49 Outstanding Writing Conferences and Workshops in October 2026

This October there are more than four dozen writing conferences and workshops. Some conferences and workshops will be held online, but most will be held in person or use a hybrid format.

These writing events offer everything a writer might want: intensive workshops, pitch sessions with agents, how to market your books, discussions - there is something for everyone.

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: Eureka Springs, AR: Wikimedia]

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The Art of the Overhaul with Cynthia Newberrry Martin. October 1, 2026: Online. You’re years into a new book, and it’s just not working. But there’s something about it you can’t let go of. In this class, we’ll discuss how to unravel, resee, reclaim, and rebuild—all the while holding onto the heart of the manuscript. There’s an art to the overhaul. You’re not starting from scratch; you’re starting again. You’ll leave with energy for your project, a renewed dedication to your vision, and a step-by-step plan for moving forward. Optional: Submit up to 300 words about the overhaul you’re facing and what you would like help with.

Middle Grade Writers: A Generative Retreat. October 1 - 4, 2026: Boyds Mills, PA. Write, wander, and connect with fellow middle grade writers as we swap ghost stories around the campfire, engage in character development exercises, and play games designed to generate new pages and revive old ones. Waitlisted.

Colorado Gold Writers Conference. October 1 - 4, 2026: Aurora, CO. An intensive three days of workshops, presenters, agents, master classes, intensives, and more!

First Friday Book Talk & Reading with Colleen Morton Busch. October 2, 2026: Online. Colleen Morton Busch is the author of Fire Monks: Zen Mind Meets Wildfire, a work of nonfiction published by Penguin Press and selected by Publishers Weekly, the San Francisco Chronicle, and Barnes and Noble as a best book of the year in 2011. Her poetry collection, Smolder, won Ex Ophidia Press’s 2025 Richard-Gabriel Rummonds Poetry Contest and was published in June 2026.

Writing Conference & Convention, sponsored by The Kansas Authors Club, Oct 2 - 4, 2026: Junction City, KS. Writing workshops, panels, and presentations. 

Write on the Sound Writers' Conference and Pre-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. 

Picture Book Summit. Oct 3, 2026: Online. A one day live event for picture book writers including author keynotes, interviews, workshops and agent & editor panels. Recordings provided for attendees for four months post-conference.

DFW Writers Conference. October 3 - 4, 2026: Hurst, TX. Featuring pitch sessions with literary agents, advanced classes, engaging panels, interactive workshops.

Socializing the Nature Poem: A Poetry Workshop with Elizabeth Bradfield. October 3 - November 7, 2026: Online. In this workshop we’ll embrace how our “social selves”–our race, gender, hobbies, families, cultures, and friendships–can enrich our poems centering the more-than-human world. In each class session, we’ll divide our time between doing a deep read of one or two example poems, reading and discussing them with enough time to let nuance and detail surface, and sharing new work generated from class prompts. Consider this a “soft workshop,” in that we will offer responses and suggestions as a way to reflect what is working and provide insights for possible futures.

Purposeful Page Turns: Crafting Momentum in Picture Books. October 5 - 7, 2026: Online. Explore techniques to make your picture book's page turns super engaging, because a story is only as good as the reader’s desire to see what happens next.

Diving Into Picture Books. October 6 - 27, 2026: Online. Ready to write your own picture book? Join editor Matthew Phipps to learn the process from start to finish. This workshop covers everything from brainstorming to polishing your final draft.

Whole Novel Workshop: A Virtual Course for Middle Grade and Young Adult Writers. October 6 - December 1, 2026: Online. A transformative opportunity to have your entire draft (up to 80,000 words) of a novel read by faculty, with detailed written feedback and a private consultation provided. This online program is for any writer of a middle grade or young adult novel. 

Revising Your Novel in Verse: An Online Course. October 7 - November 18, 2026: Online. The verse novel is an art all its own—sculpted through story, and the act of revision. If you’ve done the hard work of drafting your novel in verse and are now ready to immerse yourself in revisions, we invite you to join us!

