2023 Top Writers Conferences and Workshops in All Genres
Make sure to check our 2024 writers’ conferences and workshops list
Since writing could get pretty lonely, being around fellow writers is often a welcomed change. It can help authors explore different writing styles, discover new writing tips, and connect with other like-minded writers. That is where writing conferences and workshops come in; they can help you grow as a writer and improve your writing skills.
This year, we have compiled a list of many great conferences and workshops happening around the world, both virtually and in person.
Writers seeking to deepen their craft and expand their professional community are invited to attend the Residency Writers Conference together with MFA students, faculty members, and guest speakers.
It will be 10 full days of craft talks, workshops, panels, classes, readings, and more featuring some of the best minds of the literary world. This residency is a rare opportunity to engage in sustained and meaningful conversation with others who share your passion for the art of writing.
Under the Volcano
$2,695
Under the Volcano masterclasses are open to emerging as well as accomplished fiction writers, poets and journalists, and offer high-level feedback and mentorship from award-winning writers in each genre. A roster of distinguished guests joins their core faculty in a program designed to take each participant’s voice to the next level.
Writers’ Workshop Program provides writers at all stages of development with opportunities to explore the craft of writing. Each workshop has its own focus and application requirements. Enrollment is limited to twelve participants per workshop to ensure individual attention.
This year’s seminar marks the 40th year of creating world-class literary programming in this subtropical island city. To commemorate the occasion, they’re bringing together what may be their most accomplished roster yet, for a one-of-a-kind event celebrating Black Literature in America.
Arisia
$55-$75
Arisia is a convention for fans of science fiction and fantasy, in all forms of media, held annually in January on Martin Luther King Jr. weekend. Normally, Arisia is held at the Boston Westin Waterfront Hotel in the booming Seaport District. They strive to uphold their commitment to creating a space for science fiction and fantasy fans of all ages, ethnicities, genders, abilities, and orientations to explore, learn, and just plain have fun.
Winter Poetry & Prose Getaway
$495-$595
The Winter Poetry & Prose Getaway does not have an application process; everyone is welcome. They believe that every writer, whether they are just getting started or already have publications or an MFA, can improve their craft with rigorous instruction and a supportive community. Experienced writers may wish to register for an advanced workshop or try a new genre.
The Writers in Paradise Conference features professional writers at the top of their form, spending quality time with motivated and talented participants seeking an intimate, unhurried climate for learning…in paradise.
TMW is a non-profit, non-political organization which promotes Tennessee literary arts and supports the work of Tennessee writers. Their goal is to provide opportunity for people interested in the craft of writing to become better writers.
Digital Book World
$1,499-$1,799
Digital Book World is the gathering of community across the wide world of publishing. It will feature keynoted by legendary tech journalists. It is the must-attend event for trade publishers, independent publishers, and content creators in every sector.
Tupelo’s online conference model offers an intimate group of poets the chance to meet with faculty in small groups and build a writing community with one another.
Get The Lead Out!
$750
Each day will feature a craft talk by one of the faculty members and participants will split into small groups where they will dissect the art and craft of writing through lectures, writing exercises, and class discussions. They won’t be reading and critiquing manuscripts, but rather closely examining elements of craft with the intention of allowing participants to see their work with deeper insight while also generating new material.
Colrain Classic
$1,000
The Colrain Manuscript Classic is a highly focused, 3-day conference designed for poets with manuscripts in progress. The Classic features in-depth pre-conference work and candid, realistic evaluation and feedback from nationally-known poets, editors and publishers. In preparation, participants work at home on pre-conference assignments and then, in the workshop, review, arrange, and winnow their work based on the pre-conference work.
The acclaimed Todos Santos Writers Workshop celebrates its 10th year in the pueblo magico of Todos Santos, Baja California Sur, MX, with classes in Fiction, Memoir, Poetry, and Strategies in Storytelling, featuring individual conferences and craft talks with guest authors.
National Cowboy Poetry Gathering
$50-$1000
Whether you prefer watching performers on stage or on screen, or whether it’s your first Gathering or your 38th, the 2023 National Cowboy Poetry Gathering will have something for everyone. Join them as they take a look at life in the West across the generations.
Pubwest
$550-$600
PubWest is a vibrant, dynamic trade association of small-medium-sized book publishers, printers, editors, distributors, graphic designers, binderies, and related service companies. Established in 1977 as the Rocky Mountain Book Publishers Association, PubWest is dedicated to helping member book publishers succeed and has grown to include members in nearly every US state and multiple countries.
SCBWI brings together top professionals in the children’s publishing world twice each year at the annual Summer and Winter Conferences. These annual events feature renowned authors and illustrators as well as top editors, art directors, and agents in the field of children’s publishing. The Summer & Winter Conferences are excellent networking opportunities for those already established in and just starting to enter the world of children’s book writing and illustrating.
The International Research Conference is a federated organization dedicated to bringing together a significant number of diverse scholarly events for presentation within the conference program. Events will run over a span of time during the conference depending on the number and length of the presentations. With its high quality, it provides an exceptional value for students, academics, and industry researchers.
San Francisco Writers Conference
$850-$950
This will be the 19th Celebration of Craft, Commerce, and Community for all writers. Attendees will join with 100+ presenters and fellow writers from across the country and around the world at this year’s event. The SFWC events are consistently rated among the top writers’ conferences anywhere. Their goal is to help writers become published authors as they help them become better at the craft of writing and the business of publishing. The SFWC is also one of the friendliest conferences around.
