Kachemak Bay, Wikimedia
This May there are more than three dozen writing conferences and workshops. Some conferences and workshops will be held online, but most will be held in person or use a hybrid format
These writing events offer everything a writer might want: intensive workshops, pitch sessions with agents, to how to market yourself and your books, discussions - there is something for everyone.
If you miss an application deadline, put it on your calendar for next year. Quite a few conferences offer scholarships, so apply early. Plan ahead!
For a full list of conferences held throughout the year see Writing Conferences.
Be sure to check out Highlights list of workshops. They offer many throughout the year.
____________________
Asian and Asian American Voices: An In-Community Retreat. May 1 - 4. 2025: Boyds Mills, PA. The annual Asian and Asian American Voices retreat celebrates the vibrant world of Asian and Asian American voices in children's and young adult literature. Waitlisted.
The 2025 Arizona Writing Workshop. May 2, 2025: Phoenix, AZ. This writing event is a wonderful opportunity to get intense instruction over the course of one day, pitch a literary agent or editor (optional), get your questions answered, and more. Note that there are limited seats at the event (150 total).
Lakefly Writers Conference. May 2 - 3, 2025: Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Workshops, talks, and a book fair for poets, fiction writers, and nonfiction writers. Previous presenters: Beth Amos, Malinda Andrews, Valerie Biel, Rebekah Bryan, R. R. Campbell and more.
Washington Writers Conference. May 2 - 3, 2025: Bethesda, MD. "Expert sessions with authors and publishing pros on the many paths to publishing — from writing killer query letters and landing an agent to going your own way and utilizing a self/hybrid model — and publicizing your book once it exists!"
Atlanta Writers Conference. May 2 - 3, 2025: Atlanta, Georgia. The goals of this conference are to give you access to eighteen top publishing acquisitions editors and literary agents actively seeking new clients (see their profiles on our Editors and Agents page), help you get your work ready for them, and educate you with a workshop and talks by experienced authors and other industry professionals. The Conference Activities page details each activity you can register for: select them all, only one, or some number in between–it’s entirely up to you, so you can craft the conference experience that will be best for your growth, interests, and budget. Virtual option for critique and pitch meetings with the agents and editors.
The Pikes Peak Writers Conference. May 2 - 4, 2025: Colorado Springs, Colorado. "The three-day conference is full of topical, in-depth workshops, dynamic keynote speakers, opportunities for one-on-one time with agents and editors, the chance to read your work aloud for constructive critique, plus time to socialize with fellow writers. Will be held in person.
North Carolina Writers’ Network Spring Conference. May 2 - 4, 2025: Asheville, North Carolina. Features intensive workshops in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction, as well as publisher exhibits, on-site "lunch with an author" readings, and an open mic.
Writing in the Pines. May 3, 2025: Stockton University, Galloway, NJ. Choose from workshops in memoir, poetry and revision. Each workshop will meet for 6 hours and will offer craft discussion, writing prompts, writing time, sharing and inspiration.
Michigan Writers Workshop. May 3, 2025: Detroit, MI. This is a special one-day “How to Get Published” writing workshop. 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.
The 2025 Writing Conference of Los Angeles. May 4, 2025: Los Angeles, CA. This is a special one-day “How to Get Published” writing workshop. 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.
The Monterey Writer Retreat in California. May 6 - 10, 2025: Monterey, CA. Participants in the Monterey Writer Retreat will work both in a group and one-on-one with the best literary "closers" and mentors in the business: Paula Munier, Michael Neff, and Katharine Sands (see bios below), who together combine more than 75 years of working with aspiring authors and ushering them to publication. Before you meet with them, you inform us ahead of time via the Monterey Writer Retreat Application about the retreat goals you wish to focus on and we'll make it happen.
Picture Book Plotting from A to Z: A 5-Week Online Course for Writers. May 6 - June 3, 2025: Online. This online course with Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen features pre-recorded and/or written lectures, along with assignments for each letter of the “Picture Book Alphabet,” plus weekly LIVE Zoom sessions for all of your course related questions and discussion with Sudipta. In addition, Sudipta will offer consultations in small groups during the last two live sessions.
Nonfiction Writers Conference. May 7 - 9, 2025. 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!
