2026 Book Festivals for Readers, Writers, and Book Lovers
Discover 2026’s book festivals, where readers and writers meet for panels, author events, and unforgettable celebrations of storytelling worldwide.
ReadMust‑Attend Writing Conferences in 2026 Around the World
Every craft needs a space where people can meet, share ideas, and learn from one another, and writing is just the same. And that’s what writing conferences do; they bring experienced authors, publishers, and literary agents together in one place. Under the same roof, they get to share valuable knowledge about writing and the publishing world.
As a writer, you can attend helpful seminars and workshops that improve your skills, while meeting other writers and connecting with people who share your passion for writing. To help you along the way, we have gathered for you the best writers’ conferences and workshops in 2026. You can use our filtering tool to find the ones that best suit your needs.
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 conference is all about writing and well-being. It is the 5th annual Conference on Writing and Well-Being to be held in-person in Tucson, Arizona at the University of Arizona. In addition to speeches by prominent figures, there will be 30+ concurrent sessions on topics ranging from writing assignments to mindfulness, meditation to well-being curricula, inhabiting writing to experiential learning via writing.
This year’s seminar marks the 43rd year of creating world-class literary programs 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.
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. Their faculty are three of the most experienced editors, mentors, poets, publisher, and spirit guides in the country: Jeffrey Levine, Publisher & Artistic Director of Tupelo Press, Kristina Marie Darling, Editor-in-Chief of Tupelo Press and Tupelo Quarterly, and Veronica Golos, Editor of 3:A Taos Press.
Winter Poetry & Prose Getaway
From $345
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.
During the conference, 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.
The annual Winter Conference for children’s book writers and illustrators is back! Highlights include: industry panels, one-on-one manuscript and portfolio critiques, the popular Portfolio Showcase for illustrators, deep-dive creative labs taught by established authors, illustrators, editors and art directors, and two brand new programs that give participants unprecedented access to the children’s publishing industry!
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.
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.
Colrain Cold Read
$700
Colrain Cold Read is an intimate, 5–6 poet one-day intensive built around an enactment of a real-time submission moment: a press editor reads your manuscript cold, in front of the small group, and thinks aloud—exactly as they would at their office desk. You’ll hear the real editorial questions (title/TOC, opening 5-10 pages, through-line, writing skill, structure, cohesiveness, style, etc), followed by concrete responses for all 5-6 manuscripts in the group as the editor responds to each, one by one. After the editor’s departure, a Colrain faculty member anchors interpretations and expectations so you leave with a realistic understanding of work to be done.
This virtual conference about the business of publishing is built for authors who are planning to publish their own work, who have published their own work, or who are working with a hybrid publisher.
The acclaimed Todos Santos Writers Workshop celebrates its 12th 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.
This is a special two-day online “How to Get Published” writing workshop. They’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.
This will be the 22th Celebration of Craft, Commerce, and Community for all writers. Attendees will join 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.
The IPNE 14th Annual Conference is a virtual gathering for independent publishers, self-published authors, and industry partners, featuring keynotes, workshops, and panels on publishing, marketing, visibility, and leveraging technology.
Big Sur Children’s Writers Workshops
From $1,600
This is an exclusive workshop for serious children’s book writers. Founded by Andrea Brown, Executive Director and President of the Andrea Brown Literary Agency, Inc. Through these personalized workshops, ABLA and publishing giants have had the good fortune to find new talent.
AWP Nonfiction Intensive
From $65
The AWP Conference & Bookfair is the essential gathering for writers, teachers, students, editors, and publishers. Join thousands of attendees, explore hundreds of events and exhibitors, and immerse in four days of vital literary community and celebration in Los Angeles!
This is a special two-day online “How to Get Published” writing workshop. They’ll discuss how to write queries and pitches, how to market yourself and your books, what makes an agent/editor stop reading your manuscript, and more.
This is a special two-day online “How to Get Published” writing workshop. They’ll discuss how to write queries and pitches, how to market yourself and your books, what makes an agent/editor stop reading your manuscript, and more.
UKLA National Conference
From £10
The UKLA National Conference is a professional gathering for educators, researchers, and literacy specialists. Through keynote talks, interactive workshops, and community discussions, it explores the evolving landscape of literacy and offers fresh insights into teaching and learning in a changing world.