Southern California Writers’ Conference
$450-$525
The SCWC provides veteran and emerging talent with authoritative feedback to help distinguish those manuscripts that are ready for market consideration. It facilitates well over $4 million worth of first-time authors’ book and screen deals. Offering extended one-on-one evaluation of material and dozens of interactive workshops, the SCWC is among the only conferences specifically tailored to provide comprehensive feedback on writers’ work.
Regardless which path to publication you are pursuing, whether you’re a writer just starting out, a writer unable to determine why your work is not working, a writer simply in search of some answers, a writer wanting feedback on what you’ve written, or just a writer who wants to hang with other writers and publishing professionals in a safe, supportive community, do yourself a favor and join them for their 36th Annual Southern California Writers’ Conference *San Diego. Your words are worth it!
Coastal Magic is a casual reader weekend, celebrating the magic of stories and storytellers. They focus on creating opportunities for authors & readers to mingle, have bookish fun, and create amazing memories.
Asheville Christian Writers Conference
$240-$618
The Asheville Christian Writers Conference is not a level of writing; it’s a battle cry. The goal is to strengthen ties with other writers and hone your craft of writing so they might effectively spread the Word of God through fiction and non-fiction books, screenplays, scripts, articles, and blogs.
California Creative Writers Conference
$349-$599
The CCWC™ is a great opportunity for you to receive educational and inspirational guidance from over 40 literary agents, veteran educators, industry professionals, professional editors, and publishers in the craft and business of writing fiction, non-fiction, and screenwriting taught by Hollywood veterans. Over two weekends and five nights, you can learn how to take your writing to the next level and what it takes to get published.
The Bay to Ocean Writer’s Conference offers something for writers at all levels, with special tracks in poetry, beginning fiction, advanced fiction, non–fiction and publishing, marketing and editing.
The AWP Conference & Bookfair
$25-$540
The AWP Conference & Bookfair is the annual destination for writers, teachers, students, editors, and publishers of contemporary creative writing. It includes thousands of attendees, hundreds of events and book fair exhibitors, and five days of essential literary conversation and celebration. The AWP Conference & Bookfair has always been a place of connection, reunion, and joy, and they are excited to offer the same experience in a new way this year. Join them and take part in this amazing community of writers!
This is a special one-day “How to Get Published” writing workshop. In other words, it’s one day full of classes and advice designed to give you the best instruction concerning how to get your writing & books published. We’ll discuss your publishing opportunities today, how to write queries & pitches, how to market yourself and your books, what makes an agent/editor stop reading your manuscript, and more. No matter what you’re writing — fiction or nonfiction — the day’s classes will help point you in the right direction. Writers of all genres are welcome.
The New York Pitch Conference birthed a lot of careers, educated hundreds more, and at a minimum resulted in several score fitted for the brass ring. Its array of programs and methodology provoke aspiring authors into developing, refining, and pitching their novels in such a manner as to greatly increase their chances of becoming published.
The New York Pitch Conference birthed a lot of careers, educated hundreds more, and at a minimum resulted in several score fitted for the brass ring. Its array of programs and methodology provoke aspiring authors into developing, refining, and pitching their novels in such a manner as to greatly increase their chances of becoming published.
The Power of Narrative Conference
$79-$299
Attendees for this conference come from across the United States and from many nations; they identify as writers, visual media creators, audio journalists, or all three. They work on every imaginable platform, from newspapers to magazines, books to the web, podcasts to multimedia, sometimes pushing the boundaries with innovative start-ups.
With the past few years behind them, SAW are looking forward to once more bringing you a full lineup of workshops to help you on your writing and publishing journey. This will be a full programme and, as requested by members at last year’s AGM, they will be bringing you a bigger programme of workshops this year.
This conference (featuring in-person and online events) will explore writing about war and the veteran experience in today’s world. Join a group of committed writers, community members, veterans, veterans’ spouses, and more.
Founded in 1970 and held every year since, the UND Writers Conference is a three-day event featuring six to eight authors annually. Authors ranging from Gwendolyn Brooks and August Wilson to Tommy Orange and Colson Whitehead, the UND Writers Conference is committed to community outreach, engagement, and finding ways to increase audience access to literature.
The Write Stuff Writer’s Conference
$30-$369
The Writer Stuff Writer’s Conference includes a sterling faculty of twelve writing and publishing professionals offering 30 events to enhance your writing skills and advance your marketing expertise.
Let’s Just Write! An Uncommon Writers Conference
$260 – $385
CWA’s diverse membership ranges from professional freelancers and published authors, to writers aspiring to be published and those who write as a creative outlet. Their members write both fiction and non-fiction, including novels, short stories, poetry, plays, feature articles and essays. Others work in specific genres such as romance, history, religious, horror, science fiction, biography, or memoirs.
Teen Author Boot Camp is a great opportunity for teens who want to be writers. Nearly a thousand aspiring teen writers come to the conference to work with bestselling authors to amp up their writing skills.
Bestselling authors and educators participating in SOKY Book Fest will teach craft workshops about everything from plotting techniques to employing poetic language to getting published. The conference is free and open to the public. Walk-in seating for open workshops is first-come, first-served on the day of the event.
The National Undergraduate Literature Conference 2023 is in the planning stages, but they are looking forward to a fully in-person experience. They are excited to interact with student presenters and authors in person. They are also excited to welcome award-winning poet, Louise Glück who will share her insights and advice for budding writers. Please plan to join and help maintain the excellence of this conference and the unique opportunities it offers undergraduate students.
