Is there a scholarship?

Yes! The Retreat Planning Team proudly offers one partial scholarship to this retreat. The $500 scholarship is awarded on a combination of needs and merit. To apply, please send a 250 - 500 word essay responding to the prompt, “Attending this alumni retreat will advance my writing career …” to megplaisted@gmail.com. All entries will be reviewed by a three-person panel consisting of a SNHU faculty member, an alum, and a member of the Retreat Planning Team. Deadline is Dec 1st 2025 and the awardee will be announced by Jan 1st 2026. We also recommend attendees check out: Grants | FundsforWriters to see if you are eligible for other grants.

What is my final cost?

The Inn at Ellis River is an historic Bed & Breakfast with 22 unique rooms. Your final cost will be based on your room selection. Your selected room includes full access to all of the retreat events, including workshops, guest speakers, and mingles. Click accommodations to learn more.

Can my partner come with me?

Yes, of course! Let us know in your comments that your partner will be joining you. You will be charged an additional $100.00 fee so that your partner can enjoy breakfast and meet your friends at the Alumni Mingle. Unfortunately, your partner will not be able to participate in the writing workshops.

How many alumni can register?

We have reserved the entire inn which will accommodate 18 alumni. There will be a waitlist, if needed.

Do I need to pay all at once?

You can securely pay in-full, through this website using Visa or Mastercard. Incremental payment plans are also available with check, Money Order, and Venmo, please e-mail me at megplaisted@gmail.com for more details.

Will there be a shuttle bus from the airport?

The Portland (Maine) Jetport is actually the closest airport to the inn. The Amtrak Downeaster runs from Boston to Portland, which makes Portland convenient for those alumni who chose to fly into Boston. Our shuttle will pick up and drop off at the Portland Jetport and Portland Amtrak station. Please see the schedule for dates and times. We will also share names of alumni who still wish to fly to Manchester, so that you can coordinate your travel, if desired.

How can I request a specific room?

Each unique room is assigned on a first come, first served, basis. We suggest that you list your second choice in the comment section, should your first choice no longer be available.

How can I prepare for my one-on-one with Lee Melillo, our guest literary agent?

Lee would like to read your query letter, synopsis, and the first 10 pages of your work. Please forward them to me at megplaisted@gmail.com before 13 April 2026. Her one-on-one schedule will be created the first night of the retreat. We also recommend that you prepare a list of questions that you would like to ask her. Some great questions from last year were:

1. “What revisions do you think are needed before this is submission-ready?”

2. “What is your submission strategy?”

3. “How can I make my query letter/synopsis stronger?”

Please email me at megplaisted@gmail.com if you have any other questions.