If your 2017 writing goals include networking or honing your craft, there’s no better place to do so than a writer’s conference or workshop. Whether you are looking to shore up your technique with quality intensives, or network with industry professionals, there is an upcoming event for you. Some are small, with one-on-one opportunities for meeting with industry professionals and agents, while others are better suited for meeting fellow writers and building your network on a smaller scale. No matter where you are in the writing process, you’ll find fellowship and growth in a conference.
To get you started on your search for the perfect place to attend, here is a list of workshops and conferences around the nation that are open to registration.
February 2017
WriteOnCon
Where: Online
When: February 2-4, 2017
This online conference doesn’t even require you to leave the comfort of your own home! WriteOnCon is a three-day children’s book conference for writers and illustrators of picture books, middle grade, young adult, and new adult. The event features blogs, vlogs, Q&A sessions, critique forums, and pitch sessions for writers at every stage in their career.
Website: writeoncon.org
Association of Writers & Writing Programs Conference & Bookfair
Where: Washington, DC
When: February 8-11, 2017
Join over 12,000 attendees for four days of networking, intensives, readings, panels, and craft lectures. Celebrating the best of what contemporary literature has to offer.
Website: AWP
Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators Annual Winter Conference
Where: New York
When: February 10-12, 2017
Held over two days, with an optional intensive on Friday, this conference is held at the Hyatt Grand Central at Grand Central Station in New York City.
Website: scbwi.org
Desert Nights, Rising Stars Writers Conference
Where: Tempe, Arizona
When: February 16-18, 2017
This writers conference brings together writers, readers, and lovers of literature for three days of inspiration, instruction, and community networking.
Website: piper.asu.edu
San Francisco Writers Conference
Where: San Francisco, CA
When: February 16-19, 2017
With over 120+ presenters, including bestselling authors, literary agents, editors and publishers, there’s a session for every writer. Come get more information from experts on self-publishing, book promotion, platform building, and author websites.
Website: www.sfwriters.org
Sleuthfest 2017
Where: Boca Raton, FL
When: February 23-26, 2017
Sponsored by the Florida Chapter of Mystery Writers of America, this is a premier conference for mystery and suspense writers featuring workshops, social events, manuscript critiques, and pitch sessions.
Website: sleuthfest.com
April 2017
Philadelphia Writing Workshop
Where: Philadelphia, PA
When: April 8, 2017
This one-day writing event offers a wonderful opportunity for intensive instruction, along with the opportunity to pitch to a literary agent or editor. Seats are limited to 150 participants, so register early.
Website: philadelphiawritingworkshop.com
Idaho Conference on Youth and Children’s Literature and Writing
Where: Boise, Idaho
When: April 21-22, 2017
This conference offers workshop intensives, keynote lectures, and many break-out sessions for writers of children’s literature.
Website: idcclw.com
May 2017
Romance Times Booklovers Convention
Where: Atlanta, GA
When: May 2-7, 2017
At first glance this is a conference for readers, but don’t discount the wealth of panels and sessions aimed at writing romance. There are also opportunities to pitch to editors, so bring your best work.
Website: rtconvention
June 2017
Writing and Illustrating for Young Readers
Where: Sandy, UT
When: June 12-16, 2017
Touted as a mini-MFA program, you will spend five days working 20 hours on your writing and publishing skills. There are also options for a one, two, or three-day workshop.
Website: www.wifyr.com
Writing Workshop of Chicago
Where: Chicago, IL
When: June 24, 2017
A full-day “How to Get Published” writing event, featuring intensive day-long instruction and the opportunity to have your questions answered. You may also choose to pitch to a literary agent or editor.
Website: chicagowritingworkshop.com
July 2017
Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators Annual Summer Conference
Where: Los Angeles
When: July 7-10, 2017
Held over three days, with an optional intensive on Monday, this conference is held in Los Angeles. Registration begins in March of 2017. Attending will gain you access to many of the biggest author and illustrators in children's books, in addition to a wealth of agents and editors.
Website: scbwi.org
Cleveland Writing Workshop
Where: Cleveland, OH
When: July 8, 2017
A one-day event geared at intensive instruction and the opportunity to pitch to literary agents and editors.
Website: clevelandwritingworkshop
Thrillerfest
Where: New York City
When: July 11-15, 2017
Thrillerfest is the annual conference of the International Thriller Writers, featuring a blockbuster lineup including Lee Child and Heather Graham. Sign up to participate in the FBI Workshop, Master CraftFest, PitchFest, and more.
Website: thrillfest.com
Midwest Writers Workshop
Where: Muncie, IN
When: July 20-22, 2017
This amazing conference offers networking experiences, manuscript evaluations, agent pitch sessions, query letter critiques, and hands-on social media tutoring to take your writing career to the next level. Small class sessions and an intimate feel make this a can't miss workshop for writers.
Website: www.midwestwriters.org
Tennessee Writing Workshop
Where: Nashville, TN
When: July 22, 2017
This one-day event features a day-long intensive and opportunities to pitch to literary agents and editors.
Website: tennesseewritingworkshop.com
Romance Writers of America 2017
Where: Orlando, FL
When: July 26-29, 2017
This top conference for writers of romance features workshops, lectures, signing, and editor/agent appointments.
Website: rwa.org
August 2017
Writer’s Digest Annual Conference
Where: New York City
When: August 18-20, 2017
Offering everything you need to advance your writing career, no matter what stage in the process you're at. Brought to you by Writer’s Digest, who has been nurturing writers for more than 90 years.
Website: www.writersdigestconference.com
September 2017
Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers Colorado Gold Conference
Where: Denver, CO
When: September 8-10, 2017
Join hundreds of writers from all over the US for a weekend of exciting programming, opportunities to pitch to top agents and editors, and extensive networking.
Website: rmfw.org
Chesapeake Writing Workshop
Where: Washington, DC
When: September 9, 2017
Held at the Hilton Arlington, this one-day workshop is a full day of classes designed to give you the best instruction on how to get your writing published. Includes publishing opportunities, query help, and marketing how-to.
Website: chesapeakewritingworkshops.com
Whether you like to visit a big city conference or a smaller local event, there’s a conference opportunity for every writer. Which conferences and workshops will you be visiting in 2017?
About the author
Riki has a long-standing love affair with all things books and writing. She indulged her love for all things literary with a degree in English Literature from Arizona State University and is currently studying at the Virginia G. Piper Center for Creative Writing. Although she is well past her own teen years, Riki’s reading passion lies with Young Adult literature where she devours books that handle the “firsts” in life. When not reading and writing she can be found yelling at the television while watching sports.