The Liberty States Fiction Writers 12th Annual Conference features a line-up of more published authors and industry professionals who will share their expertise and experience. Located at the Hilton Garden Inn in Hamilton, New Jersey, they offer a full day of education and networking for those who are published or want to be published. Workshops will focus on craft, business, promotion and indie-publishing.
Norwescon 45
$85
No matter your age or interest, Norwescon strives to make sure there is always something appealing to do over the four days of the convention. Their programming department schedules hundreds of hours of panel programming covering a myriad of subjects. Whether you’re looking for writer’s workshops, costuming tips, artistic creativity, musical concerts, or deep dives into any number of science fiction, fantasy and science topics, you’ll find it here!
Clockwork Alchemy is the San Francisco area’s own steampunk convention. Originally a part of FanimeCon, Clockwork Alchemy is now its own independent event celebrating music, makers, dancing, writing, crafting, fashion, and fun related to steampunk!
This year – and every year – the Las Vegas Writers Conference is dedicated to helping writers of all genres improve their craft, sharpen their business skills, and network with publishing professionals. Held each spring, this year’s conference will draw virtual attendees from around the world. Pitch sessions with literary agents and editors are included in the price of registration. Writers will have the opportunity for one-on-one mentoring sessions with faculty members and other published authors. Join them, virtually, to take your writing skills to the next level.
The Blue Ridge Writers’ Conference’s goal is to educate, inform, and inspire writers. No matter the level of expertise, the conference provides a venue for professional writers, editors, and agents. There they can give honest and accurate feedback to the aspiring writer on how to craft that first novel. It helps writers learn how to sell a magazine article, market themselves in the literary world, or find inspiration for their poetry.
Red Clay Writers Conference is the annual conference of Georgia Writers Association. Red Clay has been hosted since 2009 to encourage and inspire writers through literary events that focus on the art and craft of writing.
A Rally of Writers features up to 16 sessions of Michigan writers, poets, teachers, editors, and publishers discussing every aspect of writing and the publishing business.
This free, daylong event is a gift to visitors and the citizens of San Antonio, bringing books to life through author presentations, innovative panel discussions, and book sales and signings. Also included in this fun day of literary entertainment are family activities such as children’s theater performances, a technology area, interactive play and art stations, and a selection of the city’s famous food trucks.
Paris Cafe Writing
$1,600
Spend a week in Paris. Join a small group of fellow travelers/writers for morning workshops—yes, in English!—then wander the city in the afternoon, perhaps lingering at a cafe to write, perhaps finally climbing the Eiffel Tower. Paris Café Writing seminars are ideal for the independent traveler who wants just a little structure to corral the creative writing process.
Nebraska Writers Guild Conference
$129-$279
The Nebraska Writers Guild offers a three-day conference filled with consultations, publishing panel discussion, and much more.
The Creativity Workshop in New York will help you become more creative in your personal and professional life. They use many techniques in creative writing memoir, art, photography, storytelling, mapmaking, mindfulness, and guided visualization to help you explore your inner creativity.
Breakout Novel Intensive Workshop
$3,295- $3,395
Every year, writers of fiction and narrative nonfiction from around the world, and in various stages of their writing careers, attend the Breakout Novel Intensive. Whether attendees are new to the publishing industry or are seasoned professionals, BONI is tailored toward helping every writer elevate his or her level of craft and reach new career heights as well.
The Chanticleer Authors Conference is unique and progressive. It’s designed to share insight and knowledge about the marketing and business side of being an author and/or a publisher. It’s dedicated to professional authors, offering them a chance to learn everything about the industry.
Pikes Peak Writers Conference
$225-$449
A 3-day fiction-writing conference for writers of all levels, indie and traditionally published, featuring a variety of craft and business workshops, acquiring editors/agents and well-known authors across a variety of genres.
Poetry at Round Top is an annual festival presenting the nation’s most exciting and prominent poets over three days of readings, workshops, and conversations on craft. Located on the gorgeous Festival Hill campus between Austin and Houston, in Round Top, Texas, Poetry at Round Top presents an immersion experience like no other poetry conference or festival in the country.
Malice Domestic Convention
$70-$355
Established in 1989, Malice Domestic is an annual fan convention that takes place each year in Maryland, just outside of Washington, D.C. Malice celebrates the Traditional Mystery, books best typified by the works of Agatha Christie. The genre is loosely defined as mysteries that contain no explicit sex, excessive gore, or violence.
The Ozarks Writers League is a group of like-minded individuals dedicated to promoting writing, literacy, photography, and art. Since 1983, OWL has welcomed individuals at all stages of their development.
Paris Cafe Writing
$1,600
Spend a week in Paris. Join a small group of fellow travelers/writers for morning workshops—yes, in English!—then wander the city in the afternoon, perhaps lingering at a cafe to write, perhaps finally climbing the Eiffel Tower. Paris Café Writing seminars are ideal for the independent traveler who wants just a little structure to corral the creative writing process.
Melbourne Writers Festival
Depends on program, and some of their programs are for free
MWF is a high-profile, much-loved organization that plays an important and influential role in the local arts ecology. For more than three decades, the organization has enjoyed the loyalty of hundreds of thousands of Melbourne’s readers. Each year, across over 300 events and working with around 200 partners, MWF brings together the diverse talent of 500 writers from across Australia and the world-creating moments of connection, discussion, and inspiration with the public.
