How would you like to attend the best writing conferences for authors this year?
Writing conferences can be some of the best investments to make in your writing career. And guess what? There are plenty of writing conferences for authors in North America taking place all year round.
Now you might be thinking…but, I haven’t written a book yet. Shouldn’t I become a published author first?
The good news: No, you just have to love writing books and be willing to improve your craft.
Writing conferences have something for every type of writer—fiction, nonfiction, memoir writing, or children’s books—there are writing conferences for everyone! You just have to do the research and find the writing conferences that best fit your specific needs, location, and price.
Writing conferences and workshops are available in most cities across North America and you can find one near you to attend this year.
What Are Writing Conferences?
Writing conferences are meetings of authors, writers, and publishing professionals to discuss particular topics or themes and network within the writing and publishing industry. Writing conferences are typically organized annually and will cover an in-depth agenda featuring experts to share knowledge on particular topics for authors to improve their craft.
Writing conferences can be hosted according to specific subjects, writing niches, or genres, or they can be targeted toward the broad writing and publishing industry. Attendees can network with peers, industry experts, and professionals who provide author services, such as publishing agents, book editors, and illustrators.
Depending on which area of expertise interests you, there are a variety of writing conferences offered throughout the world.
How to Choose the Best Writing Conferences
With so many options available, it can be hard to narrow down which writing conferences are the best fit for you.
The writing conferences you choose to attend will depend on several factors. These author events are held all over North America throughout the year, so finding a workshop or conference to join is easy. It’s just a matter of deciding which writing conferences are the right choice for your needs.
Choose the best writing conference for your author career…
Here are some things to consider when deciding on writing conferences:
Experience Level as a Writer or Author
Are you just beginning your author journey? Or, have you been writing for years with multiple books published? Depending where you’re at in the process will influence the type of writing conferences and related workshops to attend.
Geographical Location of the Writers Conference
The location of the writing conferences have a lot to do with your choice of event. Local events are ideal for time and travel expenses. Writing conferences located further away could still be a worthy investment if you don’t mind traveling.
Topics Covered at the Writing Conferences
Are you a mystery thriller novelist? Writing a memoir? Focusing on improving your literary voice? You might consider the Writing Day Workshops as the best choice for writing conferences.
Cost to Attend the Authors Event
The prices of writing conferences vary but you can find some great deals with each event. Depending on where the event is held you may have to pay for your air travel and hotel. Events held in large chain hotels often have a deal with the hotel to provide a discounted rate to conference participants.
Event Size
Do you prefer a huge gathering of authors, such as the 12,000+ participants that attend the Association of Writers and Writing programs every year? Or, something smaller scale that runs for a longer period like the Sewanee Writers Conference.
Now that you know how to narrow down the writing conferences, here are the writing conferences I recommend in 2024:
1. Author Advantage Live Virtual Experience
The Author Advantage Live conference from Self-Publishing School tops our lists of writing conferences because it’s truly a one-of-a-kind experience, tailored to the demands of today’s digital author (and those aspiring to be!).
And this year, they’re going VIRTUAL, so you can attend from anywhere in the world and from the comfort of your own home—and for CHEAPER than ever before!
It’s less focused on improving your writing craft and more focused on helping you build your platform, audience, and impact through your book.
If you’re an aspiring author, published author (of both nonfiction and/or fiction), or an entrepreneur, this event is for you.
This writer’s conference is an intensive event for action-takers, no matter what stage of your career you’re in.
Whether you’re speaking, coaching, or building your dream as a career author, you’ll have the chance to bring your critical questions about self-publishing to the experts on site ready to help you start your book publishing journey.
The event is broken up into a series of workshops covering these topics:
- Day 1 – Crafting your message and identifying your audience
- Day 2 – How to sell your first 10,000+ book copies
- Day 3 – How to build a business on the back-end of your book
Previous speakers include: John Maxwell, author of 83 books and the world-renown leadership expert; Hal Elrod, international bestselling author of The Miracle Morning; Chandler Bolt, bestselling author and CEO of Self-Publishing School; Dave Chesson, founder of Kindlepreneur and Publisher Rocket, Ashley Crouch, founder of Appleseed Communications, and more!
