Writing Conferences in 2025
Nov 06, 2024
Attending writing conferences is an excellent way for writers to enhance their craft, network with industry professionals, and gain insights into the publishing world. Here is a curated list of 20 notable writing conferences scheduled for 2025, including essential details to help you choose the right one for your needs.
1. San Francisco Writers Conference
- Location: San Francisco, California
- Dates: February 6–9, 2025
- How to Attend: Registration is available through the official website.
- Cost: Full conference registration is $895; additional options are available.
- Best For: Writers of all genres seeking comprehensive sessions on craft, marketing, and publishing.
- Tips: Early registration is recommended due to limited space. Consider booking pitch sessions with agents and editors in advance.
2. AWP Conference & Bookfair
- Location: Los Angeles, California
- Dates: March 26–29, 2025
- How to Attend: Register via the AWP website.
- Cost: Member rates start at $200; non-member rates are higher.
- Best For: Writers, teachers, students, editors, and publishers interested in a large-scale literary event.
- Tips: Plan your schedule ahead to manage the extensive array of panels and events. Networking opportunities abound, so bring business cards.
3. Pikes Peak Writers Conference
- Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado
- Dates: May 2–4, 2025
- How to Attend: Registration opens November 1, 2024, on the conference website.
- Cost: Details to be announced; typically includes meals and access to all sessions.
- Best For: Writers focused on fiction, offering workshops on craft and the business of writing.
- Tips: Take advantage of the one-on-one pitch sessions with agents and editors. Prepare your manuscript and pitch materials in advance.
4. Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference
- Location: Middlebury, Vermont
- Dates: August 13–23, 2025
- How to Attend: Applications open on November 15, 2024, via the Middlebury website.
- Cost: To be announced; financial aid is available.
- Best For: Emerging writers seeking intensive workshops and mentorship.
- Tips: The application process is competitive; ensure your writing samples are polished. Apply early and consider financial aid options if needed.
5. Storymakers Conference
- Location: Provo, Utah
- Dates: May 8–10, 2025
- How to Attend: Registration opens January 17, 2025, on the Storymakers Guild website.
- Cost: To be announced.
- Best For: Writers of all levels interested in a variety of classes and networking opportunities.
- Tips: Classes fill up quickly; register early to secure your preferred sessions. Engage with the community through social events and workshops.
6. Las Vegas Writers Conference
- Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
- Dates: April 3–5, 2025
- How to Attend: Registration details are available on the conference website.
- Cost: $449–$599, with discounts for members.
- Best For: Writers seeking workshops, pitch sessions, and networking in a vibrant setting.
- Tips: Prepare your pitch materials and research attending agents and editors beforehand. Take advantage of the included pitch sessions.
7. Colorado Writing Workshop
- Location: Denver, Colorado
- Dates: March 22, 2025
- How to Attend: Register through the Writing Day Workshops website.
- Cost: $189 early bird rate.
- Best For: Writers looking for a one-day event focused on the craft and business of writing.
- Tips: Bring questions and be ready to engage in interactive sessions. Network with fellow attendees to build connections.
8. Atlanta Writers Conference
- Location: Atlanta, Georgia
- Dates: May 2–3, 2025
- How to Attend: Registration details are available on the conference website.
- Cost: $60 non-refundable registration fee; additional costs for individual activities.
- Best For: Writers aiming to meet agents, editors, and publishers for potential representation.
- Tips: Review the list of participating professionals and tailor your submissions accordingly. Prepare your manuscript and query letter for feedback sessions.
9. Writing Conference of Los Angeles
- Location: Los Angeles, California
- Dates: May 3, 2025
- How to Attend: Register via the conference website.
- Cost: $199 early bird rate; additional fees for one-on-one meetings.
9. Writing Conference of Los Angeles
- Location: Los Angeles, California
- Dates: May 3, 2025
- How to Attend: Register via the conference website.
- Cost: $199 early bird rate; additional fees for one-on-one meetings.
- Best For: Writers seeking a one-day intensive on publishing and craft.
- Tips: Come with prepared pitches if you’re meeting agents, and bring sample pages for feedback sessions.
10. The Writers’ League of Texas Agents & Editors Conference
- Location: Austin, Texas
- Dates: June 27–29, 2025
- How to Attend: Registration available on the Writers’ League of Texas website.
- Cost: $469 for members, $569 for non-members.
- Best For: Writers seeking connections with agents and editors, with a focus on the Texas literary scene.
- Tips: Research the attending agents and editors beforehand, and be ready with a polished pitch.
11. Iowa Summer Writing Festival
- Location: Iowa City, Iowa
- Dates: June–July 2025 (multiple sessions)
- How to Attend: Register for sessions on the festival website.