The Lakefly Writers Conference, organized by the Wisconsin Writers Association, will offer over a dozen workshops on the craft and business of writing designed to inspire and guide your creative journey.
The goal of the Atlanta Writers Conference is to allow you to meet eight top publishing acquisitions editors and eight literary agents actively seeking new clients. It also helps you get your work ready for them and educate you with workshops and talks by experienced authors and other industry professionals.
The mission of the Bay Area Book Festival is to celebrate a wide spectrum of literary voices, nurture literary culture and community, cultivate literacy, and promote great literary work, with special attention to work that engages with pressing social issues.
Nonfiction Writers Conference
$197-$690
Since the Nonfiction Writers Conference began in 2010, their mission has always been to take the traditional writers’ conference experience and deliver it online. This allows more people to attend from around the world, saving valuable time and travel expenses. It also delivers powerful access to speakers during LIVE learning sessions with interactive Q&A.
Storymakers Conference
$175-$275
The Storymakers Conference is full of literary events, from Thursday workshops to breakout sessions, intensive classes, workshops with agents and editors, the First Chapter contest, social activities, and author signings. It also features over a hundred classes geared toward aspiring and established writers alike, taught by some of the best presenters in the publishing industry.
Long recognized as one of the top agencies for children’s book writers and illustrators, Andrea Brown Literary Agency (ABLA) brings top tier professionals together with both beginner and seasoned writers. This workshop, popular in Big Sur, California, is proudly also being offered on the east coast.
This writing event is a wonderful opportunity to get intense instruction over the Event of one day, pitch a literary agent or editor (optional), get your questions answered, and more. Note that there are limited online “seats” at the event (200 total).
Longleaf Writers Conference
$349-$1,760
The Longleaf Writers Conference includes a full week of intensive and generative writing workshops, one-day seminars, agent consultations, school outreach programs, and special social events. The conference, which takes place in Seaside, Florida, provides an opportunity for all levels of writers to celebrate writing, to network, and to hone their craft in a beautiful setting among generous and celebrated writers and poets.
Kachemak Bay Writers’ Conference
$350-$475
he Kachemak Bay Writers’ Conference has been the place where writers from Alaska and beyond come together to create community and learn how to be better writers. The 2023 conference will be in-person at the beautiful Kachemak Bay Campus in downtown Homer, Alaska. The 2023 keynote speaker will be Robin Wall Kimmerer, scientist, decorated professor, and enrolled member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation.
Breakout Novel Intensive Workshop: Boni Virtual Edition
$3,295- $3,395
Every year, writers of fiction and narrative nonfiction from around the world, and in various stages of their writing careers, attend the Breakout Novel Intensive. Whether attendees are new to the publishing industry or are seasoned professionals, BONI is tailored toward helping every writer elevate his or her level of craft and reach new career heights as well.
Florida West Coast Writers, Inc. will be holding their second Writers’ Conference in the Tampa Bay Area. Ignite Your Imagination is meant to stimulate your creativity and enrich your knowledge. Great speakers presenting workshops on craft and career! It’s chocked full of vital information to help you increase productivity, marketing, and many other important aspects to help you advance your writing career. You don’t want to miss this one.
The Fiction Readers Summit exists to connect readers with authors, books, and fellow believers. They hope these three days are filled with inspiration, connection, and an even longer to–be–read list.
Exploring the theme “A Sense of Place,” small select groups of conference attendees experience working under the guidance of notable writers. Founded in 2016 as a partnership between the Transylvania County Library and Brevard College, this annual conference consists of writing workshops for select participants and public readings by the workshop leaders free to the community.
Word on the Lake Writers’ Festival
$210-$295
Word on the Lake Writers’ Festival’s sessions will include both skill development workshops and open forums with authors based on questions and answers in an intimate setting.
Biographers International Organization (BIO) aims to promote the art and craft of biography, cultivate a diverse community of biographers, encourage public interest in biography, and provide educational and fellowship opportunities that support the work of biographers worldwide.
The Writer’s Hotel Maine “Mini MFA” is a unique, hybrid, comprehensive writing program. The programming includes thrit TWH two-editor pre-conference Team Reading and the conference, to be held IN-PERSON this year. TWH Directors and Editors Shanna McNair and Scott Wolven read and consult on each writer’s full length manuscript pre-conference in their “TWH Team Reading”.
North Words Writers Symposium is an annual event that takes place in Skagway, Alaska. It’s a chance for writers to connect with other writers and thinkers in a spectacular, intimate Alaska setting.
Writing Heights Writers Conference
$199-$399
Over the years, WHWC have worked hard to maintain the intimate feel that their conference is known for. They create a solid agenda, featuring writing craft, business and marketing sessions, as well as Pre-Conference Intensives that will give attendees a chance to dive deep. Writing conferences can feel overwhelming, so they aim for quality over quantity, hand-picking a diverse and talented faculty who will guide you on your writing journey.
Northern Colorado Writers Conference
$199-$499
The NCW Conference caters to a variety of genres including fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and screenwriting. This year, they’ve adopted a hybrid model in response to the current pandemic conditions. Their online conference will feature a wide array of sessions, presented via Zoom and with state-of-the-art interactivity and networking tools by Whova. The in-person component will include hands-on workshopping with top-notch author presenters and industry professionals.
The Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference is the premier training and networking event for both seasoned and aspiring writers and speakers. This event allows participants the ideal opportunity to interact with editors, agents, professional writers and readers, offering outstanding workshops and continuing classes in a wide array of creative categories. Whether you are a professional writer expanding your skills and networking contacts, or a brand-new writer just beginning to chase your dream, this Christian Writers Conference is the ideal opportunity to take your creative goals to a higher level.
The Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference began nearly four decades ago as a spirit-filled environment where writers could move forward in their writing journey and publishing dreams. The legacy event is focused on God’s path for each writer, and the conference is dedicated to meeting professional and spiritual needs.
Thrillerfest
$77-$1,431
A hub for all mystery and thriller authors, Thrillerfest includes sessions on marketing, publishing, and honing your craft. They even have a Master Craftfest with specialized small sessions in which successful, published authors work with you on your manuscript.
The Society for the Study of Midwestern Literature is devoted to the study and production of Midwestern literature in whatever directions the insight, imagination, and curiosity of the members may lead. The SSML annual symposium brings together writers, scholars, and filmmakers to present criticism, poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction.
Book Lovers Con
$395
Book Lovers Con is an event full of fun and laughter where readers will meet their all-time favorite authors and find new-to-you authors you never knew were missing from your collection!
Wyoming Writers, Inc. annual conference is in the works with some amazing faculty lined up to learn from! Attendees get the opportunity to pitch their work to an agent or publisher accepting pitches for their agency or publishing house.
The Translators’ Conference aims to strengthen the visibility and access to high-quality literary translations in the United States, and also to acknowledge that translators require the same training and skills as creative writers.
Bread Loaf Environmental Writers’ Conference
$2195-$2580
The 10th annual Bread Loaf Environmental Writers’ Conference is a week-long session designed to hone the skills of people interested in producing literary writing about the environment and the natural world.
Walker Percy Weekend
$262
Good food, live music, and a great time talking about books and Southern culture under the live oaks: That’s what the fourth annual Walker Percy Weekend has to offer when it returns to celebrate the acclaimed novelist’s life and work.
The Arkansas Writers’ Conference (AWC) is an annual two-day conference and workshop that brings together writers and editors of all genres from across the state and beyond. The conference is sponsored by Arkansas Pioneer Branch of The National League of American Pen Women.
Reader & Author Get Together
$134-$154
Overall, the RAGT is a fan-friendly event meant for readers, and open to everyone, readers, authors, and industry alike, in different ratios! In the process, the event also raises funds for many local causes. The incredible raffles garner thousands, and each year Lori Foster puts out an anthology with proceeds earmarked for direct donation. Combined, the event and the anthology go to benefit very worthwhile local charities.
This literary society is devoted to promoting the enjoyment of historical fiction. HNS is an international society that welcomes members (readers and writers) all across the globe.
Author Advantage Live
$1,597
At Author Advantage Live, you’ll be rubbing shoulders and collaborating with some of the top Self Publishing School coaches, the entire Self-Publishing School team, and your fellow authors and community members so that you can see what it takes to write and publish a bestselling book, build a six and seven-figure business, and create a platform that allows you to scale your income, influence, and impact.
The Creativity Workshop in New York will help you become more creative in your personal and professional life. They use many techniques in creative writing memoir, art, photography, storytelling, mapmaking, mindfulness, and guided visualization to help you explore your inner creativity.
Working with a shared respect and understanding of craft, The Poetry and Creative Arts Festival gives poets and critics, musicians, as well as visual and performing artists opportunities to forge connections across disciplines, to delve into innovative approaches to artmaking, to engage new media and technology, to reconsider the power of revision, and to sharpen their critical lenses.
The California Crime Writers Conference is an intimate weekend conference, stuffed full of craft, fellowship, and fun. It happens every two years and is a joint venture between the chapters of Sisters in Crime/Los Angeles and Mystery Writers of America/Southern California.
The ScreenCraft Writers Summit is a two-day virtual event that features keynote conversations with today’s top screenwriters, showrunners, producers, and other industry professionals, as well as networking events that connect screenwriters from all walks of life and experience levels.
Juniper Summer Writing Institute
$25-$40
The Juniper Summer Writing Institute is an inclusive literary space that welcomes adult writers at all stages of their careers. Writers interested in participating submit an application to their workshop of choice. Acceptance to the Institute is based upon the strength and promise of the writing sample. They operate on a rolling admissions basis.
Since 1971, Write-to-Publish has been training, inspiring and encouraging writers like you, connecting them with editors to help them improve their craft, with publishers who are looking for good books to publish, and with literary agents who can represent them. No matter where you are in your writing career—beginning the journey to becoming a published writer, exploring the process of becoming a working writer, or an experienced professional desiring to stay connected and growing—the Write-to-Publish Conference is your key to reaching those goals.
Writers seeking to deepen their craft and expand their professional community are invited to attend the Residency Writers Conference together with MFA students, faculty members, and guest speakers. Join them for 10 full days of craft talks, workshops, panels, classes, readings, and more featuring some of the best minds of the literary world. This residency is a rare opportunity to engage in sustained and meaningful conversation with others who share your passion for the art of writing.
Youth Workshops and Activities
$400-$1200
In this workshop, high school-aged conference attendees will explore poetry, fiction, personal narrative, and playwriting. Students will read and write in traditional forms such as sonnets, villanelles, short stories, memoirs, and plays, as well as read and use less traditional forms and techniques, from prose poems and automatic writing to cut-ups, magical realism, and first-person journalism.
Since 2003, writers from all over the United States have gathered in their intimate lakeside setting with award-winning authors and teachers to practice the arts of poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction. They offer five intensive week-long writing workshops and an affordable auditor option.
