Don’t Miss Out on These 2021 Writing Conferences

Note: Be sure to check out the 2024 writing conferences list!

Writing a book is not all it takes to become a writer. There’s so much more to the process and to what’s involved. There are a lot of choices along the way and it can sometimes be confusing to figure out which is the right way for you. That’s why these 2021 writing conferences are essential for you.

2021 writing conferences

Writing conferences are ideal places to not only hone your writing craft, but to also network and interact with those in the publishing industry. From agents to publishers and published authors, you can learn a lot more about the industry and get all the tips and the tricks of the trade that you might need. The best thing about this year’s events is that a large part of them are hosted online, meaning you have a bigger chance of attending all while in the comfort of your own home.

Writing and Well–Being

Writing and Well–Being

Virtual
Jan 3–5, 2021
$70–$105
This conference is all about writing and well-being. It will be entirely online with workshops on writing, well-being, identity, and intersectionality. In addition to speeches by prominent figures, and 30+ concurrent sessions on topics ranging from writing assignments to mindfulness, meditation to well-being curricula, inhabiting writing to experiential learning via writing. All of it online.
Writers seeking to deepen their craft and expand their professional community are invited to attend the Residency Writers Conference together with MFA students, faculty, 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.

Thrillerfest XIV

Virtual
Jan 11–Mar 18, 2021
$399–$730
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.

Wordfest

Wordfest

Virtual
Jan 12, 2021
Free
WordFest brings readers and writers together through a premier international writers’ festival and year-round literary events. Throughout the year, book clubs and other activities are available to those who want to engage with fellow writers and readers. Guests can enjoy readings, workshops, panel discussions, and presentations that work toward connecting Calgarians through transformative ideas.

January Colrain Intensive

Virtual
Jan 15–18, 2021
$1,200
The Colrain Manuscript Intensive is a small (maximum 8), select, highly focused, three-and-a-half-day conference. It’s designed for the evaluation and discussion of book-length (or chapbook-length) manuscripts by editors and publishers. The Intensive is open only to those who have attended a previous Colrain conference and/or those whose manuscript is close to publication (semi-finalist, finalist, or publisher feedback). They also consider those with previous book/chapbook publication.

Arisia 2021

Virtual
Jan 15–18, 2021
$25–$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. We strive to uphold our 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.

Writers in Paradise Conference

Virtual
Jan 17–18, 2021
$25
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.

International Writers’ Conference & Literary Festival

Virtual
Jan 17– Mar 14, 2021
$125–$575
The San Miguel Writers’ Conference & Literary Festival is the largest and most prestigious cross-cultural, bi-lingual literary gathering in the Americas. It attracts distinguished authors, established and emerging writers, industry experts, teaching professionals, and avid readers from the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Europe.

Ledbury Poetry Festival

Virtual
Jan 18, 2021
Free
The Ledbury Poetry Festival is known as the world’s most diverse poetry festival. The festival features an array of community events to celebrate the writing and performance of poetry. You can attend readings, writing workshops, panel discussions, musical performances, craft seminars, and open mics in the lively and picturesque market town of Ledbury. It also includes programs for new writers and a poetry competition.

The 17th Palm Beach Poetry Festival

The 17th Palm Beach Poetry Festival

Virtual
Jan 18–23, 2021
$495–$895
This festival is all about light … the light that you reach for from darkness and find in poetry … together. We will not succumb to the uncertainties of the pandemic but rather come together for this series of world-class poetry events, whether in the flesh or in cyberspace.

Tupelo’s Online Manuscript Conference

Virtual
Jan 22–25, 2021
$950
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. Your 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.

Yucatan Writing Conference

Virtual
Jan 23–27, 2021
$800
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.

National Cowboy Poetry Gathering

Virtual
Jan 25–30, 2021
$50–$1000
National Cowboy Poetry Gathering will be encouraging western poets, songwriters, artists, and artisans to bring new stories from the West to light. We want to explore how to Keep The West Wild break out of stereotypes, color outside the lines, be fearless in expressing ourselves. Sometimes wild, sometimes meditative; sometimes a saint, sometimes a sinner; one foot in the stirrup, and one foot working in town; speaking in multiple languages Spanish to Shoshone to Basque to Paiute to English and more.

The Transnational Literature and Writing Conference

Virtual
Jan 28–30, 2021
£3– £390
The conference is hosted by TRACE at Bath Spa University. However, the conference has no fixed abode, as it will take place entirely online. The opening event will happen as the day begins in Adelaide, Australia; subsequent events will be programmed to ‘follow the sun’ as the morning travels around the world. Delegates will join in, as the conference passes through their time zone, and watch anything they’ve missed on replay.

BlogHer Health

BlogHer Health

Virtual
Jan 29, 2021
Free
Previously known simply as BlogHer, the reimagined Creators Summit promises to bring all the heat of thought leaders and influencers that the conference has been known for nearly two decades. Attend workshops, panels, and keynotes for anyone who wants to level up their online business. You’ll even get to engage with popular beauty and wellness brands.

UC Writing Conference

UC Writing Conference

Virtual
Jan 29–30, 2021
Free
In the move to distant, hubrid, and/or remote teaching, educators have had to rethink the idea of learning spaces. Whether it has been carving out a corner of a bedroom as a workspace, claiming creative space amidst blurred home/work borders, reconfiguring online space to connect with students, reimagining digital platforms as a new classroom space, or opening up innovative space for student collaboration, writing instructors and students alike have resourcefully created and recreated their environments.

OCLS Writers Conference

Virtual
Jan 29–31, 2021
Free
Make 2021 the year you finish and publish a novel. The OCLS Writers Conference will provide the tools and knowledge you need to reach your writing and publishing goals this year. Authors and publishing professionals will teach workshops on both craft and business topics. All times are in Eastern.

UKLA National Conference

Virtual
Jan 30–31, 2021
£25–£55
This conference is full of workshops that will provide opportunities to engage in different kinds of writing. They will have practical ideas that can be used with children to inspire them to write with pleasure. The conference will reinvigorate your relationship with writing and the ways in which you support the children you work with to become writers themselves.

Todos Santos Writers Workshop

Virtual
Jan 31–Feb 06, 2021
$850
TSWW offers craft workshops in the art of fiction, non-fiction, memoir, poetry, and stage and screenwriting for writers at all levels led by noted authors, editors, and publishing professionals.

Sierra Writers Conference

Virtual
Feb 5–6, 2021
$10–$90
Sierra Writers Conference is an annual event providing inspiration and craft progression activities for area writers and Sierra College students through lectures, panels, Q&A, workshops, and networking opportunities.

