Book Planning Retreat
for smart women with a book on your mind
Whether you hope to publish traditionally or independently,
or through a hybrid mix, a brilliant book plan is your essential first step.
JOIN US in this high-value workshop retreat
to ensure you set out safely on your publishing journey.
Who is this retreat for?
You are a busy, enterprising woman and you have been thinking about writing a (non-fiction) book for a while now but seem to keep putting it off for lots of reasons — not sure which idea to focus on; uncertain how to begin; confused about the structure; no idea how to actually publish a book and what your options are … all the reasons!
Or you may be firmly stuck in a partly-written manuscript.
Now, think of this retreat as your ideal way to enjoy a well-deserved, business-funded getaway so you have time to think about and work on the book that will take you on one of the best personal and professional development paths you could choose.
After all, you (and your business) benefit best when you take time out like this so you can focus on your big goals – like writing a memoir/self-help, social change, expertise, or how-to book:
- as an act of self-expression, independence, and freedom
- to affect social change, add your voice to issues, and leave a legacy
- to establish your expertise, relevance, and authority in your field
- to grow your business, and increase your financial success
If you’re a little tired of your own procrastination, or simply ready to gift yourself time to get started, this event is the perfect solution for you! Read more about the BENEFITS of a book planning retreat HERE.
It all starts with a decision!
Our hyper-focused, immersive, purposeful, tailor-made, and positive BOOK PLANNING RETREAT with PRE-PLANNING and FOLLOW-UP activities is designed to help you clarify your ideas and intention, and nut out your book outline with a focus on your reader.
Early-stage book marketing considerations will be included.
You can then return home and continue working on your chapters to write the must-read book that benefits them – and ultimately you and your business.
We understand that starting something big like this can be daunting, and you don’t want to waste time wading through the mountain of how-to information out there, then struggle to do it alone.
Clarity comes from action – so let’s begin here.
That’s why we are providing a lovely 4-star environment with uninterrupted time to learn, focus, plan your book framework, think about marketing foundations, and cultivate enriching, ongoing connections with like-minded women.
(Park the car and relax – everything you need is in one place or within walking distance.)
Your host & facilitator for the retreat is Bev Ryan, founder of Smart Women Publish, Author Accelerator certified non-fiction book coach, and book production manager.
You will be using the proven Author Accelerator Non-Fiction Book Blueprint as your guide (see comments below about its effectiveness), and will get the tools, guidance and support you need BEFORE, DURING and AFTER the retreat to plan your book effectively. You will gain valuable insights on positioning your book for success by identifying the right readership and learning how to structure the right book for them.
Linda Johannesson, book & business marketing strategist, will also be on hand to enhance those early considerations through a short presentation, individual conversations, and follow-up resources.
This 2-day retreat (stay 1, 2 or 3 nights) is the perfect getaway.
COST: $948 (Payment options available)
ALSO INCLUDED: A fun professional group photo session on Day 2 at 10:30 am
with Candice Epthorp Photography.
By the end of the retreat you will have clarity, a well-developed book blueprint, and you will be ready to write your chapters, and achieve your goals. (NOTE: This retreat includes pre-planning and post-retreat support. Your book plan may or may not need further work after the retreat, and support is available if it does.)
Don’t wait any longer to take action. Join us now and take the first steps towards writing and publishing the book you are proud of – the one that brings a positive and lasting change for you and your readers.
About the Host
Smart Women Publish isn’t just a book coaching and book production service; it is a hub for women aspiring to independently publish and market non-fiction books to level up their life in a way that matters to them.
Founder and Author Accelerator certified non-fiction coach, Bev Ryan, is hosting this retreat for authors of memoir/self-help, social change, expertise, and how-to books.
VIDEO OUTLINING the RETREAT PROGRAM
“After I engaged Bev and began working with her Book Blueprint framework, the book plan soon took on a definite structure, and as I wrote, I felt my book becoming real. I also realised how important it was to dive deeper and really write for the reader – not just at them. For the six months we worked together, Bev was like a trusted friend as I wrote each section of my book, and nudged and guided me in the direction I needed to go, without judgement. My book is now ready for editing and as I enter this publishing stage, I know I have written a book I am proud of, and one that I feel truly embodies what I want my readers to not only learn, but also incorporate into their lives.”
Dates & Location
Book Planning Days: Thursday 29 and Friday 30 August (Preparation group call in early August. Follow-up group call in mid-September)
Location of event & discounted accommodation: North Lakes Hotel, in the heart of North Lakes (north of Brisbane), at the edge of Lake Eden and within walking distance of other North Lakes facilities.