Each year, WWA holds its annual convention somewhere in the American West. Members, agents, publishers, editors, and more gather together to talk shop, learn, teach, make connections, renew friendships, and listen to music.
Chautauqua Writers’ Festival
$200–$500
The 2023 Chautauqua Writers’ Festival takes place over the four days (Wednesday to Saturday) before Week One of Chautauqua Institution’s summer season commences and will be happening in-person and on the grounds this year.
Jackson Hole Writers Conference
$75-$440
For more than thirty years, diverse groups of passionate professional and novice writers have gathered at the Jackson Hole Writers Conference. While attending workshops and keynote addresses at the Jackson Hole Center for the Arts, writers learn about the craft of writing, share ideas, and make new friends while networking with authors, editors and agents from myriad backgrounds.
Book Bonanza
$250
Book Bonanza is the creation of Author Colleen Hoover and her sisters, Lin Reynolds and Murphy Rae. They dreamed of an event where readers could meet their favorite authors and also raise money to help others. Everyone is welcome at Book Bonanza; attendees may come with friends, spouses, family, and solo. There is plenty to do at the hotel and the Dallas, Fort Worth area has many attractions. Whether exploring fantastic shopping at Northpark Mall or visiting the JFK Museum or world-class museums and zoos, DFW has it all.
Established in 1968, the Clarion Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers’ Workshop is the oldest workshop of its kind and is widely recognized as a premier proving and training ground for aspiring writers of fantasy and science fiction.
Disquiet International Literary Program aims to deepen mutual understanding among writers from North America and writers from Portugal. The program takes its inspiration from The Book of Disquiet, the great Lisbon poet Fernando Pessoa’s masterpiece; from the city of Lisbon itself; and from the late Portuguese poet Alberto de Lacerda, who believed above all in the importance of literary community.
Haiku North America Conference
Free-$220
The 2023 Haiku North America conference will take place in Cincinnati, Ohio, a sparkling Queen City in a Midwestern state known for vibrant urban centers, beautiful agrarian countryside, and a rich history of innovation. Juxtapositions between rural and urban offer a compelling geography in which to explore English-language haiku and related genres. HNA 2023 invites proposals for presentations inspired by these inherent dualities—contemplating these spaces and traversing their boundaries.
This evolving research network brings writers, readers, publishers, and emerging scholars together to discuss investigations on the nature and forms of information and publishing practices as distinctive modes of social knowledge and cultural production. Conference attendees have a range of session types and presentation options that allow opportunities for networking and learning more about key issues in the industry.
Ledbury Poetry Festival is an inclusive, international and inspirational celebration of poetry and spoken word over ten fabulously busy days, live in Ledbury and online to the world. Surrounded by woods, orchards and hills, poets from all over the world gather to perform, write, read and listen to poetry. Contemporary literary titans stand alongside upcoming talents to illuminate a thrillingly electric mix of events, from readings, performance poetry, masterclasses, walks, talks and films through to breakfasts, music, exhibitions and bike rides.
SleuthFest
$395
Sleuthfest features sessions on the craft of writing, marketing, and promoting your work. There are social events to mingle with agents, editors, and your favorite authors. There’s also an auction to purchase great writing stuff from bestselling authors and editors.
SOMOS, the Society of the Muse of the Southwest, supports and nurtures the literary arts, in both written and oral tradition, honoring cultural diversity in the Southwest.
The Tin House Summer Workshop is a weeklong intensive that consists of curated workshops with limited participants (eight to ten per class), one-on-one meetings with faculty and industry guests, craft lectures, author conversations, generative exercises, and readings. There will be plenty of opportunities for mingling, happy hours, and, of course, karaoke.
National Writers’ Conference
From £40
Join this conference for a friendly day of presentations and panel discussions, focusing on how writers can develop their talents. Subjects will include how publishing works, working as a writer in residence, writing for television and film, and many more. Come along, ask questions, share answers and be part of a vibrant network of writers form across the country, working in many forms and genres.
ASLE seeks to inspire and promote intellectual work in the environmental humanities and arts. Their vision is an inclusive community whose members are committed to environmental research, education, literature, art and service, environmental justice, and ecological sustainability.
Southampton Writers Conference
$150–$1,495
The Southampton Writers Conference is a place where writers can come together, share ideas, enjoy each other—and yeah—produce the best damn work they possibly can. Five days of intense, supportive workshops filled with talented writers and led by smart, experienced instructors.
Readercon 32
$75
Readercon is an annual conference or convention devoted to “imaginative literature” — literary science fiction, fantasy, horror, and the unclassifiable works often called “slipstream.” It features over 150 writers, editors, publishers, and critics, attracting prominent figures from across the U.S., and from Canada, the U.K., and occasionally even Australia and Japan.
The Imaginarium Convention, now in its 10th year, is a unique event for writers and storytellers of all genres, including filmmakers, game developers, artists, musicians, poets, cosplayers, and many other creatives, and their fans. The convention features three days of extensive panel and workshop programming, an expo, a film festival, live entertainment, literary and film awards, cosplay, and much more!
The UK’s Great International Creative Writing Conference is a place to share creative and critical work, to explore creative writing, and to discuss those explorations with creative writing colleagues from around the world. Launched 26 years ago, each year the conference welcomes creative writers from all over the world–many of whom work in universities and colleges, or are undertaking graduate degrees in creative writing.
