Events & Conventions

Discover book conventions, writing conferences, festivals, and workshops.

May1

OWFI Writing Conference 2026

conference

The Oklahoma Writers' Federation annual conference themed "The Magic of Writing." Keynote by Mercedes M. Yardley. Includes workshops on craft and technique, networking opportunities, and pitch sessions with agents and editors.

May 1 – 2, 2026Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States$150–$300
writing craftpitch sessionsnetworkingpublishing
May4

ThrillerFest XXI 2026

conference

The 21st anniversary of ThrillerFest, the premier conference for thriller and suspense writers and fans. Features ThrillerMasters Lisa Scottoline and Harlan Coben. Six days of masterclasses, CraftFest workshops, PitchFest with agents, and the Thriller Awards banquet.

May 4 – 9, 2026New York, New York, United States$200–$1,000
thrillersuspensemysterywriting craft
May14

IBPA Publishing University 2026

conference

The Independent Book Publishers Association's annual conference offering education and networking for independent publishers. Sessions on editorial, design, marketing, distribution, and the business of publishing.

May 14 – 16, 2026Portland, Oregon, United States$434–$934
publishingmarketingdistributioneditorial
Jun2

SFWA Nebula Awards Conference 2026

conference

The 61st Nebula Awards Conference, hosted by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association. A week of programming celebrating excellence in science fiction and fantasy writing, culminating in the prestigious Nebula Awards ceremony.

Jun 2 – 7, 2026Chicago, Illinois, United States$250–$350
science fictionfantasyawardswriting craft
Jun25

ALA Annual Conference & Exhibition 2026

conference

The American Library Association's 150th Anniversary conference. Five days of programming for librarians, publishers, and book lovers, featuring the Library Marketplace, education programs, author appearances, and celebrations of reading and literacy.

Jun 25 – 29, 2026Chicago, Illinois, United States$200–$500
librariespublishingliteracychildren
Jul15

RWA Conference 2026

conference

The Romance Writers of America annual conference, the defining professional development event for romance authors. Workshops on craft, pitch appointments with editors and agents, the RITA Awards ceremony, book signings, and an unmatched networking community.

Jul 15 – 18, 2026Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States$399–$499
romancewriting craftpitch sessionsawards
Jul23

Writer's Digest Annual Conference 2026

conference

The premier conference for writers at every level, covering craft, genre, and the business of writing including traditional publishing, self-publishing, marketing strategies, and career management. Features pre-conference workshops and pitch sessions.

Jul 23 – 25, 2026New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States$300–$600
writing craftpublishingmarketingpitch sessions
Nov2

20BooksTo50K 2026

conference

The biggest conference in the world focused exclusively on self-publishing success. A week of intensive sessions covering book marketing, advertising, Amazon algorithms, series strategy, and building a sustainable indie author career. Known for its generous author community and actionable takeaways.

Nov 2 – 9, 2026Las Vegas, Nevada, United States$200–$400
self-publishingbook marketingAmazonadvertising
Nov8

SAM: Storytelling Across Media 2026

conference

A one-day symposium by Comic-Con International exploring storytelling across comics, books, gaming, movies, and other media. Features panels on narrative craft, audio dramas, and cross-platform storytelling. Free with Comic-Con Museum admission.

Nov 8 – 8, 2026San Diego, California, United StatesFree with museum admission
storytellingcomicsgamingcross-media