California Creative Writers Conference

Virtual
Feb 06–Mar 06, 2021
$249–$499
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 Kaz Conference offers two to four intensive seminars for writers each spring and fall: Advanced Manuscript Boot Camp (fiction/non-fiction); Creative Non-Fiction Writers Conference; Comedy Writing for Women Intensive (all genres) and Script Lab (Plays/Screenplays). All workshops include developmental workshops as well as talks on the practical training of writers with input from editors, publicists, agents, social media experts and productivity coaches. Because reading and reviewing other work helps to strengthen one’s own writing, peer review is a requirement of all sessions.

Write to Learn Conference

Virtual
Feb 11–25, 2021
$149
In this conference, national-level keynote speakers, bringing you some of the best language arts teaching strategies for these challenging times. Whether your school is going face to face, 100% virtual, or using a hybrid model, these mini-series of workshops will give you practical, actionable strategies you can use right away.

Southern California Writers’ Conference

California, USA
Feb 12–14, 2021
$325–$450
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 your work.

Ledbury Poetry Festival

Virtual
Feb 15, 2021
Free
The Ledbury Poetry Festival is known as the world’s most diverse poetry festival. The festival features an array of community events to celebrate the writing and performance of poetry. You can attend readings, writing workshops, panel discussions, musical performances, craft seminars and open mics in the lively and picturesque market town of Ledbury. It also includes programs for new writers and a poetry competition.

The Desert Nights, Rising Stars Writers Conference

Virtual
Feb 18–20, 2021
$150–$225
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.

Coastal Magic Convention

Virtual
Feb 18–21, 2021
Free
Coastal Magic is a beachside reader weekend that celebrates the magic of stories and storytellers. Its goal is to bring authors, bloggers, and readers together for a casual weekend of bookish shenanigans. With panels designed to start interesting discussion, and meet & greets with fun themes, they’ve got something for every fan.

Desert Nights, Rising Stars Virtual Writers Conference

Virtual
Feb 18–20, 2021
$150–$275
The mission of this conference is to support writers at every stage of their development by providing challenging, diverse, and accessible educational opportunities. When you attend Desert Nights, you’ll be participating in lively discussions, sharing thoughtful feedback, and creating new work in a warm, welcoming, and supportive environment of peers. Wherever you are in your journey as a writer, this conference is there for you.

Tupelo’s Online Manuscript Conference

Virtual
Feb 19–22, 2021
$950
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. Your 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.
SCBWI brings together top professionals in the children’s publishing world twice each year at our 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.

WriteOnCon

Virtual
Feb 19–21, 2021
$10–$25
WriteOnCon is a three–day online children’s book conference for writers and illustrators of picture books, middle grade, and young adult. It features blogs, vlogs, pitch sessions, Q&As, critique forums, and more — there’s something for every writer/illustrator, in every stage of their career. From the comfort of your home, a library, a coffee shop — any place with an internet connection — you can meet agents and editors, connect with potential critique partners, and generally soak up a whole bunch of knowledge!
The Arts & Humanities Graduate Student Association of The University of Texas at Dallas will hold its twelfth annual graduate symposium on February 20, 2021. The RAW: Research, Art, and Writing Conference is organized by and for graduate students and offers an opportunity for scholars to share their work and ideas with peers across the humanities disciplines.

Oregon Christian Writers Virtual Winter

Virtual
Feb 20, 2021
$20–$55
This conference for both amateur and professional writers, who are Christians.

West Coast Christian Writers Online Conference

West Coast Christian Writers Online Conference

Virtual
Oct 25–27, 2021
$129–$249
Whether you’ve attended one of our in-person conferences or you’re just getting acquainted with us, the WCCW Online Conference is a low-stress opportunity to learn from seasoned industry pros and level-up your writing skills. The inaugural WCCW online conference offers the same high-quality teaching as our in-person conferences, but in digital format. Meet our faculty, and check out the fantastic array of workshops! All online conference presentations, workshops, and interviews will be pre-recorded, so you can view them–with the click of a button–at a time that’s convenient for you. No traffic jams or long-distance travel to contend with!

Pensacola Comic Convention

Florida, USA
Feb 26–28, 2021
$70–$155
Pensacon strives to be all-inclusive by seeking popular artists, actors, writers, and creators that all contribute to their respective fandom and allow fans to interact with them as well as to create events that cater to all types of fans.

Asheville Christian Writers Conference

North Carolina, USA
Feb 26–28, 2021
$135
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 we might effectively spread the Word of God through fiction and non–fiction books, screenplays, scripts, articles, and blogs.

Alt Summit

California, USA
Feb 28–Mar 3, 2021
$699–$1099
Originally the Altitude Design Summit for design bloggers, this annual conference has expanded since its founding in 2009 to include thousands of creative entrepreneurs, content creators, artists, and influencers. The emphasis is on connecting and collaborating with fellow creatives, and you’ll also get to attend keynotes, panels, and TED-style talks from high-caliber celebrities of popular culture and the online business world.

The AWP 2021 Conference & Bookfair

Virtual
Mar 3–7, 2021
$70–$120
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 we are excited to offer the same experience in a new way this year. Join us and take part in this amazing community of writers!

The Augusta Literary Festival

Georgia, USA
Mar 4, 2021
Free
The Augusta Literary Festival takes pride in presenting a diverse group of authors. We have hand-selected authors from several genres to include the traditionally published best-selling author to the best-selling indie author with a story to tell. We honor the hard work of authors just starting as well as presenting authors who are award winners.

Tucson Festival of Books

Virtual
Mar 6–7, 2021
$50
The Tucson Festival of Books welcomes exhibitors from literary and educational organizations to participate in the Festival. In a regular year, over 250 booths line the UA Mall.

NAWE Virtual Conference

Virtual
Mar 12–13, 2021
£29–£99
Join fellow writers working in education and community settings and special guests for the NAWE annual conference, which for the first time will be online. This will be an opportunity to share, network, and raise a glass to resilience, all from the comfort of your own home! You can expect a packed and lively program that will include talks, panels, open mics, workshops, and author events.

Teen Author Boot Camp IN PERSON Conference

Utah, USA
March 13, 2021
$99
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.

Teen Author Boot Camp VIRTUAL Conference

Virtual
March 13, 2021
$69
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.

Ledbury Poetry Festival

Virtual
Mar 15, 2021
Free
The Ledbury Poetry Festival is known as the world’s most diverse poetry festival. The festival features an array of community events to celebrate the writing and performance of poetry. You can attend readings, writing workshops, panel discussions, musical performances, craft seminars and open mics in the lively and picturesque market town of Ledbury. It also includes programs for new writers and a poetry competition.
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 Write Stuff Writer’s Conference

Bethlehem, PA
Mar 18–20, 2021
$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.

The New York Pitch Conference

New York, USA
Mar 18–21, 2021
$795
The New York Pitch Conference and writers workshop is held four times a year and features publishing house editors from major houses such as Penguin, Random House, St. Martins, Harper Collins, Tor, and Del Rey, Kensington Books, and many more who are looking for new novels in a variety of genres, as well as narrative non–fiction. The event focuses on the art of the novel pitch as the best method not only for communicating your work but for having you and your work is taken seriously by industry professionals.

