Twelve Writing Conferences & Other Events to Attend in Spring 2025
/Spring is rapidly approaching, a season that’s all about renewal and growth. For writers, it’s the perfect time to hone your craft, pitch your work to a literary agent, or simply find inspiration from other writers. Here is a list of twelve writing conferences, festivals, fairs, workshops, and/or other writing events from March to May that might offer all these opportunities—and more.
You’ll notice that most events listed below are 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. Some are being held in-person (which makes it easy to network), while others 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 events listed below. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. And if you attend, enjoy!
Description: “Each year, the festival brings together educators, librarians, parents, students, authors, illustrators, editors, and those interested in children’s literature for a unique combination of full conference and small group sessions.”
Date & place: March 7-8, in-person at the University of Redlands campus in Redlands, CA
Description: “We will welcome you on Friday evening for a reception with food, cocktails and conversation, and our live lit event. Then you'll enjoy two days of presentations, workshops, panels, pitch sessions, master classes...and more.”
Date & place: March 21-23, in-person at the Warwick Allerton Hotel in Chicago, IL
Description: “The AWP Conference & Bookfair is the essential gathering for writers, teachers, students, editors, and publishers. Join thousands of attendees, explore hundreds of events and exhibitors, and immerse in four days of vital literary community and celebration in Los Angeles!”
Date & place: March 26-29, in-person at the Los Angeles Convention Center in LA, CA
Green Mountain Academy’s Southern Vermont Writers’ Conference
Description: “Join us for five days of small-group workshops, craft talks, evening salons, and quiet writing time in the beautiful Green Mountains of Southern Vermont. Whether you’re looking to take your writing practice to the next level, jumpstart an existing project, or simply recharge your creative battery…be part of the inaugural year of this new writers’ conference.”
Date & place: March 30-April 4, in-person at Equinox Resort & Space in Manchester, VT
Description: “Our 21st conference offers activities for all writers—Keynote, Pitches to Agents and Editors, Q&A panels, and a separate Master Class. Registrants can attend the full conference or attend a single day. We also offer a curated virtual session for Saturday!”
Date & place: April 3-5, in-person in Las Vegas, NV and online
Description: “Writers will spend a weekend with top editors, agents, authors and illustrators in the children's book publishing world. Our spring conference is an excellent opportunity for BIPOC writers and illustrators to learn, get inspired and network with others in the industry.”
Date & place: April 5-6, in-person at Columbia University Teachers College in New York, NY
Description: “The nation’s largest literary event will be back for our 30th anniversary, April 26-27, on the lovely campus of the University of Southern California. Join us for one-on-one conversations, exciting panels, readings by your favorite authors, musical performances, TV and movie screenings and so much more!”
Date & place: April 26-27, in-person at the USC campus in Los Angeles, CA
Description: “Celebrates Canadian and international authors every year at its flagship festival in May. The festival includes panels, discussions, workshops, and interactive events that allow guests from across Canada and around the world to participate.”
Date & place: April 27-May 4, in-person in Brampton, ON, Canada and online
Description: In lieu of the Muse & the Marketplace conference, “we’ll be offering a full month of online and in-person manuscript and publishing-focused programming” and the “opportunity to meet with leading agents or editors who will read your work in advance and provide feedback.”
Date & place: Throughout May (May 13-17 for Manuscript Mart Week), online
Description: “Our 32nd conference offers an in-person experience for all activities—critiques and pitches, a workshop, Q&A panels, free talks, an award ceremony, a book fair & more—and a virtual option for agent/editor meetings.”
Date & place: May 2-3, in-person at the Westin Atlanta Airport Hotel in Atlanta, GA
Description: “The Kachemak Bay Writers’ Conference has been the place where writers from Alaska and beyond come together to create community and learn how to be better writers.” “The faculty includes keynote presenter Ruth Ozeki.”
Date & place: May 17-20, in-person on the Kachemak Bay campus in Homer, Alaska
Free Expressions’ Story 360 Writing Conference & Celebration
Description: “In honor of Free Expressions’ 30th Anniversary…you’re invited to an in-person learning event with some of our most popular instructors!” Includes workshops, a Saturday night party, and twenty-minute consultations with literary agents (in-person and virtually).”
Date & place: May 30-June 1, (mostly) in-person in Tampa, Florida
Also check out ongoing workshops and events with Inked Voices (where I have led critique groups), James River Writers (where I recently presented at their Writing Show), and Poets & Writers (which also look worth attending).