The Writer Stuff Conference includes a sterling faculty of twelve writing and publishing professionals offering 30 events to enhance your writing skills and advance your marketing expertise.
This is a special one-day in-person “How to Get Published” writing workshop. They’ll discuss publishing opportunities, how to write queries and pitches, how to market yourself and your books, what makes an agent/editor stop reading your manuscript, and more.
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.
This is a special one-day in-person “How to Get Published” writing workshop. They’ll discuss publishing opportunities, how to write queries & pitches, how to market yourself and your books, what makes an agent/editor stop reading your manuscript, and more.
This is a special one-day in-person “How to Get Published” writing workshop. They’ll discuss publishing opportunities, how to write queries and pitches, how to market yourself and your books, what makes an agent/editor stop reading your manuscript, and more.
This is virtual conference for both amateur and professional writers. In addition to the keynote, there will be several other workshops, networking groups, faculty QA, time to meet with agents, editors and mentors, and fellowship time.
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, they will be bringing you a bigger programme of workshops this year.
Gotham Writers is a creative home in New York City and online where writers develop their craft and come together in the spirit of discovery and fellowship. They’ve been teaching creative writing since 1993.
This is a special ond-day, virtual “How to Get Published” writing workshop. They’ll discuss publishing opportunities, how to write queries and pitches, how to market yourself and your books, what makes an agent/editor stop reading your manuscript, and more.
This is a special one-day, in-person “How to Get Published” writing workshop. They’ll discuss publishing opportunities, how to write queries and pitches, how to market yourself and your books, what makes an agent/editor stop reading your manuscript, 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 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 workshop, known for its supportive, warm, positive atmosphere, attracts 350 writers from around the nation and beyond — and tends to sell out quickly.
This annual conference brings together undergraduate writers and poets from across North America and beyond to present their work and learn from some of the most important writers in contemporary literature.
This is a special one-day in-person “How to Get Published” writing workshop. They’ll discuss publishing opportunities, how to write queries and pitches, how to market yourself and your books, what makes an agent/editor stop reading your manuscript, and more.
The Power of Narrative Conference
$199-$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.
This year’s conference (featuring in-person and live streamed events) will cover different ways for thinking about story and story sharing, with a focus on social and environmental justice.
This is a special one-day in-person “How to Get Published” writing workshop. They’ll discuss publishing opportunities, how to write queries and pitches, how to market yourself and your books, what makes an agent/editor stop reading your manuscript, and more.
The Atlanta Self-Publishing Conference (ASPC) is dedicated to serving self-published authors and the independent publishing market. No matter whether you’re curious about the self-publishing market or you want to learn how to grow your independent author business, their conference will help you launch your career forward.
This is a special one-day “How to Get Published” writing workshop. They’ll discuss publishing opportunities, how to write queries and pitches, how to market yourself and your books, what makes an agent/editor stop reading your manuscript, and 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.
This is a special one-day “How to Get Published” writing workshop. They’ll discuss publishing opportunities, how to write queries and pitches, how to market yourself and your books, what makes an agent/editor stop reading your manuscript, and more.
This is a special one-day “How to Get Published” writing workshop. They’ll discuss publishing opportunities, how to write queries and pitches, how to market yourself and your books, what makes an agent/editor stop reading your manuscript, and more.
The Liberty States Fiction Writers 14th 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.
This is a special one-day “How to Get Published” writing workshop. They’ll discuss publishing opportunities, how to write queries and pitches, how to market yourself and your books, what makes an agent/editor stop reading your manuscript, and more.
This is a special one-day “How to Get Published” writing workshop. They’ll discuss publishing opportunities, how to write queries and pitches, how to market yourself and your books, what makes an agent/editor stop reading your manuscript, and more.
This is a special one-day “How to Get Published” writing workshop. They’ll discuss publishing opportunities, how to write queries and pitches, how to market yourself and your books, what makes an agent/editor stop reading your manuscript, and more.
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.
Festival of Faith & Writing
From $25
The CCFW capitalizes on the rich heritage of the long-running Festival, expanding the conversations that often begin there into additional educational opportunities, deeper community engagement, and sustained scholarship for readers of all ages.
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.