Editing for Impact: Revising Your MG or YA Novel (Spring). May 7 - June 11, 2025.Online. Join novelists Jennifer Gennari and Lisa Moore Ramée for a six-week online deep dive into revision, where you’ll learn to enhance emotion, sharpen action, and refine your novel’s impact. Through live sessions, structured assignments, community support, and personalized feedback, you’ll build the skills needed to enrich your novel.
Whole Novel Workshop: A Virtual Course for Middle Grade and Young Adult Writers. May 7 - July 16, 2025: Online. A transformative opportunity to have your entire draft (up to 80,000 words) of a novel read by faculty, with detailed written feedback and a private consultation provided. This online program is for any writer of a middle grade or young adult novel. Apply by March 24. Waitlisted.
Storymakers Conference. May 8 - 10, 2025: Provo, Utah. The Storymakers conference features over a hundred classes geared toward aspiring and established writers alike, taught by some of the best presenters in the publishing industry. Some past keynote speakers have included such names as Brandon Sanderson, Lois Lowry, Jennifer A. Nielsen, Shannon Hale, Ally Condie, and more!
2025 Portland Writing Workshop. May 9, 2025: Portland, OR. This writing event is a wonderful opportunity to get intense instruction over the course of one day, pitch a literary agent or editor (optional), get your questions answered, and more. Note that there are limited seats at the event (175 total).
Pittsburgh Writing Workshop. May 9 - 10, 2025: Online. "This is a special two-day “How to Get Published” writing workshop. In other words, it’s two days 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. And even though this is the “Pittsburgh” Writing Workshop, make no mistake — writers from everywhere are welcome to attend virtually. Our WDW writers conferences have helped dozens of writers find literary agent representation." Will be held virtually.
Seattle Writers Workshop. May 10, 2025: Seattle, WA. This is a special one-day “How to Get Published” writing workshop. 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.
Longleaf Writers Conference. May 10 - 17, 2025: Seaside, Florida. "Formerly the Seaside Writers Conference, Longleaf Writers Conference is an annual gathering of creative writers from all over the nation, featuring award-winning writers in poetry and fiction and screenwriting who will offer a full week of intensive writing workshops, one day seminars, school outreach programs, and social events. This event occurs every year in May, and offers the opportunity for beginning, intermediate and advanced writers to celebrate writing, to network with other writers, and to hone their craft. There will also be seminars hosted by professional editors and literary agents who will offer one-on-one consultations. All participants who pay the full conference tuition fee will be able to take part in all daily activities, while those paying a la carte pricing will have the pick of which classes and workshops they would like to attend. The Longleaf Writers Conference is one of the only conferences in the nation to take place on one of the most beautiful beaches in the US, and every year will feature notable guest writers, literary agents, and professional editors."
The Craft of Short Stories: An Online Workshop. May 15 - June 12, 2025: Online. The short story is a nimble medium that leaves room for experimentation. Some stories run entirely on language, some on mood. Some contain an entire world, some are slices of life. In this generative writing workshop, we will study the engines of a wide range of contemporary short stories and figure out why they are effective. We will look at voice, character, setting, point of view and story to discuss techniques and terminologies, craft and content. By the end of this course, we will have tools to create, revise and polish our own short stories. Participants are encouraged to bring a work-in-progress to develop, or come empty-handed to write something brand new.
Pacific University Master of Fine Arts in Writing Residency Writers Conference. Application deadline May 15, 2025: 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.
IBPA Publishing University. May 15 - 17, 2025: Saint Paul, Minnesota. The Independent Book Publishers Association offers 30+ educational sessions including experiential learning labs, insightful keynotes, a gala book award ceremony, networking events, and more!
Bookstock Literary Festival. May 16 - 18, 2025: Woodstock, Vermont. Expect 50+ speakers, author signings, live music, workshops, exhibits, special events and a huge tent sale of 10,000-12,000 used & rare books. All events and workshops are free and open to the public.
Colrain Classic. May 16 - 19, 2025: Via Zoom. "The Colrain Manuscript Classic is a highly focused, 3.5 day conference designed for poets with manuscripts in progress. The Classic features in-depth pre-conference work and candid, realistic evaluation and feedback from nationally-known poets, editors and publishers. In preparation, participants work at home on pre-conference assignments and then, in the workshop, review, arrange, and winnow their work based on the pre-conference work. In addition to the manuscript preparation workshop and editor sessions, there will be an editorial Q&A, and an after-conference strategy session."
