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There are nearly two dozen conferences, retreats, and festivals in November, spanning the country. Genre-specific conferences include medical writing, science fiction, fantasy, nonfiction, poetry, and more. And there are many opportunities to pitch your work to agents.
I can’t recommend attending a conference enough. There is nothing like making personal contacts with agents, editors, and writers to advance your career as a writer.
If you can’t make your ideal conference this year, plan ahead for next year. Many conferences are yearly events. Planning ahead also gives you an opportunity to apply for the scholarships offered by some of these conferences. You can find a comprehensive list of conferences throughout the year here: Writing Conferences.
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Medical Writing and Communication Conference. Nov 1–3, 2018: Washington, DC. Workshops in medical writing, designing materials for patients, analysis, clinical reports, and more.
Sag Harbor Creative Nonfiction Writers Conference. November 1–4, 2018, Sag Harbor, NY. Spark your creativity and take your writing to the next level at the nonfiction writing conference in Sag Harbor — the heart of the east end of Long Island. The only small and focused conference in nonfiction in the country. Faculty: Donna Kaz, Roger Rosenblatt, Patricia McCormick, Terri Muuss, Matt Pasca, Judson Merrill, Sandra Yin, Michelle Blankenship, Roohi Choudhry, Jisu Kim.
Historical Writers of America. November 1–4, 2018: Providence, RI. Workshops for fiction and nonfiction, research, the submission process, the road to publication, and the life of a historical writer; networking opportunities including keynote luncheon and dinner, theme receptions, and collaboration and brain-storming sessions.
Clearwater Writers 2018 Women’s Writing Retreat. November 1–6, 2018: Clearwater, Idaho. Retreats are facilitated by the Inn’s writer-in-residence, Paula Coomer, poet and author of such books as Jagged Edge of the Sky, Dove Creek, Nurses Who Love English, and Blue Moon Vegetarian. With more than 20 years of experience as a teacher of creative writing, Ms. Coomer offers creative inspiration and support for writers at all levels of achievement and ability.
Writeful Places Black Writers Retreat. November 1–8, — 16, 2018: Aruba.
Atlanta Writers Conference. Nov 2–3, 2018: Atlanta, Georgia. The conference features publishing panels, pitch sessions, manuscript and query letter critiques, and a workshop on creating or improving author websites. Participating publishing professionals include editors Emma Caruso (Penguin Random House), Alicia Clancy (Lake Union Publishing/Amazon Publishing), Chelsey Emmelhainz (Crooked Lane Books), Erica Gonzalez (Penguin Random House), Melanie Iglesias (Atria Books), and Vedika Khanna (William Morrow), and agents Whitley Abell (The Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency), Elizabeth Copps (Maria Carvainis Agency), Sara Megibow (KT Literary), John Rudolph (Dystel, Goderich & Bourret), Lauren Spieller (TriadaUS Literary Agency), and Brian Tibbetts (MacGregor Literary). The cost of a single session ranges from $50 to $170 depending on the activity; the cost of the discounted “All-Activities Package,” which includes two manuscript critiques, one query letter critique, two pitch sessions, the author website workshop, and two Q&A panels, is $620.
Ossabaw Weekend Writer’s Retreat. Nov 2 -4, 2018: Ossabaw Island, GA. Workshops and seminars led by nationally recognized faculty, and evening readings (special emphasis on ghost stories) by faculty and participants. Application deadline: September 25.
The BookBaby Independent Authors Conference. November 2–4, 2018: Philadelphia, PA. The Independent Authors Conference is the only conference that educates independent authors on how to cultivate a successful career in the self-publishing industry. Over three exciting days in historic Philadelphia, you’ll engage in workshops concentrated on learning and improving the skills you need to succeed, including effective writing techniques and strengthening your book marketing and promotion tactics.
