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Summertime is for writing conferences. In spite of the pandemic, quite a few are still being held live, while others have moved to an online format.
Plan ahead! Conferences often offer scholarships, but these have deadlines. If one of these conferences interests you, put the scholarship deadline date on your calendar for next year, or for whenever the conference rolls around again.
For a full list of conferences, organized by month, see Writing Conferences. While nearly all of these are in the United States, you can find links on that page that will take you to world-wide conference lists.
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Odyssey Writing Workshop. June 1 - July 10, 2020: Manchester, NH. Since its inception in 1996, Odyssey has become one of the most highly respected workshops for writers of fantasy, science fiction, and horror. Top authors, editors and agents serve as guests, and 59% of graduates go on to professional publication.
Tinker Mountain Writers’ Workshop. June 7 - 12, 2020: Roanoke, Virginia. The conference features workshops in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction, as well as craft seminars, individual conferences with faculty members, and readings. Will be held online.
Naropa Summer Writing Program. June 7 - June 27, 2020: Boulder, CO. This is the 45th Summer Writing Program of the Jack Kerouac School of Disembodied Poetics at Naropa University. Rescheduled for 2021.
Interlochen Writer’s Retreat. June 7 - 11, 2020: Interlochen, Michigan. Moving to an online format in 2020, the 15th Annual Writers Retreat offers a choice of four courses, each grounded in different craft concepts, across genres, with an emphasis on generating new work, and appealing to advanced and beginning writers alike. Spend four days studying the craft concept of your choice —breaking rules, humor, fiction incubator, or writing for troubled times— and write new material across an array of genres, or apply new knowledge to your existing drafts. Gain skills in the virtual classroom and write independently during "off" hours or collectively (in silence) during virtual livewriting sessions. Attend provocative presentations by the faculty, as well as readings by faculty and participants. Will be held online.
Writing and Illustrating for Young Readers. June 8 - 12, 2020: Sandy, Utah. Offers one-, two-, three- and five-day workshops. Morning workshops devoted to individual work; afternoon talks on market, craft, publication; chats w/ editors and agents; keynote; book signing. For those interested, specialized workshops--Boot Camp and Full-Novel classes. Single day programs as well. Will be held online.
Bread Loaf Translators' Conference. June 10 - 16, 2020: Ripton, VT. The Bread Loaf Translators’ Conference includes workshops in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction, as well as lectures, craft classes, meetings with editors and agents, and readings by faculty and guests. Application deadline: March 1, 2020. Canceled for 2020.
West Virginia Writers Conference. June 12 - 14, 2020: Ripley, West Virginia. Author readings, contests and sharing your love of writing with others. Canceled for 2020.
Algonkian Writer Conference–New York City Pitch. June 18 - 21, 2020: Ripley-Grier Studios in New York City. The New York Pitch Conference and writers workshop is held four times a year and features publishing house editors from major houses such as Penguin, Random House, St. Martins, Harper Collins, Tor and Del Rey, Kensington Books and many more who are looking for new novels in a variety of genres, as well as narrative non-fiction. The event focuses on the art of the novel pitch as the best method not only for communicating your work, but for having you and your work taken seriously by industry professionals.
Pacific University Master of Fine Arts in Writing Residency Writers Conference. June 18 - 28, 2020: Forest Grove, Oregon. Writers seeking to deepen their craft and expand their professional community are invited to attend the Residency Writers Conference together with MFA students, faculty and guest speakers. Join us for 10 full days of craft talks, workshops, panels, classes, readings and more featuring some of the best minds of the literary world. This residency is a rare opportunity to engage in sustained and meaningful conversation with others who share your passion for the art of writing.
Poetry at the Frost Farm. June 19 - 21, 2020: Derry, New Hampshire. The retreat offers workshops, readings, and one-on-one consultations for formalist poets. "Join a small community of people at the historic Robert Frost Farm learning, reading and writing formal poetry with contemporary award-winning poets. Choose your focus from a series of offerings designed to provide tools for beginning poets as well as perfect the mastery of published poets." Canceled for 2020.
Get Published Conference. June 20, 2020: Bozeman, Montana. This conference is devoted to book writing, marketing and getting published. Faculty includes experienced writers who share their methods for planning, writing and finishing their books, along with practical marketing and promotional information.
Community of Writers at Squaw Valley: Poetry Workshop. June 20 - June 27, 2020: Olympic Valley, California. "We work together to create an atmosphere in which everyone might feel free to try anything. In the mornings we meet in workshops to read to each other the work of the previous twenty-four hours; each participant also has an opportunity to work with each staff poet. In the late afternoons we gather for a conversation about some aspect of craft. On several afternoons staff poets hold brief individual conferences." Registration deadline: April 15, 2020. Will be held online.
