By J.D. Lasica and Eric Kettunen, Authors A.I.
Feb. 26, 2021
If 2020 was the toughest of years for all of us, 2021 looks to be the year in which conference-going begins to rebound.
Conference organizers are making the hard choice of deciding whether to go all-virtual events this year, to make a strategic bet that in-person events will be doable, or to skip 2021 altogether, as the folks who run BookExpo in New York decided to do.
Personally, we’re eager to see fellow authors begin to gather in real life again so we can collaborate, compare notes and improve our craft. Oh, yes, and to socialize.
So whether you’re ready to venture out or not, here’s a calendar to help you fill up your 2021 dance card. Feel free to print out or share this calendar of conferences geared to both indie and traditional authors.
Here is Authors A.I.’s annual SuperGuide to author conferences and events in 2021. Have others to add? Let us know in the comments!
SuperGuide to author conferences in 2021
Events for independent and traditionally published authors
| March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Event | Date | Venue | Cost | Description | Site |
| Conferences/Events | |||||
| MARCH 2021 | |||||
| AWP Conference | March 3-7, 2021 | Virtual in 2021 | Member registration $90; registration + one-year membership bundle $160; student $50; senior (65 and up) $60 | The AWP Conference & Bookfair is the annual destination for writers, teachers, students, editors and publishers of contemporary creative writing. It includes thousands of attendees, hundreds of events & bookfair exhibitors and five days of essential literary conversation and celebration. | awpwriter.org |
| The San Miguel Writers’ Conference: A Literary Season Online | March 7-14, 2021 | San Miguel, Mexico, but virtual this year | A la carte sessions cost $15-$70 | Do you have a manuscript that you want to see published? Wondering about some element of how to make that happen and the options available to you? Publishing and marketing will be the cornerstone theme, among other topics covered. Speakers (pre-recorded) include Margaret Atwood. | sanmiguelwritersconference.org |
| Oxford Conference for the Book | March 8-12, 2021 | Virtual in 2021 | Cost unknown | Event organized by the Center for the Study of Southern Culture and Square Books. | oxfordconferenceforthebook.com |
| SleuthFest | March 19-21, 2021 | Virtual in 2021 | $20 | SleuthFest is an annual conference for writers and fans of mysteries, thrillers and crime fiction. | sleuthfest.com |
| Bay to Ocean Writers Conference | March 20, 2021 | Virtual in 2021 | General ticket prices $70. For ESWA members, $60. | Create your own writing conference experience—one tailored to meet your own needs. Attendees will be able to attend five sessions plus the keynote for a total of six sessions during this one-day conference sure to set you on the writing path. All sessions except the keynote will be held in Zoom breakout rooms. The keynote will be in the main room with no competing sessions. | easternshorewriters.org |
| APRIL 2021 | |||||
| IBPA Publishing University | April 7-10, 2021 | Virtual in 2021 | Member $239; non-member $339 | The Independent Book Publishers Association is a not-for-profit membership organization serving the independent publishing community through advocacy and education. With nearly 3,000 members, IBPA is the largest publishing trade association in the United States. IBPA programs and publications include the Benjamin Franklin Awards, Publishing University and publisher roundtable meetings held throughout the year. | publishinguniversity.org |
| Las Vegas Writers Conference | April 8-10, 2021 | Virtual in 2021 | Members $99; non-members $149 | The Las Vegas Writers Conference is dedicated to helping writers of all genres improve their craft, sharpen their business skills and network with publishing professionals. Pitch sessions with literary agents and editors are included in the price of registration. Writers will have the opportunity for one-on-one mentoring sessions with faculty members and published authors. | lasvegaswritersconference.com |
| 2021 Blue Ridge Writers' Conference | April 9-10, 2021 | Blue Ridge, Ga. | $60 before March 2, $75 after | For the last 23 years, the mission of the Blue Ridge Writers' Conference has been to educate, inform and inspire writers in a beautiful setting: the North Georgia Mountains. If you'd like your manuscript critiqued, submit it with the request form and $35 fee by Feb. 26. An Intensive Workshop fee will be held April 9; $35 fee. | blueridgewritersconference.com |
| The Muse & the Marketplace | April 21-25, 2021 | Virtual in 2021 | $249-$269 | The conference runs once a year and features the cream of self-publishing authors and advisors as speakers and sponsors. | museandthemarketplace.com |