This event is slated as one of the best and most anticipated author events of the year.
Location: Virtual
When: August 1st-3rd
Website: Author Advantage Live
2. San Francisco Writers Conference
The SFWC is a 4-day long writer’s conference held in February that targets mainly fiction and nonfiction authors. It is made up of freelance writers, indie authors, editors, agents, and keynote presenters.
All this talent is combined to bring the best to the publishing world to support authors everywhere to write, publish, and thrive as authors.
If is one of the writing conferences where you can join multiple panels that include how to write a book, pitch a book proposal, turn your blog into a book, or master the art of character dialogue.
This conference is great fun and very rewarding for all of the writers and book publishing associations that attend. A definite blend of art, culture and relationship-building.
Who Is This For: Writers looking to make those critical connections for their writing at writing conferences. Or you want to take part in one of many panels available to boost your writing and publishing skills.
Location: Hyatt Regency, San Francisco, CA.
When: February 15th-18th
Website: https://sfwriters.org/
Contact: [email protected]
3. San Miguel Writers Conference and Literary Festival
In a town that has been a gathering place for artists and writers since the 1930s, San Miguel de Allende (a small town in Mexico) is the perfect place for writing conferences.
This annual event has a strong tie to culture as the town is a boiling pot for artists, writers, and performers. The event hosts 12 master classes with over 750 participants, not to mention another 10,000 seats taken in attendance of the conference at eight main stage ballroom events.
The event is heavily focused on building relationships with the community, networking, and cultural exchange of thousands of people from all over. The event takes place over the course of 5+ days and hosts a variety of keynote speakers and workshops.
Location: San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
When: February 19th-23rd
Website: https://sanmiguelwritersconference.org/
Contact: via the site
4. Romance Writers of America Annual Conference
If you are a romance author, then this is the conference to end all writing conferences. Every year Romance Writers of America puts on a conference for romance authors across the nation.
Romance Writers of America (RWA) is a nonprofit trade association whose mission is to increase public awareness of the romance genre and advance the careers of romance writers. At their annual writing conferences, you can meet and mingle with budding and successful romance authors, and attend workshops and events to boost your career.
Location: Austin, Texas.
When: July 31st – August 3rd
Website: https://www.rwa.org/Online/Events/RWA_Conference/Online/Events/Conferences
Contact: [email protected]
5. Santa Barbara Writers Conference
Established in 1972, the elite Santa Barbara Writers Conference is one intense-filled week of mingling with authors and publishing professionals.
Taking place in none other than Santa Barbara, this is one of the writing conferences where participants can engage in lectures, workshops, and informal conversation about writing style, craft, networking, and anything related to book publishing.
What can you expect at the Santa Barbara Writers Conference?
According to the schedule for June, you can expect to take part in:
- 6 evening keynotes by well-known authors
- One-on-one manuscript consultation
- 6 days of workshops led by professional authors
- Poolside cocktail reception (Nice!]
- One week of networking and making friends
- Book signings and mingling with famous authors
The full week costs $899 or $199 for a single day. Not to mention, Santa Barbara is not a bad place to hang out for the week.
Location: Santa Barbara
When: June 9th-14th
Website: https://www.sbwriters.com/
Contact: [email protected]
6. Sewanee Writers’ Conference
The Sewanee Writers Conference is an extensive 12-day retreat that takes place in July in Sewanee, Tennessee, at The University of the South.
What do attendees do for 12 days at writing conferences?
The event is based on a workshop model and each participant is assigned to a workshop that is led by two faculty members. Workshops meet five times, on alternating days, to form the core of the 12-day program.
Faculty members will choose pieces of participants’ manuscripts for consideration in the workshop setting. However, rather than developing new material, attendees are encouraged to finish the work they submitted for review and commentary.
This is a fully immersed workshop that is highly focused on developing writing skills and confidence as a writer. The workshops and presentations are usually led by a distinguished group of writers, critics, and agents.
With a workshop this long (12 days, remember) the University does offer room and board (single or double dormitory rooms) which is a nice bonus and is included in the cost of the conference fee. University buildings are accessible for people with disabilities and parking spaces are available with reservation for their writing conferences.