Putting Pressure on Characters with Becky Mandelbaum. October 8, 2026: Online. Pressure is at the heart of any great story, but sometimes we instinctively protect our characters from experiencing it. In this class we’ll look at how to apply pressure to our characters through interiority, setting, dialogue, other characters, and plot, taking guidance from examples in popular movies, TV shows, and fairy tales. We’ll practice together with in-class exercises and you’ll leave with prompts for applying pressure in your own work.

 

Ozark Creative Writers Conference. October 8 - 10, 2026: Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Workshops by published authors, editors and agents; Publishers Row, independent publishers available to hear about your next project.

A Public Space's Weekend Writers' Retreat. October 8 - 10, 2026: Tivoli, New York. The APS Weekend Writers' Retreat is an opportunity to nurture new work and expand and explore technique. The retreat will include morning workshops with limited participants (5 to 7 per workshop); afternoon literary talks; and an array of evening events, including readings and a Saturday BBQ. There will also be opportunities for informal conversations with authors and editors and independent generative exercises, as well as complimentary tickets to events at Kaatsbaan's Annual Festival. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. There is no fee to apply. Applicants must be 21 years of age by October 10, 2026, to apply. Capacity is limited, and applying early is recommended.

New York Comicon. October 8 - 11, 2026. "New York Comic Con is your event. Where you can feel unafraid to geek out. Where you’re accepted and embraced for being yourself. Where you can experience the best in pop culture because no matter what fandom you’re passionate about, we have it waiting here for you. Be inspired by award-winning comic artists and Japanese anime creators. Get star struck over your favorite TV and film idols. Treat yourself to exclusive fandom gear and unique artwork. But most importantly, create all of those memories with the people you care about the most. Because this event is for you. To embrace your inner hero or root for the villain. To geek out as a family. To celebrate a weekend together you’ll never forget."

The 2026 Online Florida Writing Workshop. October  9 - 10, 2026: Online. This is a special two-day “How to Get Published” writing workshop. In other words, it’s two days 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. And even though this is the “Florida” Writing Workshop, make no mistake — writers from everywhere are welcome to attend virtually. Our WDW writers conferences have helped dozens of writers find literary agent representation.

Annual Maryland Writer’s Conference. October 10 - 11, 2026: Baltimore, MD. The Brain to Bookshelf Annual Conference offers over 20 workshops and agent panels. Agent pitches and critiques are available, but agent slots are limited, so register early. Keynote each day from Brigid Kemmerer.

Letters & Lines Children's Book Writers and Illustrators Conference. October 10 - 11, 2026: Golden, CO. This conference offers you opportunities to learn your craft, boost your career, and get feedback on your work. The schedule includes keynotes; a industry professionals panel; breakout sessions on writing, illustrating and professional development; intensives on picture books, novels and illustration; as well as critiques, portfolio reviews and showcase, a virtual bookstore of faculty titles, and more. 

Viable Paradise Science Fiction Writers' Workshop. Oct 11 - 16, 2026: Martha’s Vineyard, MA. Viable Paradise is a unique one-week residential workshop in writing and selling commercial science fiction and fantasy. The workshop is intimate, intense, and features extensive time spent with best-selling and award-winning authors and professional editors currently working in the field. VP concentrates on the art of writing fiction people want to read, and this concentration is reflected in post-workshop professional sales by our alumni. Application deadline May 15. 

But How Do We Know?: A Writing workshop with Kate Lebo. October 13 - November 17, 2026: Online. As creative nonfiction writers, how can we build our authority while embracing the essential mystery of our work? How do we become conscious of our limits and biases, find the holes in our expertise and memories, and use them to create greater risk and meaning? In this class, we’ll examine the different strategies writers use to create authority while not-knowing. We’ll explore how trusting and questioning ourselves can deepen intellectual honesty, personal vulnerability, and artistic surprise. Classes will be discussion-based and generative, with time to share work.

Ghosting the Self: Writing Through What We Avoid. October 14, 2026, 6:00-7:30PM EST: Online. Every writer has subjects they circle but never quite touch. Sometimes it’s a memory, a contradiction, an obsession, or a version of themselves that doesn’t fit the story they’re trying to tell. In this generative workshop, we’ll explore the gaps, omissions, and recurring patterns that shape our work from the margins. Through discussion, close reflection, and writing exercises, participants will identify what they tend to avoid on the page and experiment with new approaches to writing through resistance rather than around it. Writers of all genres and experience levels are welcome.

