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.
I have included conferences with deadlines that have already passed on this list to give you advance notice. If you miss an application deadline, put it on your calendar for next year. Quite a few conferences offer scholarships, so apply early. Plan ahead!
For a full list of conferences held throughout the year see Writing Conferences.
Be sure to check out Boyds Mills list of workshops. They offer many throughout the year.
[Image: Aspen, CO: Aspen Institute]
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From Idea & Sketch to Dummy & Submission: An Author/Illustrator Online Course. September 2 - October 7, 2026: 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.
DragonCon. September 3 - September 7, 2026: Atlanta, Ga. HUGE sci-fi event, with parade, autograph sessions, live performances, readings, wrestling (!), workshops on belly dancing, writing (yes, there's even some writing), art show. (This conference sounds really wild.)
WriterCon. September 4 - 7, 2026: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The annual WriterCon Conference is three days of 60+ speakers providing more than 80 sessions designed to cover all genres and all aspects of the writing experience: skills, industry knowledge, opportunities, networking, pitching, contests, opportunities to meet with writers privately, to obtain manuscript reviews or private consultations, and much more.
The Gathering. September 5 - 7, 2026. Workshops in poetry as well as readings. 2-hour Workshops & Readings Friday night, Saturday, and Sunday. Participant Open Mics Friday and Saturday night. Will be held on Zoom.
Writelines. September 7 -11, 2026: Star Island, Portsmouth, NH. We write in a group from prompts designed to awaken creativity. We write by candlelight in a stone chapel. We write in rocking chairs with a panoramic view of the ocean in all directions. We write with the sound of waves and gulls. We experiment with technique in a positive environment. Designed for writers of all skill levels.
Celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Broadway Debut of For Colored Girls Who’ve Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf. September 9, 2026, 6:00-7:30PM EST: Online. Join us for an online celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Broadway debut of Ntozake Shange’s seminal work, For Colored Girls Who’ve Considered Suicide/ When the Rainbow is Enuf. This showcase of poets who’ve performed Shange’s work and/or been inspired by it, includes choreopoet, director and educator Monica Prince, who will lead the evening. She will be joined by an incredible lineup of poets including Shakeema Smalls, M. Mick Powell, Sullivan Summer, Jasmine Blooms and Rosa Castellano.
Inkubator Writing Conference. September 11 - 12, 2026: 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.
The Alabama Writers' Conclave. September 11 - 13, 2026: Birmingham, 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.
Hold Space Retreat for Artists of Color. September 14- 20, 2026: Saugatuck, Michigan. Participants who qualify for a Hold Space Retreat can enjoy communal living, making, and opportunities to organize on Ox-Bow’s campus in Saugatuck, Michigan. Lodging, three meals per day, and access to Ox-Bow studios and spaces are provided. People of color across the creative spectrum including artists of any discipline, writers, curators, teachers, and Ox-Bow Alumni are encouraged to apply. The retreat supports individuals or groups of up to twenty for any length from one to seven nights. Application deadline: July 5, 2026.
Picture Book Authors and Illustrators: A Generative Retreat. September 16 - 19, 2026: Boyds Mills, PA. Picture book writers and illustrators: set aside time to focus on your picture book project! Here is a special retreat just for you. Join Leslie Helakoski, Darcy Pattison, Matthew Phipps, and Nancy Castaldo to immerse yourself in all things picture books. You’ll enjoy presentations, read alouds, small group discussions of your work, and so much more. In addition to the support from your faculty and fellow creatives, you’ll have ample time to work on your stories. We recommend bringing several stories at various parts of the drafting and revision processes.
The Algonkian Writer Retreat and Novel Workshop. September 16 - 20, 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?"
2026 Great Minds: Optimism, Speculative Futures, and the Worlds We Dream Into Being. September 17, 2026: Seattle, WA. We're bringing together three brilliant voices in speculative fiction: Kira Jane Buxton (Hollow Kingdom), Kathleen Alcalá (Spirits of the Ordinary), and moderator Rashida J. Smith (aka author Jasmine Silvera) for a night about the futures we have the power to write. Expect a reading by SAL’s Youth Poet Laureate, performances by Bushwick BookClub Seattle, an audience Q&A, and a reading list to take home. Readers and writers alike are invited to imagine the worlds we dream into being.