North Carolina Writers’ Network Fall Conference. November 2–4, 2018: Charlotte, North Carolina. The conference features workshops and master classes in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction, as well as lectures and panel discussions on editing, publishing, and pitching. The faculty includes poets Morri Creech, Julie Funderburk, and Maureen Ryan Griffin; fiction writers Bryn Chancellor and Susan Rivers; and creative nonfiction writers Georgann Eubanks, Judy Goldman, and Cynthia Lewis. Fiction writer Randall Kenan will deliver the keynote. The cost for the full conference is $260 (including meals) or $200 (not including meals) for NCWN members, and $375 (including meals) or $300 (not including meals) for nonmembers until October 26. Onsite registration is $450 for the full conference, $350 for Saturday-only attendance, and $250 for Sunday-only attendance.
Colrain Intensive. November 2–5, 2018: Leicester, MA. The Colrain Manuscript Intensive is a small, select, highly focused, 3-day conference designed for the evaluation and discussion of book-length manuscripts by editors and publishers. The intensive is open only to those who have attended a previous Colrain conference and/or those whose manuscript is close to publication (semi-finalist, finalist or publisher feedback), and/or those with previous book publication.
Autumn Writing Getaway. November 3, 2018: Galloway, NJ. “Our retreats are centered on the belief that when writers leave behind the distractions of their busy lives to gather in an encouraging community, they are able to make important breakthroughs in their writing. Each workshop will meet for 6 hours and will offer craft discussion, writing prompts, writing time, sharing and inspiration.”
2018 Nebraska Writers Guild Poetry Retreat/Workshops. November 3, 2018: Nebraska City, NE. Focus: Poetry. A day full of workshops and writing sessions followed by evening readings and a wine tasting. Faculty: Laura Madeline Wiseman, Charlene Neely, Brad Anderson, Kristin Burnett, Janet Sobczyk, and editors from Backwaters Press.
Free Expressions Seminars-Emotional Craft of Fiction. November 4–8, 2018: Philadelphia, PA. Featuring Donald Maass. Based on psychological research and extensive study of what makes novels emotionally gripping, workshop participants will discover how to go beyond showing or telling to create an emotional journey for readers — one unseen but nevertheless deeply felt and ultimately unforgettable.
2018 Kauai Writers Festival. November 5–11, 2018: Kalapaki Bay, Lihue, Kauai, HI. Join bestselling authors and agents in an intimate, oceanfront setting, with an emphasis on fiction, memoir, thrillers, and screenwriting. Includes in-depth sessions on craft, publishing, and the writing life, with opportunities for agent/editor feedback.
The Monterey Writer Retreat in California. November 7–11, 2018: Monterey, CA. Participants in the Monterey Writer Retreat will work one-on-one with two of the best literary “closers” in the business: Gina Panettieri and Michael Neff combine 38 years of working with aspiring authors and ushering them to publication. They will be available for multiple private consultations from 9 AM to noon and 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM each day of the retreat. Choice of sessions and focus will be up to each individual writer. Additionally, as circumstances permit, Gina and Michael will also join retreaters in their quest for superb dining and festivity opportunities in the Monterey and Carmel area.
Fall Nonfiction Writers Conference. November 8–9, 2018. ONLINE EVENT. Online conference devoted to writing, publishing and promoting non-fiction books. Participation is live via phone or Skype, and recordings can be downloaded. Features 15 speakers over three days. Private Facebook group for attendees!
Sanibel Island Writers Conference. November 8–11, 2018: Sanibel Island, Florida. The conference features workshops in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction, as well as manuscript consultations, readings, panels, concerts, and book signings. Faculty and visiting writers include poets Major Jackson, Annemarie Ní Churreáin, and January Gill O’Neil; fiction writers Julianna Baggott, Lynne Barrett, Brock Clarke, John Dufresne, Tod Goldberg, Steve Kistulentz, Tom McAllister, and Darin Strauss; creative nonfiction writers Steve Almond, Andrea Askowitz, Emily Black, Stephanie Elizondo Griest, Joyce Maynard, Jane Roper, and Michael Ruhlman; screenwriter Mark Evan Schwartz; and agent Christopher Schelling (Selectric Artists). The keynote speaker is fiction writer Ann Hood. The cost of the conference is $550 ($440 for BIG ARTS members and $300 for full-time students).