| ASJA's 2021 Conference -- Books | April 20-23, 2021 | Virtual in 2021 | Cost unknown | This conference is offering virtual small-group discussions (Snack Chats) along with 30 sessions designed to up your freelancing and writing game. | na.eventscloud.com |
| The 2021 Chanticleer Authors Conference | April 21-25, 2021 | Virtually via Zoom and live in the Hotel Bellwether, Bellingham, Wash. | Cost unknown | Learn from the best, featuring crime and mystery writer Cathy. | chantireviews.com |
| NC Writers' Network Fall Conference | April 22-24, 2021 | Virtual in 2021 | Cost unknown | Master classes in fiction, nonfiction and poetry on Thursday and Friday evenings online. A full day of instruction and camaraderie on Saturday online. Other features include faculty readings, sessions on the craft and business of writing, and an open mic for conference participants. | ncwriters.org |
| Pikes Peak Writers Conference | April 23-25, 2021 | Virtual in 2021 | $195 through March 31; $245 after that date | Pikes Peak Writers Conference has a welcoming, friendly atmosphere filled with useful topics for your writing career. You will be surrounded by industry professionals and other dreamers who are eager to learn, connect and network. The three-day conference is full of in-depth workshops, best-selling keynote speakers, opportunities for one-on-one time with agents and editors, the chance to read your work aloud for constructive critique, and the opportunity to socialize with fellow writers while building your network. | pikespeakwriters.com |
| 2021 Northern Colorado Writers Conference | April 24 to May 1, 2021 | Live and virtual | Cost unknown | The NCW Conference caters to a variety of specialties including fiction, nonfiction, poetry and screenwriting. The online conference will feature a wide array of sessions, presented via Zoom and with state-of-the-art interactivity and networking tools by Whova. The in-person component will include hands-on workshopping with top-notch author presenters and industry professionals. | northerncoloradowriters.com |
| MAY 2021 | |||||
| Atlanta Writers Conference | May 7-9, 2021 | Virtual in 2021 | Cost unknown | The goals of this conference are to give you access to 15 top publishing acquisitions editors and literary agents actively seeking new clients, help you get your work ready for them and educate you with a workshop and talks by experienced authors and industry professionals. | atlantawritersconference.com |
| Storymakers conference | May 13-15, 2021 | Salt Lake City, Utah | In-person conference sold out; virtual conference package $200 | Sponsored by the LDStorymakers Author Guild, the event offers author lectures, intensive classes and more. | ldstorymakersconference.com |
| JUNE 2021 | |||||
| Clarksville Writers' Conference | June 3-5, 2021 | TBA in Clarksville, Tenn. | Cost unknown | Valuable to writers and interesting to readers, this conference offers something for everyone. Sixteen writing workshops and presentations will be held June 4-5 on the campus of Austin Peay State University. Lunch and refreshments will be provided each day, and book signings will be held. | artsandheritage.us |
| InkersCon* | June 5-6, 2021 | Dallas | Early registration $545 through April 15 | InkersCon is run by Authors A.I. co-founder Alessandra Torre. Hundreds of authors will attend this gathering, which offers workshops and panels in writing, marketing and business practices. The curriculum is designed to boost your career to the next level, whether you're starting out or an advanced author. | inkerscon.com |
| Florida Writing Workshop | June 12, 2021 | Virtual in 2021 | This online writing workshop will focus on how to get published. The event offers an opportunity to get intense instruction over the course of one day, pitch a literary agent or editor (optional), get your questions answered and more. | floridawritingworkshops.com | |
| DFWCON | June 12-13, 2021 | TBA dependent on virus | Cost unknown | Put on by the University of New Mexico, the event is focused on traditional publishing, with editors and agents on hand to discuss industry trends in publishing for short stories, novels, narrative non-fiction, poetry, memoirs and more. | ce.unm.edu |
| California Crime Writers Conference | June 12, 2021 | Virtual in 2021 | Free | The California Crime Writers Conference is a joint production of the Sisters in Crime/Los Angeles and Mystery Writers of America/So Cal Chapter and is offered every other year. Most times, it is an intimate weekend conference featuring the best of the local talent helping you become a better crime writer. | ccwconference.org |