Writing the Natural World in Fiction: A workshop with Caitlin Shetterly. October 14 - November 18, 2026: Online. In this workshop, novelist Caitlin Shetterly will lead writers through a series of exercises and tasks aimed at understanding the layers great novelists from Charles Dickens to Allegra Goodman have written into their fiction in order to create depth and urgency about the natural world and their characters. This course is open to nonfiction and fiction writers alike, at any level. Bring enthusiasm, an open mind, and a desire to tell complex and deep stories.

Georgia Romance Writers: Moonlight and Magnolias. October 15 - 17, 2026: Atlanta, Georgia. Includes keynote speakers, workshops, editor/agent appointments, autographing & bookfair, awards banquet.

Women Writing the West Conference. October 15 – 17, 2026: Phoenix, Arizona. Workshops and Panels will be presented during the conference. Our guest Editors and Agents will present a panel on the state of the publishing industry, and be available for Pitch Appointments. 

PNWA Conference. October 15 - 18, 2026: Seattle, Washington. Sponsored by the Pacific Northwest Writers Association. More than 50 seminars, editor/agent forums & appointments, practice pitching, keynote and featured speakers, reception, awards ceremony. Many agents and editors attending. Will be held in person and online.

Desert Nights, Rising Stars Writers Conference. October 16 - 17, 2026: Tempe, AZ. "The Desert Nights, Rising Stars Writers Conference creates a unique and intimate creative writing experience where writers of all backgrounds, genres, and skill levels gather together and connect through the celebration and study of literary craft, culture, and community. Featuring over 25 faculty members teaching more than 50 sessions, we seek to create a warm and welcoming environment that meets people wherever they are, where writers can learn from and support each other as they work toward their goals. Beyond regular programming, we also feature advanced pre-conference workshops, an exhibitor fair, scholarships, and fellowships. We also offer opportunities to advertise with or sponsor the conference as well."

Clockwork Alchemy. October 16 - 18, 2026: Redwood City, California. Our theme for 2026 will be “Rogue Makers & Air Pirates.” Leave the mundane world behind as you seize the spirit of independence. Craft wonders that others fear to dream of, and venture into the skies to feel the sun and storms on your face. We see you, spirited adventurer, and we invite you to come dance with us on the edge of the wild, wide world.

Red Clay Writers Conference. October 17, 2026: Kennesaw GA. Red Clay Writers Conference is the annual conference of Georgia Writers Association. Red Clay has been hosted since 2009 to encourage and inspire writers through literary events that focus on the art and craft of writing. 

The Rochester Writers Fall Conference. October 17, 2026: Rochester, MI. Lectures, Workshops, and Panel Discussions. Open to new writers, working journalists, and published authors. Professional development to move writers to the next level.

Craft of Writing Conference. October 17, 2026: Tulsa, Oklahoma. "Join the Tulsa NightWriters Saturday, October 17 for our 10th Annual Craft of Writing Conference: Capturing the Imagination! We will once again be at the OSU Center for Poets & Writers and are grateful for their continued support."

Whole Novel Workshop: An In-Person Retreat for Novelists (October). October 18 - 23, 2026: Boyds Mills, PA. This intensive, transformative Whole Novel Workshop offers writers the rare opportunity to have the entire draft (up to 85,000 words) of a novel read by faculty, with detailed written feedback and two private consultations provided. Waitlisted.

Elk River Writers Workshop. October 18 - 23, 2026: Chico Hot Springs, MT. The Elk River Writers Workshop embodies the idea that deep, communal experiences with the wild open the door to creativity. We bring together some of the most celebrated nature writers in the United States with students who are serious about fostering a connection with the environment in their writing. It all happens at Chico Hot Springs, a historic retreat just north of Yellowstone National Park. 

Worldbuilding 101 with Editor Emma D. Dryden. October 20 - 22, 2026: Online. Every great story thrives on worldbuilding. This short course explores the physical, psychological, and emotional contexts for our stories and our characters, so that we may bring them to life for our readers.

