Writing conferences offer key advantages in that many provide an opportunity for networking, education, and collaboration. Authors should consider their goals and objectives, along with other considerations such as cost and travel time, when making a commitment to attend a conference. But how do you decide which conferences are worth your while?
Some in-person conferences take place near an author’s hometown; others require travel which takes additional time away from writing. Some conferences invite readers and create a festive atmosphere while others cater exclusively to authors who are actively pursuing a writing career. Some are geared toward one genre of writing while others span a variety of genres.
NINC offers a comprehensive conference that provides much benefit to authors, with opportunities to communicate with vendors and meet other authors in a beach setting, but there are others that you may want to keep on your radar when filling your 2027 calendar. This is not a comprehensive list but rather highlights 20 of the available offerings.
Regional conferences spanning multiple genres
Numerous writing organizations whose members encompass a variety of writing genres offer a yearly conference. These five are a small sample and cover both online and in-person events.
The Atlanta Writers Club sponsors two in-person conferences, one of which is specifically geared toward indie publishing. While the 2027 dates are still to be announced, their general conference occurs Nov. 6–7, 2026, and features critique and pitch meetings, professional networking and consultations, author panels, a mixer, and more.
AWC President George Weinstein said, “What sets the Atlanta Writers Conference apart from other such events is the opportunity to meet one-on-one with literary agents and publishers in quiet, private settings. Manuscript sample critique meetings and query letter pitch meetings are held in individual conference rooms, with a designated timekeeper to keep everything on schedule, so you will be able to have a relaxed conversation at a normal volume with each agent or publisher you select. Consideration for our participants’ and guests’ comfort make our conference a perennial favorite not only among writers—more than 80 of whom have garnered agent representation and/or publishing deals from our event—but also among industry professionals.”
The San Francisco Writers Conference is scheduled for Feb. 11–14, 2027. The event features more than 100 presenters, agents and editors, networking opportunities, and a keynote speech. It covers a wide range of topics and genres, including fiction, nonfiction, children’s and YA, poetry, and memoir.
From its start in 1993, the Pikes Peak Writers Conference has promoted education, outreach, and community. Their conference is scheduled for April 23–25, 2027.
In 2026, the Writer’s Digest Annual Conference was held in New Jersey in late July, and this two-day event featured presentations, workshops, and agent pitches. Next year’s information is still to be announced.
For indie and hybrid authors who want an online conference experience, Inkers Con centers around four key components: craft, marketing, advertising, and business. The conference includes access to author classes, roundtables, and Q&A panels.
For romance writers
Romance Writers of America sponsors an annual conference, with its 2027 dates in Portland, Ore., still to be announced. This conference gives writers an opportunity to network, presents workshops and deep-dive sessions, offers pitch appointments with agents and editors, and provides chances for connection through a scavenger hunt and an author book signing.
For more than 40 years, Georgia Romance Writers has held its annual Moonlight and Magnolias Conference, a four-day event in October that offers networking opportunities, keynote and craft speakers, workshops, and mixers. Although the 2027 dates are still to be announced, Staci Hayes recommends this conference: “With over 35 workshops, editor and agent appointments, amazing VIP guest speakers and many social opportunities, M&M is a fantastic place to connect with fellow romance writers and get energized for your next project.”
The 16th annual Liberty States Fiction Writers Conference will take place April 10 in Hamilton, N.J. This event features more than a dozen workshops, provides a chance for networking, and offers pitch sessions with agents and editors. The keynote speaker will be Leticia Gomez, an editor-at-large for Kensington and an agent. Caridad Piniero recommends this conference and said, “Past attendees have commented that it’s one of the most uplifting, friendly, and worthwhile conferences they’ve ever attended.”
For those seeking an online venue, Contemporary Romance Writers offers an annual virtual conference targeted to romance writers at all stages of their pathway with a keynote speaker, multiple workshops spanning craft and marketing, and a separate area for networking.
