60 Great Writing Conferences in June 2018
June is bustin’ out all over for writers. There are no fewer than 60 writing conferences this month, stretching from coast to coast, and covering every aspect of writing and publishing. Want to pitch your work to an agent? There are six conferences in New York, California and points in between that will be attended by agents eager to hear your pitch. Workshops, manuscript consultations, readings, book signings, panel discussions, and contests abound. There is something for everyone.
I’ve included a few conferences that are already sold out, so you can plan ahead for next year. I highly recommend you look at the Writing Conferencespage on this blog for a month-by-month list of conferences throughout the year. Many conferences offer scholarships if you apply early enough. And most of the small hands-on workshops tend to have deadlines a month or more in advance.
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Clarksville Writers Conference. June 1–2, 2018: Clarksville, TN. Two days of writing workshops and presentations, a keynote banquet with the authors, and manuscript consultations.
River Teeth Nonfiction Conference. June 1–3, 2018: Ashland University in Ashland, Ohio. Individual manuscript consultations, seminars, readings, open mics, and book signings. Faculty: Andre Dubus III, Angela Morales, Jill Christman, Michael Downs, Steven Harvey, Richard Hoffman, Kate Hopper, Sonya Huber, Thomas Larson, Dan Lehman, Joe Mackall, Robert Root, Ana Maria Spagna, Michael Steinberg.
Surprise Valley Writers’ Conference. June 1–5, 2018: Cedarville, California. Features workshops in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction, as well as craft lectures, readings, open mics, and a Book Arts workshop.
Bread Loaf Translators’ Conference. June 1–7, 2018: Ripton, VT. The Bread Loaf Translators’ Conference includes workshops in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction, as well as lectures, craft classes, meetings with editors and agents, and readings by faculty and guests. Application deadline: March 15, 2018.
Indiana University Writers’ Conference. June 2–6, 2018, Indiana University in Bloomington. The conference features workshops in poetry and fiction, as well as craft classes, readings, and panels for poets, fiction writers, and nonfiction writers. The cost of the conference is $385, or $635 with a workshop. Lodging and meals are not included; lodging is available in campus dormitories and in the campus hotel. The registration fee is $30; general registration is first come, first served. To attend a workshop, submit 8 to 10 pages of poetry or 15 to 25 pages of prose; admissions are made on a rolling basis.
Yale Writers’ Conference. June 2–12, 2018: New Haven, CT. Visiting Faculty: Amy Bloom, Michael Cunningham, Lev Grossman, Claudia Rankine, Edmund White, MG Lord, Sarah Darer Littman Resident Faculty: Kirsten Bakis, Je Banach, Sybil Baker, Marc Fitten, Trey Ellis, and more. Director: Terence Hawkins. Application deadline: March 15, 2018.
Odyssey Writing Workshop. June 4 — July 13, 2018: Manchester, NH. Since its inception in 1996, Odyssey has become one of the most highly respected workshops for writers of fantasy, science fiction, and horror. Top authors, editors and agents serve as guests, and 59% of graduates go on to professional publication. Application deadline: April 7, 2018.
West Chester University Poetry Conference. June 6–9, 2018: West Chester, PA. The conference offers poetry workshops and features a keynote speaker, critical seminars, panel discussions, faculty readings, and an opportunity for participants to have conferences with workshop leaders and resident poets.
Writers @Work Conference. June 6–10, 2018: Alta, Utah. The conference features workshops in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction, as well as craft lectures, panel discussions, hikes, and time to write. Choose one of three intensive workshops, conducted by our award-winning faculty, and held at Alta Lodge, an intimate setting in the breath-taking Wasatch Mountains, where writers of all backgrounds gather to share ideas, craft, and fine writing. The cost of the conference is $730, which includes tuition and all meals. Individual consultations with an agent or editor are available for an additional $50. Lodging is available at the Alta Lodge, and ranges from a total of $115 for a shared dorm to $285 for a private room.
