List of Writers Conferences: 2025-2026 Conferences for Writers and Authors
Whether you’re looking for inspiration, professional development, or a chance to pitch your manuscript to agents and publishers, there’s an event tailored to your needs on this list of writers conferences. Conferences for writers and authors are an invaluable opportunity for to hone your craft, network with industry professionals, and take your writing career to the next level.
Here you’ll find a comprehensive list of writers conferences, categorized by region and focus, to help you find the perfect event. This list of writers conferences is part of our free Writers Conferences Guide, where you can find all writers conferences. Our Writers Conferences Near Me page will helpyou find local writer events, and here you can see the Best Writers Conferences.
2025-2026 Writers Conference List
A list of writers conferences is an invaluable resource for authors at every stage of their career. Whether you’re just starting your writing journey or a seasoned professional looking to refine your craft, the right conference can open doors to networking opportunities, professional growth, and creative inspiration. Writers conferences come in many forms, tailored to specific genres, mediums, and career paths. From fiction and fantasy to education and editorial writing, these events provide expert guidance, workshops, and connections to help writers achieve their goals.
In this guide, we present a comprehensive list of writers conferences spanning various types, ensuring you find the perfect fit for your needs. Each conference is a unique opportunity to learn from industry leaders, collaborate with peers, and gain valuable insights into the publishing and writing industries. Dive into the diverse world of writers conferences and discover events designed to ignite your creativity and advance your career.
List of Writers Conferences – 2025-2026
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BDSM Writers Conference
BDSM Writers Conferences explore the art and culture of BDSM writing, focusing on authenticity, character development, and representation in this niche genre. These events often include workshops, panels, and networking opportunities.
Example: BDSM Writers Con, a unique event that blends creative writing workshops with discussions about BDSM culture and representation.
Beer Bloggers and Writers Conference
Beer Bloggers and Writers Conferences celebrate the craft of writing about beer, offering sessions on brewing culture, journalism, and storytelling. Attendees learn about trends, industry insights, and writing for beer enthusiasts.
Example: Beer Now Conference, an event that brings together beer writers, bloggers, and industry professionals.
Black Writers Conference
Black Writers Conferences amplify Black voices in literature, focusing on identity, culture, and representation. These events provide workshops, panels, and networking opportunities for writers of all genres.
Example: Hurston/Wright Foundation Legacy Awards and Workshop, which honors and nurtures Black writers.
Business Writers Conference
Business Writers Conferences cater to authors writing about corporate topics. Sessions focus on branding, technical writing, and effective communication for business narratives.
Example: Content Marketing World, a conference that brings together writers and marketers for insights on creating impactful content.
Caribbean Women Writers Conference
Caribbean Women Writers Conferences celebrate the literary contributions of Caribbean women, blending cultural experiences with workshops and networking.
Example: Bocas Lit Fest, an annual literary festival highlighting Caribbean authors and women writers.
Cat Writers Association Conference
Cat Writers Association Conferences focus on feline-themed writing, including blogs, articles, and books. Writers explore creative ways to connect with cat-loving audiences.
Example: Cat Writers’ Association Annual Conference, an event featuring workshops, awards, and networking.
Children’s Book Writers Conferences
Children’s Book Writers Conferences provide guidance for crafting engaging stories for young readers, covering picture books, middle-grade novels, and young adult fiction.
Example: SCBWI Annual Conference, a premier event for children’s book authors and illustrators.
Christian Writers Conference
Christian Writers Conferences inspire faith-based authors, offering sessions on creating devotionals, inspirational books, and Christian fiction.
Example: Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, a leading event for Christian authors.
Creative Nonfiction Writers Conference
Creative Nonfiction Writers Conferences blend factual storytelling with narrative techniques. Topics often include memoirs, essays, and crafting compelling nonfiction.
Example: Creative Nonfiction Writers’ Conference hosted by the Creative Nonfiction Foundation.
Crime Writers Conference
Crime Writers Conferences focus on crafting mysteries and thrillers, with workshops on plot development, legal accuracy, and suspense-building techniques.
Example: Killer Nashville, a popular conference for crime and mystery writers.
List of Writers Conferences – 2025-2026
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Editorial Writers Conference
Editorial Writers Conferences focus on crafting compelling opinion pieces, offering sessions on argumentation, style, and audience engagement. These events equip writers with tools to create impactful editorials and navigate the editorial industry.
Example: ACES: The Society for Editing Annual Conference: A resourceful event for editorial writers and editors across various industries.
Education Writers Conference
Education Writers Conferences cater to journalists and writers covering education topics, offering insights into policy, trends, and reporting techniques. Participants gain valuable skills for creating informative and engaging educational content.