SleuthFest

Virtual
Mar 19–21, 2021
TBA
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.

The Power of Narrative Conference

Massachusetts, USA
Mar 19–21, 2021
$50–$375
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.

Scottish Association of Writers Conference

Virtual
Mar 19–21, 2021
£50
The Scottish Association of Writers celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2018. Our association serves to bring local writers clubs and their members throughout Scotland together, in order to provide support as well as networking opportunities.

Bay To Ocean Writers Conference

Virtual
Mar 20, 2021
$50–$90
This conference welcomes members to share experiences with other writers about every facet of converting ideas, feelings, hopes, dreams, and opinions to the printed word. Members write fiction and nonfiction for the page and for stage and screen. Some are editors and small publishers. The members ranger from individuals who aspire to write to those who have published all of their lives.

Spring Writing for Your Life Conference

Spring Writing for Your Life Conference

Virtual
Mar 22–26, 2021
$249–$299
If you write or read books that matter– books with substance and soul– then this is the place for you. Writing for Your Life invites you to our Spring 2021 Online Conference, featuring authors Barbara Brown Taylor, Patricia Raybon, Bishop Karen Oliveto, Frank Thomas, Kathleen Norris, Wes Granberg–Michaelson, J. Dana Trent, Brent Bill, and Marlena Graves, along with publishing industry experts Becky Nesbitt (Penguin Random House), Lisa Kloskin (Broadleaf Books), and Ashley Hong (Penguin Random House). Our conference also includes several emerging authors!

UND Writers Conference

UND Writers Conference

Virtual
Mar 24–26, 2021
Free
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.

Norwescon 43

Virtual
Apr 1–4, 2021
$20–$35
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. Our 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!

Northern Colorado Writers Conference

Virtual
Apr 4–May 2, 2021
$200
The conference’s mission is to create a supportive and encouraging community where writers can inspire one another to become successful authors. NCW is composed of novelists, journalists, memoirists, poets, screenwriters, bloggers, children’s book writers, and many more.

Independent Publishers Book Association University

Virtual
Apr 7–10, 2021
$239–$339
The conference’s mission is to advocate for, support, and educate independent publishers and author publishers, and to improve the standards of independent publishing.

Las Vegas Writers Conference

Virtual
Apr 08–10, 2021
$149
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.

Tennessee Mountain Writers

Tennessee, USA
Apr 8–10, 2021
$50–$215
The mission of the Tennessee Mountain Writers, Inc. is to promote literary arts by providing opportunities for members and the community at large to enhance individual literary skills and appreciation through a broad spectrum of learning experiences.

Book Lovers Con 2021

Virtual, On–site
Apr 8–11, 2021
$185–$425
Book Lovers Con is a 5-day 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!

The Las Vegas Writers Conference

Virtual
Apr 8–10, 2021
$99–$149
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. They include pitch sessions with literary agents and editors in the price of registration. Writers will have the opportunity for one-on-one mentoring sessions with faculty members and other published authors. We hope you will join us, virtually, to take your writing skills to the next level.

Blue Ridge Writers’ Conference

Blue Ridge, GA
Apr 09–10, 2021
TBA
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.

Screencraft Writers Summit

Virtual
Apr 9–11, 2021
$79–$119
Join in for two full days of panels and discussions on topics from screenwriting craft to business and career insights. Keynotes will feature industry leaders and Oscar and Emmy-winning creatives. Jeff Goldsmith will join us with the premiere of his 2021 Oscar-Nominated screenwriters Q&A panel for our Summit’s opening night online event!

Liberty States Fiction Writers Conference

New Jersey, USA
Apr 10, 2021
$115–$150
The Liberty States Fiction Writers’ 11th Annual Conference features a line-up of more than a dozen authors and industry professionals who will share their expertise and experience. It’s 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.
ASJA’s 2020 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.

April Colrain Classic

Virtual
April 16–19, 2021
$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. In addition to the manuscript preparation workshop and editor sessions, there will be an editorial Q&A, and an after-conference strategy session.

Poetry At Round Up Festival

Texas, USA
Apr 16–18, 2021
$75–$150
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.

The Belize Writers’ Conference

Belize, Central America
Apr 17–22, 2021
$1,799
Breathe new life into your writing while building friendships with literary agents, authors, and writers at the third annual Belize Writers’ Conference. Enjoy daily manuscript critique sessions taught by literary agents——plus time to generate new writing and to enjoy excursions on your own like snorkeling, ocean kayaking, or making chocolate on a cacao farm. Daily opportunities for reflection will reset your spirit so you can write fearlessly from your deepest self. Panel discussions on the business of writing will prepare you to successfully market yourself and your book to agents, publishers, and readers.

A Rally of Writers Conference

Virtual
Apr 17, 2021
$90–$105
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.

Tuscon Poetry and Imagination Conference

Virtual
Apr 17–18, 2021
TBA
As the longest running event of its kind in Arizona, the Tucson Poetry Festival (TPF) was founded in 1981 with the mission to celebrate, and expand the audience for, contemporary poetry. By inviting poets who represent the diverse and eclectic writing approaches of poetry today to read from their work, TPF has provided people with the opportunity to hear over 150 superb visiting poets in this unique annual experiences.

Ledbury Poetry Festival

Virtual
Apr 19, 2021
Free
The Ledbury Poetry Festival is known as the world’s most diverse poetry festival. The festival features an array of community events to celebrate the writing and performance of poetry. You can attend readings, writing workshops, panel discussions, musical performances, craft seminars and open mics in the lively and picturesque market town of Ledbury. It also includes programs for new writers and a poetry competition.

The Muse & the Marketplace

Massachusetts, USA
Apr 21–25, 2021
$415–$559
The Muse & the Marketplace is a three-day literary conference that educates aspiring and emerging writers on the craft of fiction and non-fiction. It prepares them for the ever-changing world of publishing and promotion and creates opportunities for meaningful networking.

The Kentucky Writing Workshop

Virtual
Apr 21–25, 2021
$189–$376
This is a special one-day “How to Get Published” writing workshop. It’s a day full of classes and advice designed to give you the best instruction concerning how to get your work published. You’ll discuss your publishing opportunities, how to write queries and pitches, and how to market yourself and your books. You’ll also learn what makes an agent/editor stop reading your manuscript, and more. No matter what you’re writing — fiction or non-fiction — the day’s classes will help point you in the right direction. Writers of all genres are welcome.

Chanticleer Authors Conference

Chanticleer Authors Conference

Virtual
Apr 21–25, 2021
$350
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.

Nebraska Writers Guild Conference

Nebraska, USA
Apr 22–24, 2021
$189–$259
The Nebraska Writers Guild offers a three-day conference filled with consultations, publishing panel discussion, and much more.

