Writing Away Refuge Zoom Pitch Retreat
Workshop your pitch. Pitch the agent.
Discounted Early Bird Registration is now OPEN for the
May 17th & 18th Writing Away Refuge Zoom Pitch Retreat!
Our Agents' Pitch Slots fill quickly, so register soon to reserve your space.
Workshop your pitch. Pitch the agent.
Ready to meet your new writing community?
At Writing Away Refuge, we are all about support and helping you craft your best book and make solid industry connections. The focus of our virtual pitch retreat on May 17th & 18th, 2025
is powerful story development and delivering a winning pitch.
We have workshops to help you perfect your craft and time allotted for practice pitch sessions as well.
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And, best of all, we have 7 literary agents ready to listen to your pitches!
You'll spend the weekend in the comfort of your own home participating in workshops to make your book the best it can be, getting to know and connect with fellow writers, and pitching your completed book to agents if you're at that level in your writing journey (we have special pricing if you only need the workshops but no agent pitches). The Writing Away Virtual Pitch Retreat has it all. During the virtual retreat, we will have author chats, drawings for incredible prizes (including free manuscript evaluations, gift cards, and free memberships to Writing Away), and workshops by amazing industry professionals. Don't miss out!
(You may register for the full retreat that includes agent pitches or for workshops only)
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**Please note that pitch sessions with agents are on a first come, first served basis and WILL fill up quickly.
It is best to register early and make your agent selections to ensure you receive your agent preferences. If a desired agent's sessions fill, you will be allowed to submit a written query through our Writing Away Refuge portal that will be reviewed by those agents with priority. Thank you!**
Meet The Workshop Team
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Meet the Agents
Pitch up to 7 Literary Agents Over Zoom as part of the Writing Away Refuge Zoom Pitch Retreat, May 17th & 18th, 2025. Each one-on-one pitch session lasts 5 minutes
and is included in your registration fee. Be sure to register early before their spaces fill. Early registration ensures that you pitch all desired agents.
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Lydia Caudill, Assoc. Agent
Andrea Hurst and Associates
Lydia Caudill is an associate agent with Andrea Hurst Literary Management. She began her editorial internship with the agency in 2022, quickly transitioning into a full-time role as a literary scout and editorial assistant. Now, Lydia is excited to build a diverse client list of her own and collaborate with authors to craft and share meaningful stories that leave a lasting impact on readers.
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Originally from a small town in Eastern Kentucky, Lydia developed a passion for literature early on, often seen toting around a book and seeking any opportunity to read. She is a graduate of NC State University, where she earned her B.A. in English with a concentration in Creative Writing. When she’s not editing or reviewing submissions, you can find her attending live music events, tutoring Spanish, working on her own writing, or spending quality time outdoors with her dog, Rocky.
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Lydia is primarily looking for YA and Adult contemporary fiction, YA and Adult fantasy (she can appreciate both an urban setting or an immersive new world, and bonus points if there’s a romantic element, but the plot must shine regardless), light and cozy science fiction, mysteries with a strong and innovative protagonist, domestic suspense, and historical fiction that is not war-based or rooted in medical/medicinal history.
She is also an enthusiast of lyrical prose, atmospheric writing, emotionally complex and diverse characters, high-conflict stories with an unforgettable and witty heroine, and stories that explore deep and resounding themes. After she finishes a story, she wants it to linger in her head for days after.
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As a hopeless romantic at her core, Lydia holds the romance genre close to her heart and is always on the lookout for raw and intimate depictions of love—all kinds by all voices. She also appreciates rom-coms with a good trope or two, and any period piece that provides a much-needed escape from reality. A few of her favorites include Seven Days in June by Tia Williams, The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas, and Normal People by Sally Rooney.
A few more of Lydia’s favorites include: Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross, An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir, Go As a River by Shelley Read, and The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers.
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