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Event NameDate/MonthLocationFormatFocusAudienceApplication StatusApplication Window OpensApplication DeadlineHow to ApplyWebsiteContact EmailAttendanceNotes
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SCBWI Winter ConferenceJanuary 16-18 2026New York CityIn-PersonChildren's books (craft & business)Writers/illustrators/translatorsCurrently AcceptingRollingRollingSubmit workshop proposal at scbwi.org/submit-a-proposalscbwi.org/events/2026-winter-conference-in-new-york-city1000+28+ breakout sessions, publishing house tours, rolling speaker applications
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San Miguel Writers ConferenceFebruary 19-23 2026San Miguel de Allende MexicoIn-Person (5-day)All genres (craft & business)Writers, artists, performersTBDTBDTBDCheck website for speaker application processsanmiguelwritersconference.orgvia the site750+ participants; 10,000 seats at main stage eventsLiterary festival setting; 12 master classes; strong cultural tie; networking and cultural exchange focus; town has been gathering place for artists/writers since 1930s
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SCBWI Virtual Winter ConferenceFebruary 2026VirtualOnlineChildren's books (craft & business)Writers/illustrators/translatorsCurrently AcceptingRollingRollingSubmit at scbwi.org/submit-a-proposalscbwi.org500+Videos available for 30 days after event
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San Francisco Writers ConferenceFebruary 2026San Francisco CAIn-PersonFiction & nonfiction (craft & business)All levelsTBDTBDTBDCheck website in late 2025/early 2026TBD500+12+ tracks; known for being welcoming to diverse speakers
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London Book Fair - Writers' SummitMarch 10 2026 (Summit); March 10-12 2026 (Fair)Olympia London & Novotel West LondonIn-PersonAll genres (craft & business)Writers at all career stagesTBDEarly 2026TBDCheck londonbookfair.co.uk in early 2026 for submissionslondonbookfair.co.uk32000+ at FairMajor international event; 100+ sessions; can pitch agents and editors
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AWP ConferenceMarch 19-22 2026Baltimore MDIn-PersonAll genres - literary focus (craft & business)Writers/teachers/MFA programsDeadline PassedMay 1 2025June 16 2025Submit through awpwriter.secure-platform.com/applications/page/EventProposalsawpwriter.org10000+Largest literary conference in North America; 400+ presentations; highly competitive; panels typically 3-5 speakers; for 2027 watch for May 2026 opening
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Pikes Peak Writers ConferenceApril 2026Colorado Springs COIn-PersonFiction (craft & business)All levels - indie and traditionally publishedTBDTBDTBDCheck website for 2026 application timelineTBD500+3-day conference; fiction-focused; variety of genres; features acquiring editors/agents
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Las Vegas Writers ConferenceApril 23-25 2026Sam’s Town Hotel And Gambling Hall, Las VegasIn-Person 3-dayAll genres (craft & business)Writers at all levelsTBDTBDTBDCheck website for speaker application processCheck Henderson Writers Group lasvegaswritersconference.comRegionalOrganized by Henderson Writers Group; 21st annual in 2025; workshop sessions with Q&A; 10-minute agent/editor pitch sessions included; feedback from industry experts; keynote speech; discounts for Henderson Writers Group members
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Nebraska Writers Guild Annual ConferenceApril 23-25 2026Omaha NEIn-PersonAll genres (craft & business)Aspiring/emerging/professional writersDeadline PassedFall 2025October 21 2025Online proposal form; notification December 31 2025nebraskawriters.orgRegional MidwestTheme: True Voice; for 2027 watch for fall 2026 call
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Writing Conference of Los AngelesMay 2 2026Hilton Los Angeles AirportIn-Person (1-day)All genres - How to Get PublishedFiction and nonfiction writersFaculty InvitedNot an open speaker application process; faculty appears to be curated/invitedwritingconferenceoflosangeles.com250 maxPart of Writing Day Workshops series; optional pitches to agents/editors
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Nonfiction Writers ConferenceMay 6-8 2026VirtualOnlineNonfiction only (craft & business)Nonfiction authors at all stagesInvited OnlySpeakers carefully selected based on proven track record; can become known through Nonfiction Authors Association communitynonfictionwritersconference.com1000+16th annual event; NOT an open application process; focus on becoming a member and building relationships
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London Festival of WritingJune 13-14 2026Leonardo Royal Tower Bridge Hotel LondonIn-Person (weekend)All genres (craft & business)Writers from around the worldTBDTBDTBDSpeaker application process not yet posted; run by Jericho Writersjerichowriters.com/events/festival-of-writing300+Features workshops from bestselling authors; literary one-to-ones with agents; sign up for mailing list
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Chicago Writers Association ConferenceJune 20 2026Steppenwolf Theatre ChicagoIn-Person (1-day)All genres (craft & business)All levelsTBDTBDTBDSpeaker application details TBD; check for speaker announcements late 2025chicagowrites.org/conference150 maxReimagined conference format; pitch sessions with agents; 5 sessions total; attendee registration opens December 1, 2025