- Cost: Prices vary by workshop; generally around $800 per session.
- Best For: Writers looking for immersive, craft-focused workshops.
- Tips: Choose workshops that align with your writing goals, and take advantage of networking with fellow writers.
12. Kauai Writers Conference
- Location: Kauai, Hawaii
- Dates: November 7–10, 2025
- How to Attend: Register on the Kauai Writers Conference website.
- Cost: $695 for full conference access; additional fees for manuscript critiques and masterclasses.
- Best For: Writers interested in craft sessions, beachside inspiration, and meeting bestselling authors.
- Tips: Plan ahead for travel and accommodation, and consider adding a masterclass for intensive learning.
13. Pacific Northwest Writers Conference
- Location: Seattle, Washington
- Dates: September 11–14, 2025
- How to Attend: Register through the PNWA website.
- Cost: $395 for members, $495 for non-members.
- Best For: Writers looking to connect with agents, editors, and publishers in the Pacific Northwest.
- Tips: Take advantage of agent “pitch blocks” to get your manuscript noticed and receive feedback.
14. Boston Writing Workshop
- Location: Boston, Massachusetts
- Dates: April 12, 2025
- How to Attend: Register on the Writing Day Workshops website.
- Cost: $199 early bird rate; additional fees for manuscript critiques.
- Best For: Writers looking for a one-day conference focused on craft and publishing insights.
- Tips: Bring a notebook to jot down quick tips from each session, and stay engaged with interactive sessions.
15. Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers Colorado Gold Conference
- Location: Denver, Colorado
- Dates: September 26–28, 2025
- How to Attend: Register through the RMFW website.
- Cost: $549 early bird; member discounts available.
- Best For: Fiction writers, especially those interested in genres like romance, thriller, and science fiction.
- Tips: Book pitch appointments early, as they fill up fast. Network with genre-focused writers.
16. Historical Novel Society North America Conference
- Location: San Antonio, Texas
- Dates: June 19–21, 2025
- How to Attend: Register on the Historical Novel Society website.
- Cost: $375 for members, $425 for non-members.
- Best For: Writers of historical fiction looking to deepen their research and connect with editors in the genre.
- Tips: Come prepared with historical questions for experts and use this time to refine your accuracy in storytelling.
17. Florida Writers Conference
- Location: Altamonte Springs, Florida
- Dates: October 16–19, 2025
- How to Attend: Register on the Florida Writers Association website.
- Cost: $395 for members, $495 for non-members.
- Best For: Writers of all levels looking for genre-specific tracks, craft sessions, and marketing tips.
- Tips: Make a schedule to attend genre-focused sessions for tailored guidance, and bring plenty of business cards.
18. North Carolina Writers' Network Fall Conference
- Location: Raleigh, North Carolina
- Dates: November 7–9, 2025
- How to Attend: Register on the NCWN website.
- Cost: $375 for members, $475 for non-members.
- Best For: Writers interested in regional networking and craft workshops.
- Tips: Network with North Carolina publishers and agents, and attend genre-specific sessions.
19. Mendocino Coast Writers Conference
- Location: Mendocino, California
- Dates: August 1–3, 2025
- How to Attend: Register on the MCWC website.
- Cost: $600 for full access; manuscript consultation fees extra.
- Best For: Writers looking for a scenic retreat that combines workshops, readings, and critique sessions.
- Tips: Plan a few days extra to enjoy the setting and relax after a productive weekend.
20. James River Writers Conference
- Location: Richmond, Virginia
- Dates: October 11–12, 2025
- How to Attend: Register on the James River Writers website.
- Cost: $295 for members, $345 for non-members.
- Best For: Writers seeking inspiration, networking opportunities, and insights into publishing.
- Tips: Attend the keynote and panel sessions to meet both regional and national literary professionals.
Final Tips for Attending Writing Conferences
- Prepare Your Pitch: If the conference offers pitch sessions with agents or editors, practice a concise, engaging pitch for your project.
- Network Strategically: Bring business cards and connect with fellow writers, industry professionals, and workshop leaders.
- Plan Your Schedule in Advance: Conferences can be busy, so prioritize the sessions and workshops that align with your goals.
- Engage with Social Media: Use conference hashtags to network online and stay informed about last-minute updates.
- Follow Up Post-Conference: Send follow-up emails to contacts you made, thanking them for their time and insights.
Attending writing conferences can be a powerful investment in your career, helping you grow as a writer, make valuable connections, and stay inspired. With these 20 options for 2025, there’s a conference for every genre, budget, and goal.