| Chesapeake Writers Conference | June 20-26, 2021 | Location TBA although it may be virtual | Cost unknown | Join in for a week of craft talks, lectures, panel discussions and readings, as well as daily workshops in fiction, poetry or creative nonfiction. | smcm.edu |
| Minnesota Northwoods Writers Conference | June 21-26, 2021 | Virtual in 2021 | Cost unknown | The Minnesota Northwoods Writers Conference is collaborating this year with the Creative Writing Program at Columbus State University to host an online reading series. Please visit the website to find out more about this project. | northwoodswriters.org |
| 2021 Historical Novel Society Conference North America | June 21-27, 2021 | Virtual in 2021 | HNS members, $259; non-members, $289 | The 2021 Historical Novel Society Conference North America will be held as a virtual conference. Historical fiction authors and aficionados from around the globe are invited to take part. | hns-conference.com |
| Jackson Hole Writers Conference | June 23-27, 2021 | Virtual in 2021 | $300 early bird rate until May 10; $330 after that; $100 per day rate | The Jackson Hole Writers Conference has united people from all walks of life with their passion for words and stories for almost three decades. Professional and novice writers from around the world attend the conference each year. | jhwriters.org |
| London Book Fair | June 29 to July 1, 2021 | Olympia, London | Cost unknown | While the London Book Fair is an industry trade and rights show, it also hosts a writers summit. The Writers' Summit is for beginner and hybrid authors to hear from industry influencers on making informed decisions and developing successful writing careers. It's uknown at this date how COVID-19 will affect the proceedings. | londonbookfair.co.uk |
| Thrillerfest (International Thriller Writers) | June 28 to July 10, 2021 | Virtual | Cost unknown | The International Thriller Writers goes online with Virtual ThrillerFest 2021. Take advantage of this opportunity to participate in Master Class, PitchFest, ConsultFest and the brand new X-Treme CraftFest. | thrillerfest.com |
| Algonkian Writers Conference Events and Retreats | June TBA, 2021 | Virtual | $795 | Programs Online, Workshop Retreats, Conferences, Editorial Services. Develop and Write the Novel With Track Record Professionals These are a series of conferences and events held throughtout the year. | algonkianconferences.com |
| JULY 2021 | |||||
| SelfPub Con* | July 3-4, 2021 | Virtual | Free | The Self-Publishing Advice Conference is run in association with the Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi), the nonprofit professional association for self-published writers. | selfpublishingadviceconference.com |
| DBW West 2021 | July 12-14, 2021 | Seattle | Regular registration $1,500; company registration $5,000. Includes a pass to DBW Global online event (normally $99) on Sept. 16-17. | Digital Book World is the gathering spot for the wide world of publishing. Having enjoyed sold-out conferences in 2018 and 2019 prior to a record-setting virtual event (DBW Global) in 2020 amid the pandemic, Digital Book World has announced its first expansion in the decade since the influential industry conference first began. Digital Book World 2021 will take place Sept 13-15 in person in Nashville, Tenn., while the brand-new DBW West will take place July 12-14 in Seattle. | events.eventzilla.net |
| Midwest Writers' Workshop | July 2021 | Virtual TBA | Cost unknown | This workshop program is designed to give authors the professional guidance they need to succeed in today's publishing world. The workshop promises "a dynamic day-and-a-half with a decidedly different structure—shorter, smaller, less expensive, with a strong emphasis on helping you reach your writing goals." | midwestwriters.org |
| Romance Writers of America | July 14-17, 2021 | Nashville, Tenn. | Cost unknown | The RWA Conference hosts days of inspiring speakers, enlightening workshops and energizing networking! | rwa.org |
| Sun Valley Writers' Conference | July 17-20, 2021 | Sun Valley, Idaho; virtual component unknown | Cost unknown | The Sun Valley Writers' Conference strives to bring together readers, writers and artists of diverse ages, backgrounds and experiences to be informed, enlightened, challenged and inspired by a world-class literary program in the great outdoors. | svwc.com |
| The Port Townsend Writers Conference | July 18-25, 2021 | Port Townsend, Wash. | Cost unknown | Since 1974, the Port Townsend Writers Conference has been at the wild heart of the thriving Pacific Northwest literary scene. With a focus on community and rigorous attention to craft, the conference offers morning and afternoon workshops, guided "free writes" and a vibrant readings and lectures series presented by contemporary writers to help you achieve breakthroughs in your work. The event takes place in Fort Worden State Park, Wash. | centrum.org |