Example: EWA National Seminar: The Education Writers Association’s flagship event, featuring sessions on education reporting and storytelling.
Fantasy Writers Conference
Fantasy Writers Conferences delve into world-building, character creation, and storytelling in the fantasy genre. These events bring together authors, editors, and fans to celebrate and advance the craft of fantasy writing.
Example: World Fantasy Convention: An annual gathering of fantasy writers and enthusiasts, featuring panels, workshops, and award presentations.
Fiction Writers Conferences
Fiction Writers Conferences help authors refine storytelling techniques with workshops on character development, world-building, and the publishing process. These events often include networking opportunities with industry professionals and discussions on emerging trends in fiction.
Example: AWP Conference & Bookfair: A major event for fiction and other literary genres, featuring panels, workshops, and networking.
Game Writers Conference
Game Writers Conferences explore storytelling in video and tabletop games, focusing on narrative design, player engagement, and interactive storytelling. These events attract writers, developers, and industry leaders.
Example: Game Developers Conference (GDC): Includes a dedicated track for game writers, offering workshops and networking opportunities.
Garden Writers Conference
Garden Writers Conferences connect authors focusing on horticulture, landscaping, and outdoor spaces. These events provide workshops, industry insights, and opportunities to network with like-minded professionals.
Example: Garden Communicators International Annual Conference: A premier event for garden writers, bloggers, and photographers.
Hallmark Christmas Movie Writers Conference
Hallmark Christmas Movie Writers Conferences teach writers how to craft heartwarming scripts for holiday-themed TV films. Topics include plot structure, emotional appeal, and pitching scripts to producers.
Example: Hallmark Channel Writers Workshop: An event for aspiring holiday movie scriptwriters, offering guidance and industry connections.
Historical Fiction Writers Conference
A Historical Fiction Writers Conference is designed to help writers accurately and vividly bring history to life through their storytelling. These events often include sessions on research methods, character development, and historical world-building.
Example: Historical Novel Society Conference: A gathering focused on celebrating and advancing historical fiction through workshops, panels, and networking.
Horror Writers Conference
A Horror Writers Conference delves into the art of crafting fear and suspense, with sessions covering everything from psychological terror to supernatural themes. Attendees can refine their skills and network with fellow horror enthusiasts.
Example: StokerCon: Organized by the Horror Writers Association, this conference features workshops, pitch sessions, and the Bram Stoker Awards.
List of Writers Conferences – 2025-2026
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Jewish Writers Conference
A Jewish Writers Conference offers a space for writers exploring Jewish themes or identity in their work, with sessions on storytelling, cultural representation, and faith-based narratives.
Example: Jewish Book Council Conference: A premier event connecting authors of Jewish literature with publishers, editors, and readers.
Journalists Writers Conference
A Journalists Writers Conference equips writers with tools to navigate the evolving landscape of journalism. Topics include investigative reporting, digital storytelling, and ethics in modern media.
Example: Investigative Reporters & Editors Conference (IRE): Offers hands-on training in data journalism, investigative techniques, and networking opportunities.
Latina Writers Conference
A Latina Writers Conference provides a platform for Latina voices in literature, fostering representation and creativity. Events include workshops, panels, and networking focused on Latinx experiences and storytelling.
Example: Comadres & Compadres Writers Conference: Aimed at Latinx writers, offering guidance on craft, publishing, and networking with industry professionals.
Magazine Writers Conference
A Magazine Writers Conference is tailored for freelance and staff writers seeking to enhance their skills in feature writing, editing, and content pitching.
Example: ASJA Annual Conference: Hosted by the American Society of Journalists and Authors, this event focuses on magazine and freelance writing.
Medical Writers Conference
A Medical Writers Conference focuses on the specialized craft of medical writing, from regulatory documents to consumer health articles. Attendees gain insights into technical writing, research, and industry standards.
Example: AMWA Medical Writing & Communication Conference: Provides professional development for medical communicators, including workshops and networking.
Mystery Writers Conference
A Mystery Writers Conference explores the intricacies of crafting compelling whodunits, offering workshops on plotting, red herrings, and character motivations.
Example: Crime Bake: A popular conference for mystery and crime writers, featuring workshops, panels, and pitch sessions.
Outdoor Writers Conference
An Outdoor Writers Conference is for those who write about nature, adventure, and the great outdoors. Sessions often cover storytelling, photography, and engaging niche audiences.
Example: Outdoor Writers Association of America Conference: Provides networking and workshops for outdoor communicators.
Physician Writers Conference
A Physician Writers Conference supports doctors transitioning into writing or combining medicine and storytelling. Events often include memoir writing, publishing advice, and peer networking.
Example: Harvard Writers Conference for Physicians: Focuses on creative and medical writing, offering workshops and expert-led panels.
