Build Your Book Retreat 2026

The Build Your Book Retreat is a small, hands-on retreat for writers, pastors, ministry leaders, speakers, business owners, and aspiring authors who have a nonfiction book idea and want help turning it into a clear, compelling book plan. This is not a conference where you sit and listen all day. It is a working retreat. Over two days, you’ll work through your core book concept, working title and subtitle, target audience, reader benefits, book premise, unique value proposition, chapter-by-chapter synopsis, chapter outline, and next steps for writing and publishing. You’ll leave with a worked-through book plan that gives you clarity and confidence about your book—and a clearer path forward for writing, pitching, or publishing it. Dates: October 9–10, 2026 Location: Nashville, Tennessee area Seats: Limited to 12–16 writers VIP: Limited to 4 writers Standard Seat (limited to 12 writers) Early Bird: $1,197 (regular: $1,497) Deposit: $500 (a deposit paid by July 15 locks in the early bird rate) Balance due September 1: $697 Includes: Full two-day retreat experience Guided book-planning sessions Group teaching Verbal feedback and interaction during the retreat Lunch both days Coffee, water, and snacks VIP Seat (limited to 4 writers) Early Bird: $2,497 (regular: $2,997) Deposit: $1,000 (a deposit paid by July 15 locks in the early bird rate) Balance due September 1: $1,497 Includes: Everything in the Standard Seat Personal review of your submitted proposal before the retreat Strategic feedback on your book concept and direction A proposal refinement pass after the retreat One post-retreat follow-up session to help you strengthen your next draft Schedule Friday, October 9: Full retreat day Saturday, October 10: Full retreat day, ending by late afternoon *Detailed schedule and venue information will be announced after the location is finalized. Important Dates July 15: Early bird deadline August 15: Last day to cancel and receive a refund of any paid balance, less the nonrefundable deposit; VIP registration may close earlier if seats fill September 1: Registration closes and final payment is due September 25: Book plan/proposal drafts due October 9–10: Retreat Notes Travel, lodging, breakfast, and dinner are not included. Because seats are limited, deposits are nonrefundable. If you need to cancel before August 15, any refundable balance will be returned less the nonrefundable deposit amount: $500 for Standard or $1,000 for VIP. Your seat is reserved once payment is received.