Pikes Peak Writers Conference

Pikes Peak Writers Conference

Virtual
Apr 23–25, 2021
$195
Join 300+ writer friends, all online, attending workshops with Q&A sessions presented by NYT and USA Today best-selling authors, industry agents and editors, and subject matter experts. It’s opportunities with industry professionals to discuss your query letters and more! The best part—you have 30 days to watch any available workshops you missed live!

Northern Colorado Writers Conference

Virtual
Apr 24–May 1, 2021
$200–$225
The NCW Conference caters to a variety of genres including fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and screenwriting. This year, we’ve adopted a hybrid model in response to the current pandemic conditions. Our 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.

Malice Domestic Convention

Maryland, USA
Apr 30–May 2, 2021
$295–$345
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, or excessive gore or violence.

Bay Area Book Festival

Virtual
May 1–9, 2021
Free
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.

EMWA Riga Conference

Riga, Latvia
May 4–8, 2021
$130
The forum for training with EMWA is its annual conference, held in a different European city each spring, which provides a wonderful networking opportunity, plenary lectures on key topics, strengthening your writing skills, and sending out feelers to get a sense of other areas you might have been contemplating exploring as a writer. A shorter conference is also held each autumn.

Word on the Lake Writers’ Festival

British Colombia, Canada
May 07–09, 2021
$475
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.

Atlanta Writers Conference

Georgia, USA
May 07–09, 2021
$150–$495
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.

Lakefly Writers Conference

Wisconsin, USA
May 7–8, 2021
TBD
The Lakefly Writers Conference, organized by the Wisconsin Writers Association. The conference will offer over a dozen workshops on the craft and business of writing designed to inspire and guide your creative journey.

Longleaf Writers Conference

Florida, USA
May 10–17, 2021
$100–$399
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 (some might recognize Seaside, as the set for the movie The Truman Show with Jim Carrey), 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

Virtual
May 13–15, 2021
$192
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.

Fiction Readers Summit

Michigan, USA
May 13–15, 2021
$145–$160
The Fiction Readers Summit exists to connect readers with authors, books, and fellow believers. We hope these three days are filled with inspiration, connection, and an even longer to–be–read list.

Pennwriters Annual Conference

Pennsylvania, USA
May 14–16, 2021
$55
The 33rd 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.

Kachemak Bay Writers’ Conference

Virtual
May 15–18, 2021
$50–$150
The schedule for the conference will allow participants to attend all workshops, craft conversations, and readings as no events will be concurrent. There will be ample opportunity to network in virtual lounges that will be constructed to foster interest groups. In the coming weeks, a schedule will be posted.

Oregon Christian Writers Virtual Spring

Virtual
May 15, 2021
$20–$55
This conference for both amateur and professional writers, who are Christians.

The Writer’s Hotel Fiction Weekend Conference

Virtual
May 20–24, 2021
$2,200
TWH Director Shanna McNair and TWH Consulting Director Scott Wolven will read each attendee’s work and make comments. Each attendee may send a synopsis and/or a brief project outline, in addition to 5,000 words of prose for review. A feedback form will be included in the process, so that writers may receive tailored, project-specific feedback. TWH Directors include a curated suggested submissions list for each attendee and highlight the appropriate contests, magazines, journals, and presses, etc. for each attendee’s material. TWH Directors will email the reading back to attendees upon completion before the conference begins.

Looking Glass Rock Writers’ Conference

North Carolina, USA
May 20–23, 2021
$475–$550
Place,” with a small select group of conference attendees and experience working under the guidance of notable writers. The annual conference consists of writing workshops for select participants and public readings by the workshop leaders free to the community.

Derby Book Festival

England, UK
May 27–Jun 5, 2021
TBA
The festival includes over 100 book-related events and activities in June and at our Autumn Edition with some of our most celebrated authors.

Hay Festival Winter Weekend

Wales, UK
May 27–Jun 6, 2021
TBA
For over 30 years Hay has brought readers and writers together to share stories and ideas in live sustainable events around the world, from the beaches of Cartagena de Indias to the cities of Beirut and Mumbai, reaching more than five million people across five continents. Our festivals inspire, examine and entertain.

Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference

North Carolina, USA
May 30–Jun 3, 2021
$350
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.

Reader & Author Get Together

Ohio, USA
Jun 2–5, 2021
$100–$125
Overall, the RAGT is a fan-friendly event meant for readers, and open to everyone, readers, authors, and industry alike, in different ratios! However, 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.

Bread Loaf Environmental Writers’ Conference

Vermont, USA
Jun 03–09, 2021
$20
This conference’s participants’ include writers of poetry, non-fiction, and fiction whose work engages with or advocates for nature and the environment as well as environmental professionals, journalists, and teachers, who would like to explore and strengthen their writing in a literary context. For those who would like to learn more about environmental and nature writing who do not wish to receive feedback on their own work, an auditor option is available.

Bread Loaf Translators’ Conference

Vermont, USA
Jun 03–09, 2021
$20
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.

Clarksville Writers Conference

Tennessee, USA
Jun 3–4, 2021
$50–$245
Join this fun, affordable, and talent-laden conference featuring two days of writing workshops and presentations, a keynote banquet with the authors, manuscript consultations, and more!

Lit Fest

Colorado, USA
Jun 4–13, 2021
TBA
Lit Fest is a ten-day celebration of writers and readers, an extravaganza of weeklong and weekend advanced workshops, craft seminars, readings, salons, business panels, agent meetings, and parties.

Ignite Your Imagination Conference

Ignite Your Imagination Conference

Florida, USA
Jun 4–6, 2021
$135–$180
Like the Phoenix, authors soar across world cultures and burn through barriers of time. Open our books and the wings of our words will lift you to a stronger, more illuminating and powerful height. We are a Florida–based, nonprofit corporation open to all fiction novel writers.

The Martha’s Vineyard Institute of Creative Writing

Massachusetts, USA
Jun 06–12, 2021
$1075–$1850
Each week of the MVICW Summer Writers’ Conference consists of daily seminars in poetry and fiction, as well as one-on-one manuscript consultations, panel discussions, readings, and a celebratory dinner with faculty. Our program encourages cross-genre exploration, and our attendees have the option of taking seminars in both poetry and prose.

The 30th Annual International Conference on Virginia Woolf

The 30th Annual International Conference on Virginia Woolf

South Dakota, USA
Jun 10–13, 2021
TBD
The theme of the conference, “Profession and Performance,” brings together two significant terms. The first term (profession) mattered deeply to Woolf. It calls to mind not only her sense of herself as a writer but also the set of specialized occupations she addresses in “A Room of One’s Own” (1929) and “Three Guineas” (1938), areas of study and livelihood traditionally reserved for the sons of educated men. The second term (performance) invokes the Annual Conference on Virginia Woolf’s commitment over the past three decades to the arts, to theater, to music, to the spoken word, and to their resonances with the performance and performativity of Woolf’s life and writing.

