Join us for the First Annual
AUTHORPRENEUR RETREAT AT THE PEAK
August 21 - 23 2026
Greek Peak Mountain Resort, Cortland , NY
3-day immersive workshop for published (and soon to be published) authors with little to no business experience. Arrive as a novice, leave as a pro.
SECURE YOUR SPOT TODAYFinally, a retreat that answers the question:Â I'm published; now what?
If you're confused about how to promote yourself as a professional author, unsure of what to work on, struggling to get through the technical know-how, or simply feeling out to pasture with the whole process, this retreat is for you! Here at Wildebeest Publishing Company, we're dedicated to providing unHERD of support for wordsmiths like yourself.Â
Join us for our first-ever Authorpreneur Retreat, where you'll learn how to successfully navigate the business side of your authorship. From websites to roadblocks, and marketing to implementation, you'll leave empowered to sell more books and curate successful events.
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Who Should Attend?
â Writers who want a head start in promoting their soon-to-be published books
â Self-published authors
â Beesties and Besties from our Herd
â Authors looking for more support now that they're publishedÂ
What you'll learn
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Build your brand, increase visibility and sales, and run your writing biz like a real whiz.
Youâll learn how to:
â Market and sell your books with confidence
â Build your platform and grow your audience
â Create offers and income beyond the book
â Pitch like a pro
â Set up systems that make life easier
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By the end of this 3-day immersive workshop, youâll be ready to take leaps and run wild with your new Authorprenuer skills and have more fuel for your creative spark. Through expert talks, hands-on help, and a supportive community, you'll garner expertise in areas like:
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Building Your Professional Author Platform
Create or refine your website, email list, and social media presence to sculpt your desired audience and increase visibility and sales. -
Mastering Book Marketing That Works
Learn proven, sustainable ways to sell more books without paying for followers or spending money on ads that miss the mark. -
Creating Offers Beyond the Book
Turn your ideas into income by developing workshops, speaking gigs, digital products, or services tied to your expertise. -
Planning a Profitable Author Brand
Map out your unique author brand, identify your target audience, and position yourself like a pro who stands out in a crowded market. -
Pitching with Confidence
Craft a polished pitch and bio to get comfortable promoting your book to bookstores, podcasts, festivals, and media. -
Set Up Real Business Systems
Simplify your author life with efficient and cost-effective tools for scheduling, tracking expenses, managing contacts, and automating processes. -
Stay Inspired and Accountable
Learn how to set goals that actually stick, build habits that support your creativity, and surround yourself with a network that keeps you moving forward.
MEET OUR AMAZING EXPERTS
Join our live sessions where industry experts and successful authors share their insights, tips, and strategies. Get exclusive access to the latest trends, tools, and techniques that can propel your writing career forward.
Georgia Popoff, workshop leader
Stop Kicking Yourself: Overcoming Reluctance to Self-promote
Georgia A. Popoff is a poet, editor, educator, and teaching artist with decades of experience leading workshops in schools and community settings. She coordinates the YMCA of Central New Yorkâs Downtown Writers Center in Syracuse, where she has taught poetry and nonfiction since 2000 and launched the Young Authors Academy. Author of four poetry collections, including Psychometry (2019), Georgia has also co-authored and edited works on poetry, literacy, and social justice. She has presented nationally and internationally, served as senior editor for The Comstock Review, and continues to mentor writers while producing readings, workshops, and literary events.
Dr. Luissa Kiprono, workshop leader
From Story to Strategy: Building a Brand and Business Beyond the Book.
Dr. Luissa Kiprono is a Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialist, Air Force veteran, and founder of TeleMed MFM, a virtual perinatal practice providing equitable care across the U.S. A first- generation refugee from former Communist Romania, she turned her own trauma into purpose, sharing her story in the bestselling memoir PUSH, THEN BREATHE: Trauma, Triumph, and the Making of an American Doctor. Through her platform Dr. Luissa K and her foundation, she inspires women to lead with authenticity, resilience, and graceâSemper Invicta, always unconquered.
Laura Thorne, CEO and design lead at Wildebeest Publishing
Expertise: Book covers, interior design, websites, marketing, social media, ideation and nonfiction.
Laura is the CEO of WPC and will be on hand to help with all things technical. With in-depth knowledge of the process from start to finish, she's here to help with all phases of publishing, marketing, and promotion.Â
Jess Neiding, CFO and chief editor at Wildebeest Publishing
Expertise: Finances, contracts, editing, ideation, and nonsense.
