I strongly urge you to plan ahead if you are thinking of attending a writing conference. Many offer scholarships that can significantly reduce the cost. And all of the intensive writing workshops have application deadlines.
For a month-by-month list of conferences throughout the year see: Writing Conferences. (You will also find links to resources that can help you find conferences in your area on that page.)
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Writing By Writers DRAFT. Application deadline: March 1, 2019: Lake Tahoe and Boulder, CO. DRAFT is an intensive program for 15 writers who are committed to completing a novel, memoir, short story, or essay collection over the course of two years. Whether starting a first draft, or working through a new revision, this program is appropriate for writers who want a rigorous and supportive community throughout their process.
Minnesota Writers Workshop. March 2, 2019, 2019: St. Paul, MN. This is a special one-day “How to Get Published” writing workshop on Saturday, March 2, 2019, at the Intercontinental St. Paul Riverfront. 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.
Redrock Creative Writing Seminar, St. George, Utah, March 2, 2019. Classes and readings in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction. The faculty includes Kimberly Johnson, Amy Jarecki, and Reuben Wadsworth.
Publishing Workshop. March 2, 2019: Hammonton, NJ. "Do you want to publish your writing but struggle with a lack of know-how and fear of rejection? Join us for this hands-on workshop where we will guide you through the process from blank page to published piece. If you are an aspiring author you will learn how and where to submit your work. If you are experienced you will discover new markets and resources to expand your readership. Whether you are working on a novel, memoir, short stories, personal essays or poetry, you will go home with an action plan and the tools to carry it out."
Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers Retreat. March 7 - 10, 2019, Colorado Springs, CO. An intensive 3-day writing retreat. SOLD OUT.
Alabama Writing Workshop. March 8, 2019: Birmingham, Alabama. "A one-day writing workshop full of classes and advice designed to give you the best instruction concerning how to get your writing & books published. We will also have literary agents onsite to give feedback and take pitches from writers, as well."
Bay to Ocean Writers Conference. Wye Mills, Maryland, March 9, 2019. Sponsored by the Eastern Shore Writers Association. "The BTO conference features workshops, presentations, and panel discussions on a wide variety of topics pertaining to the craft of writing, publishing, marketing, the Internet, and the intricacies of particular genres. It is an opportunity to meet with many writing peers in the region. Speakers include accomplished authors, poets, film writers, writing instructors, editors, and publishers. BTO also offers one-on-one manuscript reviews with experienced writing instructors and editors for registered attendees for a fee."
Atlanta Writing Workshop, March 9, 2019, Atlanta, GA. "This is a special one-day “How to Get Published” writing workshop. 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."
Algonkian Novel Retreat, Sterling, March 13 - 17, 2019:Virginia. "In keeping with the spirit of this place and the goals of this retreat, you can be as goal-oriented or as hesitant in approach as you wish. 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 of your short stories or flash fiction? 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?" Registration is first come, first served.
Sleuthfest. March 14 - 17, 2019: Boca Raton, FL. Sponsored by the Florida Chapter of Mystery Writers of America a conference for writers and fans. Features writing workshops, social events, and pitch sessions, including:
Minnesota Writers Workshop. March 2, 2019, 2019: St. Paul, MN. This is a special one-day “How to Get Published” writing workshop on Saturday, March 2, 2019, at the Intercontinental St. Paul Riverfront. 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.
Redrock Creative Writing Seminar, St. George, Utah, March 2, 2019. Classes and readings in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction. The faculty includes Kimberly Johnson, Amy Jarecki, and Reuben Wadsworth.
Publishing Workshop. March 2, 2019: Hammonton, NJ. "Do you want to publish your writing but struggle with a lack of know-how and fear of rejection? Join us for this hands-on workshop where we will guide you through the process from blank page to published piece. If you are an aspiring author you will learn how and where to submit your work. If you are experienced you will discover new markets and resources to expand your readership. Whether you are working on a novel, memoir, short stories, personal essays or poetry, you will go home with an action plan and the tools to carry it out."
Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers Retreat. March 7 - 10, 2019, Colorado Springs, CO. An intensive 3-day writing retreat. SOLD OUT.
Alabama Writing Workshop. March 8, 2019: Birmingham, Alabama. "A one-day writing workshop full of classes and advice designed to give you the best instruction concerning how to get your writing & books published. We will also have literary agents onsite to give feedback and take pitches from writers, as well."