The Algonkian Writer Retreat and Novel Workshop, June 6–10, 2018: 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 Writer’s Hotel. June 6–12, 2018, NYC. To apply, send the first 5000 words of a prose manuscript or the first 15 poems of a poetry manuscript. We work with writers of fiction, poetry and nonfiction. We do not work on scripts. International applications are welcome. It is $30 to apply. The fee for the 2018 conference is $3,000 and includes the pre-conference TWH Team Reading and NYC in-town events. Early acceptance not only reserves a writer’s spot at an intimate conference, it means writers will have ample time to revise before the NYC pitch meetings. Deadline for application: March 9, 2018.
Connecting Writers with Hollywood. June 7–9, 2018: Spokane, WA. CWWH is a writers conference where writers and screenwriters can pitch their material directly to film agents and producers. It is a weekend of education, panels and pitch sessions.
Annual Philadelphia Writers’ Conference. June 8–10, 2018: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Features workshops, contests and awards, critique and feedback sessions, and agent and editor speed dates. Autobiography/Memoir, Fiction, Horror, Journalism, Marketing, Non-fiction, Playwriting, Poetry, Publishing, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Screenwriting, Young Adult.
West Virginia Writers Conference. June 8–10, 2018: Ripley, West Virginia. Author readings, contests and sharing your love of writing with others.
Women Writing to Change the World: Omega Institute. June 8–10, 2018: Rhinebeck, NY. “As women many of us have a story we want to share, write about, or tell — but how do we begin? We begin with a word. A sentence. A first line. But those first words can be daunting, especially when you realize that words have power and you can change lives with your writing. Guided by author Amy Ferris and therapists Sherry Amatenstein and Blair Glaser, you spend a weekend meditating, connecting, rabble rousing, and writing. Through small group work, sharing, and creative writing prompts, you transform your fear and shame into power on the page. You create essays, poems, petitions, manifestos — whatever you are moved to create — about topics that catalyze you and leave you forever changed, forever united” Cost: $360.
Colrain Poetry Manuscript Conference. June 8–11, 2018: Truchas, New Mexico. The conference features evaluation and discussion of book-length and chapbook-length manuscripts with poets, editors, and publishers. The cost of the conference is $1,475, which includes lodging and meals. Using the online submission system, submit a brief bio and three to four poems.
Kachemak Bay Writers’ Conference. June 8–12, 2018: Homer, Alaska. Daily workshops, panel presentations, readings and craft talks. Keynote speaker: Anthony Doerr (!) Costs: $375 ($325 early bird by 5/2). Includes luncheons, opening dinner; manuscript review $65. Post-conference workshop $400.
Spring Writing Intensive. June 9, 2018, Annapolis MD. “In this one-day writing intensive, participants will have the opportunity to join other writers for a day devoted to writing instruction, discovery, and inspiration. Working under the guidance of award-winning authors, attendees may select four workshops from seven choices. By choosing from a menu of craft options that will include memoir, fiction, nonfiction, and publishing advice, participants will select the subjects that address their most challenging writing issues and will leave armed with new skills, understanding, and motivation. All levels are welcome.” Tuition: $175.
Get Published Conference. June 9, 2018: Bozeman, Montana. This conference is devoted to book writing, marketing and getting published. Faculty includes experienced writers who share their methods for planning, writing and finishing their books, along with practical marketing and promotional information.
DFW Writers Conference. June 9–10, 2018, Fort Worth TX. Featuring pitch sessions with literary agents, advanced classes, engaging panels, interactive workshops.
Bread Loaf Orion Environmental Writers’ Conference. June 10–15, 2018: Ripton, VT. The Bread Loaf Orion Environmental Writers’ Conference is a week-long writers’ conference designed to hone the skills of people interested in producing literary writing about the environment and the natural world. The conference is co-sponsored by the Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference, Orion magazine, and Middlebury College’s Environmental Studies Program. Application deadline: April 20, 2018.
