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2026 JAN Workshops & Conferences
2026 THEME: Mythical and Magical
Links: ◙ New Listing |▲ Added after mailout. | █ CLOSED or not accepting
September 20 – 21, 2025: Decatur, Georgia. “With one of the strongest list of authors you will ever find at a conference, we’ve added even more agents, editors and publisher representatives than ever before! Combined with educational sessions and workshops, the Annual Broadleaf Writers Conference will offer you all that you need to refine and improve your craft.”
49 Writers Tutka Bay Retreat
September 26 – 29, 2025: Tutka Bay, Alaska. Join us for a one-of-a-kind writing retreat set against the stunning backdrop of remote coastal Alaska. The Tutka Bay Writers Retreat allows writers of all genres, backgrounds, and experience levels to take a break from their day-to-day lives, reconnect with their creative selves, and dive deeper into their writing practice. At this generative writers retreat, you and a small group of other writers will enjoy craft talks, in-class writing exercises, readings, and discussions led by Ramona Ausubel, acclaimed author and teacher. In between instructional sessions, you and other retreat participants will have plenty of unstructured time to write, rest, dream, and socialize. The retreat is limited to 12 participants.
AWP Conference & Bookfair
March 4–7, 2026 – Baltimore Convention Center
Join thousands of writers, teachers, students, editors, and publishers at the AWP Conference & Bookfair—the premier annual gathering of the literary community. With hundreds of events and exhibitors, four days of connection, inspiration, and celebration await you in Baltimore.
A Public Space’s Weekend Writers’ Retreat
September 11 – 14: Tivoli, New York. The APS Weekend Writers’ Retreat is an opportunity to nurture new work and expand and explore technique. The retreat will include morning workshops with limited participants (5 to 7 per workshop); afternoon literary talks; and an array of evening events, including readings and a Saturday BBQ. There will also be opportunities for informal conversations with authors and editors and independent generative exercises, as well as complimentary tickets to events at Kaatsbaan’s Annual Festival. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. There is no fee to apply. Applicants must be 21 years of age by September 1, 2025, to apply. Capacity is limited, and applying early is recommended.
The Alabama Writers’ Conclave
September 12 – 14, 2025: Orange Beach, Alabama. The Conclave is today one of the oldest continuing writers’ organization in the United States. Writers, aspiring writers and supporters of the writing arts may join. Sharing information, developing ideas, honing skills, and receiving practical advice are hallmarks of the annual meeting.
Algonkian Writer Conference–New York City Write to Pitch
September 25 – 28, 2025: Ripley-Grier Studios in New York City. The New York Pitch Conference and writers workshop is held four times a year and features publishing house editors from major houses such as Penguin, Random House, St. Martins, Harper Collins, Tor and Del Rey, Kensington Books and many more who are looking for new novels in a variety of genres, as well as narrative non-fiction. The event focuses on the art of the novel pitch as the best method not only for communicating your work, but for having you and your work taken seriously by industry professionals.
September 17 – 21, 2025: Algonkian Park, Virginia. “You can show us your manuscript, improve your skills, clear your head, have your work read by our writer mentors, whatever works for you, whatever helps you grow and discover your vision as a writer. You discuss with us ahead of time via the Algonkian Writer Retreat Application the goals you wish to accomplish, and we’ll work with you to make it happen. Do you desire a review? A line edit? Do you wish to discuss the reality of the current fiction market, your novel project, plot and characters, or perhaps get feedback on the opening hook or a few sample chapters? Or would you simply like a relaxed and productive dialogue about your goals as a writer?”
The 2025 Aspen Literary Festival
September 26 – 28, 2025: Aspen, Colorado. The Aspen Literary Festival is a three-day celebration of books and ideas taking place September 26-September 28, 2025, in the beautiful mountain town of Aspen, Colorado. The festival features author talks and panel discussions, book signings, food trucks, parties and other attractions for book lovers. Most events are free with registration. Marquee events at the Wheeler Opera House are ticketed and require advance purchase.\
Author Media
Announcing the 2026 Novel Marketing Conference – A couple of years ago, I set out to create something special. I wanted to create a writers conference that wasn’t focused on learning how to write a book but instead focused on how to sell the book, and the Novel Marketing Conference was born. I’ve been speaking at writers’ events for fifteen years. I’ve spoken to writers all around the world. During those years, I had a lot of ideas.