| Sewanee Writers’ Conference | July 20 to Aug. 1, 2021 | University of the South, Sewanee, Tenn. | Cost unknown | Offering workshops in fiction, poetry, nonfiction and playwriting, the conference invites talented writers to come to Sewanee each summer to learn from each other in a welcoming and supportive environment. The conference is committed to diversity and celebrating the wide range of writers and backgrounds across the writing community. | sewaneewriters.org |
| AUGUST 2021 | |||||
| Napa Valley Writers' Conference | Aug. 1-6, 2021 | In-person venue TBA | Tuition $1,100 | Since 1981, the Napa Valley Writers’ Conference has provided literary fellowship and a craft-focused experience among the foothills and vineyards that have made this region famous. Tuition to attend the conference in 2021 is $1,100. Admissions will open by the end of February. Applications are due May 3. The event offers grants ranging from partial to full admission. | napawritersconference.org |
| RSJ Book Lovers’ Convention | Aug. 4-8, 2021 | Virtual in 2021 | $97 early bird admission expires March 10 | Enjoy this year’s conference online. Highlights include Pajama Cafe Cliffhanger Night, Reader and Writer games, craft workshops, interviews and pitch sessions with Entangled Publishing, Harlequin Books, author engagements and meeting industry professionals. You’ll also be centered around the love of romance and women’s fiction books with book lover swag, prizes, drawings to win and more. | rsjconvention.com |
| Mendocino Coast Writers’ Conference | Aug. 5-7, 2021 | Virtual in 2021 | Cost unknown | The Mendocino Coast Writers’ Conference is a vibrant gathering that offers morning workshops in a wide range of genres. Afternoons are packed with craft seminars, panels, one-on-one consultations and open mics. Every evening offers an opportunity to enjoy the camaraderie and connection that make this conference, in the words of a past participant, “life changing.” | mcwc.org |
| Cape Cod Writers Center Conference | Aug. 5-8, 2021 | The Resort and Conference Center at Hyannis, Mass. | Cost unknown | The event features an outstanding staff of presenters, editors, agents and author-instructors and a wide variety of workshops for every writer’s need. Among them are craft sessions on fiction, nonfiction, mystery, screenwriting, poetry, publicity and promotion and agent panels. | capecodwriterscenter.org |
| MurderCon | Aug. 6-7, 2021 | Virtual in 2021 | Cost unknown | The Writers' Police Academy and Virtual MurderCon are rare opportunities for writers to participate in interactive "for law enforcement eyes only” training. These incredibly detailed, cutting-edge events have never before been available to writers, anywhere. Until now. | writerspoliceacademy.com |
| When Worlds Collide | Aug. 13-15, 2021 | Calgary Alberta | $45 CAD | When Words Collide is an annual nonprofit festival modeled after the volunteer conventions popular in the Science Fiction and Fantasy communities. The festival is designed to bring readers and writers together in a celebration of the written word. Up to 10 tracks of programming offer informational, educational and social activities covering a wide spectrum of literature including Mystery, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Romance, Historical, Literary, Script-writing, Poetry, Comics and Nonfiction. Roughly 800 readers, writers, editors, publishers, agents and artists attend as well as over 100 presenters. | whenwordscollide.org |
| Killer Nashville International Writers' Conference | Aug. 19-22, 2021 | Franklin, Tenn. | Early-bird registration $319-$399 by March 31; single-day pass, $150 | The Killer Nashville International Writers’ Conference was created in 2006 by author/filmmaker Clay Stafford in an effort to bring together forensic experts, writers and fans of crime and thriller literature. The goal is to educate and empower aspiring and established writers and connect them with other industry professionals. The organizers pride themselves on creating intense, intimate workshops and panels for a close-knit community of writers. | killernashville.com |
| Bubonicon 52 Sci-Fi & Fantasy Con | Aug. 20-22, 2021 | Should be live in New Mexico but depends on status of pandemic | Adult weekend pass, $35; day passes $15-$25 | Bubonicon is New Mexico’s best and longest-running Sci-Fi & Fantasy literary and arts convention, started in 1969. Join them in Albuquerque for a great weekend of fun! There are panels and presentations (featuring top authors, artists and scientists), a costume contest, art show, dealer’s room, Green Slime Awards presentation, charity auctions, fan programming and much more! | bubonicon.com |
