Heidi Pitlor Editorial
NEW CLASS ALERT!
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OPENING MOVES:
WHAT AGENTS AND EDITORS WANT FROM YOUR NOVEL'S FIRST 50 PAGES
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The first 50 pages are the most important—and often the most difficult—part of any novel.
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This innovative class was designed to give you rare tools and insights into creating the best and most publishable beginning of your novel. Over five weeks, Willie Fitzgerald and Christine Utz, senior editors at HPE, will examine the first 50 pages of four disparate commercially and critically successful novels. You will learn to identify what choices a writer is making, why they're so effective, and how you can integrate these and other techniques in your own work. Your teachers will also provide weekly generative writing exercises.
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At a roundtable discussion led by Heidi Pitlor, you'll hear from a renowned agent and editor about what they're seeking.
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And after the five weeks is done, you'll receive two one-on-one meetings with an HPE senior editor. You'll discuss goals for revising your own first 50 pages. Later, you'll submit your new draft of those pages and receive an hour-long editorial consultation.
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The cost of the five classes, roundtable, and two individual consultations is $880. A deposit of $440 is required to secure your spot. The remainder is due by September 15. Click here to pay and email Willie@hpeditorial.com with any questions.
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​​THE BREAKTHROUGH: A WRITING RETREAT (WITH EDITORS)
​Ever wish you could be more productive on a writing retreat? What if an expert editor could offer you guidance while you wrote?
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Heidi Pitlor and Michelle Wildgen have created a one-of-a-kind short retreat of productive solo work, creative community, and expertise right there for the asking. Bring your ideas, novel pages, fiction or memoir in any form, and break through your barriers in just four nights/five days with us on magical Cape Cod.
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Before the retreat, you’ll have a goal-setting conference with Heidi or Michelle. We’ll be there for one-on-one office hours and informal hangout time throughout the retreat. A few weeks afterward, you’ll follow up with us again to strategize and make sure you’re moving forward with the work you did at the retreat.
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THE BREAKTHROUGH is your chance to tap into decades of editorial expertise: Heidi will be your host along with Michelle Wildgen, who was an editor with Tin House Magazine for almost 20 years, until its final issue. We’ve published novels, essays, stories, reviews, and edited everything from food essays and short stories to novels, memoirs, and story collections. We have worked with writers like Margaret Atwood, Katherine Heiny, Michael Ruhlman, Ann Hood, John Freeman, Jesmyn Ward, Min Jin Lee, Lee Child, and many others.
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WHO: THE BREAKTHROUGH is limited to 10 writers.
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WHEN: April 8-12, 2026. Check-in Wednesday afternoon, April 8; check-out 9 AM on Sunday, April 12.
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WHERE: A beautifully appointed multi-building, water-view property on Cape Cod in Eastham, Mass., about 2.5 hours from Boston and Logan Airport. Rooms range from private with en suite bathrooms or solo cottages to a cozy room to share with your old workshop pals. There is plenty of room on the grounds to enjoy outside conferences and walks and capacious tables to dine together, hang out, or write. Stores and restaurants are nearby and walking distance.
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FOOD AND DRINK: We’ll provide it all, from quick nourishing breakfasts to homemade communal dinners. We’ll have NA drinks and wine on hand, but the goal is craft, community, and productivity more than a party atmosphere.​
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CONTACT US: Questions or interest in applying? Contact us at TheBreakthrough@hpeditorial.com or at Heidi@hpeditorial.com. We will send interested writers our short application once it's ready.
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​Sponsored by Heidi Pitlor Editorial, Michelle Wildgen Editorial, and the Madison Writers’ Studio.
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