Mark your calendars and start planning for 2026!
In the meantime, thank you to all who joined us for our 20th Festival with 9 days of citywide Bookend events, the international Virtual Festival Day, celebratory Children’s Day and our Downtown Brooklyn Festival Day and Literary Marketplace. Alison Bechdel, Marlon James, Joyce Carol Oates, Viet Thanh Nguyen and hundreds of others joined us. More than 25o publishers will showcase their books in the Festival’s Literary Marketplace, the largest book market in the Northeast.
Central Coast Writers’ Conference
September 26 – 27, 2025: San Luis Obispo, CA. “Unlike other Writers’ conferences, this year’s conference has been expanded to encompass the wider ‘Content Creator Community.’ Our goal is to amplify the connection of content creators on the Central Coast and beyond including bloggers, podcasters, YouTubers, influencers, authors, narrators, journalists, artists, screenwriters, musicians, and of course – writers of all genres! As the medium for literary work has expanded beyond the book, content creators from all walks of life are encouraged to attend. There will be 16+ expert panels, featuring 50+ experts & thought leaders.”
Colorado Gold Writers Conference
September 26 – 28, 2025: Aurora, CO. An intensive three days of workshops, presenters, agents, master classes, intensives, and more!
From Idea & Sketch to Dummy & Submission: An Author/Illustrator Online Course
September 30 – November 4, 2025: Online. If you are illustrating AND writing your own book, and wondering how to prepare your submission, this is the course for you. You will focus on the craft of writing and illustrating a picture book with an intense level of feedback from faculty Courtney Pippin-Mathur and special guests, Natasha Khan Kazi and Aram Kim. Participants who complete all assignments should be able to finish or revise a working dummy (mocked up book) in its entirety during the course, preparing for submission to editors, agents, or art directors. 24 participants max.
Futurescapes
March 12-15, 0026 Online. The Spring Futurescapes Workshop is an immersive writing program designed for aspiring authors ready to take their manuscripts to the next level. Participants will submit a 3,500-word excerpt, a 1-page synopsis, and a query letter prior to the workshop. Each writer will be placed in a small cohort and will rotate through sessions with experienced faculty, receiving tailored feedback on their work. In addition to receiving critiques, participants are expected to read and provide thoughtful feedback on the submissions of their cohort members, fostering a collaborative learning environment.
Georgia Romance Writers: Moonlight and Magnolias
September 25 – 27, 2025: Atlanta, Georgia. Includes keynote speakers, workshops, editor/agent appointments, autographing & bookfair, awards banquet.
Haiku North America Conference
September 24 – 28, 2025: San Francisco, CA. “Haiku North America is designed for, and open to, everyone—beginners and seasoned specialists alike. Haiku North America (HNA) is a biennial conference in celebration of haiku poetry. Every two years we offer five stimulating days of papers, panels, workshops, readings, performances, book sales, cultural outings, and much socialization with fellow poets, translators, scholars, editors, and publishers. Our first conference was in 1991 and subsequent conferences have taken place in the United States and Canada, focusing on North American poets, their haiku, and related arts. Everyone is welcome to attend HNA, the largest and oldest gathering of haiku poets outside Japan.” Biennial.
Whether you’re just starting out, or continuing to navigate the complexities of the children’s publishing industry—if you believe in the power of story for kids, we’re glad you’re here. Featuring In-person Programs, Online Courses, On-Demand (Self-paced online), The Whole Novel Workshop, Summer Camp, Free #HFGather Webinars.
Upcoming Workshops
Explore 2026 Workshops – Our 2026 in-person and winter online workshops are live now! Additional online workshops will be added in the coming weeks and throughout the year.
Inkubator Writing Conference
Cleveland, OH. Literary Cleveland’s Inkubator Writing Conference is one of the largest free writing conferences in the country, providing workshops, craft talks, panel discussions, readings, and more to empower writers, celebrate literary excellence, and amplify diverse voices.
