Check here for the latest list of upcoming conferences and events of interest for writers and publishing professionals. The listing is in order of calendar date and is updated monthly.
Southeastern Writers Festival, St. Simon’s Island, GA, June 5-9, 2026
Southeastern Writers Association Previous workshops included Poetry and Dramatic Monologues; Short Stories, Novellas & Self-Publishing; Steampunk, Fairy Tales & E-Pub Tips; Humor & Memoirs; and Crime & the FBI.
Stockholm Writers Festival, Stockholm, Sweden, June 13, 2026
Stockholm Writers Festival is a weekend gathering of writers who come together to find the inspiration, knowhow and network that will help them bring their stories to the world. The knowledge gained during the festival is relevant to all writers, regardless of experience level, genre, or background.
Emerald City Author & Reader Event, Seattle, WA, June 13, 2026
Greater Seattle Romance Writers Emerald City is the largest regional romance writing conference in the West. There are editor and agent guests, workshops and master classes.
Indie UnConferece Europe, Pisa, Italy, June 16-19, 2026
Indie UnConference An unconference is a participant-driven event where the topics and discussions are shaped by those who attend. Unlike traditional conferences, there’s no set agenda beforehand. Instead, participants suggest and explore ideas together, forming small groups based on shared interests. This creates an interactive, collaborative learning experience.
Readercon 35, Burlington, MA, July 9-12, 2026
Readercon is an annual conference devoted to “imaginative literature” — literary science fiction, fantasy, horror, and the unclassifiable works often called “slipstream.” Although modeled on “science fiction conventions,” there is no art show, no costumes, no gaming, and almost no media. Instead, Readercon features a near-total focus on the written word.
Writers on the River, East Peoria, IL, July 11, 2026
Healing with Words This non-profit organization hosts a public reader event with over 90 attending romance authors in one room for a book signing. Meet New York Times and USA Today bestselling authors, chat with them, get selfies together, or buy a signed book. And all proceeds support Thistle Farms, an organization that helps women who have survived prostitution, trafficking and addiction.
RWA Annual Conference, Albuquerque, NM, July 15-18, 2026
Romance Writers of America Join more than 2,100 published and aspiring romance writers, editors, agents, and other industry professionals. Writers can choose from more than 100 workshops, panels and round-tables with publishing professionals or schedule a one-on-one pitch meeting with an editor or agent.
Writer’s Digest Conference, New Brunswick, NJ, July 23-25, 2026
Writer’s Digest The conference features sessions about writing, publishing, marketing and more, as well as the 3-hour Agent Slam with 60 professional agents.
Cleveland Rocks Writing Conference, South Euclid, OH, July 25, 2026
Great Lake Fiction Writers The annual conference is a dynamic gathering of writers at all levels, from beginners to seasoned professionals. Attendees learn from industry experts on the craft and business of writing, self-publishing, and beyond.
New Voices, New Rooms, Baltimore, MD, Aug. 2-5, 2026
New Atlantic Independent Booksellers Association NAIBA is dedicated to the exchange of ideas and information among independently owned bookstores. The annual fall gathering is two full days of bookseller education, networking, author events, and awards ceremonies.
ThrillerFest XXI, New York, NY, Aug. 5-9, 2026
International Thriller Writers A celebration of thriller books, the authors who write them, and the fans who read them. The four-day event includes author panels, classes, workshops, the CraftFest and AgentFest.
When Words Collide Festival, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Aug. 14-16, 2026
When Words Collide When Words Collide is a festival for readers, writers, artists and publishers of commercial and literary fiction, including genre, YA, Childrens books, and Poetry. A writers’ workshop is held just prior to the conference.
International Dublin Writers’ Festival, Dublin, Ireland, Aug. 14-16, 2026
Advanced Social Media Services, LTD. The Dublin Writers’ Conference is the first and so far only conference in Dublin, aimed at attracting writers as an audience and promoting Dublin as a cultural destination for authors from around the world. Improving writing craft and self publishing, key skills for a modern writer, are the two main tracks at this conference.