Bay to Ocean Writers Conference. Wye Mills, Maryland, March 9, 2019. Sponsored by the Eastern Shore Writers Association. "The BTO conference features workshops, presentations, and panel discussions on a wide variety of topics pertaining to the craft of writing, publishing, marketing, the Internet, and the intricacies of particular genres. It is an opportunity to meet with many writing peers in the region. Speakers include accomplished authors, poets, film writers, writing instructors, editors, and publishers. BTO also offers one-on-one manuscript reviews with experienced writing instructors and editors for registered attendees for a fee."
Atlanta Writing Workshop, March 9, 2019, Atlanta, GA. "This is a special one-day “How to Get Published” writing workshop. 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."
Algonkian Novel Retreat, Sterling, March 13 - 17, 2019:Virginia. "In keeping with the spirit of this place and the goals of this retreat, you can be as goal-oriented or as hesitant in approach as you wish. 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 of your short stories or flash fiction? 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?" Registration is first come, first served.
Sleuthfest. March 14 - 17, 2019: Boca Raton, FL. Sponsored by the Florida Chapter of Mystery Writers of America a conference for writers and fans. Features writing workshops, social events, and pitch sessions, including:
* Agent Appointments to pitch your finished work
* Critiques of your 10 page manuscript submission
* Forensic track with current forensic techniques & hands-on workshops
* Social events to mingle with agents, editors and your favorite authors
* Auction to purchase critiques of your work by bestselling authors
* Sessions on the craft of writing
* Sessions on marketing and promoting your work
* Practice your Pitch sessions with experienced authors
Springmingle ’19 and Illustrators’ Day. Society of Childrens Book Writers and Illustrators. Decatur, GA, March 15 -16, 2019. Conference for children's book writers and illustrators. Faculty includes writers, illustrators, agents, editors, and publishers.
Writing By Writers Boulder Generative Workshop. March 15 - March 17, 2019, Boulder, Colorado. Lectures, craft talks, writing exercises and class discussions. Each participant will have the opportunity to work in a small group setting with all three faculty members.
University of North Dakota Writers Conference. March 20 - 22, 2019: Grand Forks, North Dakota. The conference features workshops in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction, as well as panel discussions and readings. Participating writers include poets Heid E. Erdrich and Sally Wen Mao, fiction writers Kiese Laymon and Tommy Orange, and nonfiction writer Sarah Smarsh. The conference is free, but workshop space is limited to twenty participants; registration is first come, first served.
Virginia Festival of the Book, March 20 - 24, 2019. "The Festival is the largest community-based book event in the Mid-Atlantic region and has attracted audiences of more than 20,000 for each of the past thirteen years. We have presented a captivating list of authors, ranging from international bestsellers to topical specialists to debut authors." Book exhibits, talks by authors, readings, workshops on book promotion, finding an agent, poetry, publishing, agents roundtable - you name it, this conference has it.
Write Stuff Writers Conference. March 21 - 23, 2019: Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. 20 workshops, Agent./Editor pitch sessions, marketing consults plus lunch and Keynote address, Book Fair, Flash Literature Writing Contest, Door Prizes. Featuring Ben Wolf and Charis Crowe.
Advanced Manuscript Boot Camp. March 21 - 23, 2019: Southampton, NY. "At the Advanced Manuscript Boot Camp you will receive two hours of feedback from up to six fellow authors in workshops led by Donna Kaz and Madge McKeithen. You will discover what is working in your pages, where your readers have questions, and what your peers want to see more of. These responses will spark fresh ideas about how you can strengthen your story and inspire you to return to your desk to complete and publish your book."
Algonkian Writers New York Pitch Conference, March 21 - 24, 2019: NY, NY. "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. More importantly though, it is also a diagnostic method for workshopping the plot, premise, and other elements of the story to determine quality and marketability. Simply put, you cannot successfully pitch a viable commercial novel if you don't have a viable commercial novel. Our goal, therefore, is to set you on a realistic path to publication."
Colrain One-Day Retreat: What is a Poetry Manuscript? March 23, 2019, Barred Owl Retreat, Leicester, Massachusetts.The Colrain One-Day Informational Retreat is designed for poets who wish to learn the basics of a poetry manuscript before submitting to presses and/or applying to the Colrain Poetry Manuscript Conference. In a small group (8-10 poets) team-led by two seasoned Colrain Poetry Manuscript facilitators.
Authors' Salon at Clockwork Alchemy. March 22 - 24, 2019, Burlingame, California. Clockwork Alchemy is the San Francisco area's own steampunk convention. Originally a part of FanimeCon, Clockwork Alchemy is now its own independent event celebrating music, makers, dancing, writing, crafting, fashion, and fun related to steampunk!