Sun Valley Writers’ Conference
$550-$1,100
The Sun Valley Writers’ Conference strives to bring together readers, writers, and artists of diverse ages, backgrounds, and experiences to be informed, enlightened, challenged, and inspired by a world-class literary program in the great outdoors.
The Leopardi Writing conference will consist of writing workshops, as well as lectures, readings and panel discussions. There will be a free day to explore the City of Recanati and the surrounding region of Le Marche.
The National Book Club Conference places readers in an upscale, intimate environment with some of their favorite authors–and introduces attendees to new talent to add to their reading lists. The panel discussions on how to publish your book, the dynamics of the publishing industry and Black women’s health lend invaluable information that is lasting.
This is the perfect way to begin your journey as a freelance writer, staff journalist, fiction or nonfiction author, public relations writer, social media expert, editor, and more. Classes are designed for beginners and professionals alike. You’ll have opportunity to meet one-on-one with a publishing professional to pitch your manuscript, get feedback, get advice, or just chat.
The Creativity Workshop in New York will help you become more creative in your personal and professional life. They use many techniques in creative writing memoir, art, photography, storytelling, mapmaking, mindfulness, and guided visualization to help you explore your inner creativity.
The Napa Valley Writers’ Conference has provided literary fellowship and a craft-focused experience among the foothills and vineyards that have made this region famous. It features a faculty as renowned for the quality of their teaching as for their work. Small workshops foster an unusual rapport between faculty writers and conference participants, who find the Napa Valley experience nurturing and challenging. The conference is suited to experienced writers, but enthusiastic beginners are also encouraged to apply.
The Mendocino Coast Writers’ Conference is a vibrant gathering that offers morning workshops in a wide range of genres. Afternoons are packed with craft seminars, panels, one-on-one consultations, and open mics; and every evening offers an opportunity to enjoy the camaraderie and connection that make this conference, in the words of one participant, “life changing.”
When Words Collide
$20-$100 CAD
Readers, writers, editors, publishers, agents, and other artists attend the When Words Collide Festival, which highlights commercial and literary fiction. When Words Collide welcomes writers of most genres, including fiction, YA, children’s books, non-fiction, and poetry.
The Writers’ Summer School — known simply as ‘Swanwick’ — is legendary for the warmth of its welcome. If you love writing, then Swanwick offers you the opportunity to learn new skills and hone existing ones. You’ll explore your creativity, make new friends, perform your poetry, sing, act, dance, laugh, and write.
With a rich literary and intellectual tradition, the 98th annual Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference brings together emerging writers to work closely with a diverse and talented faculty. For ten days in August, you’ll experience the intensity—and challenge—of working under the guidance of notable writers, including MacArthur Fellows, U.S. poets laureate, and recipients of the Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award.
The Killer Nashville International Writers’ Conference was created in 2006 by author/filmmaker Clay Stafford in an effort to bring together forensic experts, writers, and fans of crime and thriller literature.
Bouchercon, the World Mystery Convention
$215-$230
Whatever stage of your writing career you are in, Bouchercon can be a good fit for you. If you are unpublished but are writing in the fields of mystery/suspense/thriller/crime, you will get to meet many authors in your field. You will also get to know readers who might some day be reading yours books.
Bear River Writers’ Conference
$435-$1,285
The Bear River Writers’ Conference has attracted writers to Northern Michigan for over two decades. Located on the shores of Walloon Lake, the conference offers generative workshops, readings, craft talks, and good-spirited conversation. Many of their participants have gone on to publish work that they started during the conference; friendships that began in the workshop or around the bonfire have developed and deepened. They’re a community of writers who challenge and support each other, who believe in hard work, camaraderie, and serious play.
PNWA Writer’s Conference
$425-$525
Since 1955, writers in the NW have been dedicated to helping writers connect to other writers, publishers, agents, and editors across the country. Zola Helen Ross and Lucille McDonald came together to form the Pacific Northwest Writers Association and since the beginning many people have dedicated their time to ensure its continuation. Over the years, they have expanded their efforts so that writers receive a trusted resource within this ever-changing publishing industry while staying true to their mission of helping writers carve out their place and provide them with a platform for their literary voice.
Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers
$449-$599
The RMFW Board Conference Committee is excited to announce that their Colorado Gold Writers Conference will be held at the Hyatt Regency Aurora-Denver, during the weekend of September 8-10.
This conference aims to gather readers and writers of all genre fiction; including mystery, suspense, romance, thriller, horror, sci-fi, fantasy and paranormal, etc.
Yucatan Writing Conference
$1,250
This conference will conduct a broad range of discussions focusing on various aspects of craft, editing, publishing, and writer’s life survival skills. Because of the faculty’s diversity of experience—writing, teaching, editing, agenting, and marketing—the discussions promise to be informative, practical and inspiring.
Milford is a gathering of authors who write speculative fiction (in its widest sense). It is not a school for beginners; there are no “teachers” or “students.” It is not an elitist in-group. Invitations are extended to any SF author, from relative newcomers to those who may only dimly recall what rejection slips look like. Generally, the workshop includes some writers who have not attended a previous Milford event, and they are particularly welcome. The main language for the conference is English, so all work must be submitted for critique in English.
Penned Con
$10- $425
Penned Con is a three-day book convention hosted annually in St. Louis, MO. The organizers invite one hundred and fifty authors together along with industry professionals and over 1,000 readers for a chance to mingle, have fun, and raise money for Autism. Each year they host education day workshops, inspiring keynotes, panels, and a two-day book signing. Along with this they host VIP Parties, the Red Coat PR Lip Sync Battle and round the event off with a themed awards night.
