Event: Beachside Authors Retreat, July 31

You are cordially invited to a 🌴✨ Beachside Author’s Retreat ✨🌴 in Manhattan Beach, CA!Write. Connect. Publish.
A Hybrid Event for Aspiring Children’s Book Authors
Hosted by Bestselling Author & Emmy-Winning TV Host Markette Sheppard
Registration Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/beachside-authors-retreat-manhattan-beach-ca-registration-1425449691399

Date & Time

In-Person Retreat: Thursday, July 31, 2025 | 6–8 PM PT
Virtual Follow-Up Session: Sunday, August 31, 2025 | 6–8 PM ET
1:1 Coaching Sessions: Scheduled individually over Zoom at a mutually agreeable time

👩🏽‍💻 Who This Is For:

Aspiring Children’s Book Authors ready to take the next big step. Whether you’ve written your first draft or just have a story idea in your head, this retreat will give you professional insight, actionable feedback, and the supportive community you need to move forward.

📚 What You’ll Get (and Why It’s Worth It)

✅ 1:1 Coaching Session with Markette Sheppard
Includes a live 30-minute Zoom session plus expert feedback on up to 5 pages of your manuscript (must be typed in Times New Roman, 12 pt font size.
Market Value: $250

✅ In-Person Beachside Author’s Networking Retreat (for in-person attendees)
Held in beautiful Manhattan Beach, CA, this intimate event features wellness drinks/mocktails, appetizers, a Creative Author Circle, and a chance to connect face-to-face with bestselling author Markette Sheppard.

The discussion of the Creative Author Circle will include:

• Writing: How to Perfect Your Manuscript
• Establishing Yourself as a Writer (Before You Become a Published Author)
• Do You Need a Literary Agent?
• Pros & Cons of Self Publishing vs. Traditional Publishing
• Prepping Your Pitch to Publishers
• Securing Your Deal! (Secrets from Success)

Market Value: $150

✅ Bonus Resource PDF Toolkit
Receive a curated guide from Markette with tips, templates, and publisher contact info to help you prepare your manuscript and pitch with confidence.
Market Value: $49

✅ Virtual Group Follow-Up Session
Includes insider insights from award-winning illustrator and book publicist, in addition to having Markette’s input on the last call.
Market Value: $100

✅ Access to a Private Author Community
Connect with fellow retreat attendees, share drafts, and stay inspired through a private Facebook group that will continue on beyond the planned meetings and events.

💵 Investment

• VIP Retreat Experience (Virtual + In-Person): $249
  Get everything listed above — and save $49 by bundling both options! 
  
• Virtual-Only Experience: $149
  Includes 1:1 coaching session, manuscript review, resource PDF, and virtual group follow-up session.
  
• In-Person Only: $149
  Includes access to the live Manhattan Beach event, networking, wellness drinks/mocktails, appetizers, and community connection.

🌟 Meet Your Host

Markette Sheppard

• Bestselling Children’s Book Author of What Is Light?, My Rainy Day Rocket Ship, and Ninja Nate
• Emmy Award-Winning TV Host, CBS Washington, DC
• Executive Producer of “Alphabet In A Flash,” a children’s series on KLCS, the PBS Education Station in Southern California
• Book Publishing Mentor to Aspiring Writers 
• Active  in the California State University Alumni Community

Guest Speakers To Be Announced (Virtual Follow-Up Session on August 31, 2025)

• Award-Winning Children’s Book Illustrator to provide expert commentary on working with visual artists to help tell your children’s story
  
• Veteran Book Publicist known for powerful, inclusive visual storytelling

📝 Why This Retreat is Different

Because you’re not just writing a book — you’re building a legacy. This retreat is designed to give you personalized attention, publishing insights, and a creative tribe of like-minded authors who “get” the dream you’re chasing.

“Art, like food and drink, is always better when shared.” — Markette Sheppard

🚀 Ready to Claim Your Seat?

Spots are limited for both the in-person and virtual coaching packages to maintain a high-value experience that produces real connections and impactful results. Register now before it’s sold out.

👉🏾 [Register Now]
(Location details for the Manhattan Beach retreat will be sent 7 days before the event.)