| Bouchercon | Aug. 25-29, 2021 | Marriott Hotel New Orleans | $195 | Bouchercon New Orleans 2021 calls itself the world’s premier annual crime fiction event. Join the mystery community — from authors, fans and publishers to reviewers, booksellers and editors — for five days of panels, parties and pure mystery fun. | bouchercon2021.com |
| Worldcon the 79th World Science Fiction Convention! | Aug. 25-29, 2021 | Washington, D.C., Marriott Wardman Park Hotel | Memberships Adult: $200 Young Adult: $100 Child: $80 Kid in Tow: Free First Worldcon: $160 Household: $500 Supporting: $50 Rates valid from September 1, 2020. | Worldcon originally focused on and still has a strong emphasis on Science Fiction and Fantasy literature but has grown to include genre television, movies, animation, games and other popular media. It has become the world’s fair of Sci-Fi and Fantasy fandom. No other event brings together fans and creators, regardless of genre or medium, under one big tent with the face-to-face intimacy of Worldcon. | discon3.org |
| Orlando Reads | Aug. 26-29, 2021 | Caribe Royale All-Suite Hotel & Convention Center | $10 – $300 | Orlando Reads Books is an annual author-reader event that takes place in central Florida. In its eighth year, the event focuses both on author continuing education and on reader interaction. ORB21 will include a full day of workshops and panels aimed at authors of all experience levels; an author mingle, an evening when readers and authors meet in a relaxed environment; reader-focused panels, meet and greets, author pop-ups, craft and social hours over both Friday and Saturday; a three-hour-long signing open to the public, and a Saturday night party. | eventbrite.com |
| SEPTEMBER 2021 | |||||
| Dragon Con | Sept. 2-6, 2021 | Atlanta | $115 | Dragon Con is the largest multimedia, popular culture convention focusing on Science Fiction & Fantasy, gaming, comics, literature, art, music and film. | dragoncon.org |
| Kentucky Women Writers Conference | Sept. 9-12, 2021 | Lexington, Ky.— virtual or live TBA | $25 general admission | Of, by and for women, the Kentucky Women Writers Conference Inc. is a nonprofit organization that creates compassionate artistic environments that affirm, challenge and energize women writers and readers through an annual conference and programming dedicated to women’s words. | womenwriters.as.uky.edu |
| Creatures, Crimes & Creativity Con | Sept. 10-12, 2021 | The Doubletree Hilton, Columbia Md. | $245 early bird registration ends Feb. 28; $140 for one-day pass | The purpose of this conference is to gather readers and writers of all genre fiction, including mystery, suspense, romance, thriller, horror, sci-fi, fantasy and paranormal etc. | creaturescrimesandcreativity.com |
| Digital Book World | Sept. 13-15, 2021 | Nashville, Tenn. | Individuals, $1,500; company rate, $5,000. Includes free pass to DBW Global (regularly priced $99), which takes place Sept. 16-17 as a virtual event. | Digital Book World is the gathering of the wide world of publishing. Trade, scholarly, independent, educational, corporate and many other types of publishing come together to share best practices and enjoy one-of-a-kind networking. | digitalbookworld.com |
| North Coast Redwoods Writers' Conference | September date TBA | Crescent City, Calif. | Cost unknown | This writers conference, located on the Del Norte campus of the College of the Redwoods, is an opportunity for people in the region to learn from experts in writing and publishing for two intense days every September. | ncrwc.org |
| Pacific Northwest Writers Association | Sept. 16-19, 2021 | TBA | Cost unknown | PNWA provides members with tools and opportunities to turn their writing dreams into reality. Their mission is to develop writing talent through education, accessibility to the publishing industry and participation in an interactive writer community. Featured speakers and master classes will be posted beforehand. | pnwa.org |
| A Weekend For Words: Southern California Writers' Conference | Sept. 17-19, 2021 | Irvine, Calif. — specifics TBA | Cost unknown | Having facilitated well over $4 million worth of first-time authors’ book and screen deals since 1986, the SCWC remains devoted to writers of all levels working to become both exceptional authors and entrepreneurial self-advocates. Through our uniquely tailored, inclusive programs, the SCWC empowers writers with the vital recognition, encouragement and understanding to better succeed in today’s changing transmedia marketplace. | writersconference.com |