This is a special one-day “How to Get Published” writing workshop. They’ll discuss publishing opportunities, how to write queries and pitches, how to market yourself and your books, what makes an agent/editor stop reading your manuscript, and more.
Poetry At Round Up Festival
From $25
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.
Pikes Peak Writers Conference
$499-$505
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.
This is a special one-day “How to Get Published” writing workshop. They’ll discuss publishing opportunities, how to write queries and pitches, how to market yourself and your books, what makes an agent/editor stop reading your manuscript, and more.
ASJA’s Annual Conference offers writers an extraordinary opportunity to navigate the world of independent journalism. With more than 50 writing workshops, panel discussions, training sessions, and other events. You’ll be introduced to editors, learn valuable skills, as well as how to fight back against the threats facing journalists today.
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. 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 for three days of inspiration, education and networking at the Nebraska Writers Guild Conference. They offer a diverse range of classes and workshops that cater to all aspects of the writing world. It’s also a wonderful way to connect with fellow authors for networking.
This is a special one-day “How to Get Published” writing workshop. They’ll discuss publishing opportunities, how to write queries and pitches, how to market yourself and your books, what makes an agent/editor stop reading your manuscript, and more.
PPN Conference
TBA
PPNCON2026 is the Publishing Professionals Network’s annual conference, focused on professional development, networking, and industry trends in publishing. It’s designed as a gathering for editors, designers, production specialists, and other publishing professionals to share knowledge, explore new tools, and strengthen community connections.
This is a special one-day “How to Get Published” writing workshop. They’ll discuss publishing opportunities, how to write queries and pitches, how to market yourself and your books, what makes an agent/editor stop reading your manuscript, and more.
This is a special one-day “How to Get Published” writing workshop. They’ll discuss publishing opportunities, how to write queries and pitches, how to market yourself and your books, what makes an agent/editor stop reading your manuscript, and more.
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.
Atlanta Writers Conference
From $60
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.
This is a special one-day “How to Get Published” writing workshop. They’ll discuss publishing opportunities, how to write queries and pitches, how to market yourself and your books, what makes an agent/editor stop reading your manuscript, and more.
This is a special one-day “How to Get Published” writing workshop. They’ll discuss publishing opportunities, how to write queries and pitches, how to market yourself and your books, what makes an agent/editor stop reading your manuscript, and more.
Thrillerfest
TBA
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.
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.
This is a special one-day “How to Get Published” writing workshop. They’ll discuss publishing opportunities, how to write queries and pitches, how to market yourself and your books, what makes an agent/editor stop reading your manuscript, and more.
This is a special one-day “How to Get Published” writing workshop. They’ll discuss publishing opportunities, how to write queries and pitches, how to market yourself and your books, what makes an agent/editor stop reading your manuscript, and more.
This is a special one-day “How to Get Published” writing workshop. They’ll discuss publishing opportunities, how to write queries and pitches, how to market yourself and your books, what makes an agent/editor stop reading your manuscript, and more.
Longleaf Writers Conference
$1,699
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 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.
Storymakers Conference
$205-$305
The Storymakers Guild is a community built by writers for writers. They created the Storymakers Conference with the goal of providing education, support, and a welcoming community for writers at all skill levels and on all publishing paths. Each year they celebrate the accomplishments of the writers in the community at the Whitney Awards Gala.
Featuring hands-on sessions, in-depth workshops, and the in-person magic you can’t duplicate on Zoom, IBPA Publishing University 2026 will empower you and your publishing program!
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.
The 39th Annual Pennwriters Conference features three days of workshops, panels, and networking to help you take your writing from concept to finished project — no matter what that finished project is. All three days feature an open attendance slate of one-hour workshops on all things writing. Simply take whichever classes best fit your writing needs. The pre-conference intensive on Thursday features an all-day session with the author of over 70 books, Susan Meier.
Write Now!
$119
TAF is committed to educating, mentoring and promoting both aspiring and established writers by connecting them with fellow writers and the vital resources and services available to them. TAF advocates for fair compensation of writers and content creators, as well as the ongoing professional development of those in the writing profession. To those ends, TAF hosts monthly meetings featuring guest speakers presenting on a diverse array of topics, and presents an annual writers conference each spring.
The 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.
