BOOKCAMP PROGRAMS

Bookcamp is designed for writers who already have some experience in the craft and are ready to level up in their art as they work on current or new book-length manuscripts. If you're curious about whether Bookcamp is a good fit for you, here are some questions to ask yourself:

• Have you shared your work publicly in any capacity?
• Have you received more than one rejection for any work submitted anywhere?
• Have you taken writing classes or workshops or attended conferences before?
• Have you entered contests and not won?
• Are you ready to hear feedback that is polite but succinct and straightforward?
• Are you prepared to critique the work of other writers honestly and fairly?
• Are you a member of a writing critique group?

If you answered "yes" to most or all of these questions, then that means Bookcamp is right for you!

Here are some other questions to consider:

• Is this the first time you're trying to write a book?
• Have you been writing for less than a year?

If the answer to either of these is "yes," then you may want to bookmark our website and apply when you've had a little more time in the craft or finished more than one manuscript.

The Bookcamp staff and visiting instructors care deeply about your development as a writer. We want to make sure you come to Bookcamp at a point in your writing journey when it makes the most sense for you. Please take these questions into account and make the best decision for yourself accordingly.

Choose the Workshop if you want to refine your craft and hone your skills through daily seminars that will include instruction from published authors and critiques of your work-in-progress that will come from instructors and your cohort.

Choose the Retreat if you need flexibility to work on an existing novel or creative nonfiction manuscript but would like to have the opportunity to check in with other writers and a mentor every day.

Choose the Book Coach if you have a manuscript that you believe is close to complete or is complete and would like a professional book coach/editor to offer one-on-one developmental feedback to prepare the manuscript for publication.

This depends on the program you've chosen. Writers in the Workshop program will spend most of the day in seminars taught by our instructors. There will be some breaks in between sessions and meals, so you're welcome to make the most of that time if you want. Those in the Book Coach and Retreat programs will have more flexibility with their schedules with large chunks of time that you can structure however you want, whether it's to work on writing, take a walk around the lake for inspiration, meet with a writing friend for a chat, or even take a nap.

The Workshops have room for 10 writers in the All-Genre track and 10 writers in the Speculative Fiction track for a total of 20 writers. The Book Coach program has space for a total of 10 writers -- 5 each in All-Genre and Spec Fic. The Retreat program is subject to availability at the retreat center.

If you're accepted, congratulations! You're about to embark on an unforgettable week of craft, camaraderie, and conversation. Director Ekta Garg will be in touch personally with next steps on submitting your manuscript for evaluation as well as information on how your specific program will run during Bookcamp and payment.

If you're not accepted, please don't lose heart. This is not a comment on your writing. We want Bookcamp to be a part of your writing journey when it's the best fit for you. If you don't get in, stay in touch, keep Bookcamp on your radar for next year, and -- most importantly -- keep writing.

The Siena Retreat Center is in Racine, Wisconsin, on the shores of stunning Lake Michigan. Be sure to visit the center's website for driving directions as well as how to get there from the closest airports -- Chicago's O'Hare International Airport and Midway Airport and Milwaukee's Mitchell International Airport. There is ample parking onsite.

If you have questions about transportation, especially if it's getting from an airport to Bookcamp, please reach out to our director, Ekta Garg, at director@novelbookcamp.org.

Please bring all items you would need for a week away from home -- the necessary clothing, toiletries, and other personal items you use on a daily basis as well as any medications you take. Each room is well equipped with outlets for charging devices, so don't forget your chargers. Also, if you prefer to listen to music while you write, please consider a pair of noise-canceling headphones to maintain the quiet atmosphere of the retreat center. You may bring laptops/tablets and other devices for writing. If you've wanted to catch up on some personal reading, consider bringing a book or ebook device.

All linens and towels will be made available by Siena, and there are several extras available if needed. Please note, there is no daily room cleaning provided so take care of your space during the week.

Yes. Please contact director Ekta Garg for more information at director@novelbookcamp.org.