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Unparalleled for its rigor, thoroughness, and integrity, Colrain is the original, one-of-a-kind manuscript conference.  Faculty includes nationally-renowned poet-editors and publishers. Work with the best for the best results!
Our unique, realistic method of manuscript evaluation sets poets with a manuscript-in-progress on a path toward publication. Poets also get a look into the publication world and make important contacts with leading editors, teachers, and publishers.

Participants Speak

"Thank you for everything; what a wonderfully provocative weekend! I have attended many many conferences and workshops while lurking through the swamps of arranging a manuscript, and the revelations of the time at Colrain were the most concrete realizations I have had in the past few years of this work. Thank you for providing the structure and guidance to allow epiphany."
—M. Hasemann, NY

The Colrain Classic
Remote Participation via Zoom

May 1 – May 4, 2020

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A select group of poets will work with conference founder Joan Houlihan, (Lesley University Low-Residency MFA Program), Stephen Motika (Nightboat Books), Martha Rhodes (Four Way Books) and Daniel Tobin (Emerson College).

All poets with an in-progress or complete book-length or chapbook-length manuscript are welcome to apply.

 

The Colrain Intensive
Remote Participation via Zoom

July 17 – 20, 2020 

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A select group of poets will  work closely with poet and conference founder Joan Houlihan (Colrain Founder & Director), and poet-editor  Stephen Motika (Nightboat Books).

For Colrain alums or poets with finalist or semi-finalist standing or with previous book publication.

The Colrain Classic

Truchas Peaks Place | Truchas, New Mexico August 7 – 10, 2020

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A select group of poets will bring their completed or in-progress manuscripts to this spacious, adobe style retreat with panoramic views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, where they will meet and work with nationally known poets, publishers, and editors Joan Houlihan (Conference Founder / Lesley University MFA Program); Rusty Morrison (Co-founder/Publisher Omnidawn Press); Hilda Raz (Editor/Mary Burritt Christiansen Poetry Series, University of New Mexico Press); and Ellen Dore Watson (Smith College/Editor of Massachusetts Review).

All poets with an in-progress book-length or chapbook-length manuscript are welcome to apply.