Poetry by the Sea is a Global Conference that has been created in the spirit of beginning afresh. The conference will literally take place by the sea, in an awe-inspiring landscape, and at Mercy by the Sea, a beautiful retreat center. You will find workshops, seminars, and panels in areas such as craft, subject/topic, and global issues.
The Asian Festival of Children’s Content (AFCC) is the leading festival in Asia for children’s stories and young adult (YA) fiction. Targeted at writers, illustrators, translators, publishers, educators and media professionals, AFCC offers a series of exciting programmes, including panel discussions, presentations, workshops, lectures, masterclasses, networking sessions and public programmes that promote the creation and appreciation of quality children’s literature and YA with a focus on Asian themes.
The Martha’s Vineyard Summer Writers’ Conference brings together writers from around the world with the central belief that we can all learn from one another. Their program offers week-long classes on the craft of fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction, evening readings, panel discussions, and individualized manuscript sessions. Attendees study with award-winning visiting authors and poets and celebrate writing on the beautiful island of Martha’s Vineyard.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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”.
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.
Lit Camp Conference
From $1,595
Lit Camp was founded in 2012 to help writers get their books into the world. Since that time, many of Lit Campers have gotten book deals from major publishers and published their books.
The Martha’s Vineyard Summer Writers’ Conference brings together writers from around the world with the central belief that we can all learn from one another. Their program offers week-long classes on the craft of fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction, evening readings, panel discussions, and individualized manuscript sessions. Attendees study with award-winning visiting authors and poets and celebrate writing on the beautiful island of Martha’s Vineyard.
Bread Loaf Translators’ Conference
$2,525-2,915
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
$2,525-2,915
The 12th 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.
Join a community of writers, improve your craft, and reimagine how you think about nature. Guided by award-winning instructors, the Orion Environmental Writers’ Workshop provides an intimate space to connect with writers, artists, and editors, spark creativity, and renew, illuminate, and deepen your relationship with place. This week-long workshop is cosponsored by the Omega Center for Sustainable Living.
The Chicago’s Writers Conference is an annual event that provides a platform for writers to connect, learn, and grow. The conference offers a variety of events, including keynote speeches, panel discussions, master classes, pitch sessions with agents/publishers, and live lit.
This is a special one-day in-person “How to Get Published” writing workshop. They’ll discuss publishing opportunities, how to write queries & pitches, how to market yourself and your books, what makes an agent/editor stop reading your manuscript, and more.
Juniper Summer Writing Institute
From $1,300
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.
Recognized as one of the nation’s top literary gatherings, Summer Words is a six-day celebration of words, stories, and ideas held annually in an idyllic Rocky Mountain setting. Each year, Summer Words brings together an exceptional community of writers, faculty, and literary professionals for workshops, panels, readings, and conversations.
The Chuckanut Writers Conference is an annual conference that aims to inspire and empower writers of various genres and levels of experience. It is presented by Whatcom Community College and Village Books in Bellingham, Washington.
The WLT’s Agents & Editors Conference is one of the nation’s premier conferences for writers. Every year, they bring together nationally-known literary agents and book editors and other industry professionals with writers at all stages of the writing process for a weekend of conversation and community around the craft of writing and the practical steps toward publication.
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.
The DISQUIET International Literary Program is a two-week program that brings writers from North America and from around the world together with Portuguese writers in the heart of Lisbon for intensive workshops in the art and craft of writing.
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.
The Creativity Workshop in Florence will help you become more creative in your personal and professional life. Many techniques will be used in creative writing memoir, art, photography, storytelling, mapmaking, mindfulness and guided visualization to help you explore your inner creativity.
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. 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.
The Canterbury Arts Conference welcomes artists in all disciplines and media, academics and students, historians, and other professionals. Participants have the opportunity to share and publish research and network with peers. The conference includes creative writing and visual art workshops, as well as presentations of art in a variety of media.
The RWA Annual Conference brings together romance writers for inspiring workshops, agent pitch sessions, networking, book signings, and award celebrations—all designed to spark creativity, sharpen craft, and connect the community.
The Imaginarium Convention is a multi‑genre creative conference in Louisville, KY. It brings together writers, filmmakers, game developers, artists, musicians, poets, cosplayers, and fans for three days of panels, workshops, an expo, a film festival, awards, live entertainment, and more, all celebrating the art of storytelling across genres.