HNS Conference, Maynooth, Ireland, Aug. 20-23, 2026
Historical Novel Society The society has over 900 members worldwide including authors, publishers, booksellers, librarians and general readers. The conference location alternates between the USA and the United Kingdom. In November of 2025, there is also a HNS Australasian Conference. See their website for more information.
ACFW Annual Conference, Memphis, TN, Aug. 27-30, 2026
American Christian Fiction Writers Workshops for writers are designed with five different experience levels in mind, from “just starting out” to “published.” The event includes Early Bird and Post Conference sessions.
DragonCon, Atlnrta, GA, Sep. 3-7, 2026
DragonCon.org DragonCon is a multi-media, popular culture convention focusing on science fiction and fantasy, gaming, comics, literature, art, music, and film.
Craft & Publishing Voyage, London to New York, Sept. 5-12, 2026
Rebirth Your Book Craft classes, publishing panels and career advice for novelists, memoirists, essayists and nonfiction writers aboard the Queen Mary II. Spouses, partners and friends welcome.
Printers Row Lit Fest, Chicago, IL, Sep. 12 & 13, 2026
The Printers Row Lit Fest is considered the largest free outdoor literary event in the Midwest, drawing 125,000 book lovers to the two-day showcase. More than 200 booksellers from across the country display new, used and antiquarian books, and more than 200 authors participate in panels, discussions and a variety of other programs.
Bloody Scotland, Sterling, Scotland, Sep. 18-20, 2026
The Caledonian Crime Writing Festival Bloody Scotland is Scotland’s International Crime Writing Festival. Choose from over 40 events to attend including crime films, a crime play, sessions by crime authors, a masterclass, a ceilidh, and the McIlvanney prize.
NINC, St. Petersburg Beach, FL, Sep. 23-26, 2026
Novelists, Inc. is devoted exclusively to the needs of published authors and concentrates its efforts on the business of the business for career novelists. Speakers at the Master Class Conference will address business, craft, creativity, marketing and sales.
Colorado Gold Writers Conference, Aurora, CO, Oct. 1-4, 2026
Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers The conference typically hosts over 60 writer workshops, 5 master classes and visiting agents and editors.
Decatur Book Festival, Decatur, GA, Oct. 2-3, 2026
Emory University Decatur Book Festival is an annual, free book festival that takes place over Labor Day weekend in Decatur, Georgia at several venues located in and around the downtown Decatur Square. Authors give readings, talks, and panel discussions. The event is free and open to the public.
DFW Writers Conference, Hurst, TX, Oct. 3-4, 2026
DFW Writers Workshop The conference features agent pitch sessions, classes, workshops, and a one-day writing seminar for teens ages 13 to 17.
The Heartland Fall Forum, Minneapolis, MN, Oct. 7-9, 2026
Midwest Booksellers Association, Great Lakes Independent Booksellers Association This is the largest regional trade show in the country to serve the independent book selling 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.
Frankfurt Book Fair, Frankfurt, Germany, Oct. 7-11, 2026
Frankfurter Buchmesse The Frankfurt Book Fair is a meeting place for publishers, booksellers, agents, film producers and authors. It boasts 7,400 exhibitors from 106 countries, 280,194 visitors and over 10,000 journalists focusing on current trends.
FantasyCon, Glasgow, Scotland, UK, Oct. 9-11, 2026
The British Fantasy Society This UK Fantasy, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction and Horror conference is the largest regional romance writing conference in the West. There are editor and agent guests, workshops and master classes. Please see the website for programming information.
IBPA Publishing University, Portland, OR, Oct. 14-16, 2026
Independent Book Publishers Association offers a conference with education relevant to small presses and author publishers including speakers and programming on how to start, grow, and succeed in the publishing world.
Writing Sisters Summit, Taos, NM, Oct. 14-18, 2026
Writing Sisters The Writing Sisters Summit is designed to spur your creativity and comfort your soul, featuring writing seminars focusing on craft and the business of writing. The summit is open to women and men.
