James Stephens
Exec Editor, KAA
New York Times– and Sunday Times-bestselling editor and former acquisitions editor for Biteback Publishing
Holly Crawshaw
Author
Bestselling author & ghostwriter
Kate McKean
Literary Agent
Literary agent at the Howard Morhaim Literary Agency
Retreat Workshops
Below are some of the topics and workshops covered during this retreat
James Stephens
Exec Editor, KAA
New York Times– and Sunday Times-bestselling editor and former acquisitions editor for Biteback Publishing
With over two decades of experience in the publishing industry, James has edited and published multiple Sunday Times bestselling authors including Alastair Campbell, Damian McBride, Liz Truss, Ken Hom, Eliza Filby, Terry Jones, Anthony Seldon and Andrew Pierce.
He led Biteback Publishing for sixteen years, steering it to become one of the UK’s leading independent publishers of commercial non-fiction. Specialising in politics, business and current affairs, but with a broad range of experience across other genres including sport, history, music, military and memoir, James’ overriding passion is working with new authors of all abilities to identify the story they want to tell and helping them frame and develop it. His approach to editing combines imagination, publishing experience and commercial focus to help writers structure and strategise their writing and deliver a product true to them but with maximum sales potential.
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Holly Crawshaw
Author
Bestselling author & ghostwriter
Holly Crawshaw (publishing under the name Holly Joyner) is a New York Times bestselling ghostwriter, developmental editor, and author-coach whose career spans nearly two decades and more than 1,000 books. Known for her ability to transform powerful ideas into bestselling narratives, she has collaborated with major publishers and high-profile figures across entertainment, faith, and leadership.
Holly’s diverse client list includes:
Michelle Williams, Grammy-winning artist and author of Checking In — a New York Times bestseller
Paula Faris, former Good Morning America and The View co-host, author of Called Out
Madison Prewett Troutt, author of Made for This Moment
Scout Bassett, Paralympic gold medalist and author of Lucky Girl
Ed Young and Lisa Young, bestselling pastors and authors of The Marriage Mirror
Her editorial guidance has helped shape books that reached New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly bestseller lists — many debut works from first-time authors who went on to build national platforms. Holly combines structural precision with a gift for voice and vulnerability, helping thought-leaders, artists, and entrepreneurs turn their life stories and expertise into books that move readers and build legacies.
Respected throughout the publishing industry for her clarity, integrity, and creative partnership, Holly brings the perspective of someone who has been behind the scenes of dozens of bestselling projects. Her insight into nonfiction storytelling, message development, and author branding makes her an invaluable mentor for anyone seeking to elevate their craft and impact.
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Kate McKean
Literary Agent
Literary agent at the Howard Morhaim Literary Agency
Kate McKean is a literary agent at the Howard Morhaim Literary Agency in Brooklyn, New York.
She earned her MA in fiction writing at the University of Southern Mississippi. Her work has appeared in Poets & Writers, Electric Literature, Catapult, and her first book, Write Through It: An Insider’s Guide to Publishing and the Creative Life is available from Simon Element. In 2026, Sourcebooks published her picture book Pay Attention to Me.
She writes the Agents & Books newsletter at agentsandbooks.com. You can find her at all the places online as well as katemckean.com.
Alia is the author of the forthcoming book Take It From Me: An Agent’s Guide to Building a Nonfiction Career from Scratch, to be published by Pantheon in January 2026 and of the publishing-themed Substack Delivery & Acceptance. She is a graduate of Barnard College and earned her MA in English literature from Rutgers University, where she taught courses in writing and literature. She lives in Brooklyn.
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Your Host on Site
Anna Burtt
Retreat Coordinator
Your on-site host throughout the retreat
Our Retreat Coordinator, Anna, will be in touch as soon as you’ve secured your place to answer any questions you have, assist with booking transport and to get to know you and your work to make sure that you get the most from your experience in Tuscany. She will make sure that mentors know about your projects and receive material ahead of the retreat in order to tailor their teaching accordingly.
Anna has a background in both publishing and hospitality and is always happy to share insight and ideas as well as make you your favourite coffee and cocktail. Anna will be on site during the retreat overseeing teaching, organising airport transfers, serving meals and excursions and making sure that you have everything you need during the week, so you can switch off from your responsibilities and lock in to your learning.
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