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 Macondo Writers Workshop is an association of socially-engaged writers working to advance creativity, foster generosity, and serve the community. Founded in 1995 by poet and writer Sandra Cisneros and named after the town in Gabriel García Marquez’s One Hundred Years of Solitude, the workshop gathers writers from all genres who work on geographic, cultural, economic, gender, and spiritual borders.
Writer’s Digest Conference
From $549
Writer’s Digest Annual Conference offers everything you need to advance your writing career creatively and professionally. Gain invaluable tips to improve your craft, explore publishing options and learn how to establish a sustainable career—all while being inspired by successful authors and your fellow attendees. It’s all brought to you by Writer’s Digest, the experts at nurturing and developing writers at every stage of their career for over 100 years.
The Taos Writers Conference, organized by SOMOS, is an annual event held in Taos, New Mexico. It offers a range of workshops, intensives, and roundtable discussions for writers of all genres, including poetry, memoir, prose fiction, and publishing. The conference features keynote readings, faculty readings, and lunch roundtable discussions with local experts.
Confluence–SFF
$65
The Confluence conference has been an annual event since 1988. It’s held in Pittsburgh, PA, and focuses on science fiction, fantasy, and horror literature and art. The event includes panel discussions, talks, poetry readings, filk concerts, and a video room, among other activities.
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 Napa Valley Writers’ Conference 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.”
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 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 99th 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.
Killer Nashville is an international writers’ conference focused on mystery, thriller, suspense, and crime-related genres, designed to connect authors with agents, editors, forensic experts, and fans while offering intensive workshops, panels, and networking opportunities.
Romance Writers of Australia
From $790
The RWAus 2026 Conference, themed Romance Queens of the Desert, is the Romance Writers of Australia’s annual gathering, designed to inspire, educate, and connect romance writers through workshops, plenary sessions, networking, and social events.
This conference aims to inspire fresh intellectual and artistic engagement with a range of relevant texts, while extending ongoing experimentations in western literature and transcending the boundaries of literary genres and temporal contexts.
Since 1955, writers in the NW have been dedicated to helping writers connect to other writers, publishers, agents, and editors across the country. 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.
This conference aims to gather readers and writers of all genre fiction; including mystery, suspense, romance, thriller, horror, sci-fi, fantasy and paranormal, etc.
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.
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.
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.
Writing Sisters Summit in the Hills
From $1,825
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.
The Iota Short Forms Conference at Cobscook Institute is a generative writing gathering focused on short prose—flash fiction, essays, prose poems, micro nonfiction, and more—designed to help writers experiment across genres, share work, and receive feedback in a supportive environment.
The Women Writing the West Annual Conferenc features 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.
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.
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.
Surrey International Writers Conference
From $665
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.
The AMWA Medical Writing & Communication Conference is the leading annual event for medical communicators, offering workshops, networking, and awards that help professionals sharpen skills, connect with peers, and advance their careers. It also highlights emerging trends in health communication, giving attendees the tools to stay current in a rapidly evolving field.
Whether you’re just starting to write or already in the publishing process, these conferences can open new doors for you as a writer. They offer chances to learn, grow, and meet people who share your passion. Select the writers’ conference that matches your interests and start your writing journey the right way.
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How to Write an Author Bio Like a Pro (+5 Examples from Published Authors)
Before someone even reads a line of your book, they might glance at your author bio to see who’s behind the pages. So, how do you make sure it sounds like you, and actually makes people want to read more? That’s what we’re here to help with. We’ll walk you through how to write an author bio that has readers coming back for your future books.
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How to Write a Book Dedication that Readers Will Remember
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Book Metadata 101: Everything You Need to Know
What is book metadata, you might ask? Well, it’s a list of useful information about your book, and it’s easy to fill out. However, it’s crucial that you enter accurate data so that it would be easier for readers to find your book. So in this article, we’re going to explain everything you need to know about book metadata. Better yet, we’ll show you how to add it to your book in just a few minutes!
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How to Sell Audiobooks in 2025: A Complete Beginner’s Guide
Stepping into the audiobook market isn’t just about creating an engaging recording; it’s also about understanding how to price, publish, and market your work effectively. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to sell audiobooks successfully, from production tools to distribution platforms and marketing strategies.
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