You know your story better than anyone. Thus, the revision process is most powerful when it begins with you. Following this course’s step-by-step self-editing strategies, your manuscript can transform into the book you always knew it could be — whether you’re new to your craft or simply ready to empower (and speed up!) your creative process.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

• A full or partial manuscript (a full manuscript is ideal; 100+ pages is fabulous; 50+ is workable)
• A laptop or other electronic device with access to Microsoft Word, Pages, Scrivener, Google Docs, or similar word processing software (whichever you use to compose your work)
• A willingness to dive deep!

WHAT YOUR REGISTRATION INCLUDES

• Two days of targeted instruction by highly regarded editor, Kris Spisak
• Two days of intentional time to self-edit your work
• Breakfast and lunch included both days
• Tour of the gardens
• Goodie bag
• All in a beautiful setting at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

SCROLL DOWN PAST THE FULL ITINERARY TO REGISTER

SPRINGBOARD! 2026 ITINERARY

While the content will remain the same, the times are approximate. All registrants will be sent a final itinerary prior to the weekend of the retreat.

SATURDAY, APRIL 18

8:45 AM – 9:15 AM | CHECK-IN/BREAKFAST

9:15 AM – 9:45 AM | WELCOME/PRE-EDITING ESSENTIALS

We’ll begin with introductions and a discussion of essential editing terminology, creative wellness, and mindful editing practices, all of which will carry through the full weekend.

9:45 AM – 10:30 AM | MACRO-EDITING STRATEGIES OF A PRO (PART I)

Macro-editing is where all writers need to begin their self-editing process, and in this session, we’ll explore specific tools and techniques for reexamining your major story elements, starting with your narrative structure.

10:30 AM – 11:30 AM  | GUIDED TOUR OF LEWIS GINTER BOTANICAL GARDEN (Optional)

Join us for a tour of the gardens, highlighting the history and beauty of Lewis Ginter. If you prefer, you may choose to use this time for independent self-editing in either the Azalea Room or anywhere outdoors on the garden grounds.

11:30 AM – 12:15 AM | MACRO-EDITING STRATEGIES OF A PRO (PART II)

Continuing our big-picture examination of your working manuscript, our editing journey continues with an emphasis on character depth and differentiation as well as character arcs, dialogue enhancement, and more.

12:15 PM – 1:15 PM | LUNCH

1:15 PM  – 1:45 PM | CREATIVE WELLNESS & MINDFUL EDITING PRACTICE

The editing stage can be sometimes exhilarating and sometimes overwhelming, so we will begin our afternoon with a creative wellness conversation before diving back into the revision weeds.

1:45 PM – 2:30 PM |  MACRO-EDITING STRATEGIES OF A PRO (PART III)

The last macro-editing session of the day will examine revision tactics for your setting and point-of-view, as well as comprehensive macro-editing strategies to get the job done.

2:30 PM – 3:00 PM | FREE TIME/BREAK

3:00 PM –3:15 PM | MACRO-EDITING REVIEW & Q&A

3:15 PM – 4:30 PM | INDEPENDENT EDITING TIME

Choose to stay in the Azalea Room, go to the Library Reading room next door, or claim a beautiful spot outdoors if weather permits.

4:30 PM – 5:00 PM | CREATIVE EXCELLENCE, WELLNESS & ENDURANCE

We’ll end the first day of our retreat with a conversation that closes out everything covered so far and that prepares you for the
continuation of your editing transformation.

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SUNDAY, APRIL 19

8:45 AM – 9:15 AM | CHECK-IN/BREAKFAST

9:15 AM – 9:45 AM | WELCOME BACK / CREATIVE WELLNESS SESSION

We will begin day two of our retreat by matching our creative intention with a motivational mindset to make it happen, bird by bird, brick by brick, word by word.

9:45 AM – 10:30 AM | MICRO-EDITING STRATEGIES OF A PRO

When you’re ready for the detail-oriented line-by-line examination of your book to ensure every paragraph, sentence, and word is what it should be, you’re approaching that editorial finish line. In this session, we’ll ensure your process is as meticulous and as thoughtful as possible

10:30 AM – 12:00 PM | INDEPENDENT EDITING TIME

Choose to stay in the Azalea Room, go to the Library Reading room next door, or claim a beautiful spot outdoors if weather permits.

12:00 PM – 12:30 PM | SMALL GROUP CREATIVE PROBLEM-SOLVING (optional)

12:30 PM – 1:30 PM | LUNCH

1:30 – 2:30 PM | GRAMMARTOPIA & CREATIVE EMPOWERMENT

Why “Grammartopia”? Because if we all used the right words and better grammar, wouldn’t the world indeed be a perfect place? This fun group activity will shift our attention toward the proofreading ahead.

2:30 PM – 2:45 PM | RESTROOM/STRETCH BREAK

2:45 PM – 3:45 PM | PROOFREADING STRATEGIES OF A PRO

Yes, you might be handing your book off to an editor, agent, or publisher, but your job as the writer is to not just take it most of the way. You need to take it as far as you possibly can, and that includes proofreading, the last opportunity to make your manuscript shine.

3:45 PM – 4:15 PM | INDEPENDENT EDITING TIME

Choose to stay in the Azalea Room, go to the Library Reading room next door, or claim a beautiful spot outdoors if weather permits.

4:15 PM – 4:45 PM | SMALL GROUP CREATIVE PROBLEM-SOLVING (optional)

4:45 PM – 5:00 PM | CELEBRATING YOUR JOURNEY & EDITORIAL TRANSFORMATIONS 

Writing a book is an intimidating idea, but you know what? You did it. By finishing the job with thoughtful self-editing, you can discover profound possibilities. This send off is a celebration of all you’ve accomplished and everything your book can be.