Medium
12 (Warm) Writing Conferences and Workshops in January 2026 – This January there are a dozen writing conferences and workshops. Some conferences and workshops will be held online, but most will be held in person or use a hybrid format. These writing events offer everything a writer might want: intensive workshops, pitch sessions with agents, how to market your books, discussions — there is something for everyone.
Monsters & Mayhem: A Two-Night Mini for Young Adult Horror Writers
September 16 – 18, 2025: Online. Horror novels for young adult readers don’t just scare – they give voice to all the fears and anxieties readers experience and can offer safe spaces to explore complex emotions in a difficult world. Join young adult author Rob Costello for this short course for writers looking to create engaging and compelling horror narratives for young adult readers. This program will draw on current and classic horror examples.
Okoboji Writers’ Retreat
September 28 – October 1, 2025: West Lake, IA. The annual Okoboji Writers’ Retreat, founded in 2021, is open to all skill levels. Columnist Julie Gammack is the producer. Over 30 faculty resources will be on hand to work with participants in small-group settings. Whether you come to find out how to get started or land a book deal, this retreat is a welcoming event for all.
Published to Death Writing Conferences
Conferences are not only the best way to meet agents, get tips from other writers, and learn about the publishing industry, they make you feel like a writer. We all need community, and this is how we, as writers, get the necessary incentive to keep writing. All of these conferences and workshops charge tuition, but some offer financial assistance. There are deadlines for applying for aid, so make sure you apply early.
PNWA Conference
2026 Fall Conference – More opportunities to pitch to agents and editors, more workshops, more master classes.
Romance Writers of America (RWA) Annual Conference
July 15-18, 2026″ The RWA2026 Annual Conference is headed to Albuquerque, New Mexico, and it’s never too early to start planning your trip. Embassy Suites by Hilton Albuquerque, 1000 Woodward Pl NE, Albuquerque, NM 87102 – RWA is utilizing a rooming list to manage all reservations within the conference room block. Rooms are available exclusively through the RWA rooming list; reservations cannot be made directly with the hotel. Each room in the block is a comfortable two-room suite, complete with a separate living room and bedroom.
$169 per night Standard King Bed Suite (sleeps 4)
$169 per night Standard Double/Double Bed Suite (sleeps 6)
Romance Writers of America Chapter Workshops & Webinars
Six Bridges Book Festival
September 28 – October 5, 2025: Little Rock, Arkansas. “Prestigious award-winners, screenwriters, comedians, an expert witness, artists, and a Pulitzer Prize-winning poet are among the diverse roster of presenters who will be providing sessions.” Free.
September 1 – 5, 2025: Star Island, Portsmouth, NH. During our four and one-half days together, we write from prompts
designed to awaken creativity you didn’t even know you had. We write by candlelight in a stone chapel. We write in rattan rockers on a wraparound porch. We write with a view of the ocean in all directions. We gather on the porch for magnificent sunsets. We write with the sound of waves and gulls. We pick up writing techniques from other writers, from the collection of articles prepared by the presenter, and from the presenter’s personal experience.
Travel & Words: Northwest Travel Writers Conference
September 21 – 23, 2025: Medford, Oregon. TRAVEL & WORDS offers a multi-faceted conference for travel journalists interested in exploring Northwest destinations. The primary focus of the conference is to connect journalists with destinations throughout the Northwest. Attendees will have one-on-one meetings with destination marketers to learn about their destination and lay a foundation for productive working relationships. In addition, attendees will enjoy expert presentations about current topics in travel content publishing and have plenty of opportunities for networking and exploring the host destination. In more than a decade of conferences, Travel & Words has become an important force in the Northwest travel industry. Travel & Words is by invitation only. There is no registration fee for journalists.
The Top Writers’ Conferences for 2026 by Book Publicist Scott Lorenz – Westwind Communications – If you are a serious writer with high aspirations, then you’ll want to go to a writers’ conference. Want to meet authors and exchange ideas, tips and techniques? Then sign up for a writer’s conference today.A writers’ conference is a think tank for authors to build on each other’s ideas and inspire new achievements in their own work. For the cost of lodging and registration, the payoff for attending a writers’ conference could be tremendous.