Monica Jorgensen, the president of Contemporary Romance Writers, said, “This virtual conference represents possibility. It reminds me that every published author started exactly where many of us are now, with an idea, a blank page, and the hope that someone would one day fall in love with our stories. My own journey has been shaped by this community. I’ve learned craft from generous authors, received feedback that strengthened my writing, celebrated milestones with fellow writers, and found encouragement on days when publishing felt impossibly far away. Every workshop, critique, contest, and conversation has moved me one step closer to becoming the author I want to be.”
Another popular virtual conference for romance writers is Romance Slam Jam, a three-day event which celebrates diversity in publishing and offers craft workshops as well as fun activities, such as scavenger hunts and team-building challenges.
For mystery writers
Authors of mystery and suspense also have a wide variety of conventions at their fingertips.
The Midwest Mystery Conference occurred in April 2026 at Chicago’s Roosevelt University with details on next year’s conference still forthcoming. This one-day event features panels and keynote speeches and is open to both readers and authors.
The 25th annual New England Crime Bake is taking place Nov. 6–8, 2026, with its 2027 dates to be announced. It features Master Class workshops and lectures, Ask the Expert roundtables, manuscript critiques, and an agent/editor track.
SleuthFest is a multi-day conference hosted by the Mystery Writers of America, Florida Chapter. The conference promotes networking while providing an immersive experience into the industry. It will be held March 18–21, 2027, in Orlando, featuring Lisa Scottoline and Riley Sager, as well as faculty authors and forensic experts.
Left Coast Crime will be held April 1–4, 2027, in Santa Fe, N.M., and changes its location on a yearly basis. It is an event designed to bring readers, authors, critics, librarians, and publishers together. There are panel discussions and other offerings to allow interaction between readers and authors.
Since 1989, Malice Domestic has been a fan convention that celebrates all aspects of the mystery genre. In addition to book signings, there are author panels, which highlight trends, themes, and tropes in the genre. Malice Domestic 39 will be held April 9–11, 2027, in Bethesda, Md., and the Guest of Honor will be Leslie Budewitz. Grace Topping said, “My favorite conference is Malice Domestic. Writers who write police procedurals, historical mysteries, etc., attend because they know that people who attend Malice read across genres. And they attend because the Malice attendees are so welcoming to everyone.”
ThrillerFest will take place April 27–May 1, 2027, in New York City. Some of the unique features of this conference include a debut authors’ breakfast with writers introducing themselves and their books, a Best First Sentence Contest with winners receiving a 10-page critique, and two Master Class sessions with registrants having to submit writing samples and a synopsis to participate. The CraftFest portion of the conference is the place for authors to learn about honing their writing skills and features programs on forensics, explosives, and craft.
Killer Nashville will take place Aug. 19–22, 2027, and brings together forensic experts, writers, and fans of the mystery and thriller genres as well as action, suspense, and romance. Its mission is to educate and empower aspiring and established authors and connect them with industry professionals.
Bouchercon will take place Sept. 1–5, 2027, in Washington, D.C. This four-day event is open to fans, readers, and authors of the mystery genre and intertwines education with entertainment.
For science fiction and fantasy writers
Dragon Con is set to occur Sept. 2–6, 2027, in Atlanta and offers a Writers’ Track, which is designed to help build fascinating worlds, great characters, and exciting stories. This portion of the conference serves novelists, screenwriters, and more. Berta Platas said, “Dragon Con’s writing track gives exposure to successful authors of every time, every media and genre. Knowledge shared, questions answered in real time—it’s invaluable!”
Other conferences of note
CrimeCon will take place Sept. 24–26, 2027, in Orlando, Fla. This weekend-long conference is dedicated to all things revolving around true crime and mystery but is more directed toward fans of the genre.
Conclusion
With so many conferences available to attend both in person and virtually, the choice involves careful consideration with respect to the author’s individual goals and needs. Refining your objective for the conference may go beyond price and location to factors such as whether industry professionals mingle with the authors or if the conference is limited to authors or also includes readers. Reaching out to your fellow writers for recommendations and references can also narrow the field to the one best suited for your needs.
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Tanya Agler writes sweet, small-town contemporary romance novels that center around the themes of hope and redemption for Harlequin Heartwarming. She lives in Georgia with her husband, four children, and her two dogs. Tanya loves hiking to waterfalls, watching classic movies, and reading a good book with a cup of tea.