2025 Writers Conferences
- Nichole With an H
- Mar 11, 2025
- 6 min read
Updated: Mar 30, 2025
All are welcome at these events, whether you're an indie author or traditionally published, a freelancer or in-house editor, an agent, or a publishing professional. Take a look at these informative conferences and networking opportunities in the US and internationally.
2025 Writers Conferences to check out
Table of Contents
Writers Conferences by genre
General Interest
San Francisco Writers Conference
Although the 2025 event has passed, you can register now for the San Francisco Writers 2026 conference. It has been held annually for over twenty years and is "dedicated to empowering writers by creating opportunities for meaningful connections with publishers, editors, agents, and more."
Association of Writers & Writing Programs (AWP) Conference and Bookfair
The AWP Conference and Bookfair offers events and exhibits for writers, teachers, students, editors, and publishers.
When: March 26-29, 2025
Where: Los Angeles, California
The 21st annual Las Vegas Writers Conference, hosted by the Henderson Writers Group, features keynote speakers, Q&A panels, and masterclasses. It also offers the opportunity to pitch to agents and editors and to network.
When: April 3-5, 2025
Where: Las Vegas, Nevada and virtual
The Midwest Writers Workshop Summer Conference is a supportive community for writers of all genres and skill levels and focuses on the craft of writing. This year, new options include: "Power Hour," Quiet Writing Space, and Alumni Hour.
When: July 10-12, 2025
Where: Muncie, Indiana and virtual
The Writer's Digest Annual Conference focuses on the overall craft of writing with a balance of genre and techniques, developing writing as a business and career, marketing, and publishing for traditional or self-publishing paths.
When: July 24-27, 2025
Where: Baltimore, Maryland
The Colorado Gold Writers Conference offers masterclasses, workshops, presenters, agent panels, and in-depth "Thursday intensives."
When: September 26-28, 2025
Where: Aurora, CO and virtual
Editors from the Writer's Digest coordinated the Writing Day Workshops conferences to provide an opportunity to get intensive writing instruction and pitch to an editor or agent. They are held nationwide throughout the year and give the option to attend in-person or virtually.
When: All year
Where: Nationwide and virtual
Mystery, Thriller, and Suspense
SleuthFest attendees can focus on the craft of writing mystery, suspense, and thrillers. The event even includes forensics experts as guests of honor.
When: May 14-18, 2025
Where: St. Petersburg, Florida
The Thrillerfest conference brings together writers, industry professionals, and big-name presenters like John Grisham and Janet Evanovich.
When: June 17-21, 2025
Where: New York, New York
The Killer Nashville conference aims to educate and empower aspiring and established writers and connect them with other industry professionals. The conference features over 140 panels and workshops, ensuring something for everyone.
When: August 21-24, 2025
Where: Franklin, Tennessee
Science Fiction
The Seattle Worldcon boasts "Hundreds of hours of panel programming, presentations, workshops, events, table talks, autograph signings, kids programming, and more." Convention members can vote on the Hugo Award.
When: August 13-17, 2025
Where: Seattle, Washington
Education
International Writing Across the Curriculum (IWAC) Conference
This is the 17th annual IWAC conference, which brings together scholars, teachers, and students who use writing in the curriculum.
When: July 16-19, 2025
Where: University of Colorado, Fort Collins, CO
Journalism
The SABEW Annual Conference brings together newsroom leaders, journalists, academics, and industry leaders to network and celebrate winners of the Best in Business Awards.
When: April 2-5, 2025
Where: Arlington, Virginia
The ASJA Conference was held in February 2025 in New York City. Conference recaps can be seen here. Upcoming events and affordable webinars are available here.
The SPJ Conference has regional locations throughout the Spring. Click here to see 2025 conference locations and dates.
Content Creation
The Alt Summit was originally for design bloggers but has evolved to include entrepreneurs and influencers across artistic platforms.
When: March 14-17, 2025
Where: Palms Springs, California
The SXSW Conference is a star-studded event focusing on technology, film, culture, and music. This year's tracks include advertising and brand experience, AI, film and TV creation, and more.
When: March 7-15, 2025
Where: Austin, Texas
Children's Book Writing and Illustrating
The SCBWI Winter Conferences provide online access to exclusive industry panels, hands-on sessions, and networking opportunities for children's book creators.