The DFW Writers Conference

Texas, USA
Jun 12–13, 2021
$15–$379
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.

California Crime Writers Conference

California, USA
Jun 12–13, 2021
TBA
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 Martha’s Vineyard Institute of Creative Writing

Massachusetts, USA
Jun 13–19, 2021
$1075–$1850
Each week of the MVICW Summer Writers’ Conference consists of daily seminars in poetry and fiction, as well as one-on-one manuscript consultations, panel discussions, readings, and a celebratory dinner with faculty. Our program encourages cross-genre exploration, and our attendees have the option of taking seminars in both poetry and prose.

Yale Writers' Conference

Yale Writers’ Conference

Connecticut, USA
Jun 13–26, 2021
$1500–$1850
During the two-week remote workshop, you will develop your talent while exploring broad issues of craft through intensive workshops, craft talks, and readings with published authors. There are 10–12 writers in each workshop. You will have the opportunity to meet individually with your workshop leader and to participate in a group reading. Visiting writers deliver additional readings and craft talks.

Write–to–Publish Conference

Illinois, USA
Jun 16–19, 2021
$70–$430
This conference will help you hear what editors, publishers, and agents in the Christian market are looking for and meet with them one–on–one to discuss your ideas and manuscripts. You also will learn how to write a variety of publishable manuscripts, improve your writing skills, find appropriate markets for your ideas, and deal with the business side of writing. Plus you will have multiple opportunities to get feedback on your manuscripts.
Writers seeking to deepen their craft and expand their professional community are invited to attend the Residency Writers Conference together with MFA students, faculty and guest speakers.
Join us 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.

A Weekend With The Authors

Tennessee, USA
Jun 17–20, 2021
$200–$300
Come hang out with more than fifty of bestselling authors at an intimate, three-day conference in the heart of the south. This book event is full of great opportunities for readers, bloggers, and fellow authors alike.

Book Bonanza 2021

Texas, USA
Jun 18–19, 2021
$200
Everyone is welcome at Book Bonanza —attendees will come with friends, spouses, family, and solo. We have a solo attendees group that coordinates ride shares, dinners, and tag-teaming for wristbands. 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.

Chesapeake Writers’ Conference

Maryland, USA
Jun 20–26, 2021
$300–$1200
Chesapeake Writers’ Conference is a week of craft talks, lectures, panel discussions, and readings, as well as daily workshops in fiction, poetry, screenwriting, translation, songwriting, or creative non–fiction.

Colgate Writers Conference

Colgate Writers Conference

Tennessee, USA
Jun 20–26, 2021
$1000–$1800
The CWC nourishes writers at every level, from novice to expert, with a week of workshops, craft lectures, shop talks, and readings. Colgate’s own creative writing faculty and a slate of special guests lead daily workshops in poetry, fiction, and non-fiction. The CWC welcomes people looking to jump-start a project they’ve been dreaming about as well as writers who’ve finished an entire manuscript.

Disquiet International Literary Program

Lisbon, Portugal
Jun 20–Jul 2, 2021
$1,950
International Literary Program aims to deepen mutual understanding among writers from North America and writers from Portugal. It brings writers from North America and around the world together with Portuguese writers in the heart of Lisbon for intensive workshops in the art and craft of writing.
Comics enthusiasts have long considered comics a uniquely participatory medium. As readers breathe life into static images, convert page space into narrative time, and transform splatters of ink into emotion, they engage with comics in languages that audiences and artists have developed in tandem, negotiating over generations. The theme of this conference explores the idea of audiences in all its meanings.

Chautauqua Writers’ Festival

New York, USA
Jun 23–26, 2021
$200–$550
In addition to this Festival’s tradition of intensive workshops and one-on-one conferences with award-winning contemporary authors, attendees can also experience panel conversations, breakout sessions, and a keynote address. The 2021 theme is “Personal Geographies,” and these various conversations will draw fruitful and urgent connections between the personal, the political, and the craft of writing.

Historical Novel Society North American Conference

Virtual
Jun 24–26, 2021
$475–$550
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.

Chuckanut Writers Conference

Washington, USA
Jun 25–26, 2021
$259–$299
At the Chuckanut Writers Conference, you’ll find the resources and encouragement you need to turn inspiration into action. The conference includes two days of breakout sessions, author panels, keynote addresses and readings, as well as additional options pre and post–conference.
This evolving research network brings writers, readers, publishers, 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.

Self Publishing Advice Conference

Virtual
Jul 3–4, 2021
Free
The Self-Publishing Advice Conference (#SelfPubCon) is an online author conference. It runs free of charge twice yearly, in association with the Alliance of Independent Authors, and attracts the cream of self–publishing experts and advisors as speakers and sponsors.

ASLE Biennial Conference

ASLE Biennial Conference

Oregon, USA
Jul 6–9, 2021
$80–$185
ASLE seeks to inspire and promote intellectual work in the environmental humanities and arts. Our vision is an inclusive community whose members are committed to environmental research, education, literature, art and service, environmental justice, and ecological sustainability.

Writing Through The Lifespan

Ohio, USA
Jul 7–9, 2021
$150–$225
Writing Through the Lifespan is a collaboration of nearly 40 scholars around the world who are committed to sharing related and complementary research studies focused on key conceptual and developmental aspects of writing across one’s life (lifespanwriting.org). We invite proposals for our second conference, “Expanding, Augmenting, & Illustrating Lifespan Writing Research.”

Readercon 31

Massachusetts, USA
Jul 8–11, 2021
TBA
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.

Imaginarium Convention

Virtual
Jul 9–11, 2021
TBA
The Imaginarium Convention made its debut in 2014 and is now heading into its 7th year with a central focus on providing creative writers and other creative talents educational, networking, professional, and mentoring opportunities. In 2019, The Writer Magazine named the Imaginarium Convention the best writing conference in Kentucky and the 2nd best writing conference in the Southeast USA.

Writing in Place conference

South Carolina, USA
Jul 9–11, 2021
$275– $395
Published novelists, poets, essayists, and literary critics lead a series of workshops over three days that include intense instruction, challenging exercises, and an opportunity for feedback. Registrants must sign up for one genre: poetry, fiction, or creative nonfiction. Our instructors will expect you to write during this conference, and we have planned a weekend with “downtime” for that purpose. We also want you to have time for networking with faculty and new friends.

International Creative Writing Conference

Virtual
Jul 10–11, 2021
Free
The UK’s Great Writing 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 24 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.

Kenyon Review Translation Workshop

Virtual
Jul 11–23, 2021
$795.00
The online workshop will be conducted seminar-style in synchronous classes and breakout groups three days a week; instructors will focus on literary translation as a cross-cultural, creative endeavor, using theoretical readings and examples of works of master translators as guides. All participants will receive a thirty-minute one-on-one conference with the Peter Taylor Fellow and can also choose to add on a one-on-one instructor conference for an additional fee. By the end of the workshop, writers will have finished a polished translation that they may continue to prepare for publication.