The 2025 Cincinnati Writing Workshop. May 17, 2025: Cincinnati, OH. "This is a special one-day “How to Get Published” writing workshop on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at the Courtyard Cincinnati North at Union Centre (West Chester). 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."
Kachemak Bay Writers' Conference. May 17 - 20, 2025: Homer, Alaska. We are looking forward to welcoming you to the 2025 conference on May 17-20 at the beautiful Kachemak Bay Campus in downtown Homer, Alaska. There will there be four-days of craft classes, agent and editor meetings, panel discussions, readings by the participants and the faculty, and more chances for folks to interact with each other and form the community of writers that sustains us when we return to our desks.
Writeaway in New Mexico. May 17 - 24, 2025: Casa Bellisima, New Mexico. $3.200 for private room; $2,800 each for friends or couple sharing a room Includes writing consultations and daily writing workshops, all meals, wine and cocktails, plus a cooking class and excursion. Full
Boldface Conference for Emerging Writers. May 19 - 23, 2025: Houston, Texas. Daily workshops, readings, craft talks, social events and professionalism panels in an intimate and supportive environment designed specifically with the needs of emerging writers in mind.
The Poetry Bandit: An Online Workshop. May 19 - June 23, 2025: Online. Enliven your language, invoke your inner child and fall in love with writing all over again. In this course, we will rekindle our creativity and expand our writing toolbox by experimenting with found text. Inspiring exercises will lead us to write centos and erasures, lift speech from overheard conversations and interrogate repetitive language to refresh our storytelling. We will share our work and also cover the ethics of using found texts as well as best practices when submitting for publication. Whether you’re a seasoned poet or new to poetry, here’s an opportunity to learn some fun tricks to elevate your writing.
From Pencil Or Paint To Pixel: A Two-Night Mini For Beginning Illustrators. May 20 - 22, 2025: Online. Beginning illustrators can join children’s book author/illustrator Courtney Pippin-Mathur to talk about approaches to using different media (traditional and/or digital) in your illustrations. Special guest Aram Kim will join us the second day for ten tips about submitting work to an art director (traditional and/or digital). Will be conducted online.
Balticon. May 23 - 26, 2025: Baltimore, MD. Balticon is sponsored by the Baltimore Science Fiction Society (BSFS). BSFS presents the Compton Crook Award, the Robert A. Heinlein Award, and the winner of the annual Jack L. Chalker Young Writer's Contest annually at this event. Multiple tracks of Programming over the four day weekend, featuring authors, artists, scientists, musicians, podcasters, publishers, editors, costumers and other creative SF luminaries.
North Words Writers Symposium. May 28 - 31, 2025: Skagway, Alaska. "Exploring the Frontiers of Language," the North Words Writers Symposium welcomes all to an intimate setting with just 40 participants engaging with authors in a spectacular Alaska setting. Join this year's faculty of Alaska-NW authors for four days of panel discussions, writing workshops, readings, and adventure in Skagway, Alaska. Symposium events include activities such as hiking and writing workshops, a barbecue with live music at Alderworks Writers & Artists Retreat in Dyea; and a keynote banquet in a show garden. REGISTER by May 10.
The Crash Course in Children’s Book Publishing (Spring). May 28 - July 30, 2025: Online. Join lead faculty Harold Underdown and special guests for a Crash Course in Children’s Publishing. At the end of the course, you will understand how the children’s book publishing industry works, including submitting, publishing, marketing a book for children, teens, or young adults, and beginning ideas about craft and critique.
Mountain Heritage Literary Festival. May 30 - 31, 2025: Cumberland Gap, TN. "Every year writers gather at the ancient and beloved Cumberland Gap to celebrate writing, music, and Appalachian heritage. Events include workshops, panels, readings, concerts, lectures, open mic, and more."