American Literary Translators Association (ALTA) Conference. October 21 - 24, 2026: Tucson, AZ. Panels, workshops, readings, a book fair, and opportunities to meet with editors for translators. "The ALTA Annual Conference is a refreshingly collegial gathering of amateurs and professionals alike, both within the profession and outside it, all wholeheartedly committed to fostering, furthering, and supporting the practice of literary translation." 

Jackson Hole Writers Conference. October 21 - 25, 2026: 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 year looking for a fresh, but critical eye on their work. This event usually has at least 4 agents to pitch. 

Steamboat Springs Writers Conference. October 23 - 24, 2026: Steamboat Springs, CO. Two instructors, seminar-type workshops for all levels, beginning to professional. Topics change each year. Limited enrollment. 

Annual Florida Writers Conference. October 23 - 25, 2026: Altamonte Springs, Florida. Over 75 workshops, major speakers, agent interviews, professional manuscript critiques, lively social events, and much more.

Early Readers and Chapter Books: A Creative Retreat. October 23 - 26: Boyds Mills, PA. Kids who are starting to read on their own need to find the books that meet them creatively, inspirationally, and more! This engaging retreat will help you understand the needs of this market and how to create with these transitional readers in mind.

WriteAngles. October 24, 2026: Longmeadow, Massachusetts. Panels and workshops, a limited number of agent meetings. Continental breakfast, and buffet lunch included. 

Ozarks Writers League Conference. October 24, 2026: Joplin, MO. The Ozarks Writers League is a group of like-minded individuals dedicated to promoting writing, literacy, photography, and art. Since 1983, OWL has welcomed individuals at all stages of their development. 

Colrain Cold Read. October 25, 2026: Online. An intimate, 5–7 poet one-day intensive built around an enactment of a real-time submission moment: a press editor reads your manuscript cold, in front of the small group, and thinks aloud—exactly as they would at their office desk. You’ll hear the real editorial questions (title/TOC, opening 5-10 pages, through-line, writing skill, structure, cohesiveness, style, etc), followed by concrete responses for all 5-6 manuscripts in the group as the editor responds to each, one by one. After the editor’s departure, a Colrain faculty member anchors interpretations and expectations so you leave with a realistic understanding of work to be done.

Novels in Verse: A Generative Retreat. October 26 - October 29, 2026: Boyds Mills, PA. Verse novelists (and those interested in writing verse novels) are welcome to join this retreat for community, daily presentations, writing exercises and a 1:1 consultation with faculty.

Publishing Trends, Market Shifts, and Opportunities. October 27 - 29, 2026: Online. Explore publishing trends in children's literature for insights into strategically positioning your work to navigate and thrive amidst industry change.

Writing By Writers Manuscript Boot Camp. October 29 - November 1, 2026: Sundance Mountain Resort, Utah. The Writing By Writers Manuscript Boot Camp is for the writer who has a full, book-length manuscript (novel, memoir, short story or essay collection) and would like to engage with a small group for a serious and productive response. The extended weekend will include an intimate manuscript workshop, craft panels, readings, and individual meetings – the perfect pre-publication boot camp for any manuscript. Classes are limited to 5 participants.

Big Sur on Cape Cod. October 30  - November 1, 2026, North Falmouth, MA. Focus on children's writing. Faculty: Andrea Brown and four of her agents, four editors and four authors. 

Ossabaw Weekend Writer’s Retreat. October 30 - November 1, 2026: Ossabaw Island, GA. Ossabaw Writers’ Retreat offers a variety of programs to address the needs of writers hoping to expand their craft and improve their work-in-progress. We hope you will join us in this great literary tradition by taking part in one or more of the various programs offered by the Ossabaw Writers’ Retreat. Where loggerhead sea turtles and endangered wood storks nest, and photographers, writers, painters, and musicians listen, watch, reflect, and create. Application deadline: October 1.

Kentucky State Poetry Society. October 31, 2026: Online.Celebrate our 60th anniversary with a full day of poetry, connection, and community featuring workshops, conversations, readings, and a keynote presentation from Ricardo Nazario y Colón alongside poets and poetry lovers from across the Commonwealth.