Another bonus of this conference is participants receive assistance covering two-thirds of the actual cost to attend, thanks to a memorial fund set up by Walter E. Dakin.
The biggest challenge would be convincing your employer you have to take two weeks off work to attend writing conferences!
Location: Sewanee, Tennessee
When: July 16th-28th
Website: https://sewaneewriters.org/conference/
Contact: [email protected] or 931-598-1654
7. Writer’s Digest Annual Conference
The annual Writer’s Digest Annual Conference is a heavy-hitter when it comes to author events. If there is any event of the year you can get to, this should be at the top of your list of writing conferences in addition to Author Advantage Live.
This event focuses in on advancing your career as an author to turn your passion for writing into a business. The event covers a wide range of topics that includes:
- Building a sustainable writing career
- Promotion and marketing tactics
- Developing an author brand
- The business of Traditional and self-publishing
- Mastering the writing craft
Educational workshops are led by industry experts in book publishing with dozens of writers, editors, and publishing experts available to discuss your questions about writing and publishing that next bestseller.
The Legendary Pitch Slam
You can participate in the Pitch Slam, a rare opportunity to pitch your idea directly to agents and editors who are always on the lookout for good talent. The experts provide feedback on the best way to deliver a pitch so you can refine and improve your sales pitch. Each pitch typically lasts three minutes, and includes your 90-second pitch and a 90-second response from the agent/editor with feedback.
This great opportunity could get your foot in the door of a big publisher, land the deal of a lifetime, or put you in contact with the right agent who can best represent your work.
You can register here for the Writer’s Digest Annual Conference.
Location: New York City
When: August
Website: https://writersdigestconference.com/
Contact: [email protected]
8. Writing Day Workshops
This is a one-stop workshop that includes everything from talking to literary agents to writing your book and marketing for publication. The Writing Day Workshops are full-day “How to Get Published” writing events that happen across the United States throughout the year. If you struggle to make it to any of the location-specific events, the Writing Day Workshops is a great alternative.
With locations in California, Ohio, Florida, New York, Colorado, Ontario (Canada), Indiana, Arizona, Texas, Kentucky, Michigan, Oklahoma, Missouri, and Georgia, you can certainly find something to get to on a 1-2 hour plane ride. Check the calendar for a complete list of all their dates updated monthly.
Here is a breakdown of the workshop themes that may be held depending on the event:
- How to Market Yourself and Your Books: Author Platform & Social Media Explained
- How to Get Published in Literary Magazines
- How to Self-Edit Your Manuscript
- Everything You Need to Know About Agents, Queries & Pitching
- Your Publishing Options
The workshops are led by accomplished authors, editors, and marketing pros in the publishing industry so you are getting the best instruction from professionals working in the business.
Literary agents are on-site at each event to answer your questions about publishing and, you can practice delivering your pitch to a real editor or agent and receive individual feedback.
Location: Across the USA
When: All year round
Website: http://www.writingdayworkshops.com/
Contact: [email protected]
9. Middlebury Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference
One of the oldest writing conferences in the United States, The Bread Loaf had its beginnings from 1926. In fact, one of the writers who founded the conference was none other than Robert Frost himself.
Hailed as a literary summer camp in the Green Mountains of Ripton, Vermont, the Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference runs for a total of 10 days. The conference is made up of a diverse combination of workshops including fiction, nonfiction, and poetry leading the way.
The conference is hosted and instructed by faculty members whose lectures focus on special writing and certain aspects of the writing craft. Participants also have the chance to meet with experienced editors, literary agents, and publishers who provide information and answer questions.
This conference is not for lightweights. It is a serious dive into the literary world with thousands of applicants per year and only about 250 are selected. Many participants go on to achieve literary success and recognition, and others pass on their experiences at Bread Loaf to their own writing students.
The big difference with the Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference and other author events is that the focus is not on actual writing during the retreat. The retreat is set up for learning and not on-site writing. Participants are encouraged to take what they learn in the workshops and write at home.