Tinker Mountain Writers’ Workshop. June 10–15, 2018: Roanoke, Virginia. The conference features workshops in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction, as well as craft seminars, individual conferences with faculty members, and readings. The faculty includes poets Rebecca Lindenberg and Jon Pineda; fiction writers Pinckney Benedict, Fred Leebron, and Karon Luddy; multi-genre writers James McKean and Daniel Mueller; agent Jeff Kleinman (Folio Literary Management); and editor Barbara Jones (Henry Holt & Company). The cost of tuition is $795. Housing is available on campus for $225 for the week or in nearby hotels beginning at $65 per night. A campus meal plan is available for $200.
Naropa Summer Writing Program. June 10 — June 30, 2018: Boulder, CO. This is the 44th Summer Writing Program of the Jack Kerouac School of Disembodied Poetics at Naropa University. “These are urgent days, and a new world is possible — and this world is yet worth struggling for. To face facts with creative and spirited resolve; to see through webs of ignorance and power; to witness and study, and bring a new enlivening energy to being writer and citizen; to work collaboratively; to break open categories of resistance, and creation; to write, and think rhizomatically; to keep your weather eye open, and sing out every time — –these are just some of the modes and tactics we imagine The New Weathers will require. As our beloved friend and co-founder of the Kerouac School, Allen Ginsberg says: “Well, while I’m here I’ll / do the work — / and what’s the Work? / To ease the pain of living. Everything else, drunken / dumbshow.”
Kenyon Review Writers Workshops. June 10 — July 14, 2018: Gambier, Ohio. Workshops in poetry, fiction, and nonfiction led by an accomplished faculty. Genre workshops (Fiction, Literary Nonfiction, and Poetry) are held for three hours each morning. (See individual workshops for dates.)
Interlochen Writer’s Retreat. June 11–14, 2018: Interlochen, Michigan. The retreat features workshops in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction, as well as craft talks, readings, time to write, one-on-one manuscript consultations, and a dinner. The retreat also offers a practicum that includes additional consultations, lectures, and panel discussions on publishing. The faculty includes poet and fiction writer Brittany Cavallaro, fiction writers Desiree Cooper and Eric Charles May, fiction and nonfiction writer Patricia Ann McNair, nonfiction writer Mardi Jo Link, and poet and nonfiction writer Anne-Marie Oomen. The cost of the conference is $520. Lodging and meals are not included; lodging on campus is available for discounted rates. Registration is first come, first served.
Writing and Illustrating for Young Readers. June 11–15, 2018: Sandy, Utah. Offers one-, two-, three- and five-day workshops. Morning workshops devoted to individual work; afternoon talks on market, craft, publication; chats w/ editors and agents; keynote; book signing. For those interested, specialized workshops — Boot Camp and Full-Novel classes. Single day programs as well.
Wesleyan Writers Conference. June 13–17, 2018: Middletown, CT. The conference offers workshops in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction, as well as master classes, craft sessions, panel discussions, readings, lectures, and manuscript consultations with agents and editors. The program includes a choice of daily seminars focused on the novel, short story, poetry, and nonfiction (memoir, short- and long-form nonfiction, and journalism). The faculty includes poet Honor Moore; fiction writers Nicholson Baker, Amy Bloom, Salvatore Scibona, and Tiphanie Yanique; and nonfiction writers William Finnegan and Lis Harris. Tuition is $850. Lodging is available on-campus for $50 per night or $200 for four nights or off-campus at nearby hotels and inns. A meal plan is available for $275. A one-day program is also available on June 16 for $225, which includes lunch and dinner. To register for a manuscript consultation, submit 10 poems or up to 35 pages of prose by May 23.