The Wild We Speak: Lyrical Essays from Our Shared Ground. An Invitation to Craft Lyrical Nature Essays with CMarie Fuhrman
September 29 -30, 2025: Online. This three-hour generative workshop invites you into a focused examination of the lyrical nature essay, where the elements of the natural world become guides for crafting prose. We’ll discover how your unique ways of seeing and knowing can give craft to your experiences within our shared environment. This class is for all writers who feel a genuine connection to the natural world and wish to translate that connection into prose that resonates with truth and artistry. If you’re drawn to the various gifts of poetry, or if music, image, and nonlinearity already inform your expression, this workshop offers you the opportunity to bring those techniques to prose.
Wintering With Women Writing the West
January, February and March, 2026 – In 2026, Women Writing the West will bring back the popular Wintering With WWW Speakers Series. The Zoom meetings will take place on the third Wednesday of January, February and March for a time to learn, ask questions, visit and have some fun. Meetings will start at 5:00 PM Pacific Time. Each featured presenter will speak for approximately one hour, including time for Q & A. The meeting will stay open for an additional 30 minutes (a total of 1 1/2 hours), so we can socialize, share ideas and banish that Cabin Fever!
Write on the Sound Writers’ Conference and Pre-Conference
Preconference, September 27, 2025. Conference: Oct 3 – 5, 2025: Edmonds, WA. Founded in 1985, Write on the Sound writers’ conference (WOTS) is a small, affordable conference focused on the craft of writing. A variety of sessions, workshops and panel discussions are available for all levels and interests, including valuable information regarding today’s writing and publishing industry.
The Writer’s Center Workshops
The Writer’s Center offers hundreds of writing workshops and classes every year. Workshops cover all genres and all experience levels. Join us in person and online.
Writing and Publishing Books for Young Readers
Murphy Writing Stockton University – Filled. Wait list available. Sign up for our email list to be notified about future dates and our other writing retreats. Join us for this five-week online writing workshop. Write to inspiring prompts, get insightful feedback and connect with a supportive community of writers.
Writing By Writers GET THE LEAD OUT! is an online generative workshop that brings all levels of writers together for a weekend of inspiration, craft and the generation of new work. When: January 16 – 18, 2026 online over Zoom. Tuition: $800 includes one three-day workshop, admittance to all craft talks and readings. Format: Craft workshops will begin in the afternoon of Friday, January 16, 2026, at 1:00pm Pacific and end on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at 4:30pm Pacific. Each day will feature a craft talk by one of our faculty members and participants will split into small groups where they will dissect the art and craft of writing through lectures, writing exercises and class discussions. We won’t be reading and critiquing manuscripts, but rather closely examining elements of craft with the intention of allowing participants to see their work with deeper insight while also generating new material. Each participant will have the opportunity to work in a small group setting with all three faculty members. Whether you are just getting started or have projects that need new life, this workshop will offer inspiration and insight to take you to the next level.
September 18 – 20, 2025: Washington Island, Wisconsin. “The Washington Island Literary Festival is a moveable feast of writing, reading, discussion, and thought about the written word. Writers’ workshops, author panels and presentations, readings and parties are scheduled at various quaint, historic and beautiful venues around the Island. Participants have a unique opportunity to share time with prominent authors and dedicated readers in the intimate, friendly setting of Washington Island, a half-hour by ferry from the Door County mainland, in September’s color and warmth.”
Resources-Tips Categories
AGENTS & EDITORS
- Agents: Knowing When To Hold One and When To Fold
- Copyright Primer, Know Your Rights
- Getting Offers from Multiple Literary Agents
- Landing An Agent Elements Of A Winning Query
- Literary Agents List
- Preditors and Editors
- Publishing, Writing Terms, Acronyms
- Tips for a Successful Editor Appointment
- Want More? Here’s How to Get It
- What NOT to Do When Beginning Your Novel
- Windup for the (Story) Pitch
- Write the Perfect Book Proposal
CALLS FOR SUBMISSION
About Submissions
- Literary Agents List
- Submission Tracking
- What Are Your Chances of Getting Published?
