Retreat with Lucinda Halpern | Vita Bella Retreats

Writing Retreat in Florence

with author & agent Lucinda Halpern

If you’ve carried a love for books your whole life and felt the pull to write your own, this retreat in Florence, Italy is your chance to finally begin.

Led by seasoned literary agent Lucinda Halpern, this immersive experience supports aspiring authors in bringing their stories to life. With over 15 years of industry experience, Lucinda has secured Big Five publishing deals and helped launch bestsellers across fiction, memoir, nonfiction, and business.

More than an agent, Lucinda is a dedicated champion of emerging voices. Her workshops and coaching sessions demystify the publishing world, offering practical insights into platform-building, online marketing, media strategy, and speaking opportunities.

Set in Florence’s most beloved neighborhood, this retreat offers the perfect balance of expert guidance, creative inspiration, and unforgettable surroundings for writers ready to begin—or finally finish—their book.

_________, 2025 | Florence, Italy
MAKE A $1,500 DEPOSIT TO SECURE YOUR SPOT TODAY.

Lucinda Halpern

Lucinda Halpern is a literary agent and the founder of Lucinda Literary, based in New York. She has worked with all major publishers, including Penguin Random House, Simon & Schuster, Macmillan, Hachette, and Scholastic, and currently represents New York Times and internationally best-selling authors in the categories of business, personal growth, popular science, narrative nonfiction, memoir, and upmarket fiction.

Her classes and coaching programs have been taught to hundreds of writers worldwide, and became the inspiration for her new book Get Signed: Find an Agent, Land a Book Deal, and Become a Published Author (Hay House; February 6th, 2024).

ABOUT LUCINDA

“All aspiring authors know the value of a great literary agent, but few know how to get one. Lucinda Halpern has written the definitive guide to attracting an agent and laying the groundwork for a book well worth publishing.”— Adam Grant, #1 New York Times best-selling author

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From Dream to Draft

Inspiration flows faster on the quiet side of the Arno.

Lucinda has personally helped hundreds of writers and entrepreneurs launch timeless, best-selling books. But the path to literary success begins with knowing the answers to questions like:

How do I make my book idea marketable to agents and publishers?
What essential ingredients should my book pitch possess?
What common pitfalls and errors should I avoid?
How do I find a reputable agent who shares my vision?
What can I do if I'm getting rejected by agents and publishers?

With her unique 6-step method, Lucinda provides the tools and concrete strategies to:

Write a query letter that gets an agent's attention
Build an effective marketing platform
Create a timeless bestseller

“Lucinda Halpern and her book are the map and the compass for any beginning writer looking for a
way to find their perfect agent. There is no question in my mind that it will forever be the only book
anyone trying to break into publishing will ever need. If only I had it when I was starting out!
Wherever Lucinda leads, I will follow.”
— Sam Wasson, New York Times best-selling author

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Where We're Staying

Palazzo San Niccolò is our home away from home across the Arno—a boutique residence tucked into San Niccolò, Florence’s oldest and most beloved neighborhood. Located in the heart of the charming Diladdarno area, it’s a quiet escape full of character and local soul.

Housed in a beautifully restored building, Palazzo San Niccolò blends mid-century design with timeless Florentine elegance—just steps from artisan workshops, cozy cafés, and some of the city’s best spots for an aperitivo.

With scenic walks to Forte Belvedere, Piazzale Michelangelo, and the newly restored Poggi Fountain nearby, it’s the perfect base for experiencing a more authentic, laid-back side of Florence.

DETAILS

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What Makes it Special

Traveling to Florence feels like stepping into an open-air museum. The city is alive with history, art, and a sense of timelessness. Cobblestone streets wind through ancient buildings, and the sound of church bells fills the air. The Arno River divides the city, with the historic center on one side and the quieter, more residential Oltrarno district on the other.

Florence is a walker’s paradise, and much of its charm lies in wandering its narrow streets, discovering hidden piazzas, and enjoying a gelato in the shadow of a Renaissance masterpiece.

JANE'S GUIDE TO FLORENCE