Algonkian Writer Conference–New York City Pitch. June 14–17, 2018: Ripley-Grier Studios in New York City. The conference offers workshops on writing and selling fiction and creative nonfiction manuscripts, as well as agent pitch sessions. The faculty includes Ibrahim Ahmad, Corinna Barsan, Kat Brzozowski, Jackie Cantor, Tom Colgan, Bess Cozby, Brendan Deneen, Mark Gottlieb, Michaela Hamilton, Thomas Hoeler, Lauren Jablonski, Peter Joseph and more. The registration fee until June 10, 2018 is $795.00, and $895.00 after that date. This fee covers all conference pitch sessions and workshops.
Pacific University Master of Fine Arts in Writing Residency Writers Conference. June 14–24, 2018: Forest Grove, Oregon. Writers seeking to deepen their craft and expand their professional community are invited to attend the Residency Writers Conference together with MFA students, faculty and guest speakers. Join us for 10 full days of craft talks, workshops, panels, classes, readings and more featuring some of the best minds of the literary world. This residency is a rare opportunity to engage in sustained and meaningful conversation with others who share your passion for the art of writing.
The Alabama Writers’ Conclave. June 15–17, 2018, 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.
Gateway to Publishing Conference and Convention. June 15–17, 2018: St. Louis, Missouri. Faculty: Jennifer Geist, Stephanie Hansen, Eileen Dryer, Angie Fox, Cynthia Graham, Ann Leckie, and still adding literary agents, publishers, and authors. Cost: Writer’s Conference: SLWG Member $210; Students/Affiliated Organizations $230; Regular Registration $250; Gateway Con Masterclass $50 per class; Author Hall Rates: SLWG Members $125; Affiliated Organizations $145; Regular Registration $175.
Sundress Academy for the Arts Summer Fiction Writing Retreat. June 15–17, 2018: Knoxville, Tennessee. The three-day, two-night camping retreat will be held at SAFTA’s own Firefly Farms in Knoxville, Tennessee. This year’s retreat will focus on generative fiction writing and include two break-out sessions “Conflict and POV as Perspective” and “Writing the Travel Narrative,” plus discussions on kicking writer’s block, publishing, and more.
Poetry at the Frost Farm. June 15–17, 2018: Derry, New Hampshire. The retreat offers workshops, readings, and one-on-one consultations for formalist poets. “Join a small community of people at the historic Robert Frost Farm learning, reading and writing formal poetry with contemporary award-winning poets. Choose your focus from a series of offerings designed to provide tools for beginning poets as well as perfect the mastery of published poets.”
Mountain Heritage Literary Festival. June 15–17, 2018, Cumberland Gap, TN. “Every year writers gather at the ancient and beloved Cumberland Gap to celebrate writing, music, and Appalachian heritage. Events include workshops, panels, readings, concerts, lectures, open mic, and more.”
Iowa Summer Writing Festival. June 16 — July 27, 2018, Iowa City. Featuring 138 workshops with 60 instructors. Registrations for weeklong and weekend workshops are accepted on a first-come first-served basis. Class size is limited to twelve. It is a good idea to register early.
The Santa Barbara Writers Conference, June 17–22, 2018: Santa Barbara, Calif. “Every summer, writers in many genres from around the world gather to participate in a magical week of intensive work focused on story, voice, craft, marketing, and networking with fellow writers and publishing professionals.”
Aspen Summer Words. June 17–22, 2018: Aspen, Colorado. Workshops, panels, and readings in fiction and creative nonfiction, as well as opportunities to meet with agents and editors. “Aspen Summer Words is the Rocky Mountain gateway to the literary world. Recognized as one of the country’s pre-eminent literary conferences, Summer Words welcomes visitors and locals alike to celebrate writing and writers in Aspen for a week each June. The exceptional faculty and awe-inspiring mountain scenery combine to make this a writing retreat like no other.”