| Writers League of Texas Agents & Editors Conference | Sept. 17-19, 2021 | Austin, Texas | Cost unknown | The Writers' League of Texas Agents & Editors Conference is one of the nation's premier conferences for writers, bringing together more than 20 nationally known agents and editors with award-winning and bestselling authors for three days of conversation about the craft of writing and the practical steps toward publication. For writers with finished manuscripts, the conference's one-on-one consultations with agents and editors offer the chance to pitch their work directly to publishing professionals. For writers working toward a complete manuscript, the conference's evening receptions offer a friendly, relaxed atmosphere for informal chats with agents, published authors and fellow writers from all genres and backgrounds. | writersleague.org |
| NINC Conference 2021 | Sept. 22-26, 2021 | TradeWinds resort in St. Pete Beach, Fla. | Cost unknown | The Novelists, Inc. conference brings together multi-published, multi-genre authors who publish traditionally, independently or both. The speakers are selected from the top echelons of the industry and the conversations often rise above and beyond what you'll experience elsewhere. | ninc.com |
| Brooklyn Book Festival | Sept. 26 to Oct. 1, 2021 | Virtual in 2021 | Cost unknown | Literary stars and emerging authors participating in discussions and readings including Lee Child, Salman Rushdie, Mia Couto, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, Joyce Carol Oates, Adrian Tomine, Emily St. John Mandel, Claudia Rankine, Marie Lu, Colson Whitehead and many others. Bookend events take place over eight days. The lively Children’s Day included author readings and performances, workshops and activities — all virtual — with Max Brallier, Tami Charles, Carlos Hernandez, Meg Medina and R.L. Stine, among others. | brooklynbookfestival.org |
| 2021 Moonlight & Magnolias Conference | Sept. 30 to Oct. 3, 2021 | Atlanta Hilton Northwest | Cost unknown | The event promises workshops for beginners to seasoned professionals. | garomancewriters.org |
| OCTOBER 2021 | |||||
| Alaska Writer's Guild | Oct. 1-2, 2021 | BP Energy Center, Anchorage, Alaska | Cost unknown | The Guild has partnered with the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators and the Romance Writers of America to bring you topics across the writing board for rookie writers to seasoned authors. | alaskawritersguild.com |
| Gold Rush Writer conference | Oct. 1-3, 2021 | Leger Hotel in picturesque Mokelumne Hill, Calif. | $195 early bird registration before April 1; $215 afterward | Writing professionals will guide you to a publishing bonanza through a series of panels, specialty talks, workshops and celebrity lectures. Go one-on-one with successful poets, novelists, biographers, memoirists and short story writers. The conference includes a picnic supper Friday evening, Saturday dinner and Sunday lunch. | goldrushwriters.com |
| Write on the Sound writers’ conference | Oct. 1-3, 2021 | Edmonds, Wash. | Cost unknown | Write on the Sound writers’ conference is a small, affordable conference focused on the craft of writing. A broad variety of sessions, workshops and panel discussions are available for all levels and interests, including valuable information regarding today’s writing and publishing industry. | writeonthesound.com |
| GayRomLit (GRL) | Oct. 7-10, 2021 | Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark | $225 | The GayRomLit Retreat (GRL Retreat) is the must-attend event for all who enjoy crafting, reading and publishing gay romance. It's the place to connect with old friends and find family you didn't know you had for a one-of-a-kind, must-attend gathering of dynamic, informal and diverse fun. | gayromlit.com |
| Florida Writers Conference | Oct. 14-17, 2021 | Somewhere in Florida | Cost unknown | Join a local writers group for discussions, critiques and learning opportunities. Meet authors, agents and other publishing industry professionals at conferences and events. Sell your books in a virtual booth at the Florida Writers Book Expo or through the conference bookstore. Network online in the group's exclusive member forums. | floridawriters.org |
| 2021 Emerald City Writers’ Conference | Oct. 15-17, 2021 | TBA Belleville, Wash. | Cost unknown | The Greater Seattle Romance Writers of America is dedicated to promoting excellence in romantic fiction by educating and inspiring romance writers, both published and yet-to-be-published. | gsrwa.org |
| Vancouver Writers Fest | Oct. 18-24, 2021 | Nashville, Tenn. | Cost unknown | This flagship festival every October welcomes more than 100 writers from across the globe to share their stories and ideas with 17,000+ audience members. | writersfest.bc.ca |