Women Writing in the West Conference, Phoenix, AZ, Oct. 15-17, 2026
Women Writing the West The conference features workshops and presentations from authors, editors, agents, publishers, and bookstore owners.
Moonlight and Magnolias, Norcross, GA, Oct. 15-17, 2026.
Georgia Romance Writers The conference features over 35 workshops including “Digital Track” workshops (small press, e-publishing, self-publishing, backlist publishing).
PNWA Conference, Lynnwood, WA, Oct. 15-18, 2026
Pacific Northwest Writers Association Our conference provides opportunities for you to meet other writers, attend classes focused on the different aspects within the industry (craft, business, marketing), and pitch your ideas to agents and editors.
Bouchercon World Mystery Convention, Calgary, Canada, Oct. 21-25, 2026
Bouchercon is a nonprofit, all-volunteer organization which holds an annual convention in honor of Anthony Boucher, the distinguished mystery fiction critic, editor and author. The convention brings together all parts of the mystery and crime fiction community: readers, writers, publishers, editors, agents, booksellers and other lovers of crime fiction.
Surrey International Writers’ Conference, Surrey, British Columbia, Oct. 23 – 25, 2026
The conference features Agent/Editor/Producer interviews, workshops and the Blue Pencil Cafe (have a sample of your work critiqued on the spot).
Florida Writers Con, Altamonte Springs, FL, Oct. 23-25, 2026
Florida Writers Association This is a three-day event, where members find agents, meet publishers, and get the scoop on the industry. Also see their website for mini-conferences throughout the year.
West Virginia Book Festival, Charleston, WV, Oct. 24, 2026
Kanawha County Public Library 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. The event is free. (Some sessions require tickets.)
Kauai Writers Conference, Lihue, Kauai, HI, Nov. 6-8, 2026
Kauai Writers Polish your writing skills while increasing your chances of publication by working top authors, agents and editors…in Hawaii. Pitch sessions and Advance Critique Sessions are also available. Attendance is limited to 150 participants. Master Classes begin four days before (see the website for more information).
New England Crime Bake, Dedham, MA, Nov. 6-8, 2026
New England Chapters of Mystery Writers of America and Sisters in Crime The conference includes three days of workshops for crime-loving authors with a focus on craft and connecting with agents and editors.
Indie Author Day, Libraries Across the USA, Nov. 13 & 14, 2026
During the Indie Author Day, libraries from all across North America will host their own local author events with the support of the Indie Author Day team. Don’t miss out on this opportunity for libraries and authors to connect on both local and global levels.
Superstars Writing, Colorado Springs, CO, Feb. 4-6, 2027
Superstars Writing Superstars Writing Seminars teach how to have a successful writing career by sharing how those at the top of the industry manage their careers.
Coastal Magic Convention, Daytona Beach, FL, Feb. 25-28, 2027
Jennifer Morris This convention is for readers and writers of Urban Fantasy, Paranormal and Romance.
London Book Fair, London, UK, Mar. 16-18, 2027
Reed Exhibitions Books and Publishing Group International exhibition hosting publishing professionals from around the world, this is a global marketplace for rights negotiation. The fair includes 250+ seminars and events and hosts 2,000+ exhibitors and boasts an attendance of 24,000+.
Nonfiction Writers Conference, Virtual Online Event, May 5-7, 2027
Nonfiction Authors Association offers an annual online conference featuring interactive webinar-based presentations, opportunities to pitch to literary agents, complimentary “ask-a-pro” consultations, live networking sessions via Zoom and more. Speakers to be announced soon.
Below are conferences that have not yet posted specific dates for their next event.
WP Annual Conference & Bookfair
Association of Writers & Writing Programs (AWP) This conference celebrates authors, teachers, writing programs, literary centers and small press publishers. Each year it features 400 presentations including readings, lectures, panel discussions, and forums—plus book signings, receptions and informal gatherings. The 2026 conference took place in March in Baltimore, MD.