Colgate Writers’ Conference. June 17–23, 2018: Hamilton, New York. Morning craft talks & workshops. Individual consultation with workshop instructor in the afternoon. Late afternoon participant readings and talks on publishing, storytelling. Evening readings by instructors & guests. Late night social events. “Bring a story, a book in progress, some poems, or a novel, and work with us on developing narrative strategies, verse techniques, and methods of research. Members of the publishing profession will also be here to discuss marketplace tactics.” Application Deadline: April 20, 2018.
Clarion West Speculative Fiction Writers Workshop. June 17 — July 27, 2018: Seattle, Washington. Every summer, Clarion West holds an intensive six-week workshop in Seattle’s University District, geared to help you prepare for a professional career as a writer of speculative fiction. Each workshop is limited to 18 students, and each week features a different instructor, a highly regarded author or editor offering their unique perspective on the field. Short fiction is the workshop’s focus, with an emphasis on science fiction, fantasy, and horror. Come prepared to write several new stories, to experiment and take artistic risks, and to give and receive constructive criticism. FULL
Fine Arts Work Center Summer Workshops (poetry, fiction, art, and creative nonfiction). June 17 — August 24, 2018, Provincetown, Massachusetts. The faculty includes Marisa Silver, Ariel Levy, Julia Glass, Henri Cole, Marie Howe, Marie Ponsot, Vijay Seshadri, Dean Albarelli, Kimiko Hahn, David Updikel, Pam Houston, Julia Glass, Alice Mattison. Tuition ranges from $600 to $725.
Manhattanville College Summer Writers’ Week. June 18–22, 2018: Purchase, New York. Each day begins with a workshop, then afternoons feature craft panels and events. Evenings feature faculty readings and a keynote reader, and these evening readings are free and open to the public. For an immersive experience, housing is available on campus for workshop participants.
Minnesota Northwoods Writers Conference. June 18–24, 2018: Bemidji, Minnesota. Fiction, Non-fiction, Poetry, Publishing. Faculty: Edward Hirsch — Distinguished Visiting Writer. Joan Naviyuk Kane — Poetry. Wayne Miller — Poetry. Mat Johnson — Fiction. Alison Hawthorne Deming — Creative Nonfiction. Paisley Rekdal — Creative Nonfiction. Workshops are capped at 12 and applications are processed first-come, first-served until workshops are filled.
Chautauqua Writers’ Festival. June 20–23, 2018: Chautauqua, New York. The conference features workshops in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction, as well as readings, panel discussions, individual conferences with faculty members, open mics, and time to write. The faculty include poets francine j. harris and Hoa Nguyen; fiction writers Jennine Capó Crucet and Eleanor Henderson; and creative nonfiction writer Mike Scalise. Fiction and creative nonfiction writer Kiese Laymon will deliver the keynote on the the of “Writing in Times of Crisis.” The cost of tuition is $500 ($400 for sponsored students). The cost of tuition without workshops and one-on-one faculty sessions is $200. The discounted fee for lodging in the Athenaeum Hotel ranges from $61.29 per night for a double room to $122.57 per night for a single room. The registration deadline is April 30.
Western Writers of America Convention. June 20–23 2018: Cheyenne, Wyoming. Children’s, Fiction, Marketing, Non-fiction, Publishing, Young Adult. History presentations at the convention include Cats in the Old West, Border Wars/Law and Order, Mark Twain Literary Contributions, and more. Other sessions will take place related to the craft of writing, book marketing, and research sources and techniques.
Fordham University Retreat. June 20–24, 2018, New York City. “In order to help mentor the next generation of Asian American writers, Kundiman sponsors an annual Retreat in partnership with Fordham University. During the Retreat, nationally renowned Asian American poets and writers conduct Master Classes and manuscript consultations with fellows. Readings, writing circles and informal social gatherings are also scheduled. Through this Retreat, Kundiman hopes to provide a safe and instructive environment that identifies and addresses the unique challenges faced by emerging Asian American writers.” Application Deadline: January 15th, 2018.
