While editing a monthly magazine by day, Val wrote her first novel, A Deadline for Murder, at night and on the weekends. It sold to Simon & Schuster when she was twenty-five-years-old. Since then, she became addicted to writing books. With twenty published titles under own name, she fell into ghostwriting for celebrities and experts and found that it was more fun to work with cool people on their books that toil away by herself. She’s been very fortunate to have collaborated on nearly forty books, including seven New York Times bestsellers.

One of Val’s first ghostwriting clients was the legendary Joan Rivers. They created Joan’s guide to plastic surgery, Men Are Stupid and They Like Big Boobs. More recently, Val worked with another blond comedian who is fast becoming a household name—Leanne Morgan—on her essay collection, What in the World?! Some of her other clients: Snooki from Jersey Shore’s, on the New York Times bestselling novel, A Shore Thing; Sebastian Maniscalco on his national bestseller Stay Hungry; Omarosa Manigault Newman on the #1 New York Times bestseller Unhinged; TV stars from the ‘80s; four Real Housewives; an America Idol finalist; CEOs of iconic brands; a neurologist and a few psychologists, and many more. Go to valeriefrankel.com for a partial list. (Sometimes a ghostwriter is a true ghost, and leaves no trace of herself…)

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In 2023, Valerie expanded her role in the literary world by joining Aevitas Creative Management, the largest independent literary agency in New York, as an agent, putting her editorial insight to work helping other authors navigate the publishing landscape. In the last two years, she’s sold ten books to publishers and feels a special glow helping first time authors’ dreams come true.

On the cruise, Val will share some hilarious stories about her career and reveal what some of her clients are really like (the ones that didn’t make her sign non-disclosure agreements, at least). Val will pull back the curtain on the publishing world—sharing insider insights, hard-won wisdom, and coveted strategies from the front lines of the literary industry. What’s hot in publishing today? Which stories are selling—and why? She’ll reveal the trends shaping the marketplace today and the timeless themes that continue to captivate readers—and publishers—around the globe.

Attendees will gain invaluable tips on crafting a powerful book proposal that commands attention, how to secure top-tier literary representation, and an understanding of the nuanced and necessary elements that make publishers say “yes.”

Beyond the business, she’ll explore the art and soul of all forms of storytelling—how ideas spark, evolve, and take shape across genres and mediums—and answer the age-old question every reader and writer asks: Where do great stories come from?

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This is more than a talk—it’s a rare, front-row opportunity to learn directly from a true industry insider in an intimate, inspiring setting at sea. It's a chance to connect, collaborate, and be creatively inspired and recharged among a remarkable circle of brilliant, like-minded, spirited women who travel deeply, think boldly, and love words, ideas, and inspiration as much as you do.

Don’t miss your seat at the table. The stories shared here may spark the next great chapter—yours.

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Secure your spot today. Spaces are limited.