Norwescon
Norwescon Norwescon features over 500 hours of panel programming presented by more than 200 panelists, covering subjects as science fiction, fantasy, science, costuming, art, writing, genre television, and movies. The 2026 conference took place in April in Seattle, WA.
Liberty States Fiction Writers Conference
Liberty States Fiction Writers offer a one-day workshop for writers including an editor/agent panel, a book signing and a vendor fair. The 2026 conference took place in April in Hamilton, NJ.
Spring Fling Writers’ Conference
Chicago-North Romance Writers The conference is a weekend of keynote speeches, workshops, panels, publishing spotlights, pitch appointments with editors and agents, a public book signing, librarian and bookseller brunch, and entertainment. The 2026 conference took place in April in Chicago, IL.
Chanticleer Authors Conference
Chanticleer Book Reviews CAC features panels on Multichannel Marketing and the Business of Being a Writer, with special focus on The New Era of Content Creation in All Its Forms and Honing Your Writing Craft. Scheduled are experts in marketing, book publicity, publishing, and advanced writing craft. Conference offers virtual attendance as well. The 2026 conference took place in April in Bellingham, WA.
Writing for Success Conference
Florida Star Fiction Writers offers classes and special all-day workshops throughout the year. Please see the website for specific programming. The 2026 conference took place in April in Cocoa Beach, FL.
Pikes Peak Writers Conference
Pikes Peak Writers offers a 3-day fiction-writing conference for writers of all levels, indie and traditionally published, featuring a variety of craft and business workshops, acquiring editors/agents and well-known authors across a variety of genres. The 2026 conference took place in April in Colorado Springs, CO.
Ireland’s Publishing Show
Ireland’s Publishing Show The event is for any writer who is interested in publishing a book, for those who have published and want to scale up, as well as for anyone who is unsure as to where their career is headed. The show includes opportunities for networking, speakers during the day, interactive workshops and panel discussions. The 2026 show took place in March in County Clare, Ireland.
The Power of Narrative Workshop
Boston University College of Communication Over 30 journalists, directors, producers and editors lead three days of lively discussions geared to advance the knowledge of narrative storytellers. Approximately 500 persons attend. Early registration is encouraged. Now in its 22nd year, the conference attracts a mix of veteran practitioners engaged in narrative journalism careers, early career professionals hoping to build narrative skills, and students of the genre. Attendees identify as writers, visual media creators, and audio journalists. 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. The 2026 workshop took place in March in Boston, MA.
Amaelia Island Book Festival
Amelia Island Book Festival The day includes a free Reader’s Festival with authors, readings and book signings. The 2026 Festival took place in February in Fernandia Beach, FL.
The Writer Unboxed UnConference
The Writer Unboxed This unconference is “part symposium, part interactive workshop, part networking affair, part retreat” focusing on advancing the craft of writing and making meaningful connections between authors. The 2025 conference took place in October in Santa FE, NM.
Digipalooza
OverDrive Digipalooza is a conference for partner libraries that offers education and networking geared toward increasing circulation of digital audiobooks, eBooks, music and video. The 2025 conference took place in August in Cleveland, OH.
SleuthFest
Mystery Writers of America – Florida Chapter The organization presents a regular four-day conference that features panels, agent and editor appointments, manuscript critiques, and a short story contest. The 2024 conference was postponed due to tropical storm Helene. The 2025 event took place in May in St. Petersburg, FL. The next conference will be in 2027.
Writer MBA
Writer MBA The schedule includes two main events: The Future of Publishing Mastermind (3 days) and the Writer MBA Conference (3 days). In between is a Vendor Day featuring industry guests. The 2025 event took place in March in New Orleans, LA.
Indie Romance Convention
The Indie Romance Convention is designed to fit the needs of indie authors. In addition, the event is open to readers, bloggers, editors, and cover artists. The 2024 convention was held in October in Lebanon, TN.
Killer Con
The Writers’ Police Academy offers the hands-on, interactive and educational experience for writers to enhance their understanding of all aspects of law enforcement and forensics. The event features police, fire, and EMS training at an actual police academy. The 2024 convention took place in Green Bay, WI in June.