The Bay Area Book Festival. May 31 - June 1, 2025: Berkeley, California. The free Bay Area Book Festival celebrates books and literature with a heavy focus on readings and author talks. But you’ll also find panel discussions and writing workshops for youth and adults. There’s one large adult program stage, a robust children’s area with activities and readings, and more than 100 exhibitors and food vendors.
The Massachusetts Poetry Festival. May 31 - June 1, 2025: Salem, Massachusetts. The Mass Poetry Festival offers nearly 100 poetry readings and workshops, a small press and literary fair, panels, poetry slams, and open-air readings. More than 150 poets will engage with thousands of New Englanders. Biennial.
Workshops with application deadlines in May
Orion Environmental Writers’ Workshop. June 15 - 20, 2025: 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. Application deadline May 1.
Viable Paradise Science Fiction Writers' Workshop. Oct 19 - 24, 2025: Martha’s Vineyard, MA. Viable Paradise is a unique one-week residential workshop in writing and selling commercial science fiction and fantasy. The workshop is intimate, intense, and features extensive time spent with best-selling and award-winning authors and professional editors currently working in the field. VP concentrates on the art of writing fiction people want to read, and this concentration is reflected in post-workshop professional sales by our alumni. Application deadline May 15.
These writing events offer everything a writer might want: intensive workshops, pitch sessions with agents, to how to market yourself and your books, discussions - there is something for everyone.
If you miss an application deadline, put it on your calendar for next year. Quite a few conferences offer scholarships, so apply early. Plan ahead!
For a full list of conferences held throughout the year see Writing Conferences.
Be sure to check out Highlights list of workshops. They offer many throughout the year.
____________________
Asian and Asian American Voices: An In-Community Retreat. May 1 - 4. 2025: Boyds Mills, PA. The annual Asian and Asian American Voices retreat celebrates the vibrant world of Asian and Asian American voices in children's and young adult literature. Waitlisted.
The 2025 Arizona Writing Workshop. May 2, 2025: Phoenix, AZ. This writing event is a wonderful opportunity to get intense instruction over the course of one day, pitch a literary agent or editor (optional), get your questions answered, and more. Note that there are limited seats at the event (150 total).
Lakefly Writers Conference. May 2 - 3, 2025: Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Workshops, talks, and a book fair for poets, fiction writers, and nonfiction writers. Previous presenters: Beth Amos, Malinda Andrews, Valerie Biel, Rebekah Bryan, R. R. Campbell and more.
Washington Writers Conference. May 2 - 3, 2025: Bethesda, MD. "Expert sessions with authors and publishing pros on the many paths to publishing — from writing killer query letters and landing an agent to going your own way and utilizing a self/hybrid model — and publicizing your book once it exists!"
Atlanta Writers Conference. May 2 - 3, 2025: Atlanta, Georgia. The goals of this conference are to give you access to eighteen top publishing acquisitions editors and literary agents actively seeking new clients (see their profiles on our Editors and Agents page), help you get your work ready for them, and educate you with a workshop and talks by experienced authors and other industry professionals. The Conference Activities page details each activity you can register for: select them all, only one, or some number in between–it’s entirely up to you, so you can craft the conference experience that will be best for your growth, interests, and budget. Virtual option for critique and pitch meetings with the agents and editors.
The Pikes Peak Writers Conference. May 2 - 4, 2025: Colorado Springs, Colorado. "The three-day conference is full of topical, in-depth workshops, dynamic keynote speakers, opportunities for one-on-one time with agents and editors, the chance to read your work aloud for constructive critique, plus time to socialize with fellow writers. Will be held in person.
North Carolina Writers’ Network Spring Conference. May 2 - 4, 2025: Asheville, North Carolina. Features intensive workshops in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction, as well as publisher exhibits, on-site "lunch with an author" readings, and an open mic.
Writing in the Pines. May 3, 2025: Stockton University, Galloway, NJ. Choose from workshops in memoir, poetry and revision. Each workshop will meet for 6 hours and will offer craft discussion, writing prompts, writing time, sharing and inspiration.
Michigan Writers Workshop. May 3, 2025: Detroit, MI. This is a special one-day “How to Get Published” writing workshop. 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.
The 2025 Writing Conference of Los Angeles. May 4, 2025: Los Angeles, CA. This is a special one-day “How to Get Published” writing workshop. 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.