Orion Environmental Writers’ Workshop. June 21 – 26, 2020: The Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, New York. This program is for writers who want to learn how to write an Orion essay, short story, or poem; for writers who seek to become better advocates for the environment through their writing; for poets who are drawn to writing about nature and culture; for teachers and scholars who wish to write for a more general readership; and for environmental professionals who want to bring better writing skills to bear on their work. The program will feature small writing workshops dedicated to poetry, fiction, and nonfiction, as well as faculty readings and lectures, student readings, and presentations on publishing. Canceled for 2020.
Science Fiction & Fantasy Novel Writers Workshop. June 21 - July 3, 2020, University of Kansas, Kansas. "In conjunction with the Gunn Center for the Study of Science Fiction, Kij Johnson teaches a two-week intensive master class on writing novels. This workshop is for those interested in the art and craft of writing a speculative novel. Our primary focus is on structure and the perils and pitfalls unique to novel-length projects. By the end of the workshop, attendees will have been presented with the tools necessary to create a novel, starting from the first idea generation, to brainstorming, to organization, to the actual writing." Will be held online.
Clarion West Speculative Fiction Writers Workshop. June 21 - July 31, 2020: Seattle, Washington. "Every summer, Clarion West holds an intensive six-week workshop in Seattle’s University District, geared to help you prepare for a professional career as a writer of speculative fiction. Each workshop is limited to 18 students, and each week features a different instructor, a highly regarded author or editor offering their unique perspective on the field. Short fiction is the workshop’s focus, with an emphasis on science fiction, fantasy, and horror. Come prepared to write several new stories, to experiment and take artistic risks, and to give and receive constructive criticism. FULL
Aspen Summer Words. June 22 - 26, 2020: Aspen, Colorado. Workshops, panels, and readings in fiction and creative nonfiction, as well as opportunities to meet with agents and editors. "Aspen Summer Words is the Rocky Mountain gateway to the literary world. Recognized as one of the country’s pre-eminent literary conferences, Summer Words welcomes visitors and locals alike to celebrate writing and writers in Aspen for a week each June. The exceptional faculty and awe-inspiring mountain scenery combine to make this a writing retreat like no other." Will be held online.
Manhattanville College Summer Writers' Week. June 22 - 26, 2020: Purchase, New York. Each day begins with a workshop, then afternoons feature craft panels and events. Evenings feature faculty readings and a keynote reader, and these evening readings are free and open to the public. For an immersive experience, housing is available on campus for workshop participants.
Stonecoast Writers’ Conference. June 22 - 27, 2020, Portland, ME. Workshops in poetry, short fiction, novel, and nonfiction/memoir, and a mixed-genre Creative Writing Bootcamp. The Stonecoast Writers’ Conference is open to students of all experience levels. However, admission is selective. Writing sample and deposit required. Canceled for 2020.
Minnesota Northwoods Writers Conference. June 22 - 27, 2020: Bemidji, Minnesota. Fiction, Non-fiction, Poetry, Publishing. Faculty: The faculty includes Elizabeth Bradfield (Poetry), Brenda Shaughnessy (Poetry), Alison Hawthorne Deming (Creative Nonfiction), Meera Subramanian (Creative Nonfiction), and Scott Russell Sanders (Fiction). And the award-winning and acclaimed author Robin Wall Kimmerer will be the Distinguished Visiting Writer. The online conference fee is $465, a reduction of $230 from the regular early bird price. Will be held online.
Chuckanut Writers Conference. June 22 - 27, 2020: Bellingham, Washington. Writers conference that includes speakers, panels, breakout sessions, authors' readings, reception with authors, pitch sessions with literary agents, book signings, open mic for attendees. Autobiography/Memoir, Children's, Fiction, Nature, Non-fiction, Poetry, Publishing. Will be held online.
Fordham University Retreat. June 24 - 28, 2020, New York City. "In order to help mentor the next generation of Asian American writers, Kundiman sponsors an annual Retreat in partnership with Fordham University. During the Retreat, nationally renowned Asian American poets and writers conduct Master Classes and manuscript consultations with fellows. Readings, writing circles and informal social gatherings are also scheduled. Through this Retreat, Kundiman hopes to provide a safe and instructive environment that identifies and addresses the unique challenges faced by emerging Asian American writers." Application Deadline: January 15th, 2020.