- Writing a Synopsis & Query Letter
- How to Write a Novel Synopsis
- Surviving a Book Proposal
- Youth Writing Markets
- Publishing, Writing Terms, Acronyms
- Publisher’s Websites
- Copyright Primer, Know Your Rights
- Selling to Children’s Markets
- Science & Science Fiction Writing Organizations
- Path to Self-Publishing Success
Calls for submissions
- 2026 JAN Calls for Submissions
- 2025 DEC Calls for Submissions
- 2025 NOV Calls for Submissions
- 2025 OCT Calls for Submissions
- 2025 SEP Calls for Submission
- 2025 AUG Calls for Submission
- 2025 JUL Calls for Submission
- 2025 JUN Calls for Submission
- 2025 MAY Calls for Submission
- 2025 APR Calls for Submission
- 2025 MAR Calls for Submission
- 2025 FEB Calls for Submission
COMPUTER TIPS
- ASCII Characters
- Building Your Web Site and Doing It Right
- Don’t Be a Victim-Scams, Identity Theft, Urban Legends
- Don’t Spread Scams
- Free AI Tools That Can Be Used In Business Writing
- How to Annoy Your Website Visitors
- If Your Data Is Compromised
- Internet Safety: Guide to Keep Your Information Safe Online
- Knowing Your Target Audience
- Online Safety for Kids and Teens
- Stopping Viruses from Propagating Through Your Email
- The Top 10 Email Errors
- Word Processors Through Time: Before MS Word & Google Docs
FORMATTING & GRAMMAR
- Achieving 250 Words / 25 Lines Per Page
- And Sammy, Too? Oh, No!
- Changing Double Hyphens to EM Dashes in Word
- Edit Easier
- High Hopes–Avoiding Common Mistakes
- Misused Words
- Navigating In Your Novel
- Proofreaders Marks
- Research Links
- Rules for Writers
- Slang and Jargon Souces
- Tightening Your Manuscript and Trimming the Word Count
INSPIRATION-MOTIVATION
- A Dream Realized
- Beyond the Basics
- Dumb Little Writing Tricks That Work
- Finding Time to Write
- Five Ways to Promote Yourself
- How Not to Procrastinate
- How to Quit Writing and End up on the Bestseller Lists
- Ideas Escape Me
- Keeping an Idea Book
- Love to Write: Here Is How You Can Build Your Career
- Making Time for Self-Care While Running a Business
- Moving Up the Rejection Ladder
- Pop Quiz: Who Are You?
- Rules for Writers
- The 8 Habits of Highly Successful Young-Adult Fiction Authors
- The Art of Being Rejected–475 Words
- The Juggling Act
- The Literary Food Chain
- Various Types of Writing for Young Writers
- Why Article Writing Should Be A Part Of Your Career Development Strategy
- Write Better Naked
- Writer’s Conferences Do You Really Need To Attend?
- Writing By Moonlight
MARKETS
- 35 Online Work Ideas to Earn Good Money Whilst Studying
- An Interview with Holly Ambrose
- Copyright Primer, Know Your Rights
- EBooks-Fears to Possibilities
- Finding Markets Fiction and Nonfiction
- Freelance Writing 101
- Getting Offers from Multiple Literary Agents
- How To Be a (Shiver) Reporter
- How To Market Your Book After You’ve Written It
- How to Write a Novel Synopsis
- Love to Write: Here Is How You Can Build Your Career
- Magazine Links
- Making Money As a Corporate Freelancer
- Market News–All Genres
- Need a Clip? Open a Newspaper
- Newspaper Writing Resources
- Path to Self-Publishing Success
- Publishing, Writing Terms, Acronyms
- Science & Science Fiction Writing Organizations
- Selling to Children’s Markets
- Submission Tracking
- Submitting to UK Markets
- Syndication 101
- To Specialize, or Not to Specialize?
