If you’re on the hunt for the best publishing conference, you’ve come to the right place. Attending events is a great idea for networking as an author, but finding the right author conference isn’t always easy.
While there are a lot of events for writers across the world, author-focused events can help you accelerate your career.
This article will walk you through all of the different publishing conferences out there so you can find the best fit for you. It is divided into three main types of publishing conferences: general conferences, conferences for indie authors, and specialty conferences based on genre.
Keep in mind, the times and locations of these publishing conferences may change for various reasons, so always be sure to check the website for accurate information.
Best Publishing Conferences — General Events
1. Author Advantage Live
When: August 1st – 3rd
Where: Online
Author Advantage Live is an annual publishing conference hosted by Self Publishing School. This live event focuses on topics for authors such as: publishing a book, selling more books, growing your brand, and growing your business on the backend of your book.
It appeals to both fiction and nonfiction, so almost any author in any genre can learn something new and fresh to bring into their careers.
Related: Ready for Author Advantage Live? Here’s How to Win Big
2. Blue Ridge Writers’ Conference
When: April 5th and 6th
Where: Blue Ridge, Georgia
The Blue Ridge Writers’ Conference offers a space for writers and authors to learn how to put together a first novel and begin to market yourself in your niche. For authors who want to focus on writing, this event also offers writing workshops so you can put pen to paper with other like-minded professionals.
For any authors with a manuscript, this publishing conference also offers the unique option of having your manuscript critiqued. They offer it on a first-come, first-served basis, so be sure to grab your spot ahead.
3. Murphy Writing Publishing Workshop
When: Annually in February
Where: Online
If you’re looking to meet fellow authors and get a boost in your career as an author, the Murphy Writing Publishing Workshop might be a perfect fit.
This publishing conference will guide you along the path from a blank page to a fully published book. If you’ve been nervous to pitch or unsure of how the whole process works, this workshop will illuminate the entire path. You’ll also learn how to submit your manuscript and you’ll leave with a full plan to start your career.
4. Southern California Writers’ Conference
When: February 14th – 16th
Where: San Diego, California
The Southern California Writers’ Conference has helped facilitate over $4 million worth of first-time authors’ books and screen deals.
As an event that has gone on for over 36 years in a row, this is one of the biggest publishing conferences you could attend as an author. It’s a great event for both new and veteran authors alike to get feedback, network with professionals, and learn all the things that could impact your career.
5. Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference
When: August 14th – 24th
Where: Middlebury, Vermont
The Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference brings together successful writers, including winners of the Pulitzer Prize and National Book Awards. This is a long, in-depth conference that spans over 10 days so you can get deep on all book-related topics you could possibly need.
The main focus on this publishing conference is on workshops that have a handful of people so you can write, work on your plot, or anything else you need to put your book together.
Related: Why You Need an Online Writing Community (and How to Find One!)
6. ASJA Annual Conference
When: Annually in June
Where: Jersey City, New Jersey
The ASJA Annual Conference brings together journalists and authors for a two-day event to meet one-on-one with editors, content managers, literary agents, publishers, and more.
Each conference generally has 100+ speakers with 30+ panels and sessions.
7. The Greater Los Angeles Writers Conference
When: Annually in July
Where: Los Angeles, California
The Greater Los Angeles Writers Conference offers a unique conference experience due to offering different “tracks” depending on where you are in your career.
The three tracks offered include Aspiring, Active, and Accomplished. This way, you can get tips and advice specifically for your experience and your current situation.
Best Publishing Conferences For Indie Authors
8. The Self-Publishing Advice Conference
When: October 19th and 20th
Where: Online
The Self-Publishing Advice Conference, or what they call #SelfPubCon brings a wide variety of experts in self-publishing to help authors navigate the unique challenges of being an indie author.
Over the course of 24 hours, 24 different sessions are streamed so you can learn everything you need to and also participate in giveaways, interviews, panel sessions, debates, and more. The main focus is workshops, so you can hammer out your manuscript and get the feedback you need.
9. Writers Digest Conference
When: October 17th – 20th
Where: Cincinatti, Ohio
The Writers Digest Conference is brought to you by Writer’s Digest, which is one of the biggest resources for writers. This author conference is designed to help you improve your craft and create a sustainable writing career. There are a ton of authors who are speakers brought on to share their tips and experience.
There is also a famous Pitch Slam, where you are able to pitch your book directly to agents.
Specialty Author Events
10. Imaginarium Convention
When: July 19 – 21st
Where: Louisville, KY
For any fantasy writers, you won’t want to miss the Imaginarium Convention. This three-day event offers 130 panels covering all levels of storytelling, writing, and also a Comicon convention.
Tons of fantasy authors are brought on for the speaking events to talk about their careers, advice for other authors, and other topics.
11. Futurescapes
When: Annually, 4 different dates
Where: Salt Lake City, Utah
Futurescapes is a specialty book conference for authors in speculative fiction (science fiction, horror, fantasy, paranormal). It mostly offers a workshop, which gives writers a chance to work directly with successful authors to work on their writing and improve their craft.
They offer separate seasonal workshops with different themes, so check out the website to see which workshop is best for you!
12. Killer Nashville
When: August 22nd – 25th
Where: Nashville, Tennessee
If you’re an author who loves to write books that include mystery, thriller, horror, or suspense, Killer Nashville is an author conference you won’t want to miss.
Not only do you get to meet with fellow writers, but there are also forensic experts so you can include correct information inside of your book as it relates to crime. Yes, that means there are mock crime scenes where experts and law enforcement professionals can walk you through scenes so your book is as accurate as possible.
13. Romance Writers of America
When: Annually in July
Where: Austin, Texas
The Romance Writers of America conference brings together romance writers together to celebrate their specialty and to meet fellow authors.
If you’re a current or aspiring romance writer, this book conference is your chance to learn from others in your genre and meet successful authors as well.
Looking for more book conferences?
If you’re looking for general writing conferences, you’ll want to check out our other post on the best writers conferences!