Digital Book World

Washington, USA
Jul 12–14, 2021
$1,499.99
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.

Southampton Writers Conference

Virtual
Jul 14–18, 2021
$150–$950
For 45 years writers have attended the Southampton Writers Conference to find outstanding workshops and a supportive community. This year we’re at it again. We’ve found outstanding new workshop leaders and brought back some of your favorites. The conference is virtual, which means you workshop in your PJs from Paris, or barefoot from Bangladesh, or in the sand, right here, in Southampton.

2021 Writers Conference

2021 Writers Conference

Virtual
Jul 15–17, 2021
$100
10 Minute Novelists created this online conference to support your goal of getting that story out of your head and into the hearts and minds of readers. We can’t stop the clock, but we can teach you to identify productive writing time and to use that time more efficiently. We know it’s hard to make your imaginary world a reality while working full-time, going to school or caring for family.

Northwestern Christian Writers Conference

Minnesota, USA
Jul 16–17, 2021
$100–$250
This annual conference by the University of Northwestern and Faith Radio celebrates and cultivates writers who are Christians. Hone your craft and engage your faith at the same time through keynotes, workshops, Q&A panels, networking events, and one-on-one appointments with professional writers and industry leaders.

Sun Valley Writers’ Conference

Idaho, USA
Jul 17–20, 2021
TBA
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.

Confluence–SFF

Pennsylvania, USA
Jul 23–25, 2021
$25
Confluence is Pittsburgh’s longest-running literary conference with a strong focus on science fiction, fantasy, and horror. Award-winning authors, editors, artists, and songwriters gather for three full days.

Taos Writers Conference

Taos Writers Conference

Virtual
Jul 23–25, 2021
TBA
Keynote speaker Luci Tapahonso is Professor Emerita of English Literature (University of New Mexico 2016) and served as the inaugural Poet Laureate of the Navajo Nation. She is a recipient of a 2018 Native Arts and Culture Foundation Artist Fellowship.

Catamaran Writing Conference

California, USA
Jul 25–29, 2021
$750
At Catamaran Literary Reader, our artistic themes tap into the rich literary history and beautiful setting of the California Central Coast. We invite you to transform your own creative work in the scenic location of Pebble Beach, a major source of inspiration for writers from John Steinbeck to Robinson Jeffers. The conference will be held on the campus of the Robert Louis Stevenson School, and attendees will meet in the elegant Stevenson classrooms, commons, theater, and chapel for workshops, lectures, and presentations. Also available are optional daily literary-themed excursions, daily craft talks, nightly faculty and special guest readings, and student readings.

Napa Valley Writers Conference

Virtual
Jul 26–31, 2021
TBA
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.

National Book Club Conference

Atlanta, USA
Jul 29–Aug 1, 2021
$325
The National Book Club Conference will introduce new or lesser-known authors that have created stories that are entertaining, informative, and important. It is almost a spiritual occasion, comprises numerous book club meetings, panel discussions, and other events that give readers face time with authors that rivals any literary occasion anywhere, in a fun, relaxed and intimate setting.

Florida Authors and Publishers Association Annual Conference

Florida, USA
Jul 30–31, 2021
$185–$329
Attendees can choose from six 75–minute workshops on Friday afternoon—some for beginners to the publishing industry and some for those who are more experienced. These workshops will deal with specific topics and are priced separately, allowing you to customize your conference experience and focus on what is most important to you.
Using the experiences of collaborative authors and journal editors, and strategic practices that may assist with interdisciplinary work, participants of this conference will find solutions to current challenges, and have a stronger understanding of what journal editors in WAC are looking for in submissions.

Mendocino Coast Writers’ Conference

Virtual
Aug 5–7, 2021
$20–$50
The Mendocino Coast Writers’ Conference is a vibrant gathering that offers morning workshops in a wide range of genres, relevant to differing experience levels—from a dedicated emerging writers’ workshop to a juried-in master class. Afternoons are packed with craft seminars, panels, one-on-one consultations, and open mics.

Swanwick Writers’ summer school

Derbyshire, UK
Aug 7–13, 2021
£50–£640
The Writers’ Summer School — known simply as ‘Swanwick’ to writers the world over— 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.

Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference

Vermont, USA
Aug 11–21, 2021
$20.00
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.

When Words Collide

Alberta, Canada
Aug 13–15, 2021
$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 genre fiction, YA, children’s books, non–fiction, and poetry.

Fernie Writers' Conference

Fernie Writers’ Conference

British Colombia, Canada
Aug 15–21, 2021
$750
The annual conference will be a mix of week-long and three-day intensive workshops held in the mornings, panel discussions in the afternoons with readings and performances in the evenings. Editors and literary agents will be present to mix with the writers over the week in addition to the workshop leaders who will include notable writers such as Jayme Moye, Sid Marty, and John Keeble plus many more.

Oregon Christian Writers Virtual Summer

Virtual
Aug 16–19, 2021
TBA
This conference for both amateur and professional writers, who are Christians.

Nashville’s 16th Annual Writers’ Conference

Tennessee, USA
Aug 19–22, 2021
$379–$419
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

Louisiana, USA
Aug 25–29, 2021
$195
Welcome to Bouchercon New Orleans, 2021, where we bring you the world’s premier annual crime fiction event. Join the mystery community — from authors, fans, and publishers to reviewers, booksellers, and editors — for 5 days of panels, parties, and pure mystery fun.

Dragon Con

Georgia, USA
Sep 2–6, 2021
$115.00
Dragon Con is the largest multi-media, popular culture convention focusing on science fiction & fantasy, gaming, comics, literature, art, music, and film in the universe. Call us a phenomenon, call us one of the most well-attended pop–culture conventions in the country, call us the most fan fun you can have in five days: Dragon Con is where you want to be on Labor Day Weekend.

Melbourne Writers Festival

Melbourne, Australia
Sep 3–12, 2021
Free–$140
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.

Writercon Writer’s Conference

Oklahoma, USA
Sep 3–6, 2021
$299.99
Oklahoma City Writer’s Conference will provide the attendees with the opportunity to gain insights relating to what every new author should know–today, how to get an agent to request a full manuscript, new ways to query and pitch their book, the best techniques for launching their book, how their book’s title can make it or break it, etc. The entire three–day conference will be streamed, so you can enjoy every session, even have one-on-one meetings with agents, without leaving home!
The 2021 White County Creative Writers Conference will be held September 4, 2021, in Searcy Arkansas. Conference speakers will be announced in Spring 2021.

Penned Con

Missouri, USA
Sep 09–Sep 11, 2021
$10– $400
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.