The Bread Loaf Society has an additional three conferences that run and they are:
- Bread Loaf Environmental Writers’ Conference
- Bread Loaf Translators’ Conference
- Bread Loaf in Sicily
Location: Bread Loaf Campus of Middlebury College in Ripton, Vermont.
When: August 14th-24th
Website: https://www.middlebury.edu/bread-loaf-conferences/program
Contact: [email protected]
10. AWP: Association of Writers and Writing Programs
Every year over 12,000 participants take part in one of the biggest author events of the year—the AWP, Association of Writers and Writing programs. AWP is now listed as the largest literary conference in North America.
The annual AWP Conference and Bookfair is a must-go-to destination for writers, editors, and publishing experts from all over the nation. The event hosts over 2000 presenters, 550 readings, panels, and craft lectures.
If you are looking to be part of the biggest event of the year, the AWP is one that you need to experience at least once in a lifetime.
Location: Kansas City, Missouri.
When: February 7th-10th
Website: https://www.awpwriter.org/awp_conference/
Contact: [email protected] or events@awpwriter.org
11. SleuthFest
You are a thriller writer who writes mystery, suspense, and edge-of-the-seat stories! That is why the SleuthFest Annual Conference is the perfect event for you. Sponsored by the Florida Chapter of Mystery Writers of America, this is an annual event that takes place in Florida and runs for four days.
This conference includes writing and marketing workshops, networking events, and pitch sessions where you can practice your pitch with agents and editors. There are multiple workshops taking place throughout the day.
The workshops are very dynamic and dive into specific topics for mystery/thriller writers.
Workshops themes include:
- The elements of the private investigator
- Plotting basics for your novel
- The book business and how it can work for you
- The writer’s pathway
- From crime to conviction
- Medical treatment in fiction
You get the idea. Great workshops for the serious-minded thriller writer who needs training in tech writing or developing craft. This event has everything you could hope for.
The conference also includes:
- Critiques of your 25-page manuscript submission
- Social events to mingle with agents and favorite authors
- Agent & Editor strategy sessions for your work-in-progress
- Agent & Editor Appointments to pitch your finished work
- A forensic track with current forensic techniques & hands-on workshops / Yes, you get the chance to try your hat at actual forensic work. For me, this alone would be worth joining!
Location: Hilton Bayfront in St. Petersburg, Florida
When: September 26th-29th
Website: https://sleuthfest.com/
Contact: [email protected]
12. Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers Conference
One of the best writers conferences to join in 2024 is the Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers Conference. If you are a fiction author, you can enjoy keynote presentations from regional authors, literary agents, and editors. You can also experience pitching opportunities, learn market insights and trends, and can feedback on your manuscript feedback. And of course, there is plenty of opportunity for networking!
Location: Denver, Colorado
When: September 27th – 29th
Website: https://rmfw.org/conference/
13. Kauai Writers Conference
The Kauai Writers Conference offers two fantastic sessions with a truly impressive faculty with names like Meg Wolitzer, Billy Collins, and Lauren Groff. There are 20 Master Classes from November 11th – 14th and then a writing conference from November 15th – 17th.
This tropical writing conference will include panels on the craft and business of writing, publishing industry consultation, agent pitch sessions, and more.
Location: Lihue, Kauai
When: November 11th – 17th
Website: https://kauaiwritersconference.com/
Contact: [email protected]
14. Killer Nashville
Are you a thriller or crime author? Then Killer Nashville is one of the writing conferences you need to make it to this year! The conference will have over 150 presentations with crime-related topics such as law enforcement, government agencies, romantic suspense, CIA intrigue, and more.
Location: Nashville, Tennessee
When: August 22nd – 25th
Website: https://www.killernashville.com/
15. Midwest Writers Workshop
Last but not least of our writing conferences to attend in 2024 is the Midwest Writers Workshop. This conference offers sessions and panels on a wide range of topics and covering multiple genres, so there is something for every author. This year, their keynote speakers are Tamara Winfrey-Harris and Jane Friedman.
If you are near the area, give this one a go!
Location: Muncie, Indiana
When: July 11th – 13th
Website: https://www.midwestwriters.org/mww24-summer-conference/
Preparing for Your Writing Conferences
If you are going to attend an author’s event, you want to be fully prepared so when you meet people, you know what to say, and what to give away.