Romance Writers Conference
A Romance Writers Conference helps authors master the art of love stories, covering topics like emotional resonance, character chemistry, and navigating the romance market.
Example: RWA Annual Conference: Hosted by Romance Writers of America, featuring workshops, industry panels, and agent pitches.
List of Writers Conferences – 2025-2026
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Science Fiction Writers Conference
A Science Fiction Writers Conference dives into futuristic, speculative, and fantastical storytelling. Attendees explore world-building, advanced tech themes, and genre market trends.
Example: World Science Fiction Convention (Worldcon): Celebrates science fiction and fantasy with workshops, panels, and the Hugo Awards.
Science Writers Conference
A Science Writers Conference focuses on translating complex scientific concepts into engaging narratives, catering to journalists and authors in the field.
Example: ScienceWriters Conference: Organized by the National Association of Science Writers, offering workshops and networking opportunities.
Southern Food Writers Conference
A Southern Food Writers Conference combines culinary traditions with storytelling, offering workshops on writing about food, culture, and heritage.
Example: Southern Foodways Alliance Symposium: Highlights the intersection of Southern cuisine and storytelling.
Southern Women Writers Conference
A Southern Women Writers Conference celebrates women’s contributions to literature in the Southern tradition. Events include readings, panels, and workshops.
Example: Berry College Southern Women Writers Conference: A biannual event featuring Southern women authors and academics.
Speech Writers Conference
A Speech Writers Conference focuses on crafting powerful speeches, with sessions on rhetoric, audience engagement, and persuasive writing.
Example: Professional Speechwriters Association Conference: Features expert-led workshops and networking for speechwriting professionals.
Thriller Writers Conference
A Thriller Writers Conference equips authors with tools for writing edge-of-your-seat suspense, covering pacing, plot twists, and character development.
Example: ThrillerFest: Hosted by the International Thriller Writers organization, featuring workshops, pitch sessions, and panels.
Travel Writers Conference
A Travel Writers Conference enhances storytelling skills for adventure and travel writing, including photography and marketing workshops.
Example: Travel Media Showcase: Connects writers with travel industry professionals for networking and collaboration.
Travel Writers and Photographers Conference
A Travel Writers and Photographers Conference blends the art of writing and photography, offering insights into capturing and documenting travel experiences.
Example: Book Passage Travel Writers & Photographers Conference: Features workshops led by travel writing and photography experts.
Western Writers Conference
A Western Writers Conference highlights literature of the American West, focusing on themes of history, culture, and frontier storytelling.
Example: Western Writers of America Convention: Features workshops, panels, and networking for authors of Western-themed works.
Women’s Writers Conference
A Women’s Writers Conference empowers female authors by addressing gender-specific challenges in the literary world. Topics often include empowerment, representation, and networking.
Example: Women Writers Conference (Lexington, KY): Provides workshops and discussions for women writers in various genres.
Young Adult Writers Conference
A Young Adult Writers Conference delves into the vibrant world of YA literature, exploring themes, audience connection, and market trends.
Example: SCBWI Annual Conference: Includes sessions on YA fiction and networking opportunities with publishers and agents.
Next Steps: 2025-2026 List of Writers Conferences
Attending a writers conference can be a transformative experience, offering more than just workshops and lectures. These events provide a supportive environment to connect with like-minded individuals, gain insights from industry veterans, and showcase your work to professionals who can help bring your writing dreams to life.
As you explore this list of writers conferences, consider your goals and what you hope to gain from the experience. Whether you’re seeking guidance on your writing journey, networking opportunities, or a better understanding of the publishing industry, these conferences offer a wealth of resources to support your ambitions.
Writers Conferences - The Bestselling Author, LLC
This Writers Conference FAQ and List of Writers Conferences was created by The Bestselling Author, LLC, a coaching and consulting company established in 2011. We've helped 400+ writers get literary agents and/or traditional publishers. The founder, Mark Malatesta, has spoken at 100+ conferences for writers and authors. He is a former: literary agent, literary agency owner, AAR member, and Marketing & Licensing Manager for the book and gift publisher Blue Mountain Arts.
Writers Mark has worked during his publishing career include Nelson Johnson, author of Boardwalk Empire, which Martin Scorsese produced for HBO; Leslie Lehr, author of A Boob's Life, which is currently being adapted for an HBO Max TV series by Salma Hayek; and Scott LeRette, author of The Unbreakable Boy, published by Thomas Nelson and now a major motion picture by Lionsgate starring Patricia Heaton, Zachary Levi, and Amy Acker. Click here to see Mark Malatesta reviews by writers Mark has worked with, and publishing industry professionals, many of whom Mark has met and shared the stage with at writers conferences and other industry events, throughout the United States and abroad.