The Algonkian Writer Retreat and Novel Workshop, June 24 - 28, 2020: Algonkian Park, Virginia. "You can show us your manuscript, improve your skills, clear your head, have your work read by our writer mentors, whatever works for you, whatever helps you grow and discover your vision as a writer. You discuss with us ahead of time via the Algonkian Writer Retreat Application the goals you wish to accomplish, and we'll work with you to make it happen. Do you desire a review? A line edit? Do you wish to discuss the reality of the current fiction market, your novel project, plot and characters, or perhaps get feedback on the opening hook or a few sample chapters? Or would you simply like a relaxed and productive dialogue about your goals as a writer?"
DRC Conference Faculty & Workshops. June 25 - 27, 2020: Davenport, Iowa. Daily workshops, critiques, pitches, evening events, keynote. With five three-day workshops, book pitches with a publisher and an agent, author luncheon, concluding luncheon, free evening faculty reading and keynote address, there’s something for everyone!
The Writers’ League of Texas Agents & Editors Conference. June 26 – June 28, 2020: Austin, Tex. The conference features panel discussions, lectures, pitch sessions, receptions, and one-on-one consultations with agents and editors. PParticipating agents include Ian Bonaparte (Janklow & Nesbit), Jamie Carr (Book Group), Rebecca Gradinger (Fletcher & Company), Robert Guinsler (Sterling Lord Literistic), Sandy Lu (L. Perkins Agency), Duvall Osteen (Aragi, Inc.), and John Rudolph (Dystel, Goderich & Bourret). The cost of the conference is $469 for Writers’ League members and $529 for non-members. Lodging is available at the conference hotel for discounted rates. Admissions are rolling through June 24.
Chicago Writing Workshop. June 27, 2020: Chicago, IL. "This is a special one-day “How to Get Published” writing workshop on Saturday, June 29, 2019, at the historic Congress Plaza Hotel, just south of the downtown area. In other words, it’s one day full of classes and advice designed to give you the best instruction concerning how to get your writing & books published. We’ll discuss your publishing opportunities today, how to write queries & pitches, how to market yourself and your books, what makes an agent/editor stop reading your manuscript, and more. No matter what you’re writing — fiction or nonfiction — the day’s classes will help point you in the right direction. Writers of all genres are welcome." Features over two dozen attending agents.
Plan ahead! Conferences often offer scholarships, but these have deadlines. If one of these conferences interests you, put the scholarship deadline date on your calendar for next year, or for whenever the conference rolls around again.
For a full list of conferences, organized by month, see Writing Conferences. While nearly all of these are in the United States, you can find links on that page that will take you to world-wide conference lists.
__________________________
Odyssey Writing Workshop. June 1 - July 10, 2020: Manchester, NH. Since its inception in 1996, Odyssey has become one of the most highly respected workshops for writers of fantasy, science fiction, and horror. Top authors, editors and agents serve as guests, and 59% of graduates go on to professional publication.
Tinker Mountain Writers’ Workshop. June 7 - 12, 2020: Roanoke, Virginia. The conference features workshops in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction, as well as craft seminars, individual conferences with faculty members, and readings. Will be held online.
Naropa Summer Writing Program. June 7 - June 27, 2020: Boulder, CO. This is the 45th Summer Writing Program of the Jack Kerouac School of Disembodied Poetics at Naropa University. Rescheduled for 2021.
Interlochen Writer’s Retreat. June 7 - 11, 2020: Interlochen, Michigan. Moving to an online format in 2020, the 15th Annual Writers Retreat offers a choice of four courses, each grounded in different craft concepts, across genres, with an emphasis on generating new work, and appealing to advanced and beginning writers alike. Spend four days studying the craft concept of your choice —breaking rules, humor, fiction incubator, or writing for troubled times— and write new material across an array of genres, or apply new knowledge to your existing drafts. Gain skills in the virtual classroom and write independently during "off" hours or collectively (in silence) during virtual livewriting sessions. Attend provocative presentations by the faculty, as well as readings by faculty and participants. Will be held online.
Writing and Illustrating for Young Readers. June 8 - 12, 2020: Sandy, Utah. Offers one-, two-, three- and five-day workshops. Morning workshops devoted to individual work; afternoon talks on market, craft, publication; chats w/ editors and agents; keynote; book signing. For those interested, specialized workshops--Boot Camp and Full-Novel classes. Single day programs as well. Will be held online.
