Retreats
The Scribbler’s Den Query Bootcamp
June 18th-25th
Clearview, Pennsylvania
This all inclusive writing retreat and symposium is geared toward middle grade and young adult fantasy authors. Of course, we welcome writers in all genres and age groups! The querying process remains largely the same no matter what you write! Our instructors are both fantasy authors who are able to offer solid feedback on your opening pages, query letter, and synopsis! And, of course, getting feedback from writers outside of your genre is a great way to grow as a writer.
Looking for specific information?
Use the links below to navigate through the retreat information!
Retreat Details
When you register for The Scribbler’s Den Query Bootcamp,
it includes the following:
Four 1.5 hour workshops taught by Alexandra Overy & Joan Reardon. These will cover your opening pages, your query letter, your synopsis, along with tips and tricks for building your query list
Feedback on your work from either Joan or Ally. Participants will be divided between the two instructors.
A 20-30 minute one on one session with Joan or Ally to go over your feedback, offer encouragement, and answer your querying questions. These will be scheduled during the afternoons.
Three nights accommodation at a beautiful and secluded mansion with a heated saltwater pool and a hot tub
All meals, snacks, and desserts provided! We’ll check in with registrants one by one to inquire about dietary restrictions and needs
The comfort and encouragement of Bellamy, the unofficial Scribbler’s Den mascot. Bellamy is an 8 year old Irish Wolf Hound who loves cuddles and offering emotional support.
Swag bags! We’re putting together a collection of goodies for you to take home with you!
A chance to meet other authors and build your community
Add-ons:
Participants will have the option of purchasing an additional development edit from Katie Passerotti for the discounted rate of $0.015 per word for up to 30 pages. This will be billed separately. This includes a 20-30 minute consult to review feedback at the retreat with Katie as well.
Meet the Instructors
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Alexandra Overy
Alexandra is the author of the These Feathered Flames duology, as well as the middle grade fantasy, The Gingerbread Witch.
Alexandra was born in London, England. She lived there until she was 21, when she moved to Los Angeles to attend UCLA to study history. She went on to complete her MFA in screenwriting, also at UCLA.
Ever since she was little she has loved being able to escape into another world through books. She’s been writing as long as she can remember, everything from a screenplay about a stolen Gameboy, to the memoir of the youngest evil overlord ever, to novels about murderous princesses.
She still lives in Los Angeles, and when she’s not working on a new manuscript or procrastinating doing work, she can either be found baking, crocheting or cuddling her many foster kittens.
Alexandra is represented by Victoria Marini at High Line Literary.
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Joan Reardon
Joan Reardon is an author from Youngstown, Ohio. Joan holds a BA in history from The Ohio State University and earned her law degree from Case Western Reserve University School of Law. Her love for Midwestern history and folklore inspired her debut novel The Grimsbane Family Witch Hunters. Joan is also a licensed attorney with experience in business and intellectual property law. Joan’s first-hand knowledge of the publishing industry gives her a unique appreciation for the legal questions that authors and other creatives have concerning intellectual property, agent and publishing contracts, and building a career.
When Joan’s not writing, she enjoys going on adventures with her wonderful husband, Ben, and spending time with her incredibly large, incredibly loving family.
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Katie Passerotti
(Add on 30 page Critique)
Katie Passerotti (she/her) is an educator by trade and an author by choice. Her fantasy stories feature fierce femmes on fantastic journeys to discover their truest selves and the found family that welcomes them. As an educator, Katie has taught for 17 years in a high school Language Arts classroom. She utilizes her knowledge of educational theory and best practices to help her students think critically, find their voices, and become life-long learners. She’ll be completing a writing residency at the prestigious Chateau d’Orquevaux in December of 2026.
When Katie’s not writing or designing curriculum, she’s exploring the forest with her Irish Wolfhound Bellamy or curled up with a warm cup of tea and a good book. For more information on her writing, please visit her website.
