Curated directory of writing conferences, pitch events, workshops, and festivals for authors seeking representation and community.
The largest genre-fiction writing organization in the world, with chapters nationwide. Offers conferences, contests, networking, and resources for romance writers at every level.
Professional organization for mystery and crime writers. Home of the Edgar Awards. Offers networking, education, and advocacy for writers of crime fiction and nonfiction.
The largest childrens publishing organization in the world, with regional chapters globally. Conferences, grants, awards, and networking for writers and illustrators of childrens books.
One of the leading independent writing centers in the US. Offers classes, workshops, manuscript consultations, and the Muse and the Marketplace conference.
Seattle's center for writers. Offers classes, workshops, fellowships, and a residency program. Known for fostering an inclusive literary community in the Pacific Northwest.
One of the largest and most comprehensive literary centers in the US. Classes, workshops, mentorships, fellowships, and community events for writers at all levels.
The leading literary organization for writers in higher education and MFA programs. Hosts the largest literary conference in North America and publishes The Writer's Chronicle.
Defends free expression and supports writers through grants, fellowships, advocacy, and literary programs. Open to published writers and editors across all genres.
The oldest and largest professional organization for writers in the US. Provides legal assistance, contract review, advocacy, and business resources for published authors.
The oldest writers' conference in America, held annually at Middlebury College in Vermont. Competitive fellowships available. Prestigious community for serious literary writers.
Prestigious six-week residential workshop for science fiction and fantasy writers. Alumni include many of the genre's most prominent authors. Highly competitive application.
Nonprofit advocating for diversity in childrens and young adult publishing. Offers grants, internships, mentorships, and classroom resources. Important community for diverse writers.
The premier organization for horror writers. Home of the Bram Stoker Awards. Offers mentorship, networking, and resources for writers of horror and dark fiction.
Nonprofit supporting the creation of literature for children through workshops, retreats, and scholarships. Highly regarded community for childrens book writers and illustrators.
The world's largest writing event — 50,000 words in November. Year-round community with forums, local chapters, Camp sessions in April and July, and resources for all writers.
The union for professional screenwriters and television writers in the US. Administers minimum payment standards, credits, and residuals. Membership requires professional credits.
One of the most respected online writing critique communities. Writers earn karma by critiquing others' work, then spend it to post their own. Known for high-quality, substantive feedback.
A Twitter/X pitch event for marginalized writers with marginalized main characters. Covers all categories (picture book through adult) and all genres. Agents and editors indicate interest by liking pitches.
Professional organization for science fiction and fantasy writers. Administers the Nebula Awards. Offers grievance support, contracts help, emergency funds, and networking.
The largest nonprofit organization serving creative writers in the US. Publishes Poets & Writers Magazine and maintains a free directory of literary agents, MFA programs, and contests.
International organization for readers and writers of historical fiction. Publishes Historical Novels Review, hosts conferences, and maintains a lively online community.
The largest organization for Christian fiction writers. Offers online critique groups, a popular annual conference, contests including the Carol Awards, and extensive publishing resources.
The premier organization for independent nonfiction writers. Offers contracts guidance, networking, an annual conference, and advocacy for freelance journalists and book authors.
The professional association for playwrights, composers, lyricists, and librettists. Provides contracts, business guidance, and advocacy for theatrical writers.
The largest membership-based nonprofit organization fostering appreciation of poetry. Sponsors National Poetry Month, the American Poets Prize, and maintains Poets.org.
A Twitter/X pitch event for marginalized writers with marginalized main characters. Covers all categories (picture book through adult) and all genres. Agents and editors indicate interest by liking pitches.
Literary nonprofit hosting the prestigious Tin House Workshop and Summer and Winter Workshops. Highly competitive but open-application summer intensive for serious fiction and poetry writers.
An intimate, invitation-style genre convention focused on fantasy literature and art. Features the World Fantasy Awards, panels, mass signings, and significant industry networking. Not a fan convention — heavily attended by professionals.
An intimate, invitation-style genre convention focused on fantasy literature and art. Features the World Fantasy Awards, panels, mass signings, and significant industry networking. Not a fan convention — heavily attended by professionals.
America's biggest teen book festival, held annually in Charleston, SC. Features hundreds of YA and middle grade authors, signing events, panels, and programming for both readers and writers. Free to attend.
A celebration of reading and books organized by Book Riot, featuring author panels, conversations, and a marketplace of books and bookish goods for readers and writers.
An annual conference hosted by Towson University serving the mid-Atlantic writing community. Features agent and editor sessions, craft workshops, and manuscript critique opportunities for writers of all levels.
A celebration of reading and books organized by Book Riot, featuring author panels, conversations, and a marketplace of books and bookish goods for readers and writers.
America's biggest teen book festival, held annually in Charleston, SC. Features hundreds of YA and middle grade authors, signing events, panels, and programming for both readers and writers. Free to attend.
An annual conference hosted by Towson University serving the mid-Atlantic writing community. Features agent and editor sessions, craft workshops, and manuscript critique opportunities for writers of all levels.
HWA's program specifically designed for newer horror writers. Mentorship, resources, and community for those early in their horror writing careers.
Oldest continuously operating author organization in the Midwest. Annual book awards and events for published authors in the twelve-state Midwest region.
Canadian organization for writers and editors who are Christian. Annual conference, awards, critique groups, and networking for faith-based writers.
National organization for Canadian crime writers. Administers the Arthur Ellis Awards, hosts events, and fosters a community of crime and mystery writers across Canada.
UK organization for science fiction writers and readers. Publishes Vector and Focus magazines, administers the BSFA Awards, and runs workshops and critique groups.
The UK's leading organization for crime writers. Administers the prestigious Gold Dagger and other CWA Dagger awards. Active events, networking, and debut support.
UK organization for writers of romantic fiction. Famous for its New Writers' Scheme, which offers manuscript critique for unpublished writers. Conferences and active chapters.
Six-week intensive workshop for writers of fantasy, science fiction, and horror. Strong emphasis on revision and the business of writing. Highly regarded in genre fiction circles.
Online community and movement centered on supporting authors from marginalized groups writing their own stories. Active presence on social media and in publishing advocacy.
The only organization exclusively for biographers. Annual conference, the Plutarch Award, and a community of writers working in biography and related nonfiction forms.
National organization for journalism educators and student journalists. Resources for narrative nonfiction writers with journalism backgrounds.
A quarterly Twitter/X pitch party where authors tweet their manuscript pitches using genre hashtags. Agents and editors like tweets of manuscripts they want to see. Check official site for next scheduled date.
Community for screenwriters centered on the Austin Film Festival. Year-round programming, panels, and the prestigious AFF Screenplay Competition.
A Twitter/X pitch event exclusively for diverse authors (marginalized voices) pitching diverse content. Agents and editors watch for pitches they want to request.
An online pitch event hosted periodically throughout the year. Authors submit one-paragraph pitches that are reviewed by participating agents during a weekend window.
Event details are sourced from official organizer websites and verified periodically. Dates and costs may change — always confirm on the official event website before registering. Last data review: September 2025.