Creatures, Crimes & Creativity Con

Maryland, USA
Sep 10–12, 2021
$140–$245
This conference aims to gather readers and writers of all genre fiction; including mystery, suspense, romance, thriller, horror, sci-fi, fantasy and paranormal, etc.

International Board on Books Young People Congress

Moscow, Russia
Sep 10–12, 2021
TBA
The theme of the International Congress in Moscow 2021 is «Great Big World Through Children’s Books: National and Foreign Literature — Role, Value, Impact on Young Readers in Different Countries». That allows writers to explore a diversity of themes, characters, issues in children’s literature of the world, to discuss cultural variety which doesn’t prevent them from interweaving and interacting.

Digital Book World

Virtual, On–site
Sep 13–15, 2021
$1,499.99
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.

Canterbury Arts Conference

Kent, UK
Sep 14–17, 2021
£32.93
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.

John R. Milton Writers' Conference

John R. Milton Writers’ Conference

South Dakota, USA
Sep 16–18, 2021
$5–$80
The 2021 conference theme, “Prospecting: Uncovering New Veins and Voices in Identity, Genre, and Place” will explore important issues of place, form, and representation. The conference panel sessions and public readings will address these and other overlapping concerns.

Flathead River Writers Conference

Montana, USA
Sep 19–20, 2021
$25
The Annual Flathead Writers Conference brings together inspiring speakers from different genres. They’ll provide information on the e-publishing industry, including formatting your manuscript and guidelines for choosing the right cover to represent your book.

Kingston WritersFest

Ontario, Canada
Sep 22–26, 2021
TBA
Writers and readers in attendance will get to participate in thought-provoking discussions and unique events that champion artistic expression and development. Hosted in a notably literary city, this festival is all about “the power of the written word to create a strong, engaged community.”

Author Advantage Live

Virtual
Sep 24–26, 2021
$197–$1547
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.

Writing IS a Business Conference

New Mexico, USA
Sep 25, 2021
TBA
SWW-sponsored writing conferences are held once or twice a year. Each one brings well-known experts in a specific topic or genre, as well as critical information relevant to all fields of writing.

Moonlight & Magnolias Conference

Georgia, USA
Sep 30–Oct 3, 2021
TBA
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.

Alaska Writers Conference

Alaska, USA
Oct 1–2, 2021
TBA
Alaska Writers Conference is an all-day event of keynotes and panels. It has tracks specifically designed for the writing craft, author marketing, traditional publishing, self–publishing. There are workshops on romance, children’s literature, memoir, and non–fiction writing.

Wordsmith

TBA
Oct 01–03, 2021
$250–$500
Wordsmith, the Loft’s craft, career, and connection conference for writers. The workshops help writers find their way through the writing process as well as the publishing industry. There’s information on becoming writers, what agents want, and a chance to ask other authors anything you’d like to know.

Write on the Sound Writers’ Conference

TBA
Oct 01–03, 2021
$85–$288
Write on the Sound writers’ conference (WOTS) is a small, affordable conference focused on the craft of writing. A broad variety of sessions, workshops, and panel discussions are available for all levels and interests, including valuable information regarding today’s writing and publishing industry.

The Annual Gold Rush Writers Conference

California, USA
Oct 01–03, 2021
$195–$215
Writing professionals will guide you through a bonanza of presentations, workshops, and open-mic readings. This intimate event includes successful poets, novelists, screen and play writers, memoirists, and short story writers.

The Black Authors & Readers Rock Conference (BARR)

Maryland, USA
Oct 1–2, 2021
$75–$175
BARR is a two-day literary conference that offers readers the opportunity to meet and mingle with new, emerging, and nationally recognized African American authors from all writing genres, and offers authors the opportunity to greet old friends, meet new readers and sell their works.

Ozark Creative Writers Conference

Arkansas, USA
Oct 7–9, 2021
$114–$185
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.

Annual James River Writers Conference

TBA
Oct 08–10, 2021
$175–$245
The James River Writers Conference is an annual gathering that usually takes place in Richmond, Virginia, and attracts prize-winning authors and highly regarded editors and literary agents from around the country to share their wisdom about writing and publishing.

Big Sur Children's Writers Workshops

Big Sur Children’s Writers Workshops

California, USA
Oct 8–10, 2021
$995–$1220
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.

Six Bridges Book Festival

Six Bridges Book Festival

Virtual
Oct 8–18, 2021
Free
The library system’s annual festival brings thousands of attendees together each year to participate in a variety of book talks, workshops, and live poetry events. The festival is virtual this year, with most sessions taking place live via Zoom. Wordsworth Books has partnered with CALS to sell signed copies of books through the festival’s website.

Omega Writers Conference

Australia
Oct 8–10, 2021
$343–$530
Omega Writers exists to educate, support, and inspire Australasian Christian writers towards excellence, impacting society with grace and truth. We want our words to change the world. Its annual Conference showcases well-known keynote speakers and respected workshop presenters.

Writing Sisters Summit in the Sands

New Mexico, USA
Oct 14–17, 2021
$650–$750
The Writing Sisters Summit–at Sea was born, with the intent of bringing together writers, male and female, who want to hone their craft with and learn from other writers. The Writing Sisters Summit–in The Sands 2021 is designed to spur your creativity and comfort your soul, featuring writing seminars focusing on craft and the business of writing.

Emerald City Writers’ Conference

Virtual
Oct 15–17, 2021
$100–$125
The Emerald City Writers’ Conference celebrates the diversity of stories and writers. Whether you’ve published many times over or just starting out, there’s something at ECWC for everyone. From keynote speeches to workshops and agent and editor meet and greets. Join in for the “booktail” party of the year.

Tupelo Truchas Poetry Conference

Virtual
Oct 16–19, 2021
$1,050
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. Your 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.

Rocky Mountain Literary Festival

Colorado, USA
Oct 16, 2021
$85
The Festival provides an opportunity for readers and authors to share literary experiences in a small and intimate setting. With a day-long gathering at Mount Vernon Canyon Club, the selected authors will share their journey of research, writing, and publishing. Readers will gain a sense of personal acquaintance with the writers while hearing about the experiences that inspired their books.

The Vancouver Writers Festival

British Columbia, Canada
Oct 18–24, 2021
$100
Words shape our worlds. They can delight, inspire, provoke, comfort, and unite—as do the authors, journalists, and poets who wield them. At the Vancouver Writers Fest we encourage readers of all ages to explore the power of storytelling, and books, through our dozens of events with local and international writers.

The Heartland Fall Forum

Missouri, USA
Oct 20–22, 2021
$175–$1500
This is the largest regional trade show in the country to serve the independent bookselling market. Members include locally owned and operated independent bookstores in Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin, as well as the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and surrounding the Great Lakes. The trade show is a conference that gathers booksellers, publishers, distributors, reps, vendors, authors, librarians, teachers, and other book business colleagues.