Kingston WritersFest
$180
In this vibrant literary environment, Kingston WritersFest was launched in 2006 by a core group of dedicated and hardworking volunteers under the auspices of Kingston Frontenac Public Library and Kingston Literacy.
BARR is “the” conference where authors and readers meet and get to know each other in an intimate setting as they mingle, shop at the Author Expo, and enjoy a delicious luncheon meal.
The conference, held over 3 days, features over 30 workshops, sessions and panel discussions for all levels and interests. A limited admission of approximately 250 attendees makes WOTS the perfect place to spark your creativity, share ideas, receive up-to-date publishing industry information and network with other writers.
Next Chapter Con
$10
Celebrate reading and literature with nearly 50 local authors at this annual Books and Authors Convention. Discuss books in panels and on a vendor floor full of great reads. Talk to authors about their writing, get signed paperback or hardback copies, and find inspiration for your own book that you’ve been meaning to write.
The DFW Writers Conference is a great opportunity for you to meet professionals from the publishing industry and build on your mastery of the craft and business of writing.
Writing Sisters Summit in the Hills
$350–$695
The Writing Sisters Summit was born in 2018 as a way for writers of color to come together and share what they have learned about the craft and business of writing and help mentor less-experienced writers on their journey to become published authors.
Ozark Creative Writers Conference
$170-$200
Ozark Creative Writers, Inc. is a nonprofit organization guided by a volunteer board of directors and officers, dedicated to presenting one of the oldest and best writing conferences in the region featuring bestselling authors, literary agents, editors, and publishers, and media specialists.
The conference offers a unique and intimate creative writing experience. It meets people wherever they are, creating a warm, welcoming and supportive environment where writers learn from each other as they work towards their goals.
Georgia Romance Writers, a chapter of Romance Writers of America, is made up of approximately 200 serious, professional writers, nearly one-third of whom are multi-published in book-length fiction.
The Women Writing the West Annual Conference is an annual conference featuring respected writers, agents, publishers and other book professionals, plus camaraderie and just plain fun. It offers a supportive and welcoming community of writers and other writing professionals who share a passion for the stories of the Women’s West, and will happily answer questions, lend their expertise, and will sympathize, motivate and celebrate with you on your writing journey.
West Coast Christian Writers
$149-$299
The West Coast Christian Writers Conference is back with a new date and venue for 2023! It’s exciting to gather again in-person while still offering digital access to those who wish to join virtually. Go and be inspired by their keynote speaker, Bret Lott, and learn from an outstanding faculty of publishing industry professionals.
The Surrey International Writers’ Conference is a workshop–based conference with a focus on the development of skills and industry-based knowledge. From beginner writers to published writers, this is the place to hone your skills, learn more about publishing markets, and network for future sales.
Paris Cafe Writing
$1,600
Spend a week in Paris. Join a small group of fellow travelers/writers for morning workshops—yes, in English!—then wander the city in the afternoon, perhaps lingering at a cafe to write, perhaps finally climbing the Eiffel Tower. Paris Café Writing seminars are ideal for the independent traveler who wants just a little structure to corral the creative writing process.
Medical Writing & Communication Conference
$650-$1,195
Share your perspective, expertise, challenges, and successes at the 2023 Medical Writing & Communication Conference. They are seeking content at the applied and strategic levels to address the needs of medical communicators at mid- to advanced level of their careers.
Paris Cafe Writing
$1,600
Spend a week in Paris. Join a small group of fellow travelers/writers for morning workshops—yes, in English!—then wander the city in the afternoon, perhaps lingering at a cafe to write, perhaps finally climbing the Eiffel Tower. Paris Café Writing seminars are ideal for the independent traveler who wants just a little structure to corral the creative writing process.
Join bestselling authors and agents in an intimate, oceanfront setting, with an emphasis on fiction, memoir, thrillers, and screenwriting. The conference includes in-depth sessions on craft, publishing, and the writing life, with opportunities for agent/editor feedback.
TusCon
$15–$55
Welcome to TusCon 50, the 50th annual Sci-Fi, Fantasy, and Horror convention in Tuscon. Attendees of TusCon are among the most dedicated fans of science fiction, fantasy, and horror and many attendees are professional writers, film producers, artists, and reporters who keep others informed about the goings-on in the industry.
International Conference on Reading, Writing and Applied Linguistics aims to bring together leading academic scientists, researchers, and research scholars to exchange and share their experiences and research results on all aspects of Reading, Writing and Applied Linguistics. It also provides a premier interdisciplinary platform for researchers, practitioners, and educators to present and discuss the most recent innovations, trends, and concerns, as well as practical challenges, encountered and solutions adopted in the fields of Reading, Writing, and Applied Linguistics.
Looking to write the next best-seller? Sign up now for one of the abovementioned conferences and workshops to discover writing secrets and meet fellow authors and publishers.
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The 2024 International Book Fairs Calendar
David
June 6, 2023The Novel Bookcamp Week is June 18-24. We offer three concurrent, residential writing programs, the Workshop, a Writing Retreat, and a Book Coach.
Kotobee
June 8, 2023Hi David, thank you for letting us know about your event. Sounds like an exciting opportunity for writers. Can you send us more details on blog@kotobee.com please so we can add it to our next article update?
BESONG
September 28, 2023I wish I could have an opportunity to b there in November. Most young people in my country Cameroon don’t love to read. I just want to learn some thing to help them become better