If you are getting ready for an author event, do you have copies of your published book ready? Can you pitch your book idea in a way that it gets people charged up?
Ideally, the best things you can bring to writing conferences are the obvious: an intriguing pitch, a synopsis of your book, and the first chapter (or short sample) of your writing.
If you haven’t published a book yet, you should prepare for everything you need to get published. Be ready to connect with agents and literary pros who can help you to get your book written, packaged, and to market.
Here are some tips on how to prepare for your writing conferences:
- Bring a business card: You’re not published yet but you want to make connections. You can get a simple card made up with your contact info. I’ve met lots of people over the years where I was caught off guard by NOT having that card ready.
- Bring copies of your book [10 paperbacks at least]. If you are published, have copies of your book on hand. You’ll wish you did when someone asks “What is your book about?”
- Prepare a pitch of your manuscript.
- Research everything about the conference. Who will be there? Who do you want to meet? How will you approach that agent or publisher?
- Leave imposter syndrome at the door. One of the biggest challenges that sticks to many future authors, and even seasoned authors, is that lingering feeling of, “What am I doing here? I’m not a writer?” With this mindset, it will derail you from making positive contacts or approaching anyone at all. Writer or not, you didn’t sign up for an author event because you had nothing better to do. You are there for a reason. Now dance.
Top Reasons to Attend Writing Conferences
You know why you want to join a writer’s event…to become a prolific author and sell thousands of books around the world. Or, meet up with that book agent who has taken an interest in your story and is prepared to pitch it to one of the big 5 publishers.
But if you’re having a hard time justifying the exact reasons why attending writing conferences will be a good investment, we’ve compiled a list of important reasons to consider.
Writing conferences or author events should be a definite YES if you get the opportunity to join. As we will see, there are plenty of good reasons to sign up for an event.
As an aspiring or already published author, you should be attending at least one event a year, if not more.
Even if you haven’t published a book yet but are in the middle of a great outline, joining a live event could be the magic sauce to make that happen.
Here are nine reasons why you should attend writing conferences:
You Can Connect With Professional Authors
Writing can be a lonely profession. You sit alone for hours a day typing up [or transcribing] material for your book. You might go days without really talking to anyone, which is not recommended. Get out of the house and get connected!
One of the best reasons for signing up for a live author conference is, it puts you in immediate contact with writers just like you.
Everyone has a story to tell. Joining the conference allows you to connect with people one on one, share your story, and get reassurance that you are not alone. You are on the right path.
You can get reassurance that writing a book is awesome and there is nothing else you’d rather be doing with your valuable time. You’ll have the chance to hang out with other writers going through the same fears, uncertainty and, of course, excitement to be part of such an event. You can even network with authors to get support in your publishing endeavors. Who knows, you may even meet a friendly author who is willing to provide an editorial review, which can be powerful for showcasing on your book’s back cover, and on websites like your Amazon Author Central page.
Opportunity is in Abundance at Author Events
You meet amateur and professional authors at events. This is fantastic and very motivating. But there are also big opportunities to hook up with literary agents.
What is a literary agent?
Someone very important who usually represents a publishing house and they are seeking new talent, that next idea that sells, and a face behind the story that could sweep America up when it is published. So yes, it could be a big deal to get connected with an agent. That’s why writing conferences can be instrumental when you are learning how to publish a book traditionally.
It is an Investment in Your Career
Are you focused on building a full-time career as an author? If yes, or even if this is part-time and you want to build your name and platform before taking the leap, attending writing conferences can jump-start your career. They build important connections, expand opportunities, and define your clarity of purpose!
You are Investing in Your Future
If attending an event can jumpstart your career as an author, imagine the possibilities for the rest of your life! You get to quit your day job and write full-time. You can pump out story after story and build up a big enough platform that you never have to worry about the future again, as your books are selling in the thousands every month. Now that is real momentum.
You Can Decide How to Publish
Let’s say you are doing your research for the best self-publishing courses, and you are still on the fence as to whether self-publishing or traditional publishing is your best course of action.
Talking to authors, agents, and publishing consultants can certainly help you to make a firm decision.
