20 Writing Conferences & Retreats to Attend in Summer 2024
/If you’re looking to take your writing career to the next level this summer, consider attending a writing conference. Some popular summer conferences, such as Write to Publish, and the Santa Barbara Writers Conference, have already taken place, but there’s still time to attend others. See below a list of 20 conferences (and a few retreats) I’ve compiled that are being held from late June to September.
You’ll notice that the list focuses on writing events geared toward fiction writers interested in trade publication (my specialization), but many of them are open to writers of all literary forms, regardless of their publication path. To make the list easy to scan, I’ve styled retreats in italics and labeled those events that are specific to genre and children’s book writers. I’ve also indicated which are being held in-person (perfect for networking) and which are accessible online (ideal for those who are unable to travel). Although I’m not affiliated with any of them, I’ve attended or presented at several of the conferences listed below. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. And if you attend, enjoy!
Writers’ League of Texas Agents & Editors Conference
Description: “20+ literary agents and editors, panels, presentations & more…The 2024 Agents & Editors…marks our 30th conference and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome more than 400 attendees, authors, and publishing professionals to Austin once again.”
Date & place: June 21-23, in-person in Austin, TX
Description: “Over the years (we’ve been around for fifty!) we have had numerous award-winning and bestselling faculty, all eager to share their stories and their knowledge of crafts to our attendees…This year our keynote speakers are Tamara Winfrey-Harris and Jane Friedman.”
Date & place: July 11-13, in-person in Muncie, IN and online (two registration options)
Description: “Beyond craft, today’s writers need a toolbox full of professional tools for navigating an increasingly competitive landscape… Get to know experts in their respective fields, consult with publishers, writing coaches, and more!”
Date & place: July 19-20 in-person in Fort Collins, CO and online (“attend in person or online”)
Writer’s Digest University Secrets of Publishing Virtual Conference
Description: “Will provide expert insights from FOUR publishing pros who have been there and done that, including published authors, a literary agent, and maybe a surprise professional. Spend the day learning how the publishing business really works, from the initial query to the next book.”
Date & place: July 27, online
Additional notes: Writer’s Digest hosts virtual events throughout the year. Its annual conference, which is usually held in August in NYC, will be held October 17-20 in Cincinnati, OH.
Contemporary Romance Writing Conference - ROMANCE
Description: “Contemporary Romance Writers is a standalone professional writing organization with no prerequisites to join, and CRW members get to attend the Virtual Writing Conference FREE…join us for another weekend of learning, networking, and leveling up your author career.”
Date & place: July 27-28, online
Additional notes: Since Romance Writers of America has filed for bankruptcy, romance writers might try this new event or Romance Slam Jam as alternatives to the once celebrated RWA conference.
Willamette Writers Hybrid Conference
Description: “You will find everything you need to launch your writing career and live your writing life…Over 50 industry professionals will be joining us to share their expertise and knowledge of the changing industry…Online Pre-Conference Speaker: Jane Friedman.”
Date & place: July 31-August 4, in Portland, OR and online (hybrid)
Mendocino Coast Writers’ Conference
Description: A “vibrant gathering that offers morning workshops in a wide range of genres. Afternoons are packed with craft seminars, panels, one-on-one consultations, and open mics; and every evening offers an opportunity to enjoy…camaraderie and connection.”
Date & place: August 1-3 in-person in Mendocino, CA (registration deadline is June 30)
SCBWI Virtual Summer Conference - KIDLIT
Description: “Join in a vibrant digital environment that will uplift, inspire, and support you in writing and illustrating impactful children's books. Pitch your book to acquiring agents and editors. Get your art in front of industry pros. Explore all aspects of children’s book creation…”
Date & place: August 1-4, online
Cape Cod Writers Center Conference
Description: “One of the oldest literary conferences in America…Featuring 27 courses including an agent panel and an opportunity to have your manuscript mentored by a writing professional… All writers from beginners to published authors are welcome.”
