The Rachael Johns Romance Writing Intensive
Join Australia’s Queen of Romance for an exclusive, hands-on opportunity to elevate your manuscript and network directly with acquiring publishers.
Escape & Focus On Your Novel
Nestled beside a private lake and surrounded by natural bushland in the Macedon Ranges, Cammeray Waters provides a peaceful, secluded setting to immerse yourself entirely in your romance novel. Over five days, bestselling author Rachael Johns will guide you through premise, character development, chemistry, conflict, and pitching.
Retreat Package & Pricing Options
Option 1: Basic Package
Early Bird Special- 5 Days of Intensive Teaching with Rachael Johns
- 4 Nights Private Accommodation at Cammeray Waters
- All Meals & 1 Evening Beverage included
- Access to Author Guest Dinners & Publisher Q&A Sessions
- Custom Swag Tote & 120-Page Printed Retreat Notebook
Option 2: Full Package + Assessment
Early Bird Special- EVERYTHING included in the Basic Package
- Direct Partial Manuscript Assessment by Rachael Johns
- 1-on-1 Consultation & Referral Consideration to Acquiring Editors
5-Day Curriculum
Introductions and exploring the irresistible core idea of your novel.
Dinner Guest: Romance Author Emma Mugglestone.
Deep-dive into protagonist motives, conflict, point of view, and secondary characters.
Dinner Guest: Romance Author Darcy Green.
Mastering banter, subtext, attraction types, and writing intimacy.
Dinner Guest: Romance Author Nina Kenwood.
Building high-stakes internal conflict and page-turning hooks.
Dinner Guests: Chloe Berry (The Berry Agency) & Sophie Hamley (Hachette Australia).
An intimate panel with acquiring publishers on current market trends and submission expectations.
Featured Industry Panel: Jane Pearson (Text Publishing), Sophie Hamley (Hachette Australia), Chloe Berry (The Berry Agency), and Anthea Bariamis (Simon & Schuster / Atria Books).
Retreat Guests & Industry Experts
Australia’s Queen of Romance with over 15 years of publishing experience and 34+ published books, dedicated to helping writers master the craft of breakout romance.
Senior Editor at Text Publishing acquiring commercial fiction and romance, seeking stories with great characters, great chemistry, and lots of heart.
Bestselling author and seasoned Publisher at Hachette Australia, bringing deep industry knowledge to help authors refine their market positioning and pitch.
Founder and principal agent at The Berry Agency, representing standout commercial fiction and guiding authors through publishing deals.
Publisher at Simon & Schuster Australia who launched Atria Books Australia in 2025, specializing in commercial and book-club fiction.
Award-winning author of contemporary romance novels People Skills and The Wedding Forecast, and Text Prize winner for It Sounded Better in My Head.
Naarm-based author writing joyful queer romance across genres, including the acclaimed Brunswick Falcons series blending romance, sports, and humor.
Melbourne-based contemporary romance novelist writing fast-paced stories filled with charming settings, swoony characters, and heart.
Australian author and former radio producer. She has published three novels, including The Drifter, The Cowgirl, and The War Nurses..
Frequently Asked Questions
Jul 12–Jul 16, 2027 at Cammeray Waters, Woodend VIC.
Yes, while the focus genre is romance, this weeklong masterclass will be useful for all writers, especially those writing romance and women's fiction.
Yes, payment plans are available! Please email Rachael directly if you'd like to discuss setting up a plan.
Writers at all stages are welcome, from fresh idea concepts to completed drafts ready for pitch polishing.
Attendees arrange their own travel to Victoria. Airport transfer advice and coordination options will be provided closer to the event date.
Visit rachaeljohns.com/tsandcs. Please read carefully and reach out if you have any