Jess is CFO of WPC and will be on hand to help with all things editing, finance, and creative spark. As our number one in-house editor with deep love and knowledge of words, bookkeeping, and making it fun, she's here to make sure you're crossing your Ts, dotting your Is, and honoring the Oxford comma (sorry, Vampire Weekend).Â
What's included
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3 days of immersive business and creativity workshops
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Expert-led sessions with publishing and marketing pros
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Hands-on implementation time with the WPC team
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Opening reception and author networking mixers
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Breakfasts, lunches, and snacks throughout the weekend. So much fun, you'll want another week
- Bonuses and more!
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- Transformative 3-Day Workshop: Learn to set up platforms, websites, and essential business items (Friday: Run Wild). Develop action plans and wilderness prep for your author journey (Saturday: Take Leaps).
- Expert Guidance: Sessions led by industry professionals like Dr. Luissa Kiprono, Georgia Popoff, and Geena Matusen on topics such as book tours, sales strategies, overcoming imposter syndrome, and crafting your pitch.
- Implementation Stations: Dedicated time with WPC staff to build your platform and create personalized action plans.
- Networking & Community: Mingle with your "herd" at opening receptions and ice breakers.
- Exclusive Bonuses:
- Tote bag filled with goodies (buttons, stickers, etc.).
- 6 months of Authorpreneur! membership.
- MAS Journal.
- Assistance with platform setup, website, editing, and more.
- 10% discount on a publishing package if used within the next year.
- Discounted hotel rates at Greek Peak.
- Professional headshots and bios.
Get the most out of this opportunity with these add-ons:
- Personalized Limited Engagement - Sunday Afternoon VIP Add-on Extended tech help workshop after the base retreat ends (2 PM - 5 PM)Â ($199 at sign-up, $250 on-site): Keep the party going with 2 hours of business assistance. Schedule a book tour, set up podcast inquiries, walk through self-publishing, and more.
- Items included with the add-on ($200 Value):
- Branded water bottle.
- One-hour consult with a WPC team member post-retreat.
- Workbook add-on (if needed).
- Items from speakers (their books, products, etc.).
- 20% Friends and Family discount on a publishing package if used within the next year.
- Add-ons available during check-out
Location
Nestled in the beautiful Finger Lakes region, Greek Peak offers everything from mountain views to cozy lodging, an indoor/outdoor pool, and on-site spa. Youâll have plenty of space to relax, connect, and recharge between sessions.
Or bring the family and let them play a the indoor/outdoor pool, mountain coaster, and zip line while you build your author business and confidence .Â
Discounted rates available for attendees. Details provided after registration.
How to registerÂ
- Click the link below to choose your registration option:
 ⢠Pay in full and save 5%
 ⢠Pay in three installments
 ⢠Reserve your spot with a $200 deposit
 ⢠EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT â PRICE GOES UP January 16, 2026. - Select your add-ons (VIP Sunday Session, tote upgrades, etc.).
- Complete your payment and get your confirmation email with next steps.
IMPORTANT NOTES
- WPC Herd Trek Authors use Code RETREAT20 at checkout for 20% off.
- Deposits accepted until January 15, 2026.
- Registration must be paid in full by March 15, 2026.
- Spaces are LIMITEDÂ â save your spot early.Â
- Families welcome.Â
- Accommodations NOT included. Book your room through Greek Peak at our discounted rates.
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Guests are responsible for their own travel and accommodations. Wildebeest Publishing cannot reimburse flights, hotels, or other travel expenses in the event of event cancelation or rescheduling for any reasons. We recommend purchasing travel insurance, and while we can offer guidance on rescheduling travel, any costs incurred remain the guestâs responsibility.
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CANCELLATION POLICY
For all registrations:
- Cancellations before January 15, 2026 receive a full refund of whatever has been paid.
- Cancellations between January 15 and March 1, 2026 receive a refund of 50 percent of whatever has been paid.
- Cancellations within 30 days of the retreat start are not eligible for a refund.
Additional rules based on payment type:
- Deposits: After January 15, 2026 deposits become nonrefundable.
- Installment plans: Any unpaid installments will still be due unless cancelled before January 15. After January 15, the refund schedule above applies only to payments already made.
- Pay in full: Refunds follow the same timeline above based on date of cancellation.
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SAVE 20%. Early Bird Pricing Ends January 16!
Total price goes up to $489