When: February 21 - March 25, 2025
Where: Virtual
Christian Writing
Held annually at LifeWay Ridgecrest Conference Center, nestled in the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains in western North Carolina, the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference is the premier training and networking event for both seasoned and aspiring writers and speakers.
When: May 26-30, 2025
Where: Black Mountain, North Carolina
The Renewal Conference is hosted by the Northwest Christian Writers Association (NCWA) and offers in-person or virtual attendance. The NCWA shares a deep commitment to knowing God and achieving excellence in the craft of writing.
When: April 25-26, 2025
Where: Issaquah, Washington and virtual
Indie Publishing and Self-Publishing
The Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi) is a global, nonprofit organization for indie authors and self-publishers that runs the SelfPubCon. Although the conference started in London, it is held virtually with 24 sessions, one per hour, and is FREE. The conference was recently held October 19-20, 2024, but you can register to learn how to attend the next conference.
Where: Virtual
The Orlando Reads Books conference, formerly Indie Bookfest, focuses on author continuing education and reader interaction.
When: October 9-11, 2025
Where: Orlando, Florida
Welcome keynote speaker James Patterson at this year's Author Nation! Does anything else need to be said?
When: November 3-7, 2025
Where: Las Vegas, Nevada
International
Canada
This year's BleuMet Festival theme is Time, The Tree, The Page, "proposing an exploration of patience, transformation, and the delicate balance between nature, culture, and humanity." Public discussions, roundtables, debates, readings, master classes, and podcasts will provide a rich display for both authors and the public to enjoy.
When: April 24-27, 2025
Where: Montreal, Quebec and virtual
The Writers Festival focuses on nurturing new ideas and literacy. Programming includes a poetry cabaret, a town hall-style discussion, fiction and nonfiction readings with author interactions, and film, TV, theater, and music writing.
When: May 1-4 & 14-16, 2025 and October 22-26, 2025
Where: Ottawa, Ontario
The Toronto International Festival of Authors (TIFA) holds an annual festival in the fall. Details for the 2025 festival have not been released but a look at the 2024 festival can give you an idea of what to anticipate. Until then, attend the MOTIVE Festival this summer, which "brings together the masters of mystery for criminally good conversations, book signings, workshops and more that will keep you hooked all weekend long."
When: June 7-9, 2025
Where: Toronto, Ontario
The Romance Writers of America conference is open to new and professional writers and offers workshops, networking, and community events for attendees.
When: July 16-19, 2025
Where: Niagara Falls, Ontario
The Lakefield Literary Festival provides a platform for Canadian writers and readers to connect and exchange ideas. Sign up for the newsletter to know when registration opens.
When: July 18-19, 2025
Where: Lakefield, Ontario
Held in Calgary, Alberta, every August, When Words Collide is a festival for writers and readers, artists, and publishers of commercial and literary fiction, including genre, YA, children's books, poetry, and more.
When: August 15-17, 2025
Where: Calgary, Alberta
Wordfest is a non-profit organization offering year-round events, youth programs, and the popular annual literary festival. The Imaginairium Festival is in its 30th year and will feature favorite authors from the last 30 years.
When: October 14-19, 2025
Where: Calgary, Alberta
The Vancouver Writers Fest (VWF) "connects people to exceptional books, ideas, and dialogue." The VWF holds annual conferences and virtual year-round programming, so the learning does not have to stop.
When: October 20-26, 2025
Where: Vancouver, British Columbia and online
The SIWC Conference brings together writers, agents, and editors and is Canada's "most comprehensive professional development conference." This is the 33rd year the conference has been held! Registration opens June 4, 2025.
When: October 24-25, 2025 and master classes October 22-23, 2025
Where: Surrey, British Columbia and virtual
The nonfiction LitFest is held in October and "provides a platform for conversations that challenge, intrigue, and inspire. From economy and ecology to personal stories and cultural commentary, we strive to present important and diverse topics to our audiences."
Where: Edmonton, Alberta
The dates and schedule for this year's gritLIT festival have not been posted, but sign up for the newsletter for future details. The festival will include readings, panels, interviews, and limited-space writing workshops and special events.
Where: Hamilton, Ontario
For writers hoping to be published or learn more about the publishing industry, The London Book Fair is the premier destination for networking. "From publishers, dealmakers, copyright pros, commissioners and global licensers - the entire publishing industry is represented at LBF."
When: March 11-13, 2025
Where: Olympia, London
My 2025 goal is to attend my first writers conference this year!
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