Bread Loaf Translators' Conference. June 10 - 16, 2020: Ripton, VT. The Bread Loaf Translators’ Conference includes workshops in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction, as well as lectures, craft classes, meetings with editors and agents, and readings by faculty and guests. Application deadline: March 1, 2020. Canceled for 2020.
West Virginia Writers Conference. June 12 - 14, 2020: Ripley, West Virginia. Author readings, contests and sharing your love of writing with others. Canceled for 2020.
Algonkian Writer Conference–New York City Pitch. June 18 - 21, 2020: Ripley-Grier Studios in New York City. The New York Pitch Conference and writers workshop is held four times a year and features publishing house editors from major houses such as Penguin, Random House, St. Martins, Harper Collins, Tor and Del Rey, Kensington Books and many more who are looking for new novels in a variety of genres, as well as narrative non-fiction. The event focuses on the art of the novel pitch as the best method not only for communicating your work, but for having you and your work taken seriously by industry professionals.
Pacific University Master of Fine Arts in Writing Residency Writers Conference. June 18 - 28, 2020: Forest Grove, Oregon. Writers seeking to deepen their craft and expand their professional community are invited to attend the Residency Writers Conference together with MFA students, faculty and guest speakers. Join us for 10 full days of craft talks, workshops, panels, classes, readings and more featuring some of the best minds of the literary world. This residency is a rare opportunity to engage in sustained and meaningful conversation with others who share your passion for the art of writing.
Poetry at the Frost Farm. June 19 - 21, 2020: Derry, New Hampshire. The retreat offers workshops, readings, and one-on-one consultations for formalist poets. "Join a small community of people at the historic Robert Frost Farm learning, reading and writing formal poetry with contemporary award-winning poets. Choose your focus from a series of offerings designed to provide tools for beginning poets as well as perfect the mastery of published poets." Canceled for 2020.
Get Published Conference. June 20, 2020: Bozeman, Montana. This conference is devoted to book writing, marketing and getting published. Faculty includes experienced writers who share their methods for planning, writing and finishing their books, along with practical marketing and promotional information.
Community of Writers at Squaw Valley: Poetry Workshop. June 20 - June 27, 2020: Olympic Valley, California. "We work together to create an atmosphere in which everyone might feel free to try anything. In the mornings we meet in workshops to read to each other the work of the previous twenty-four hours; each participant also has an opportunity to work with each staff poet. In the late afternoons we gather for a conversation about some aspect of craft. On several afternoons staff poets hold brief individual conferences." Registration deadline: April 15, 2020. Will be held online.
Orion Environmental Writers’ Workshop. June 21 – 26, 2020: The Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, New York. This program is for writers who want to learn how to write an Orion essay, short story, or poem; for writers who seek to become better advocates for the environment through their writing; for poets who are drawn to writing about nature and culture; for teachers and scholars who wish to write for a more general readership; and for environmental professionals who want to bring better writing skills to bear on their work. The program will feature small writing workshops dedicated to poetry, fiction, and nonfiction, as well as faculty readings and lectures, student readings, and presentations on publishing. Canceled for 2020.
Science Fiction & Fantasy Novel Writers Workshop. June 21 - July 3, 2020, University of Kansas, Kansas. "In conjunction with the Gunn Center for the Study of Science Fiction, Kij Johnson teaches a two-week intensive master class on writing novels. This workshop is for those interested in the art and craft of writing a speculative novel. Our primary focus is on structure and the perils and pitfalls unique to novel-length projects. By the end of the workshop, attendees will have been presented with the tools necessary to create a novel, starting from the first idea generation, to brainstorming, to organization, to the actual writing." Will be held online.
Clarion West Speculative Fiction Writers Workshop. June 21 - July 31, 2020: Seattle, Washington. "Every summer, Clarion West holds an intensive six-week workshop in Seattle’s University District, geared to help you prepare for a professional career as a writer of speculative fiction. Each workshop is limited to 18 students, and each week features a different instructor, a highly regarded author or editor offering their unique perspective on the field. Short fiction is the workshop’s focus, with an emphasis on science fiction, fantasy, and horror. Come prepared to write several new stories, to experiment and take artistic risks, and to give and receive constructive criticism. FULL
Aspen Summer Words. June 22 - 26, 2020: Aspen, Colorado. Workshops, panels, and readings in fiction and creative nonfiction, as well as opportunities to meet with agents and editors. "Aspen Summer Words is the Rocky Mountain gateway to the literary world. Recognized as one of the country’s pre-eminent literary conferences, Summer Words welcomes visitors and locals alike to celebrate writing and writers in Aspen for a week each June. The exceptional faculty and awe-inspiring mountain scenery combine to make this a writing retreat like no other." Will be held online.
