LITERARY
LONDON
SEE LONDON AS A WRITER…
LITERARY
NEW YORK
BEFORE OR AFTER YOUR VOYAGE
LITERARY CITIES
FITZROVIA, LONDON
VIBRANT | BOHEMIAN | HISTORIC
Stay in vibrant, eclectic central London, between the bustling shopping areas of Oxford Street and the tranquil beauty of Regent's Park. Enjoy Fitzrovia's quirky shops, Victorian buildings, and charming cobbled streets, once home to Virginia Woolf and George Orwell.
THE ALGONQUIN, NEW YORK
CREATIVITY | CULTURE | CONVERSATION
Since opening in 1902, the Algonquin Round Table has hosted some of the 20th century's most prominent writers and journalists, including Dorothy Parker, George S. Kaufman, and Robert Benchley. This circle of wits not only shaped American literature but established the hotel as a crucible of creativity and conversation.
A TALE OF TWO CITIES
LONDON ITINERARY
Explore London as a writer, with literary tours, charming pubs, a West End Show, and meetings with UK agents & publishers to discuss the market and practice talking about your book.
Literary London includes:
- three nights of accommodation
- daily breakfast
- two lunches/teas, with agents and editors from UK publishers
- one dinner
- guided tours
- tickets to the West End show
- time to explore/shop on your own
- private coach transfer to the ship, with a stop to explore historic Winchester
In London’s buzzing district of Fitzrovia, the Radisson Blu Edwardian Grafton is minutes from everything we want to see. The characterful hotel has a modern restaurant with delicious daily breakfast (buffet and a la carte included in your stay) and free WiFi.
All rooms have a Sicilian marble bathroom with complimentary premium skincare brand REN toiletries, Egyptian cotton bed linen and each features air conditioning.
Before 1930 Fitzrovia was a nameless section of the West End, until a bright spark named the area after the iconic Fitzroy Tavern on Charlotte Street. Virginia Woolf, Charles Dickens, and George Orwell are just a few of the literary giants that ordered their favourite tipple in that historic pub, forever giving this area a touch of the bohemian.
Explore London’s literary neighborhoods, historic bookshops, and haunts of authors old and new. Enjoy the vibrant cultural hub of spectacular shopping streets, top-notch restaurants and the world-famous theatre district. We’ll take in Allison’s favorite West End Show–you’ll leave laughing.
- Walking tour of Literary Bloomsbury
- Behind-the-Scenes tour at the British Library, including the Treasures Room
- Street Theatre in Covent Garden
- West End show
- Visits to Word on the Water & Daunt Books
On Your Own
Not up for a group tour? We recommend these literary landmarks:
- Daunt Books in Marylebone
- 221B Baker Street
- The Wellcome Collection Reading Room
- The British Library
- The Word On The Water Canal Boat Bookshop
- Bloomsbury & The Charles Dickens Museum
- The London Review Bookshop
- Foyles
- Cecil Court
- Hatchards
Enjoy two casual meals (one lunch, one tea) with London literary agents and editors from Simon & Schuster, Watkins and Little, Brown. Hear about the publishing industry in the UK and worldwide, and “practice pitch” your book.
Take the easy way to Southampton. Our private coach will pick up at the hotel and whisk us to the docks, with a short stop in Winchester to explore the historic city centre and the renown cathedral.
Throughout our tour, we’ll talk books, share a few craft lessons, and practice some spontaneous writing!
DAY IN NEW YORK
- private coach transport from the ship and around town
- visits to one or two bookstores as time and traffic allow
- lunch at the Algonquin Round Table with New York literary agents
- practice your pitch with the agents and discuss your book (even if it’s not done!)
- luggage storage for the day (if you’re continuing home or spending time in NY)
- private coach back to the ship (if you’re heading back to London)
Enjoy a casual lunch at the Algonquin Round Table with New York literary agents. Hear about the publishing industry in the USA, and “practice pitch” your book.
Heading back onboard? Our private coach returns us to the docks. Otherwise, we’ll store your luggage for the day before you continue onward.
Before meeting the agents, practice your pitch with Allison!
RETURN VOYAGE SEPT 3-10
Can’t get enough?
Need to be back in the UK?
These dates work better?
Want more one-on-one time?
Join Allison K Williams and Amy Collins for the return voyage to the UK with craft lessons & personal coaching.
- Event fee $975 + stateroom fare
- Limit 10 writers
- No event fee for travel partners
With less structure and fewer group events, this voyage will feel like a personal writing retreat with coaching, feedback, and a supportive cohort.
- Daily craft lessons tailored to the group’s needs.
- Small-group and one-on-one meetings to discuss craft, publishing, platform, and your work.
- Set the deadlines that will keep you writing–with immediate accountability.
- Overnight editorial feedback from Allison (limited pages).
- Career and marketing chats with Amy.
We’ll share casual time over meals, cruise activities, and spontaneous encounters to discuss writing, publishing and your words in the world.
You’ll meet every day in a small group for craft lessons, and have personal check-ins with Allison or Amy every day.
At least twice during the voyage, you’ll have a sit-down talk about your work, your goals, whatever you need.
Allison will respond overnight to sets of 10 pages (big-picture feedback) and will also do live-editing in small groups and one-on-one.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ETA, which stands for Electronic Travel Authorisation, is a new digital registration scheme for travelers who don’t otherwise need a visa to enter the UK.
Who needs an ETA?
The ETA–“electronic travel authorization” –pre-clears you for entry to the country before travel. This is the UK equivalent of the United States’ ESTA — a mandatory, paid-for authorization to travel, with security clearance done in advance.
The scheme debuted in 2024, and applies to the six million travelers from the US, Canada and Australia who enter the UK each year.
The scheme is for “short” visits to the UK of less than six months for tourism and business.
How do I get one?
The cost is a non-refundable £10 (just under $12.50), and you can apply through the official app listed on the UK government website, or directly online.
The apps — for iPhone and Android — boast of being quicker, with 10-minute processing times. Be sure to apply through official channels, rather than through third-party websites, which may charge extra fees, and are less likely to handle your data securely.
You will need to upload a photo of your passport, scan and photograph yourself as you apply, upload the photo, and answer various questions about your plans. Applying online takes around 20 minutes and you must complete the process in one go — there is no chance to save as you go.
A decision will normally be given within three days, though the government warns it could take longer. You are allowed to travel to the UK while waiting for your decision, if you need to visit urgently; however you must have made the application before you travel.
Note that having an ETA doesn’t guarantee entry to the UK. You must still go through passport control and Border Force officials still have the final say over whether you can enter the country.
How long will it be valid?
Validity lasts for two years and multiple entries — so you can visit as often as you please. However, note that it will be digitally linked to your passport — so if you get a new passport during those two years, it will no longer be valid and you must apply for a new one.
Our time with the editors/agents in London and New York is your chance to connect with publishing pros and hear about the market, ask how they approach acquiring books, and practice your pitch. Even if your book is a work-in-progress, talking about it confidently and concisely will also help focus your own work. And we will practice those pitches before the lunches!
Probably not (sorry!) In our previous publishing lunches, some writers have been invited to query or submit full manuscripts, but it very much depends on what the pros are looking for and how ready your work is. You’ll still hear valuable insights and writing inspiration.
For ease, you’ll be issued an Oyster card when you arrive in London. It’s a pre-paid card for use on all public transport. Have mobility concerns? We’ll pop you into an Uber and see you at the next location!
Exploring on your own? Use your Oyster, Uber and black cabs are available, and a great many attractions are a pleasant walk from our hotel.