Writing by Writers Manuscript Boot Camp. November 9–12, 2018: Tahoe City, California. Workshops for book-length manuscripts, as well as craft talks, readings, and agent panels, and individual meetings with agents. “The Writing By Writers Manuscript Boot Camp is for the writer who has a full book-length manuscript (novel, memoir, short story or poetry collection) and would like to engage with a small group for a serious and productive response. The long weekend will include an intimate full manuscript workshop, craft talks, readings, an agent panel and individual agent meetings — the perfect pre-publication boot camp for any manuscript.” Classes are limited to 5 participants. The cost of tuition, which includes a manuscript review of up to 300 pages with a faculty member, an individual meeting with an agent, lodging at the Granlibakken Resort, and all meals, is $3,250.
Red Clay Writers Conference. November 10, 2018: Kennesaw GA. The Red Clay Writers Conference is the annual conference of the Georgia Writers Association. Red Clay encourages and inspires writers across Georgia through a full day of literary events that focus on the art and craft of writing.
New Worlds, New Voices SFF Workshops. November 14–18, 2018: Morro Bay, CA. During the course of the conference, writers will hone and improve their writer voice and style by studying and applying an array of narrative, scene, and structure technique, thus enabling them to begin, enhance, and/or reconstruct their work in more powerful and innovative ways. Writing exercises are derived from analysis of a select group of works by both dramatists and authors.
Learn and Network. November 16–17, 2018: Branson, MO. The Ozarks Writers League is a group of like-minded individuals dedicated to promoting writing, literacy, photography, and art. Since 1983, OWL has welcomed individuals at all stages of their development.
ShowMe Writers Masterclass. November 17, 2018: Columbia, MO. This workshop offers a theory for and direct practice in a mindful approach to writing. This approach draws inspiration from Robert Boice’s book, How Writers Journey to Comfort and Fluency, which will be highlighted during the workshop.
WriteAngles. November 17, 2018: South Hadley, Massachusetts. Panels and workshops, with two keynoters, a limited number of agent meetings. Continental breakfast, and buffet lunch included. Agents: TBA
___________________
Erica Verrillo has published five books. She blogs about the publishing world, posts useful tips on how to get an agent, lists agents who are looking for clients as well as publishers accepting manuscripts directly from writers, explains how to market and promote your work, how to build your online platform, how to get reviews, how to self-publish, and where to find markets for your work on Publishing and Other Forms of Insanity.
I can’t recommend attending a conference enough. There is nothing like making personal contacts with agents, editors, and writers to advance your career as a writer.
If you can’t make your ideal conference this year, plan ahead for next year. Many conferences are yearly events. Planning ahead also gives you an opportunity to apply for the scholarships offered by some of these conferences. You can find a comprehensive list of conferences throughout the year here: Writing Conferences.
______________________
Medical Writing and Communication Conference. Nov 1–3, 2018: Washington, DC. Workshops in medical writing, designing materials for patients, analysis, clinical reports, and more.
Sag Harbor Creative Nonfiction Writers Conference. November 1–4, 2018, Sag Harbor, NY. Spark your creativity and take your writing to the next level at the nonfiction writing conference in Sag Harbor — the heart of the east end of Long Island. The only small and focused conference in nonfiction in the country. Faculty: Donna Kaz, Roger Rosenblatt, Patricia McCormick, Terri Muuss, Matt Pasca, Judson Merrill, Sandra Yin, Michelle Blankenship, Roohi Choudhry, Jisu Kim.
Historical Writers of America. November 1–4, 2018: Providence, RI. Workshops for fiction and nonfiction, research, the submission process, the road to publication, and the life of a historical writer; networking opportunities including keynote luncheon and dinner, theme receptions, and collaboration and brain-storming sessions.
Clearwater Writers 2018 Women’s Writing Retreat. November 1–6, 2018: Clearwater, Idaho. Retreats are facilitated by the Inn’s writer-in-residence, Paula Coomer, poet and author of such books as Jagged Edge of the Sky, Dove Creek, Nurses Who Love English, and Blue Moon Vegetarian. With more than 20 years of experience as a teacher of creative writing, Ms. Coomer offers creative inspiration and support for writers at all levels of achievement and ability.
Writeful Places Black Writers Retreat. November 1–8, — 16, 2018: Aruba.