2019 National Black Writers Conference Biennial Symposium & Tribute to Ntozake Shange. March 23, 2019, Brooklyn, NY. “Playwrights and Screenwriters at the Crossroads,” is a public gathering of writers, scholars, literary professionals, performers, students and the general public. It will provide a forum for examining the trends and themes addressed by Black playwrights and filmmakers; showcase the work of Black playwrights and screenwriters; and pay tribute to Ntozake Shange, Obie Award-winning renowned poet, playwright, and novelist. Ifa Bayeza, playwright, producer, novelist, and sister of Ntozake Shange is the featured speaker.
Association of Writers & Writing Programs Conference. March 27 - 30, 2018, Portland, OR. "The AWP Conference & Bookfair is an essential annual destination for writers, teachers, students, editors, and publishers. Each year more than 12,000 attendees join our community for four days of insightful dialogue, networking, and unrivaled access to the organizations and opinion-makers that matter most in contemporary literature. The 2016 conference featured over 2,000 presenters and 550 readings, panels, and craft lectures. The bookfair hosted over 800 presses, journals, and literary organizations from around the world. AWP’s is now the largest literary conference in North America."
34th Annual National Undergraduate Literature Conference. March 28 - March 30, 2019: Weber State University, Ogden, UT. "Each year, nearly 200 undergraduate writers and poets throughout North America, and sometimes beyond, come to Weber State University to present their work and learn from some of the most important writers in contemporary literature."
The Work Conference. March 29 - 31, 2019, New York City. "The Work is a boutique writers’ conference, meaning it’s purposefully small, highly personalized, and focused on bringing 30 hard-working authors together for an unforgettable weekend." Faculty: Leon Husock, Sarah Levitt, Daniel Kirschen, Heather Flaherty, Natalie Halla, Kerin Wicks, Adriann Ranta Zurhellen, Jennifer Udden, Alex Arnold, Monica Odom, Stephanie Delman, Annie Hwang, Tiffany Liao, Laura Chasen, Katie Grimm.
WonderCon, March 29 - March 31, 2019, Anaheim, CA. HUGE comic book convention.
Maryland Writers Association: Brain to Bookshelf. March 29 - March 31, 2019: Linthicum, MD.
"The Brain to Bookshelf conference offers over 20 workshops, several intensive sessions, for more detailed learning along with agents presenting panels, hearing pitches and providing critiques. Agent slots are limited, so register early."
Kansas Writing Workshop. March 30, 2019: Kansas City, MO. "This is a special one-day “How to Get Published” writing workshop on Saturday, March 30, 2019, at the Hampton Inn & Suites Kansas City Country Club Plaza. 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."
Liberty States Fiction Writers Conference. March 30-31, 2019: Iselin, NJ. "We are so excited about what promises to be a very special, educational, and entertaining 10th Anniversary Conference. In addition to our wonderful and diverse keynote speakers, we have a number of editors and agents who will be attending to take pitches as well as some awesome writer and reader workshops!"
Springmingle ’19 and Illustrators’ Day. Society of Childrens Book Writers and Illustrators. Decatur, GA, March 15 -16, 2019. Conference for children's book writers and illustrators. Faculty includes writers, illustrators, agents, editors, and publishers.
Writing By Writers Boulder Generative Workshop. March 15 - March 17, 2019, Boulder, Colorado. Lectures, craft talks, writing exercises and class discussions. Each participant will have the opportunity to work in a small group setting with all three faculty members.
University of North Dakota Writers Conference. March 20 - 22, 2019: Grand Forks, North Dakota. The conference features workshops in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction, as well as panel discussions and readings. Participating writers include poets Heid E. Erdrich and Sally Wen Mao, fiction writers Kiese Laymon and Tommy Orange, and nonfiction writer Sarah Smarsh. The conference is free, but workshop space is limited to twenty participants; registration is first come, first served.
Virginia Festival of the Book, March 20 - 24, 2019. "The Festival is the largest community-based book event in the Mid-Atlantic region and has attracted audiences of more than 20,000 for each of the past thirteen years. We have presented a captivating list of authors, ranging from international bestsellers to topical specialists to debut authors." Book exhibits, talks by authors, readings, workshops on book promotion, finding an agent, poetry, publishing, agents roundtable - you name it, this conference has it.
Write Stuff Writers Conference. March 21 - 23, 2019: Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. 20 workshops, Agent./Editor pitch sessions, marketing consults plus lunch and Keynote address, Book Fair, Flash Literature Writing Contest, Door Prizes. Featuring Ben Wolf and Charis Crowe.