Address: 22 Lakefield Drive, North Lakes Q 4509 (Just off the M1 highway – 30 kms north of Brisbane CBD or Brisbane Airport – 75 kms south of Maroochydore, Sunshine Coast – 110 kms north of Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast)
We encourage you to stay a minimum of one night on Thursday 29 August (even if you live a drivable distance away), so you fully enjoy the extra time to yourself, and the idea sharing that comes from warm conversations and community. This group will be encouraged to evolve into the ongoing online support system you need to get your book written.
Ideally, for bonus time out, self-care, big-picture focus, community, and reflection time, I suggest you add on two nights (or even just one): Wednesday 28 August and/or Friday 31 August … then slide on into a very relaxed weekend.*
The cost of accommodation is not included in the retreat cost. Please book your room of choice and a 15% discount applies – go to ‘Discounted Accommodation’ below for details. *You know you want to – so make YOU the priority and let your business shout you this treat. It’s for both of you (and your family) after all.
CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE RETREAT INFORMATION (below)
Cost, Location, Discounted Accommodation Bookings, Program Content, etc.
You also receive a copy of ‘Blueprint for a Nonfiction Book’ by Jennie Nash.
How it works
Make the decision
Prepare
Retreat immersion
Ongoing support
What this retreat IS
About your book plan, allowing you time to focus, think, write, share ideas, get feedback, and go home with a working document, ready to work on your chapters
Mix of pre-planning; group coaching; group discussions; 1:1 coaching; thinking; writing; social & alone time; and follow-up support after the event
Customised where possible to the book planning needs of members
Easily accessible 4-star hotel with event facility, accommodation and food venue overlooking Lake Eden, close to North Lakes town centre, north of Brisbane
Choose and pay for the hotel room of your preference. The cost of accommodation at the North Lakes Hotel is not included in the cost of the retreat, so book your choice early.
What this retreat is NOT
An isolated event that pumps you up, then leaves you to deflate later at home because there is no follow-up support and continuity
Filled with presentations and information about the whole publishing process, leaving little time to actually work on your own project
Taken up with lots of feel-good add-ons, reducing the time to focus on your book
A luxury spa resort where your key need is to be pampered
A remote or isolated location
Shared or uncomfortable accommodation
FULL RETREAT DETAILS
OPEN the following sections to find details of the retreat.
COST
REGISTRATION: $948. The following PAYMENT OPTIONS are available in the REGISTRATION FORM:
- Non-refundable deposit: $100 (Balance of $848 will then invoiced separately and will be due by 12 August)
- 50% payment of $474 (balance of $474 invoiced separately and will be due by 12 August)
- 100% payment: $948
REFUND POLICY: A non-refundable amount of $100 applies to all bookings, and the balance of funds paid can only be refunded up to 15 August, just 14 days before the event begins on 29 August?
TWO-DAY PROGRAM CONTENT
THURSDAY 29 August |
FRIDAY 30 August |
| Morning Session: 8.30am – 12.30pm, with morning tea served | Morning Session: 8.30am – 12.30pm, with morning tea served |
| Includes group coaching, group discussions, quiet writing/thinking time | Includes group coaching, group discussions, quiet writing/thinking time |
| Some 15-minute one-to-one time with Bev will be available | Some 15-minute one-to-one time with Bev will be available |
|
Topics covered:
|
Topics covered:
|
| LUNCH: 12.30pm – 1.30pm | LUNCH: 12.30pm – 1.30pm |
| Afternoon Session: 1.30pm – 4.30pm, with afternoon tea served | Afternoon Session: 1.30pm – 4.30pm, with afternoon tea served |
| Includes group coaching, group discussions, quiet writing/thinking time | Includes group coaching, group discussions, quiet writing/thinking time |
|
Topics covered:
|
Topics covered:
|
| NOTE: There may be some flexibility with the structure if required, and there will be a follow-up group coaching call over Zoom to check in, and also explore any topic that requires more attention. | OPTIONAL: You can later submit a summary of your Book Blueprint to Bev for review and a follow-up private Zoom coaching call. (Fee of $120 will apply for the review and call) |
LOCATION
DISCOUNTED ACCOMMODATION
- There will be an informal dinner gathering at the hotel on 28 August for those staying that night.
- There will be a breakfast gathering in the Boardwalk Cafe on 31 August for those who stayed the night before.