| The Surrey International Writers' Conference | Oct. 22-24, 2021 | Surrey, BC, Canada or virtual TBA | Cost unknown | The Surrey International Writers’ Conference is the “most comprehensive professional development conference of its kind in Canada.” Open to writers of all levels and genres, the conference offers an opportunity to show off your work to the international literary marketplace as well as to hone your craft and business skills. | siwc.ca |
| Power of Words Conference | Oct. 28-31, 2021 | Eldorado Hotel & Spa, Santa Fe, N.M. | $455 for members, $475 for non-members ($45 off regular rate for early-bird registration) | Immerse yourself in workshops, celebrations, open mics, and fierce beauty among 50 presenters —storytellers, writers, performers, activists, educators, healers and more. The conference, founded in 2003, features workshops in four tracks: narrative medicine, social change, right livelihood (and making a living through the arts), ecological literacy and engaged spirituality. | tlanetwork.org/conference |
| NOVEMBER 2021 | |||||
| Men of Mystery | Nov. 6, 2021 | The Grand, Long Beach, Calif. | $75 | This year's event will provide opportunities to laugh, listen, learn, lounge and lunch with some of the greatest writers of the Mystery genre. | menofmystery.org |
| Liberty States Fiction Writers Conference | Nov. 6, 2021 | Holiday Inn in Clark, N.J. | Member $150, non-member $125 | The Liberty States Fiction Writers 11th Annual Conference features a lineup of more than a dozen authors and industry professionals who will share their expertise and experience. Look for a full day of education and networking for those who are published or want to be published. Workshops will focus on craft, business, promotion and indie publishing. | libertystatesfictionwriters.com |
| Indy Romance Convention* | Nov. 10-13, 2021 | Lebanon, Tenn. | Author’s full table tickets $140; reader, aspiring authors, assistants, etc. tickets $45 | 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. | indieromanceconvention.com |
| 20Books Vegas* | Nov. 8-12, 2021 | Las Vegas, Nev. | $300 | 20Books boasts the largest gathering of indie authors anywhere — likely north of 1,600 for htis event. Much of the focus is on what it takes to make money as an independent author. Topics include making money, leveraging multiple revenue streams, social media, federal tax issues, business organization and structure, plus more. This year's event moves to Bally’s on the Strip. | 20booksvegas.com |
| 2021 Kauai Writers Conference | Nov. 12-14, 2021 | Kauai Marriott Resort | $795 | Write your book. Learn from bestselling authors. Meet agents and publishers. All on beautiful Kauai. | kauaiwritersconference.com |
| National Black Writers Conference | November dates TBA | TBA | Cost unknown | Black playwrights, screenwriters and scriptwriters are increasingly breaking new ground; creating bold new work in theater, film and television; and expanding the narrative of the Black experience in America and throughout the African Diaspora. Panelists and special guests will examine the ways race, identity, politics and popular culture shape the production of plays, films and TV shows. The conference features virtual roundtable conversations, panel discussions, a town hall, films, author readings, writing workshops, local vendors and more. | centerforblackliterature.com |
| Writers Digest Novel Writing Conference | November 2021 | Virtual in 2021 | $349 | Expect education from many of publishing’s most respected and knowledgeable writers, agents and editors to guide you through the process of writing, editing and publishing your novel in an online setting. | novel.writersdigestconference.com |
| Fun in the Sun | TBA | Cozumel, Mexico | Cost unknown | Join Fun in the Sun in a spectacular four-day cruise and bask in the beauty of the Caribbean and the charm of Cozumel while sharing special moments with fellow writers. The cruise is sponsored by the Southeast Florida chapter of Romance Writers of America. If you want to be notified when registration opens please send an email. | frwriters.org |
| Northern Hearts Conference | TBA | Toronto, Ontario | Cost unknown | The Toronto Romance Writers is the home for romantic fiction lovers in Toronto. Whether you’re a seasoned professional, are working on your first chapter, or simply love discussing and analyzing romantic fiction, TRW is for you. They embrace all romance writers and readers and are committed to providing a safe, inclusive and fun place for all. | torontoromancewriters.com |
* Indicates highly recommended conferences for self-published authors.
Image at top by marc thiele (CC BY NC ND)
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