Advanced Manuscript Boot Camp. March 21 - 23, 2019: Southampton, NY. "At the Advanced Manuscript Boot Camp you will receive two hours of feedback from up to six fellow authors in workshops led by Donna Kaz and Madge McKeithen. You will discover what is working in your pages, where your readers have questions, and what your peers want to see more of. These responses will spark fresh ideas about how you can strengthen your story and inspire you to return to your desk to complete and publish your book."
Algonkian Writers New York Pitch Conference, March 21 - 24, 2019: NY, NY. "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. More importantly though, it is also a diagnostic method for workshopping the plot, premise, and other elements of the story to determine quality and marketability. Simply put, you cannot successfully pitch a viable commercial novel if you don't have a viable commercial novel. Our goal, therefore, is to set you on a realistic path to publication."
Colrain One-Day Retreat: What is a Poetry Manuscript? March 23, 2019, Barred Owl Retreat, Leicester, Massachusetts.The Colrain One-Day Informational Retreat is designed for poets who wish to learn the basics of a poetry manuscript before submitting to presses and/or applying to the Colrain Poetry Manuscript Conference. In a small group (8-10 poets) team-led by two seasoned Colrain Poetry Manuscript facilitators.
Authors' Salon at Clockwork Alchemy. March 22 - 24, 2019, Burlingame, California. Clockwork Alchemy is the San Francisco area's own steampunk convention. Originally a part of FanimeCon, Clockwork Alchemy is now its own independent event celebrating music, makers, dancing, writing, crafting, fashion, and fun related to steampunk!
2019 National Black Writers Conference Biennial Symposium & Tribute to Ntozake Shange. March 23, 2019, Brooklyn, NY. “Playwrights and Screenwriters at the Crossroads,” is a public gathering of writers, scholars, literary professionals, performers, students and the general public. It will provide a forum for examining the trends and themes addressed by Black playwrights and filmmakers; showcase the work of Black playwrights and screenwriters; and pay tribute to Ntozake Shange, Obie Award-winning renowned poet, playwright, and novelist. Ifa Bayeza, playwright, producer, novelist, and sister of Ntozake Shange is the featured speaker.
Association of Writers & Writing Programs Conference. March 27 - 30, 2018, Portland, OR. "The AWP Conference & Bookfair is an essential annual destination for writers, teachers, students, editors, and publishers. Each year more than 12,000 attendees join our community for four days of insightful dialogue, networking, and unrivaled access to the organizations and opinion-makers that matter most in contemporary literature. The 2016 conference featured over 2,000 presenters and 550 readings, panels, and craft lectures. The bookfair hosted over 800 presses, journals, and literary organizations from around the world. AWP’s is now the largest literary conference in North America."
34th Annual National Undergraduate Literature Conference. March 28 - March 30, 2019: Weber State University, Ogden, UT. "Each year, nearly 200 undergraduate writers and poets throughout North America, and sometimes beyond, come to Weber State University to present their work and learn from some of the most important writers in contemporary literature."
The Work Conference. March 29 - 31, 2019, New York City. "The Work is a boutique writers’ conference, meaning it’s purposefully small, highly personalized, and focused on bringing 30 hard-working authors together for an unforgettable weekend." Faculty: Leon Husock, Sarah Levitt, Daniel Kirschen, Heather Flaherty, Natalie Halla, Kerin Wicks, Adriann Ranta Zurhellen, Jennifer Udden, Alex Arnold, Monica Odom, Stephanie Delman, Annie Hwang, Tiffany Liao, Laura Chasen, Katie Grimm.
WonderCon, March 29 - March 31, 2019, Anaheim, CA. HUGE comic book convention.
Maryland Writers Association: Brain to Bookshelf. March 29 - March 31, 2019: Linthicum, MD.
"The Brain to Bookshelf conference offers over 20 workshops, several intensive sessions, for more detailed learning along with agents presenting panels, hearing pitches and providing critiques. Agent slots are limited, so register early."
Kansas Writing Workshop. March 30, 2019: Kansas City, MO. "This is a special one-day “How to Get Published” writing workshop on Saturday, March 30, 2019, at the Hampton Inn & Suites Kansas City Country Club Plaza. 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."
Liberty States Fiction Writers Conference. March 30-31, 2019: Iselin, NJ. "We are so excited about what promises to be a very special, educational, and entertaining 10th Anniversary Conference. In addition to our wonderful and diverse keynote speakers, we have a number of editors and agents who will be attending to take pitches as well as some awesome writer and reader workshops!"
