FROM DRAFT TO DEAL
A full-day immersive masterclass with one of Asia’s top literary agents, Kanishka Gupta
- Shangri-La Dubai
- Date: Saturday 25th July, 2026
- 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM
You’ve written the words.
Now, it’s time the world reads them.
Writing a book is an act of courage.
After your book is written, comes the hardest part. Getting it accepted by a Literary Agent or a Publisher.
Most manuscripts never reach a publisher’s desk. This masterclass is designed to change that.
Transforming your manuscript into a published work takes more than talent - it takes strategy, timing, and the right guidance.
In this one-day immersive masterclass, discover what truly makes publishers say yes.
Join Kanishka Gupta — one of Asia’s respected literary agents — as he reveals what separates manuscripts that stay in drawers from those that reach bookshelves.
You’ll learn how to refine your story, position your pitch, and connect with the right publishing minds - all in one unforgettable day filled with insight, inspiration, and opportunity.
What You’ll Experience
What Awaits You on This Transformational Day
In-Person Literary Agent Feedback - Where Guesswork Ends, and Breakthroughs Begin
Bring your Query letter and first page for in-person critique from Kanishka Gupta. A rare opportunity to hear what really makes an agent say yes.
Luxury Writing Environment
Experience inspiration with panoramic views, gourmet dining, and the company of fellow writers who dream big.
Chance to Publish
Participants stand a chance to be featured in The Write Scene Anthology - a collection that celebrates emerging voices.
Expert Master Class
Step inside a literary agent’s mind. Learn what publishers look for and how to shape your manuscript to stand out in today’s market and make it irresistible.
What You’ll Learn - In Detail
The Story Behind
Your Story
Discover the emotional core of your narrative - the spark that makes it unforgettable and uniquely yours.
Insider’s Map of the
Publishing Landscape
Step behind the curtain of the literary world - understand how agents, editors, and publishers operate, and learn exactly where your manuscript fits in the ecosystem.
Author as a
Brand
Build your literary identity like a luxury brand - intentional, authentic, and unforgettable. Craft your bio, tone, and presence long before your book hits the shelves.
Submission Strategy that
Opens Doors
Master the anatomy of a perfect query letter and synopsis - polished, persuasive, and impossible to ignore.
Market insights &
global trends
Tap into what agents and publishers are seeking right now - especially for regional, cross-cultural, and third-culture voices that the world is hungry for.
Meet the Mentor
Kanishka Gupta
Kanishka Gupta runs Writer’s Side Literary Agency, the leading South Asian Literary agency he founded in India now representing over 1000 authors. He’s known for discovering voices that move the world - and mentoring writers who dare to dream beyond the ordinary.
His authors have most recently won the International Booker Prize in 2025 and 2022, and shortlisted for the Booker Prize in 2020. Among his notable authors are Banu Mushtaq and Deepa Bhasthi (International Booker winners for Heart Lamp, 2025), Daisy Rockwell (International Booker winner for Tomb of Sand, 2022), Avni Doshi (Burnt Sugar, shortlisted for Booker prize 2020), and Jerry Pinto (Windham-Campbell prize, 2016). He has worked closely with the 2022 Booker winner, Shehan Karunatilaka on multiple projects.
Meet the Curator
Deeba Salim Irfan
Deeba Salim Irfan is an award-winning author, poet, and curator based in Dubai. Her debut novel Urma, set against the Iranian Revolution, was translated into Urdu and earned her recognition from Shri Javed Akhtar for enriching Urdu literature. Her poetry coffee table book Charcoal Blush was a finalist at the 2017 Book Excellence Awards in Canada and has been lauded by eminent poets and filmmakers. Her latest novel 355 Days, a crime-legal fiction inspired by true events in Tihar Jail, won the Nissim International Award and became an Amazon bestseller.
What’s Included
Everything You Need for an Unforgettable Creative Day
Full-day Guided Sessions
2 tea / coffee Breaks
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Lavish Buffet Lunch (12:30–3:30 pm)
Networking and Q&A
Free Parking
Certificate of Participation
Testimonials
Rajul Tiwari
Guest Editor
Sangeeta Aich
Heena Gajjar
Children’s writer
Sonia Chauhan
Gyaneshwar Dayal
Saadia Azim
Vandana Tiwari
“An inspiring restart for writers seeking clarity
I’m sure the writers I met here will pen stories that can change the world—or at least mindsets. It was a very enriching experience, impeccably designed and executed by Deeba & The Write Scene. I recommend it to all writers, especially if you feel stuck and want to start fresh.
”
“Deeba’s presence became the key source of inspiration.
For me, this retreat was majorly about Mrs. Deeba – the author, the inspiration. In a writer's journey, you need a catalyst, and this retreat will act as mine, as a source of inspiration.
”
“An enriching exposure for someone new to the writing world
Coming from a non-writer background, this retreat offered me a wide array of experiences: meeting participants from different backgrounds, interacting with and getting feedback from Penguin publisher Premanka, masterclasses by various local writers, and above all, experiencing Landour and understanding what inspired Ruskin Bond. It was incredible. A beautiful experience, and I hope to be here again.
”
“Rediscovered writing insights and gained new perspective.
It’s been a supremely enriching experience. Some things I already knew but had forgotten, and being here brought them back. We got to meet an editor and publisher, which offered fresh perspectives on writing. Thanks to Deeba, who’s super warm; it’s been a wonderful journey, and I look forward to another retreat.
”
“Gained expert insights and can’t wait to return.
It was an amazing experience to be part of this retreat at Landour, Mussoorie. We gained so many insights from the experts, and I’m sure it will help me in my writing and pitching. Deeba did a fabulous job hosting it, and I’d love to come again.”
“ A great experience. I think the travel makes a lot of difference for us writers, rejuvenates us. I could also explore the unfamiliar side of me, that’s poetry. I am taking back with me a fresh mind and lot of lessons!”
Your Investment in Your
Literary Future
Seats are limited to ensure every participant
gets personal attention.
Early Bird Price: AED 1200 (Valid till 10th June, 2026 )
AED 1800 (till 10th July, 2026)
AED 1950 (after 10th July, 2026 )
For exclusive feedback from the agent: 2100
(Only a few spots remain.)Your story deserves to be read.
Let’s make it happen.
You’ve carried your story long enough. Let this be the day you give it wings.
Join Us
for one day that could redefine your writing journey.
Each Frame Tells A Story
Story of passion, purpose and transformation!
Will your’s be next?