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Midwest Writers WorkshopJuly 10-12 2026Muncie INIn-Person (1.5 days)All genres (craft & business)Writers at all levelsTBDTBDTBDCheck website for speaker/presenter informationwww.midwestwriters.orgRegionalAffordable option; in-depth small sessions in craft; published authors teach; mingle with industry experts; blend of top-tier instruction with friendly community vibes
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RWA Annual ConferenceJuly 15-18 2026Albuquerque NMIn-Person (4-day)Romance fiction (craft & business)Published and aspiring romance writersCurrently AcceptingNowCheck for deadlineSubmit at www.rwa.org (check main conference page for proposal link)www.rwa.org/rwa-annual-conference2100+Major romance conference; 100+ workshops/panels/roundtables; pitch appointments with agents/editors; must have expertise in romance writing/publishing
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Sewanee Writers ConferenceJuly 15-27 2026University of the South, Sewanee TNIn-Person (12-day retreat)Fiction/poetry/nonfiction (craft)Serious literary writersTBDTBDTBDSubmit application through websitesewaneewriters.org[email protected] or 931-598-1654Limited to workshop participantsWorkshop model; 5 workshop meetings on alternating days; led by distinguished writers/critics/agents; room and board included (single or double dorms); assistance covering two-thirds of cost; fully immersed workshop focused on developing skills and confidence; buildings accessible for people with disabilities
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ThrillerFestJuly 2026New York City (typically)In-Person (4-day)Thriller fiction (craft & business)Thriller writers and fansTBDTBDTBDCheck International Thriller Writers websiteCheck ITW website1000+Features CraftFest and AgentFest; celebration of thriller books
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SCBWI Summer ConferenceLate July/Early August 2026VirtualOnlineChildren's books (craft & business)Writers/illustrators/translators worldwideCurrently AcceptingRollingRollingSubmit at scbwi.org/submit-a-proposalscbwi.org1000+50+ sessions with different tracks; videos available after event; breakout sessions for illustrators/picture book/nonfiction/self-pub/trad pub
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Bread Loaf Writers ConferenceAugust 12-22 2026Bread Loaf Campus Middlebury College, Ripton VTIn-Person (10-day)Fiction/poetry/nonfiction (craft)Literary writers at all levelsOpens December 1 2025December 1 2025March 15 2026Submit application through Middlebury website during application windowwww.middlebury.edu/writers-conferences/writers-conference[email protected]250 selected from thousands of applicants100th annual (Centennial); oldest US writing conference (founded 1926 by Robert Frost); highly selective; workshops core of conference (5 two-hour sessions); faculty includes MacArthur Fellows, US Poets Laureate, Pulitzer/National Book Award recipients; room and board included; two-thirds cost covered by memorial fund
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When Words CollideAugust 13-17 2026 (Thu arrivals - Sun)Sheraton Cavalier Calgary CanadaIn-Person (3-day festival)All genres (craft & business)Readers/writers/publishersOpens Late 2025Late 2025Typically January 1 2026Submit at whenwordscollide.org/speakers.html; notification March 1 2026; can email [email protected] for Featured Author/Special Guestwhenwordscollide.org[email protected]300+All genres welcome: mainstream/sci-fi/fantasy/romance/mystery/YA/historical/literary/nonfiction; selected presenters receive festival pass + honorarium
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RWA AustraliaAugust 2026Darwin AustraliaIn-PersonRomance fiction (craft & business)Romance writersTBDTBDTBDInformation TBD; check RWA Australia website for updatesTBDRegionalInternational option for romance writers
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Killer NashvilleAugust 21-24 2026Nashville TNIn-Person (4-day)Thriller/crime fiction (craft & business)Thriller and crime writersTBDTBDTBDCheck website for programming and speaker application processwww.killernashville.com1000+150+ presentations; crime-related topics: law enforcement, government agencies, romantic suspense, CIA intrigue; Master Classes, workshops, panels; equal parts networking, craft, and community
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Bouchercon (World Mystery Convention)October 21-25 2026Calgary Alberta CanadaIn-Person (4-day)Mystery/thriller/crime fiction (craft & business)Mystery writers, fans, publishers, editors, agents, booksellersTBDTBDTBDCheck bouchercon2026.com for programming and speaker informationbouchercon2026.comThousandsPremier global convention for mystery/thriller/crime fiction; Guests of Honor: Louise Penny, Kathy Reichs, Abir Mukherjee; Anthony Awards ceremony; panels, workshops, book signings; founded 1970
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Kauai Writers ConferenceNovember 10-16 2026Lihue Kauai HIIn-PersonAll genres (craft & business)Fiction and nonfiction writersTBDTBDTBDCheck website for speaker application processkauaiwritersconference.com[email protected]TBD20 Master Classes November 11-14; Conference November 15-17; panels on craft and business; agent pitch sessions; publishing industry consultation; impressive faculty