Date & place: August 1-4 in-person in Hyannis, MA
Women’s Fiction Writers Association Albuquerque Writing Retreat – WOMEN’S FICTION
Description: “Our presenter, Angela Ackerman, will help take writing to the next level as you dive into human psychology and learn how to leverage it within your story. Come see why so many WFWA writers come back to this idyllic retreat year-after-year.”
Date & place: September 4-7, in-person in Albuquerque, NM
Additional notes: WFWA’s next writing retreat is taking place in Alexandria, VA October 16-19.
Better Books: A Craft-Based Workshop for Middle Grade & Young Adult Writers - KIDLIT
Description: “Since 2013, once a year we gather to focus intensively in a small, interactive workshop facilitated by editors and agents. We will share three-and-a-half invigorating days exploring elements of our craft at locations near San Francisco.”
Date & place: September 12-15, in-person in Menlo Park, CA
LKBF Latinx Storytellers Conference
Description: “An annual, in-person gathering of Latinx children and adult book writers and illustrators. During this two-day event, hundreds of Latinx storytellers will enjoy craft masterclasses, professional development…[and] access to hard-to-reach industry professionals.”
Date & place: September 13-14, in-person in New York, NY
Description: “Is this event just for pitching? No. The Write to Pitch Conference 2024, unique among writer conferences, features an array of programs and a time-tested methodology that works to get writers published… takes place four times a year in June, September, December, and March.”
Date & place: September 19-22 (next iteration) in-person in New York, NY
Zibby’s Palm Springs Retreat – (mainly) WOMEN’S FICTION
Description: “Join us for a weekend of literary bliss in the desert city as we celebrate books we adore (including four published by Zibby Books!)…Tickets include two nights at the Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs Hotel and all meals and activities mentioned on the itinerary.”
Date & place: September 20-22, in-person in Palm Springs, CA
Description: “Open to intermediate and advanced writers of all genres and genders. Registration includes three days of workshop intensives, three pre-recorded Industry Talks processed in facilitated small groups, and an evening performance…”
Date & place: September 20-24, in-person in Seattle, WA (but workshops will also be recorded)
UCLA Writing Retreat at Lake Arrowhead
Description: “Join a small group of committed writers for six days of uninterrupted writing time at UCLA’s beautiful conference center on Lake Arrowhead. Participants will enjoy private bedrooms, private baths, and three gourmet meals each day…[and] some structured activities.”
Date & place: September 22-27, in-person in Lake Arrowhead, CA
Colorado Gold Writers Conference: The Next Chapter
Description Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers (RMFW) “hosts the Colorado Gold Writers Conference each September and sponsors the annual Colorado Gold Writers Contest for unpublished authors. We also sponsor annual education events, host a writers’ retreat, [and] offer critique groups…”
Date & place: September 27-29 in-person in Aurora, CO and online (one-day pass also available)
SCBWI Rocky Mountain Chapter Conference: Letters & Lines - KIDLIT
Description: “Start browsing your breakout and intensive options now…will also include two keynotes, super-fun (or skippable) social breakouts, Golden Pen contest, portfolio contest, portfolio showcase, autograph sessions, critique opportunities, a bookstore and more!”
Date & place: September 28-29, in-person in Arvada, CO
The Gotham Writers’ Children’s Lit Conference - KIDLIT
Description: “This writing conference works in a unique way. On Day 1, there are four panels and presentations…On Day 2, there are Pitching Roundtables where pre-selected writers spend the day at a table with two agents who specialize in the field that matches the writers’ book projects.”
Date & place: September 28-29, online
Description: “These writers conferences (1-2 days, some virtual and others in person) are a wonderful opportunity to get intense instruction over the course of one day, pitch a literary agent or editor (optional), and get your questions answered.”
Date & place: Across the U.S. all year long. Upcoming events include Writing Workshop of Chicago (live and in-person on June 22), and Texas Writing Workshop (online July 26-27). See full list here.