Writing On The Door: Washington Island Literary Festival. September 17 - 19, 2026: 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."
Creatures, Crimes & Creativity. September 18 - 20, 2026: Columbia, MD. A writer's and fan's conference for genre fiction covering mystery, suspense, thriller, sci-fi, fantasy, steampunk & horror.
11th Annual Broadleaf Writers Conference. September 18 - 20, 2026: 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."
Brooklyn Book Festival. September 20 - 28, 2026: Brooklyn, NY. The mission of the Brooklyn Book Festival (BKBF) is to celebrate published literature and nurture a literary cultural community through programming that cultivates and connects readers of diverse ages and backgrounds with local, national and international authors, publishers and booksellers. To this end the Brooklyn Book Festival develops original programming that is hip, smart, diverse, and inclusive and presents free, literary, cultural events at the Brooklyn Book Festival Day & Literary Marketplace, Virtual Festival Day, and the family friendly Children’s Day. Additionally, BKBF presents Bookend events in venues across NYC and on-line, which are overwhelmingly presented free to the public.
Just Do It! Your Collaborative Support Group for Finishing Your Draft (Fall). September 23 - November 11, 2026: Online. This supportive program takes all creatives (nonfiction or fiction, picture books, novels, essays, and more) from goal-stating to finished drafts. Together, we’ll move through live sessions, writing prompts, studio dates, daily inspirations, check-ins, feedback, and more. 50 participants max.
Algonkian Writer Conference–New York City Write to Pitch. September 24 - 27, 2026: 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.
Central Coast Writers' Conference. September 25 - 26, 2026: San Luis Obispo, CA. "We are excited to announce our Cuesta College Central Coast Writers’ Conference returns again this year in a two-day format with a theme of Say Yes! Join us at the college’s San Luis Obispo campus on Friday and Saturday, September 25 & 26, 2026 as we celebrate 42 years of bringing writers of all backgrounds and experience levels together. It’s no surprise CCWC was named the “Best Conference in the West” by Writers Magazine, as our organizers and volunteers work together to ensure attendees enjoy insightful dialogue, networking opportunities, and unrivaled access to an esteemed staff of presenters."
The 2026 Aspen Literary Festival. September 25 - 27, 2026: Aspen, Colorado. The Aspen Literary Festival is a three-day celebration of books and ideas taking place 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.
James River Writers Conference. September 25 - 27, 2026: Richmond, Virginia. James River Writers is excited to continue to offer both in-person and online elements for our conference. Join us for Master Classes online, on Friday, September 25. Then, join us at the Greater Richmond Convention Center (in Richmond, Virginia) for a full slate of programs focusing on the craft and business of writing. Enjoy lively panel discussions, critique sessions with literary agents, an engaging keynote, headshots mini sessions, and agent one-on-one meetings (standard with your ticket). In addition, we’ve included opportunities for networking and socializing, because community is at the heart of everything we do. Since 2003, this multi-day event has been known for its inspiring, collegial atmosphere and hospitality. Whether you’re just starting out on your writing journey, or a seasoned professional, there’s something for everyone.
Write on the Sound Writers' Conference and Pre-Conference. Preconference, September 26, 2026. Conference: Oct 2 - 4, 2026: 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.
Futurescapes. September 26 - 27, 2026: Online. Futurescapes is an intensive, exclusive workshop, offering writers an unparalleled chance to work with top authors and agents in speculative fiction (science fiction, horror, fantasy, paranormal). This summer, we’ll be exploring the first 100 pages of your manuscript. The workshop sessions will require work outside of meeting times as there is a generative nature to it. This workshop is smaller and more competitive than our regular workshop. In addition to workshopping a larger portion of your manuscript (25,000 words), we’ll have plenty of unstructured and semi-structured time to network with fellow students and faculty. August 1, 2026 — Orientation.
Flathead River Writers Conference. September 26 - 27, 2026: Kalispell, MT. Writers help writers in this two day conference packed with energizing speakers and workshops. Features: Workshops, MS preparation & submission, working with agents, movie deals, media use, & children's book publishing.
Okoboji Writers' Retreat. September 27 - 30, 2026: 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.
Six Bridges Book Festival. September 27 - October 4, 2026: 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.
Travel & Words: Northwest Travel Writers Conference. September 28 - 30, 2026: Skagit Valley, Washington. 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.