In Your Write Mind Workshop. June 21–24, 2018, Greensburg, Pennsylvania. Workshops on writing, editing & pitching; guest speaker presentations. A writer’s workshop for all writers and aspiring writers! Former workshops featured agents and editors from TOR Books, FinePrint Literary Management, Donald Maass Literary Agency, Poisoned Pen Press, Leap Books, Titan Books and authors including JA Konrath, Michael Bracken, Daniel Jose Older, Jeff Strand and Diana Rowland. The workshop is hosted by Seton Hill University Writing Popular Fiction Alumni.
Chuckanut Writers Conference. June 22–23, 2018: Bellingham, Washington. Writers conference that includes speakers, panels, breakout sessions, authors’ readings, reception with authors, pitch sessions with literary agents, book signings, open mic for attendees. Autobiography/Memoir, Children’s, Fiction, Nature, Non-fiction, Poetry, Publishing.
The Greater Los Angeles Writers Conference, June 22–24, 2018: West Coast Writers Conferences presents a full weekend of panels, workshops and presentations by educators, noted speakers, and industry professionals focused on the craft and business of writing.
Annual Conference on Creative Writing at Pacific. June 22 –24, 2018: Stockton, California. Autobiography/Memoir, Fiction, Humor, Journalism, Marketing, Mystery, Non-fiction, Poetry, Publishing, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy. Agents and editors will be available for pitch sessions.
Chicago Writing Workshop. June 23, 2018: Chicago, IL. “This is a special one-day “How to Get Published” writing workshop on Saturday, May 14, 2016, at the historic Congress Plaza Hotel, just south of the downtown area. In other words, it’s one day full of classes and advice designed to give you the best instruction concerning how to get your writing & books published. We’ll discuss your publishing opportunities today, how to write queries & pitches, how to market yourself and your books, what makes an agent/editor stop reading your manuscript, and more. No matter what you’re writing — fiction or nonfiction — the day’s classes will help point you in the right direction. Writers of all genres are welcome.” Features over two dozen attending agents.
Shore Thing Writing Getaway: A One Day Retreat for Poets and Writers. June 23, 2018, Atlantic City, NJ. “Join us for this boardwalk-inspired getaway, designed for writers of fiction, creative nonfiction and poetry. Trigger your imagination and compose new work that will surprise and please you. Spend the day immersed in the literary life: discussing writing, doing your own writing and sharing some of your new drafts.” Faculty: Peter E. Murphy. Cost: $85.
Publish & Promote Your Book Conference. June 23, 2018: Bronxville, New York. “If you’re ready to find an agent and present your book to the marketplace, come join our community of educators, writers, agents, editors, and publishers at a one day conference designed to help you succeed in your publishing ventures. In addition to panel discussions, participants can register for Pitch Sessions and discuss their book with up to three agents/editors for 10 minutes each. If you’re thinking of attending a Pitch Session, consider signing up for one of our Prep For Your Pitch sessions, which will be held on Tuesday, June 12, Wednesday, June 20, and Friday, June 22, at 7 p.m.”
Community of Writers at Squaw Valley: Poetry Workshop. June 23 — June 30, 2018: Olympic Valley, California. “We work together to create an atmosphere in which everyone might feel free to try anything. In the mornings we meet in workshops to read to each other the work of the previous twenty-four hours; each participant also has an opportunity to work with each staff poet. In the late afternoons we gather for a conversation about some aspect of craft. On several afternoons staff poets hold brief individual conferences.” Registration deadline: March 28, 2018.
Chesapeake Writers’ Conference at St. Mary’s College of Maryland. June 24–30, 2018: St. Mary’s City, Maryland. Intensive workshops in three genres for serious writers at all levels of experience, as well as a multi-genre workshop for high schoolers. Featured Writers Include: Heather Green, Angela Pelster, Patricia Henley, Matt Burgess, Matthew Henry Hall, Jerry Gabriel (director).