To book & pay for your accommodation directly, please email reservations@northlakeshotel.com.au and mention Bev Ryan & the Book Planning Retreat so you receive a 15% discount. Apart from our event room overlooking the lake, and your accommodation upstairs, the facility also includes: cafe/restaurant, bar, pool, gym, and lakeside walking tracks. The hotel is also walking distance from other restaurants and cafes, the North Lakes Library, and Westfield shopping centre. On Saturday morning you could join the weekly Park Run that sets out from and concludes at the North Lakes Hotel.
BEFORE THE RETREAT
BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATION at North Lakes Hotel for 28, 29 and 30 August – or at least the 29th. Email reservations@northlakeshotel.com.au and mention Bev Ryan & the Book Planning Retreat so you receive a 15% discount. PREPARATION:
- You will receive a copy of ‘Blueprint for a Nonfiction Book’ by Jennie Nash, founder of Author Accelerator, in early August, which you will bring to the retreat
- You will receive a planning document in mid-August to stimulate ideas before the retreat commences.
- Join Bev and meet other retreat members on Zoom in mid August, closer to the date of the retreat.
- At the retreat you will receive a copy of Bev’s book, ‘Smart Women Publish’.
EARLY ARRIVALS There will be an informal dinner at the hotel for those arriving on Wednesday 28 August.
THURSDAY EVENING
- Dine together at the hotel or in a nearby restaurant
- Attend a ‘dancing in the dark’ session at a venue nearby (7pm-8pm)
- Quiet time at the local library (walking distance) for inspiration and/or research
- Late night shopping and/or cinema at the local Westfield centre
- Book yourself a facial or massage at a beauty service at Westfield
- Time alone or with others to work on your book plan
.. or whatever feels right!
AFTER THE RETREAT
- There is an after-hours Happy Hour and live music at the hotel’s Boardwalk Cafe.
- There are also restaurants and a cinema within walking distance of the hotel.
- The Redcliffe Peninsular is 15 mins drive away, and offers ocean views, beach walks, and many eateries.
- Saturday morning breakfast gathering in the Boardwalk Cafe at North Lakes Hotel for those who stayed on Friday 30th.
- There is also the opportunity to join the local Saturday morning Park Run that commences and concludes near the hotel, and circles the lake.
For all members:
Bev will coordinate a group call two weeks after the retreat to check on progress, and cover any questions that came from the retreat.
OPTIONAL:
Bev will assist you to form an optional Book Success Group that meets regularly on Zoom to give you support, accountability and encouragement
You will receive a document at the end of Day 2 which you can use to summarise your Book Blueprint and submit to Bev for review and a follow-up private Zoom coaching call. (No extra fee attached.)
FOOD
- Wednesday evening: curry night
- Thursday evening: steak night
- Friday Happy Hour
- Friday evening live music on the lake deck
Other food venues are within walking distance as well, and you will receive a map with some recommended options.
PARKING
LAKE EDEN
MORETON BAY TOURIST REGION
REFUND POLICY
CONTACT BEV RYAN
Please contact me with any questions about this event: Bev Ryan M: 0403 831 342 bev@bevryanpublish.com www.smartwomenpublish.com Location: Brisbane, Australia (AEST) To book a call with me, use this calendar.
About the Book Blueprint & working with Bev
“What a brilliant opportunity you are offering aspiring authors/publishers with your book planning retreat. As someone who struggled ‘flying solo’ with the two books I published over ten years ago, I know and appreciate just how valuable the support you are offering is. Your decades of experience distilled into an environment of inspiration, information, sharing and caring is ‘priceless’.
It’s tough doing it on your own. So many barriers, pitfalls and chasms to cross; emotionally, socially, intellectually and practically. You eliminate those challenges. My life became ‘richer’ when I met you all those years ago. I’m thrilled that others have such a fabulous opportunity to tap into and capitalise on your wisdom. Wishing you and the participants in your retreat a productive and rewarding experience.”
“I’d spent almost two years writing as part of my healing process. I’ve always loved writing and wanted to be an author ‘one day’. As the words evolved into a ‘story’ I realised I was crafting my very own memoir. I really had no idea what I was doing and at around 40,000 words, I realised that I needed help. I discovered Bev and booked her for coaching. Best decision ever! Bev was patient and kind as I shared my story. She supported me through her coaching process and inspired me to keep crafting my story. She also provided amazing tools, such as a blueprint with a series of question to flesh out the various keys to successful storytelling. The outlining tool was a game changer for me – this is where my story started to become clearer (in my mind) and allowed my writing wings to soar. Bev supported me through all of this and helped me as I continue to craft my memoir and bring it to life. Thank you so much Bev!” — Janine L Phillips, Learning Designer