Workshops

Developmental Editing Retreats
Mohonk Mountain House, NY

This offer is currently only offered to AJ’s private clients and graduates of the Top Three Book Workshop and to students of Heroic Public Speaking.

Space is limited to six students* to provide one-on-one guidance throughout the event.

We ask that attendees submit up to but not to exceed four chapters two weeks prior to the event so that AJ can review your chapters in advance.

*We do offer a “virtual retreat” for those who can put in the time with respect to edits and training, but perhaps cannot travel.  Please contact us if this better suits your needs.  See below for cost.

This is a highly focused retreat. Over the course of three days at the beautiful Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz, New York, attendees can expect:

• • Daily 1:1 private sessions with AJ.
  • Deeper instruction on creating connections with your reader, addressing your manuscript’s pacing, improving readability, mapping the reader journey, and more.
  • Targeted direction based and high-level problem solving for your submitted chapters.
  • Group work and collaborative feedback.
  • A schedule that allows you to edit your manuscript, applying all that you’ve learned in workshop and from private coaching with AJ.
  • A serene environment, allowing for focus and creativity.
  • Ample break time to unwind and tap into that creativity.
  • Countless charming rooms and spots to work privately or with other students.
  • All lodging, meals and break-time snacks are provided. No courtesy or need is left unattended at Mohonk, known for their exceptional hospitality.

Mohonk Mountain House, a Victorian castle located in a gorgeous woodland setting along the Hudson River in north-central New York. It features ample walking trails, quiet patios, cozy nooks and crannies, and an award-winning spa. It’s a place where you will be able to focus and achieve your manuscript goals with our guidance. Their service is legendary and we believe this is a magical place that allows for true artistic focus. We recommend flying into Stewart or Albany airports, or renting a car from any NYC-based airport. 

* Virtual retreat attendees will conference in during live trainings, use the down time to edit, and will have conferenced one-on-ones with AJ after the retreat. There is no room-and-board cost. The training plus personally-guided instruction and one-one-ones is $4,000.

** This amount is subject to change slightly, depending on time of year at Mohonk.

Have more questions? Please contact our Dean of Students, Laura Stone.

Mohonk Mountain House Address:
1000 Mountain Rest Road
New Paltz, NY 12561

Mohonk Mountain House also uses All Transportation Network as an exclusive private transportation partner. To make arrangements for car service, please call (800)525-2306.

By Train

Train Service is available via Metro North and Amtrak trains to the Poughkeepsie Train Station.

We recommend that you take a taxi from Poughkeepsie train station to our resort. Taxi fares may vary.

By Air

Nearby Airports

Mohonk Mountain House is 25 miles from Stewart International Airport in Newburgh, 70 miles from Albany International Airport, and less than 100 miles from New York City airports.

For airport service, door-to-door service, or other long-distance trips, please contact ALL Transportation Network at (800) 258-9879 or visit their website. You may also call the Mohonk Guest Services Department at (845) 256-2016 to discuss long-distance transportation needs. Please make your reservations at least 24 hours in advance.

Helicopter service is also available.