Bellamy Q. Blake
Bellamy is an Irish Wolf Hound born in the mountains of Virginia and has been happily living in Pennsylvania since he was a 25lb 8 week old pup. He’s a fan of long walks in the woods, sniffing all the sniffs, and napping. At 7 years old, he’s a proud uncle of three kittens and spends his weekend hanging out at the dog park with his friends. When he’s not being social or representing The Scribbler’s Den, you can find him politely asking why his pupsicle treat is empty again.
Accommodations
There are 12 spots available for this retreat. We have two private rooms. The rest are shared spaces and may include bunk beds. Prices listed below reflect Early Bird pricing that runs through Marc 15th. After March 15, prices increase by $100 per bed.
Please refer to list below for a brief overview of the beds available. En suite bathrooms are not guaranteed, although there are a total of 4.5 bathrooms at our location.
All linens for beds and towels for bathing will be provided (you will need to bring your own pool/hot tub towel, we’ll have some extras too!)
If you’re planning on attending with a friend and would like to be in the same room, please note that on your registration form.
The house is not ADA accessible for wheelchairs and it does require going up or down stairs to access key areas and bedrooms. If you have a mobility issue, we will absolutely work with you to make your stay comfortable, but please keep in mind that options may be limited.
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RM1: Queen Bed
$1,750
Private, No Roommate$1,850 After March 15th
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RM2: Queen Bed
$1,750
Private, No Roommate$1,850 After March 15th
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RM3: Queen Bed
$1,500
Shared, 1 roommate.$1,600 After March 15th
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RM3: Single Bed
$1,500
Upper Bunk, 1 Roommate$1,600 After March 15th
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RM4: Single Bed
$1,400
2 Roommates$1,500 After March 15th
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RM4: Single Bed
$1,400
Lower Bunk, 2 Roommates$1,500 After March 15th
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RM4: Single Bed
$1,400
Upper Bunk, 2 Roommates$1,500 After March 15th
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RM5: Single Bed
$1,400
Lower Bunk, 5 Roommates$1,500 After March 15th
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RM5: Single Bed
$1,250
Upper Bunk, 5 Roommates$1,500 After March 15th
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RM5: Single Bed
$1,400
Lower Bunk, 5 Roommates$1,500 After March 15th
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RM5: Single Bed
$1,400
Upper Bunk, 5 Roommates$1,500 After March 15th
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RM5: Single Bed
$1,300
Sofa Bed, 5 Roommates$1,400 After March 15th
Transportation
We’ll be arranging transportation to and from the Pittsburgh Airport to the retreat for those that might be flying in. We’ll have more information on this once we have a final count of those who need transportation. This will consist of a hired driver picking everyone up from the Airport at a designated time (probably between 2 and 3 pm on Thursday and then heading out on Sunday at 9am). If you’d like to be contacted about this service, please indicate this on the form and we’ll reach out to you! The cost of the transportation will be split evenly amongst the passengers and this will billed separately.
Meals
Being creative is hard work and your body will need fuel! We’ll be providing all the food you’ll need, cooking/preparing meals, and doing all the cleaning up afterward! All you have to do is relax and write. We promise that you won’t leave hungry!
The following meals will be provided:
Thursday: Welcome Dinner
Friday: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Saturday: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Sunday: Breakfast
Always available:
A selection of drinks (coffee, tea, water, juice, soda)
Wine
Bread/Bagels for Toast and/or PBJs
Oatmeal varieties
Chocolate
Chips/granola bars
Assorted Veggies
Assorted Fruit
Other:
Movie Night Snacks
Desserts
Ice Cream!
We will reach out to guests individually after registration to inquire about any dietary restrictions or needs.
Policies
This retreat is inclusive of Trans and Non-Binary Writers. At this time, we will only be accepting registrations from those who identify as Cis-Women, Non-binary, or Trans.
The $250 registration deposit is non-refundable. Before May 1st, any additional fees paid are 100% refundable. After May 1st, you will receive a 50% refund minus the $250 deposit.
Remaining policies coming as soon as my lawyer finishes them!