Atlanta Writers Conference. Nov 2–3, 2018: Atlanta, Georgia. The conference features publishing panels, pitch sessions, manuscript and query letter critiques, and a workshop on creating or improving author websites. Participating publishing professionals include editors Emma Caruso (Penguin Random House), Alicia Clancy (Lake Union Publishing/Amazon Publishing), Chelsey Emmelhainz (Crooked Lane Books), Erica Gonzalez (Penguin Random House), Melanie Iglesias (Atria Books), and Vedika Khanna (William Morrow), and agents Whitley Abell (The Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency), Elizabeth Copps (Maria Carvainis Agency), Sara Megibow (KT Literary), John Rudolph (Dystel, Goderich & Bourret), Lauren Spieller (TriadaUS Literary Agency), and Brian Tibbetts (MacGregor Literary). The cost of a single session ranges from $50 to $170 depending on the activity; the cost of the discounted “All-Activities Package,” which includes two manuscript critiques, one query letter critique, two pitch sessions, the author website workshop, and two Q&A panels, is $620.
Ossabaw Weekend Writer’s Retreat. Nov 2 -4, 2018: Ossabaw Island, GA. Workshops and seminars led by nationally recognized faculty, and evening readings (special emphasis on ghost stories) by faculty and participants. Application deadline: September 25.
The BookBaby Independent Authors Conference. November 2–4, 2018: Philadelphia, PA. The Independent Authors Conference is the only conference that educates independent authors on how to cultivate a successful career in the self-publishing industry. Over three exciting days in historic Philadelphia, you’ll engage in workshops concentrated on learning and improving the skills you need to succeed, including effective writing techniques and strengthening your book marketing and promotion tactics.
North Carolina Writers’ Network Fall Conference. November 2–4, 2018: Charlotte, North Carolina. The conference features workshops and master classes in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction, as well as lectures and panel discussions on editing, publishing, and pitching. The faculty includes poets Morri Creech, Julie Funderburk, and Maureen Ryan Griffin; fiction writers Bryn Chancellor and Susan Rivers; and creative nonfiction writers Georgann Eubanks, Judy Goldman, and Cynthia Lewis. Fiction writer Randall Kenan will deliver the keynote. The cost for the full conference is $260 (including meals) or $200 (not including meals) for NCWN members, and $375 (including meals) or $300 (not including meals) for nonmembers until October 26. Onsite registration is $450 for the full conference, $350 for Saturday-only attendance, and $250 for Sunday-only attendance.
Colrain Intensive. November 2–5, 2018: Leicester, MA. The Colrain Manuscript Intensive is a small, select, highly focused, 3-day conference designed for the evaluation and discussion of book-length manuscripts by editors and publishers. The intensive is open only to those who have attended a previous Colrain conference and/or those whose manuscript is close to publication (semi-finalist, finalist or publisher feedback), and/or those with previous book publication.
Autumn Writing Getaway. November 3, 2018: Galloway, NJ. “Our retreats are centered on the belief that when writers leave behind the distractions of their busy lives to gather in an encouraging community, they are able to make important breakthroughs in their writing. Each workshop will meet for 6 hours and will offer craft discussion, writing prompts, writing time, sharing and inspiration.”
2018 Nebraska Writers Guild Poetry Retreat/Workshops. November 3, 2018: Nebraska City, NE. Focus: Poetry. A day full of workshops and writing sessions followed by evening readings and a wine tasting. Faculty: Laura Madeline Wiseman, Charlene Neely, Brad Anderson, Kristin Burnett, Janet Sobczyk, and editors from Backwaters Press.
Free Expressions Seminars-Emotional Craft of Fiction. November 4–8, 2018: Philadelphia, PA. Featuring Donald Maass. Based on psychological research and extensive study of what makes novels emotionally gripping, workshop participants will discover how to go beyond showing or telling to create an emotional journey for readers — one unseen but nevertheless deeply felt and ultimately unforgettable.
2018 Kauai Writers Festival. November 5–11, 2018: Kalapaki Bay, Lihue, Kauai, HI. Join bestselling authors and agents in an intimate, oceanfront setting, with an emphasis on fiction, memoir, thrillers, and screenwriting. Includes in-depth sessions on craft, publishing, and the writing life, with opportunities for agent/editor feedback.