Once decided, you can decide the type of self-publishing course to take. Or, the traditional publisher you want to approach with your manuscript. Attending the conference gives you answers to uncertainty.
You Can Pitch Your Book Idea to Agents
You have an idea for a book but you aren’t sure if it is any good. You told a few people and, while they didn’t laugh, it wasn’t the reaction you expected.
What you need to do is practice pitching your book idea to the people who can listen to what you are working on. That may be a literary agent at the event or just fellow authors. But talking about your book ideas is a brilliant strategy for moving on the writing journey.
Many authors get stuck because they don’t share their ideas. The concept of telling people about your writing project can be scary and overwhelming, and if left to simmer too long, fear takes over and you get stuck.
So, joining an event gives you the opportunity to talk about your books. You are writing your first book and need some confidence boost? Great. Talk about your writing. Published five books and need clarity on your sixth? Excellent. Put it out there and get solid feedback.
You Can Write Off the Writers Conference as a Business Expense
What? Even if I am not earning money yet? Yes, you can claim what you spend as a business expense including the cost of the event, air travel expenses, and your hotel. You get to travel and can claim it as a write-off for your author business.
You Can Get Pro Writing Tips From Successful Authors
A friend of mine was stuck for weeks on her book. She had written a few thousand words but then it dwindled and died off. She wasn’t sure what happened.
After attending a writer’s conference, she was back on track and writing again after one of the speakers had said something prolific about the art of writing.
“All you have to do is write one true sentence. Write the truest sentence that you know.”
Ernest Hemingway
As creative writers, getting stuck is part of the process. When you come in contact with writers and publishing experts who know what it takes to be a successful writer, this enhances your writing skills as you learn new tactics and methods for improving your craft.
Pro writing tips can make or break your career as an author. Many give up because they don’t have the guidance of someone to help along the way. You don’t have to be a statistic of people who “wanted to write a book” but someone who IS writing a book and is on target to publish soon.
Here are 3 quick pro writing tips I picked up over the past year:
- Writer’s block doesn’t exist. It equals lack of clarity in one’s style and indicates you have research, deep thinking, or more writing to do in order to get unstuck.
- Set up a writer’s work station. Keep it clean and use it for writing. Decorate your station with motivational quotes by authors or even famous writer pics. Make it so that you want to spend 4-6 hours comfortably there. Use writing prompts to get you started every morning.
- Set aside time for reading. Stephen King has been quoted as saying: “If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot.” So reading is critical. Set aside 30 minutes a day for reading. Write when you have to write, and read when you must read.
Boost Inspiration and Get Motivated to Write
Your writing might need a perk, or that momentum to get you started. Attending a writer’s conference will fill you up with enough creative juice to get the fingers flying onto your keyboard before the event is finished.
I always feel charged up after talking ‘shop’ with other writers. It is a great way to build rapport with authors and support each other on the author journey, regardless if you are self-published or thinking of going with a traditional publisher.
Connecting with other writers in the same stage as you’re in is great for accountability, which helps you stick to your writing goals.
Ready to Sign Up for Some Writing Conferences?
You have been thinking about attending a writer’s event for a long time. And now, you have everything you need to take action. (For a related post on Best Author Conferences, check out this post.)
Before signing up for your writing conference, make sure you have absolute clarity on which conference to attend, and your reasoning behind it.
Here are three questions to help you sign up for your writing conferences:
- What is the best event for me? Is it the Author Advantage Live event or The Muse and the Marketplace?
- What is drawing me to a particular event? The speakers? Size of the guest list? Convenient location? Workshop themes?
- Am I ready to sign up for an event now?
Joining an event is a no-brainer. You owe it to yourself as an author and a creative to scale up your skills as a writer and meet people on the same journey as you.
You don’t know what could result from this. A literary agent’s private contact info? Your book idea taken to a major publisher? Meeting an author that you have always admired?
To mention, you could have a great time surrounded by all of those author personalities and that builds a strong sense of purpose: This is it. I am in the right place, surrounded by people who love books and writing, and now I’m part of a real group of authors.
Trust me: The feeling is beyond words. Now, go and experience it for yourself!