KAA Writers Retreat in Tuscany

“Nonfiction Masterclass”

September 17-23, 2026

Writing Retreat Workshop

Below are some of the topics and workshops covered during this retreat

So You Want to Write a Nonfiction Bestseller?

Discover what makes a nonfiction concept truly marketable. Learn how to position yourself as the go-to expert, identify your target audience, and craft a fresh hook that captures both agents and readers.

The Elements of a Winning Book Proposal

Demystify the proposal process with guidance from top agents and editors. Understand what publishers look for, how to structure a compelling proposal, and how to showcase your story and expertise for maximum impact.

The Role of Storytelling & Voice in Practical Nonfiction

Learn how today’s bestselling nonfiction blends authority with authenticity. Discover how to weave your own experiences and voice into your material to make your message memorable and emotionally resonant.

The Life of a Book Through an Agent’s Eyes

Step inside the publishing pipeline with a leading literary agent. From signing to submission to publication, see what really happens behind the scenes — and what decisions determine a book’s success.

The All-Important Hook: Framing Your Book to Find Readers

Your book’s success starts with its hook. Learn how to distill your concept into a sharp, irresistible idea that speaks to the right audience — and makes agents and publishers lean in.

Fulfilling Your Book’s Promise

Discover how to deliver exactly what your title and concept promise. This interactive session helps you align structure, tone, and reader expectations to ensure your book connects deeply and delivers on its potential.

Meet Your Mentors

James Stephens portrait (2)
James Stephens

EXEC EDITOR, KAA

New York Times– and Sunday Times-bestselling editor and former acquisitions editor for Biteback Publishing

With over two decades of experience in the publishing industry, James has edited and published multiple Sunday Times bestselling authors including Alastair Campbell, Damian McBridge, Liz Truss, Ken Hom, Eliza Filby, Terry Jones, Anthony Seldon and Andrew Pierce.

He led Biteback Publishing for sixteen years, steering it to become one of the UK’s leading independent publishers of commercial non-fiction. Specialising in politics, business and current affairs, but with a broad range of experience across other genres including sport, history, music, military and memoir, James’ overriding passion is working with new authors of all abilities to identify the story they want to tell and helping them frame and develop it. His approach to editing combines imagination, publishing experience and commercial focus to help writers structure and strategise their writing and deliver a product true to them but with maximum sales potential.

Holly Crawshaw
Holly Crawshaw

AUTHOR

Bestselling author & ghostwriter

Holly Crawshaw (publishing under the name Holly Joyner) is a New York Times bestselling ghostwriter, developmental editor, and author-coach whose career spans nearly two decades and more than 1,000 books. Known for her ability to transform powerful ideas into bestselling narratives, she has collaborated with major publishers and high-profile figures across entertainment, faith, and leadership.

Holly’s diverse client list includes:

Her editorial guidance has helped shape books that reached New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly bestseller lists — many debut works from first-time authors who went on to build national platforms. Holly combines structural precision with a gift for voice and vulnerability, helping thought-leaders, artists, and entrepreneurs turn their life stories and expertise into books that move readers and build legacies.

Respected throughout the publishing industry for her clarity, integrity, and creative partnership, Holly brings the perspective of someone who has been behind the scenes of dozens of bestselling projects. Her insight into nonfiction storytelling, message development, and author branding makes her an invaluable mentor for anyone seeking to elevate their craft and impact.

Agent TBD img
Literary Agent

Announcing soon!

This retreat will be joined by an industry-leading literary agent from a major agency who specializes in nonfiction.

Mentor will be announced not later than January 1st, 2026.

Retreat Rooms and Pricing

“Da Vinci”
Master Suite

$14,500
  • Bed: Super king-sized bed
  • Ensuite Bathroom: Large ensuite bathroom (14 m² / 148 ft²) with double vanity, walk-in shower, and free-standing tub
  • Terrace: Large terrace with sitting area and panoramic west, south, and east views
  • Views: South and east views of olive grove, vineyards, valley, and San Donato
  • Size: 36.5 m² / 393 ft²

“Michelangelo”
Premium Suite

$9,750
  • Bed: King-sized bed
  • Ensuite Bathroom: Ensuite bathroom (7 m² / 74 ft²) with walk-in shower
  • Views: South views of valley, vineyards, olive grove, and San Donato
  • Size: 27 m² / 291 ft²

“Catherine de’ Medici”
Premium Suite

$9,750
  • Bed: King-sized bed or two twin beds
  • Ensuite Bathroom: Ensuite bathroom (3.2 m² / 34.45 ft²) with walk-in shower
  • Views: North and east views of courtyard and garden views
  • Size: 20 m² / 217.5 ft²

“Botticelli”
King Mini-Suite

$6,900
  • Bed: King-sized bed or two twin beds
  • Ensuite Bathroom: Ensuite bathroom (6.5 m² / 70 ft²) with walk-in shower
  •  Views: West views of courtyard and garden
  • Size: 16 m² / 170 ft²

“Galileo”
King Room

$6,900
  • Bed: King-sized bed, or two singles
  • Semi-Private Bathroom: Bathroom (2.7 m² / 28.5 ft²) with double vanity and walk-in shower (shared with Dante suite)
  • Terrace: Small walk-out terrace with vineyard, valley, and olive grove views.
  • Views: South and west views of olive grove, valley, vineyards, and San Donato
  • Size: 20.3 m² / 218.5 ft²

“Dante”
King Room

$6,900
  • Bed: King-sized bed, or two singles
  • Semi-Private Bathroom: Bathroom (2.7 m² / 28.5 ft²) with double vanity and walk-in shower (shared with Galileo suite)
  • Views: South views of olive grove, valley, vineyards, and San Donato
  • Size: 21.5 m² / 231.5 ft²

Room-Sharing Options

Retreat Double Occupancy

$6,000
  • If you wish to share a room with another retreat participant (e.g. friend or partner)
  • Option not available for Galileo and Dante suites

Non-Retreat Guest Option

$4,500
  • One guest per room may accompany retreat participants
  • Does not allow for participation in retreat workshops, 1-on-1 sessions, or Michelin-star dinner

I’m ready for this life-changing writers retreat experience!