La Jolla Writers Conference

California, USA
Oct 22–24, 2021
$55–$395
The La Jolla Writer’s Conference is the perfect place for writers in every stage of their writing journey. It’s the perfect place for aspiring authors or writers on the verge of submitting their manuscripts to agents. It’s also for those who want to know more about the different and ever-evolving methods of publication.

Surrey International Writers Conference

British Colombia, Canada
Oct 22–24, 2021
TBA
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.

West Virginia Book Festival

Virginia, USA
Oct 22–23, 2021
Free
The Festival brings people and books together in a two-day event celebrating West Virginia writers. Each year the festival includes a marketplace, a special section just for children, a used book sale, “meet the author” events, and panel discussions.

Power of Words Conference

New Mexico, USA
Oct 28–31, 2021
$455–$475
Immerse yourself in workshops, celebrations, open mics, and fierce beauty among 50 presenters––storytellers, writers, performers, activists, educators, healers, and more.

Bookgardan: A Year's Sustenance for Women Writers

Bookgardan: A Year’s Sustenance for Women Writers

New York, USA
Nov 1–8, 2021
$1,650
The program opens and closes with week-long fall residency intensives, during which participating writers are both Craigardan artists-in-residence and participants in the Bookgardan program — Bookgardaners. From the first residency onward Kate will provide writers with the structure, tools, expertise, and individualized guidance required to develop and sustain their artistic practices, cultivate their manuscripts, and nourish their artistic and professional development, with the goal of bringing projects to an advanced level of fruition (a full first draft, a revised draft, or meeting an individual goal) by program’s end.

2021 FUSE Conference
Literary Publishing

New York, USA
Nov 04–06, 2021
TBA
This year, the FUSE conference travels to SUNY Geneseo and will take place over three days—November 5, 6, and 7, 2021. As the scholar Robert Scholes has said, “The culture of the past is more alive in its magazines than in any other textual form, because it is all there, the art and the lice, the truth and the lies.” At this conference, we will look at how undergraduate literary journals create conversation and offer writers and readers a community.

EMWA Cascais Conference

Cascais, Portugal
Nov 4–6, 2021
€130
The forum for training with EMWA is its annual conference, held in a different European city each spring, which provides a wonderful opportunity for networking, plenary lectures on key topics, strengthening your writing skills and sending out feelers to get a sense of other areas you might have been contemplating exploring as a writer. A shorter conference is also held each autumn.

Indie Romance Convention

Tennessee, USA
Nov 10–13, 2021
$45–$140
If you are an indie, hybrid or small press romance author, then this conference is perfect for you. With workshops and panels during the day and fun events at night, participants will be more than happy they took part in it. They also offer a two-hour open to the public book signing on Saturday. Both readers and authors can get to know each other on a more personal note.

Kauai Writers Conference

Hawaii, USA
Nov 12–14, 2021
$795
Join bestselling authors and agents in an intimate, oceanfront setting, with an emphasis on fiction, memoir, thrillers, and screenwriting. Includes in-depth sessions on craft, publishing, and the writing life, with opportunities for agent/editor feedback.

TusCon

Arizona, USA
Nov 12–14, 2021
$27–$55
TusCon is dedicated to 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. The primary focus of TusCon is science fiction, fantasy, and horror, but we also pay attention to art, animation, science, media, and gaming.

International Conference on Reading, Writing and Applied Linguistics

London, UK
Nov 18–19, 2021
€100–€500
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.

Under the Volcano

Virtual
Dec 11–19, 2021
$995
Under the Volcano is an international program of writing masterclasses that convenes every January. Their award-winning faculty spans the English–speaking and Hispanic worlds. The core writing program is open to poets, novelists, short story writers, investigative journalists, memoirists, essayists, and screenwriters. It’s also open to those working on projects that challenge traditional genre forms.

Milford Writer’s Workshop

North Wales, UK
Sep, 2021
£714–£749
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.

Non–Fiction Writers Conference

Virtual
May 05–07, 2021
$125–$690
Since the non-fiction Writers Conference launched in 2010, our 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 time and money on travel expenses. We’ve also celebrated alongside many of our attendees and members who have gone on to launch books into the world, and shared their successes with us.

New York Pitch Conference

Virtual
Mar TBA, 2021
$795
The event focuses on the art of the novel pitch as the best method not only for communicating your work but for having you and your work is taken seriously by industry professionals.

Jackson Hole Writers Conference

Wyoming, USA
Jun, 2021
TBA
The Jackson Hole Writers Conference takes place in Jackson Hole’s Center for the Arts where writers can meet each other, faculty writers, agents, and editors. You can share ideas over a glass of wine or beer, and make new contacts while attending the variety of workshops offered.

Sewanee Writers Conference

TBA
July, 2021
$700–$1800
Offering workshops in fiction, poetry, nonfiction, and playwriting, the Conference invites talented writers to come to Sewanee each summer to learn from each other in a welcoming and supportive environment. We’re grateful to Tennessee Williams, whose generous gift of the Walter E. Dakin Memorial Fund allows us to give every Conference participant assistance that covers two–thirds of the actual costs to attend. Additional funding is awarded to fellows and scholars.

The Leopardi Writing Conference

Recanati, Italy
July, 2021
$975
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.

Genre–LA™ Creative Writing Conference

Los Angeles, USA
Feb–Mar, 2021
$299–$499
No matter what genre you are writing, this is a uniquely educational and inspirational venue to learn how to visualize brave new worlds of wonder, create compelling memorable characters (both human and otherwise), plot and structure amazing storylines using your unique imagination, then write blockbuster stories, award-winning novels, screenplays, and graphic novels.

NonfictioNOW 2021 Conference

NonfictioNOW 2021 Conference

Wellington, New Zealand
Dec, 2021
TBA
NonfictioNOW gathers leading writers from around the world to share notes with emerging peers and audiences on the intricate challenges and intriguing delights of writing and reading nonfiction NOW. The growing success of NonfictioNOW highlights the great energy and interest in the art of nonfiction storytelling in all its forms, from literary and political essays and memoir to reality TV.
Slice’s 10th annual writers’ conference will draw more than 100 agents, authors, editors, and publishing pros. Our panels, roundtable discussions, and workshops will cover topics from the craft of writing (plotting, dialogue, characterization, poetry, and more) to the business of writing (pitch letters, landing a book deal, and beyond).

Milford Writer’s Workshop

North Wales, UK
Sep, 2021
£714–£749
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.

Conclusion

Unlike most of our event lists, this particular one has more virtual events than not. However, as with the rest, we recommend you proceed with caution, ensure that there are safety measures in check and a way to get a refund if things go awry for the on-site events. Please follow your country’s regulations and restrictions as well as that of the places you’re going to. Wear your mask and follow the health codes to ensure both your safety and that of others.

Read more here.

The Comprehensive List of 2024 Writing Contests

The 2024 International Book Fairs Calendar

Amazing Writing Retreats to Attend in 2024

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