The Monterey Writer Retreat in California. November 7–11, 2018: Monterey, CA. Participants in the Monterey Writer Retreat will work one-on-one with two of the best literary “closers” in the business: Gina Panettieri and Michael Neff combine 38 years of working with aspiring authors and ushering them to publication. They will be available for multiple private consultations from 9 AM to noon and 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM each day of the retreat. Choice of sessions and focus will be up to each individual writer. Additionally, as circumstances permit, Gina and Michael will also join retreaters in their quest for superb dining and festivity opportunities in the Monterey and Carmel area.
Fall Nonfiction Writers Conference. November 8–9, 2018. ONLINE EVENT. Online conference devoted to writing, publishing and promoting non-fiction books. Participation is live via phone or Skype, and recordings can be downloaded. Features 15 speakers over three days. Private Facebook group for attendees!
Sanibel Island Writers Conference. November 8–11, 2018: Sanibel Island, Florida. The conference features workshops in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction, as well as manuscript consultations, readings, panels, concerts, and book signings. Faculty and visiting writers include poets Major Jackson, Annemarie Ní Churreáin, and January Gill O’Neil; fiction writers Julianna Baggott, Lynne Barrett, Brock Clarke, John Dufresne, Tod Goldberg, Steve Kistulentz, Tom McAllister, and Darin Strauss; creative nonfiction writers Steve Almond, Andrea Askowitz, Emily Black, Stephanie Elizondo Griest, Joyce Maynard, Jane Roper, and Michael Ruhlman; screenwriter Mark Evan Schwartz; and agent Christopher Schelling (Selectric Artists). The keynote speaker is fiction writer Ann Hood. The cost of the conference is $550 ($440 for BIG ARTS members and $300 for full-time students).
Writing by Writers Manuscript Boot Camp. November 9–12, 2018: Tahoe City, California. Workshops for book-length manuscripts, as well as craft talks, readings, and agent panels, and individual meetings with agents. “The Writing By Writers Manuscript Boot Camp is for the writer who has a full book-length manuscript (novel, memoir, short story or poetry collection) and would like to engage with a small group for a serious and productive response. The long weekend will include an intimate full manuscript workshop, craft talks, readings, an agent panel and individual agent meetings — the perfect pre-publication boot camp for any manuscript.” Classes are limited to 5 participants. The cost of tuition, which includes a manuscript review of up to 300 pages with a faculty member, an individual meeting with an agent, lodging at the Granlibakken Resort, and all meals, is $3,250.
Red Clay Writers Conference. November 10, 2018: Kennesaw GA. The Red Clay Writers Conference is the annual conference of the Georgia Writers Association. Red Clay encourages and inspires writers across Georgia through a full day of literary events that focus on the art and craft of writing.
New Worlds, New Voices SFF Workshops. November 14–18, 2018: Morro Bay, CA. During the course of the conference, writers will hone and improve their writer voice and style by studying and applying an array of narrative, scene, and structure technique, thus enabling them to begin, enhance, and/or reconstruct their work in more powerful and innovative ways. Writing exercises are derived from analysis of a select group of works by both dramatists and authors.
Learn and Network. November 16–17, 2018: Branson, MO. The Ozarks Writers League is a group of like-minded individuals dedicated to promoting writing, literacy, photography, and art. Since 1983, OWL has welcomed individuals at all stages of their development.
ShowMe Writers Masterclass. November 17, 2018: Columbia, MO. This workshop offers a theory for and direct practice in a mindful approach to writing. This approach draws inspiration from Robert Boice’s book, How Writers Journey to Comfort and Fluency, which will be highlighted during the workshop.
WriteAngles. November 17, 2018: South Hadley, Massachusetts. Panels and workshops, with two keynoters, a limited number of agent meetings. Continental breakfast, and buffet lunch included. Agents: TBA
___________________
Erica Verrillo has published five books. She blogs about the publishing world, posts useful tips on how to get an agent, lists agents who are looking for clients as well as publishers accepting manuscripts directly from writers, explains how to market and promote your work, how to build your online platform, how to get reviews, how to self-publish, and where to find markets for your work on Publishing and Other Forms of Insanity.
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