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Author NationNovember 3-7 2026Horseshoe Las Vegas NVIn-Person (4-day)Indie publishing business/craft/marketingIndependent authors and storytelling entrepreneursTBDTBDTBDCheck website for speaker application process; formerly 20Books Vegas conferencewww.authornation.live1500+Largest gathering of indie authors and publishing professionals; 90+ expert-led sessions; 75+ exhibitors; curated tracks: craft, marketing, advertising, business/finance, transmedia, production/workflow, mindset/wellness/productivity
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Inkers ConTBD 2026 (typically June)Dallas TX / VirtualIn-Person (3-day) and Online (10-day)Indie fiction (craft/business/marketing/advertising)Independent fiction authors at all career stagesTBDTBDTBDEmail info@inkerscon.com for speaker inquiriesinkerscon.cominfo@inkerscon.com150-200 in-person; digital attendance variesFounded by Alessandra Torre (7X NYT bestselling author); hybrid event; focuses on adult fiction all genres; small intimate setting; 24 classes; roundtables and Q&As; 6-year access to digital content
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Indie Author Virtual Summits - Worldshift Speculative Fiction SummitTBD (ran in 2025)VirtualOnlineSpeculative fiction (any genre can benefit)WritersWatch for 2026TBDTBDWatch for announcements for 2026 editionTBDheather@manyworldswriting.com, Lori emailed 4/10/2639+ speakersHosted by Heather Davis (book coach); 24-hour free pass with paid lifetime access option; topics include craft/motivation/writing process
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Indie Author Virtual Summits - Indie Ink SummitTBDVirtualOnlineSelf-publishing for fiction authorsIndie fiction writersWatch for RepeatsTBDTBDEmail for future editionsTBDjsims@jairesims.com, Lori emailed 4/10/2620+ speakersOrganized by individual authors; may have future editions
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Indie Author Virtual Summits - Empowered Author SummitTBD (ran recently)VirtualOnline (3-day virtual summit)Plan/Publish/Promote - all indie author stagesFiction/nonfiction/memoir writersLikely to RepeatTBDTBDContact summit organizer about speaking opportunitiesempoweredauthorsummit.heysummit.comLori emailed 1/27/26 for more infoTBDFree with paid upgrade options; covers story structure as craft topic
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HippoCamp ConferenceTBD 2026TBDIn-Person (weekend)Creative nonfiction (craft)CNF writers at all levelsPlanning ReturnTypically early fallTBDSubmit via Submittable when call opens; 60-minute sessions; categories: CREATE (craft), SHARE (publishing), LIVE (writer's life), SPECIAL TOPICS; selected speakers get ~60% off registrationhippocampusmagazine.com/conferenceTBDOn hiatus, planning return; open proposal system (for-attendee, by-attendee); expects well-prepared, rehearsed presentations; speakers should attend full conference
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Auckland Writers FestivalTBD 2026Auckland New ZealandIn-PersonTBDWritersTBDTBDTBDCheck for 2026 dates and speaker application processTBDTBDDetails TBD for 2026
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ALLi Member Events & WorkshopsRegular throughout yearVirtualOnlineSelf-publishing educationALLi membersOngoing for MembersJoin ALLi ($89-149/year); participate in member forum; offer to lead workshopsallianceindependentauthors.orgMembers onlyLive workshops/webinars/Q&As for members; can pitch virtual workshops
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Writing Day WorkshopsThroughout 2026Various (San Diego/Ohio/California/New England/online)In-Person and VirtualAll genres (craft & business)All levelsFaculty InvitedNot an open speaker application process; faculty appears to be curated/invitedwritingdayworkshops.comVariesMultiple regional events throughout year; focus on agent/editor pitches and craft classes
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SelfPubCon (Alliance of Independent Authors)Twice yearly (typically spring and fall)VirtualOnline (24 sessions over 24 hours)Self-publishing business/craft/marketingIndie/self-published authors globallyPeriodically AcceptsWatch for announcement (usually 2 weeks notice)VariesWatch selfpublishingadvice.org for call for speakers; can also email [email protected] about sponsorship opportunitiesselfpublishingadviceconference.com[email protected]ThousandsFREE virtual conference; ALLi members can present for free; can pre-record from home; links to website/services included; global reach
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Central Coast Writers ConferenceSeptemberCuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CAIn personAll genres, craft and businessAll levels
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Women in PublishingMarch 8-11, 2026VirtualOnlinehelp aspiring and published authors and publishing professionals grow their businesses and expand their networks and skillsWomen and female-identifying authors and aspiring authorsClosed for 2026 2027 speaker submission window will open May/June TBDhttps://womeninpublishingsummit.com/call-for-speakers-wait/ - Join the call for speakers waitlisthttps://womeninpublishingsummit.comsupport@womeninpublishingsummit.com
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