Science Fiction & Fantasy Novel Writers Workshop. June 24 — July 6, 2018, University of Kansas, Kansas. “This summer, in conjunction with the Gunn Center for the Study of Science Fiction and the SF Writing Workshop, Kij Johnson teaches a two-week intensive workshop on writing novels. The goal of this workshop is to help writers in the early stages of a novel create compelling, coherent plots and openings for their books. Due to a scheduling conflict for Kij, we’ve swapped the traditional Novel Workshop and “Repeat Offenders” Novel Workshop for writers who have already taken the traditional workshop, which will run from June 10–22, and this year is hosted by the ever-awesome Kevin McNeil.”
Jackson Hole Writers Conference, June 28–30, 2018: Jackson Hole, WY. You will have ample opportunity to share your work with a distinguished faculty as well as writers from Massachusetts to Florida, from Texas to Washington.Serious writers pour into Jackson Hole each June looking for a fresh, but critical eye on their work. This event usually has at least 4 agents to pitch.
DRC Conference Faculty & Workshops 2016. June 28–30, 2018: Davenport, Iowa. Daily workshops, critiques, pitches, evening events, keynote. With five three-day workshops, book pitches with a publisher and an agent, author luncheon, concluding luncheon, free evening faculty reading and keynote address, there’s something for everyone! Register before June 15th to receive the early bird discount.
David R. Collins Writers’ Conference. June 28–30, 2018: Davenport, Iowa. Develop your writing working with award-winning authors in a variety of genres, and get publishing tips, one-on-one critiques, and pitch a manuscript. “Each workshop is 4.5 hours over three days, 1.5 hours per day. We will be offering five workshops in 2017, including: poetry; nonfiction/memoir; short fiction; the novel; and finding and keeping an agent. We also have a faculty reading followed by an open mic for participants; pitch sessions for writers to present manuscripts to an agent and an independent press; one-on-one manuscript critiques; an author luncheon; and a featured speaker TBA.”
The Art of Description. June 28 — July 2, 2018: Austerlitz NY. Faculty: Colleen Kinder and Owen Murray. “All authors are illustrators. They sketch vivid scenes, legible faces, contoured landscapes, and so much more in the reader’s minds-eye. How do we cultivate this ability: to animate the visual world distinctively and unforgettably in the imaginations of our readers? Co-taught by a writer and photographer/illustrator team Colleen Kinder and Owen Murray, this course will take students on a two-dimensional journey, equipping them to illustrate the visual world in radiant detail.”
The Writers’ League of Texas Agents & Editors Conference. June 29 — July 1, 2018: Austin, Tex. The conference features panels, lectures, networking opportunities, and receptions. Individual manuscript consultations with agents or editors are available. Participating agents include Terra Chalberg (Chalberg & Sussman), Arielle Datz (Dunow, Carlson & Lerner), Adriana Domínguez (Full Circle Literary), Cherise Fisher (Wendy Sherman Associates), Wendi Gu (Janklow & Nesbit), Kristina Moore (The Wiley Agency), Eric Myers (Myers Literary Management), Rachel Orr (Prospect Agency), Sharon Pelletier (Dystel, Goderich & Bourret), Sarah Phair (Trident Media Group), Grace A. Ross (Regal Hoffman & Associates), Jeff Silberman (Folio Literary Management), and Jennifer Chen Tran (Bradford Literary Agency). The cost of the conference is $469 ($409 for Writers’ League members), which includes a one-on-one consultation with an agent or editor until April 2, and $509 ($449 for members) thereafter.
Erica Verrillo has published five books. She blogs about the publishing world, posts useful tips on how to get an agent, lists agents who are looking for clients as well as publishers accepting manuscripts directly from writers, explains how to market and promote your work, how to build your online platform, how to get reviews, how to self-publish, and where to find markets for your work on Publishing and Other Forms of Insanity.