- Ultimate Guide to Being a Freelancer 2025 Update
- What Are Your Chances of Getting Published?
- Why Article Writing Should Be A Part Of Your Career Development Strategy
- Why E-Books?
- Words That Pay-The Rewards Of Choosing Writing As A Job
- Write the Perfect Book Proposal
- Write Your Way to $1000 a Month
- Writing Groups List
- Youth Writing Markets
ONLINE SAFETY
PUBLISHING
- Agents: Knowing When To Hold One and When To Fold
- Copyright Primer, Know Your Rights
- Getting Offers from Multiple Literary Agents
- How To Market Your Book After You’ve Written It
- How to Write a Novel Synopsis
- Landing An Agent Elements Of A Winning Query
- Love to Write: Here Is How You Can Build Your Career
- Making Money As a Corporate Freelancer
- Navigating In Your Novel
- Path to Self-Publishing Success
- Publisher’s Websites
- Publishing, Writing Terms, Acronyms
- Rules for Writers
- Science & Science Fiction Writing Organizations
- Submission Tracking
- Syndication 101
- The Great Limbo Mystery Question
- Tightening Your Manuscript and Trimming the Word Count
- What Are Your Chances of Getting Published?
- Why Article Writing Should Be A Part Of Your Career Development Strategy
- Why E-Books?
- Write the Perfect Book Proposal
VIDEO & STREAMING LINKS
WORKSHOPS & CONFERENCES
WRITER'S LIFE
- A Dream Realized
- A Writers Dream-The Home Office
- Affirm All You Want
- Copyright Primer, Know Your Rights
- Finding Time to Write
- Finding Your Writing Compass: A Guide to Freelance Adventures
- How To Be a (Shiver) Reporter
- How To Write Your Own Press Releases
- Keep a Clipping File
- Keeping an Idea Book
- Love to Write: Here Is How You Can Build Your Career
- Making Time for Self-Care While Running a Business
- Mommy’s Muse
- Moving Mountains
- Mud Pies
- Pop Quiz: Who Are You?
- Teach Yourself to Write
- The 8 Habits of Highly Successful Young-Adult Fiction Authors
- The Art of Procrastination
- Various Types of Writing for Young Writers
- Working with a Critique Group
- Writer’s Conferences Do You Really Need To Attend?
- Writing Conferences-Educating and Inspiring
WRITING CONTESTS
WRITING CONTESTS
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• ALL WRITING CONTESTS
- 2026 JAN Writing Contests
- 2025 DEC Writing Contests
- 2025 NOV Writing Contests
- 2025 OCT Writing Contests
- 2025 SEP Writing Contests
- 2025 AUG Writing Contests
- 2025 JUL Writing Contests
- 2025 JUN Writing Contests
- 2025 MAY Writing Contests
- 2025 APR Writing Contests
- 2025 MAR Writing Contests
- 2025 FEB Writing Contests
ABOUT WRITING CONTESTS
WRITING TOOLS - APPS
- And Sammy, Too? Oh, No!
- Beyond the Basics
- Changing Double Hyphens to EM Dashes in Word
- Dumb Little Writing Tricks That Work
- Finding Your Writing Compass: A Guide to Freelance Adventures
- Free AI Tools That Can Be Used In Business Writing
- Helpful Books
- High Hopes–Avoiding Common Mistakes
- Ideas Escape Me
- Knowing Your Target Audience
- Magazine Links
- Misused Words
- Path to Self-Publishing Success
- Pop Quiz: Who Are You?
- Reconsider Hand Writing
- Research Links
- Slang and Jargon Souces
- The 8 Habits of Highly Successful Young-Adult Fiction Authors
- Unblocking Your Muze
- Various Types of Writing for Young Writers
- What NOT to Do When Beginning Your Novel
- Why Article Writing Should Be A Part Of Your Career Development Strategy
- Word Processors Through Time: Before MS Word & Google Docs
- Working with a Critique Group
- Writing Groups List
- You Can Write A Short Story: Part 1 The Story Idea
- You Can Write A Short Story: Part 2 The Meat of the Story
- You Can Write A Short Story: Part 3 The Climax
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