Manhattanville College Summer Writers' Week. June 22 - 26, 2020: Purchase, New York. Each day begins with a workshop, then afternoons feature craft panels and events. Evenings feature faculty readings and a keynote reader, and these evening readings are free and open to the public. For an immersive experience, housing is available on campus for workshop participants.
Stonecoast Writers’ Conference. June 22 - 27, 2020, Portland, ME. Workshops in poetry, short fiction, novel, and nonfiction/memoir, and a mixed-genre Creative Writing Bootcamp. The Stonecoast Writers’ Conference is open to students of all experience levels. However, admission is selective. Writing sample and deposit required. Canceled for 2020.
Minnesota Northwoods Writers Conference. June 22 - 27, 2020: Bemidji, Minnesota. Fiction, Non-fiction, Poetry, Publishing. Faculty: The faculty includes Elizabeth Bradfield (Poetry), Brenda Shaughnessy (Poetry), Alison Hawthorne Deming (Creative Nonfiction), Meera Subramanian (Creative Nonfiction), and Scott Russell Sanders (Fiction). And the award-winning and acclaimed author Robin Wall Kimmerer will be the Distinguished Visiting Writer. The online conference fee is $465, a reduction of $230 from the regular early bird price. Will be held online.
Chuckanut Writers Conference. June 22 - 27, 2020: Bellingham, Washington. Writers conference that includes speakers, panels, breakout sessions, authors' readings, reception with authors, pitch sessions with literary agents, book signings, open mic for attendees. Autobiography/Memoir, Children's, Fiction, Nature, Non-fiction, Poetry, Publishing. Will be held online.
Fordham University Retreat. June 24 - 28, 2020, New York City. "In order to help mentor the next generation of Asian American writers, Kundiman sponsors an annual Retreat in partnership with Fordham University. During the Retreat, nationally renowned Asian American poets and writers conduct Master Classes and manuscript consultations with fellows. Readings, writing circles and informal social gatherings are also scheduled. Through this Retreat, Kundiman hopes to provide a safe and instructive environment that identifies and addresses the unique challenges faced by emerging Asian American writers." Application Deadline: January 15th, 2020.
The Algonkian Writer Retreat and Novel Workshop, June 24 - 28, 2020: Algonkian Park, Virginia. "You can show us your manuscript, improve your skills, clear your head, have your work read by our writer mentors, whatever works for you, whatever helps you grow and discover your vision as a writer. You discuss with us ahead of time via the Algonkian Writer Retreat Application the goals you wish to accomplish, and we'll work with you to make it happen. Do you desire a review? A line edit? Do you wish to discuss the reality of the current fiction market, your novel project, plot and characters, or perhaps get feedback on the opening hook or a few sample chapters? Or would you simply like a relaxed and productive dialogue about your goals as a writer?"
DRC Conference Faculty & Workshops. June 25 - 27, 2020: Davenport, Iowa. Daily workshops, critiques, pitches, evening events, keynote. With five three-day workshops, book pitches with a publisher and an agent, author luncheon, concluding luncheon, free evening faculty reading and keynote address, there’s something for everyone!
The Writers’ League of Texas Agents & Editors Conference. June 26 – June 28, 2020: Austin, Tex. The conference features panel discussions, lectures, pitch sessions, receptions, and one-on-one consultations with agents and editors. PParticipating agents include Ian Bonaparte (Janklow & Nesbit), Jamie Carr (Book Group), Rebecca Gradinger (Fletcher & Company), Robert Guinsler (Sterling Lord Literistic), Sandy Lu (L. Perkins Agency), Duvall Osteen (Aragi, Inc.), and John Rudolph (Dystel, Goderich & Bourret). The cost of the conference is $469 for Writers’ League members and $529 for non-members. Lodging is available at the conference hotel for discounted rates. Admissions are rolling through June 24.
Chicago Writing Workshop. June 27, 2020: Chicago, IL. "This is a special one-day “How to Get Published” writing workshop on Saturday, June 29, 2019, at the historic Congress Plaza Hotel, just south of the downtown area. In other words, it’s one day full of classes and advice designed to give you the best instruction concerning how to get your writing & books published. We’ll discuss your publishing opportunities today, how to write queries & pitches, how to market yourself and your books, what makes an agent/editor stop reading your manuscript, and more. No matter what you’re writing — fiction or nonfiction — the day’s classes will help point you in the right direction. Writers of all genres are welcome." Features over two dozen attending agents.
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