The Monterey Writer Retreat in California. May 6 - 10, 2025: Monterey, CA. Participants in the Monterey Writer Retreat will work both in a group and one-on-one with the best literary "closers" and mentors in the business: Paula Munier, Michael Neff, and Katharine Sands (see bios below), who together combine more than 75 years of working with aspiring authors and ushering them to publication. Before you meet with them, you inform us ahead of time via the Monterey Writer Retreat Application about the retreat goals you wish to focus on and we'll make it happen.
Picture Book Plotting from A to Z: A 5-Week Online Course for Writers. May 6 - June 3, 2025: Online. This online course with Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen features pre-recorded and/or written lectures, along with assignments for each letter of the “Picture Book Alphabet,” plus weekly LIVE Zoom sessions for all of your course related questions and discussion with Sudipta. In addition, Sudipta will offer consultations in small groups during the last two live sessions.
Nonfiction Writers Conference. May 7 - 9, 2025. 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!
Editing for Impact: Revising Your MG or YA Novel (Spring). May 7 - June 11, 2025.Online. Join novelists Jennifer Gennari and Lisa Moore Ramée for a six-week online deep dive into revision, where you’ll learn to enhance emotion, sharpen action, and refine your novel’s impact. Through live sessions, structured assignments, community support, and personalized feedback, you’ll build the skills needed to enrich your novel.
Whole Novel Workshop: A Virtual Course for Middle Grade and Young Adult Writers. May 7 - July 16, 2025: Online. A transformative opportunity to have your entire draft (up to 80,000 words) of a novel read by faculty, with detailed written feedback and a private consultation provided. This online program is for any writer of a middle grade or young adult novel. Apply by March 24. Waitlisted.
Storymakers Conference. May 8 - 10, 2025: Provo, Utah. The Storymakers conference features over a hundred classes geared toward aspiring and established writers alike, taught by some of the best presenters in the publishing industry. Some past keynote speakers have included such names as Brandon Sanderson, Lois Lowry, Jennifer A. Nielsen, Shannon Hale, Ally Condie, and more!
2025 Portland Writing Workshop. May 9, 2025: Portland, OR. This writing event is a wonderful opportunity to get intense instruction over the course of one day, pitch a literary agent or editor (optional), get your questions answered, and more. Note that there are limited seats at the event (175 total).
Pittsburgh Writing Workshop. May 9 - 10, 2025: Online. "This is a special two-day “How to Get Published” writing workshop. In other words, it’s two days 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. And even though this is the “Pittsburgh” Writing Workshop, make no mistake — writers from everywhere are welcome to attend virtually. Our WDW writers conferences have helped dozens of writers find literary agent representation." Will be held virtually.
Seattle Writers Workshop. May 10, 2025: Seattle, WA. This is a special one-day “How to Get Published” writing workshop. 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.
Longleaf Writers Conference. May 10 - 17, 2025: Seaside, Florida. "Formerly the Seaside Writers Conference, Longleaf Writers Conference is an annual gathering of creative writers from all over the nation, featuring award-winning writers in poetry and fiction and screenwriting who will offer a full week of intensive writing workshops, one day seminars, school outreach programs, and social events. This event occurs every year in May, and offers the opportunity for beginning, intermediate and advanced writers to celebrate writing, to network with other writers, and to hone their craft. There will also be seminars hosted by professional editors and literary agents who will offer one-on-one consultations. All participants who pay the full conference tuition fee will be able to take part in all daily activities, while those paying a la carte pricing will have the pick of which classes and workshops they would like to attend. The Longleaf Writers Conference is one of the only conferences in the nation to take place on one of the most beautiful beaches in the US, and every year will feature notable guest writers, literary agents, and professional editors."
The Craft of Short Stories: An Online Workshop. May 15 - June 12, 2025: Online. The short story is a nimble medium that leaves room for experimentation. Some stories run entirely on language, some on mood. Some contain an entire world, some are slices of life. In this generative writing workshop, we will study the engines of a wide range of contemporary short stories and figure out why they are effective. We will look at voice, character, setting, point of view and story to discuss techniques and terminologies, craft and content. By the end of this course, we will have tools to create, revise and polish our own short stories. Participants are encouraged to bring a work-in-progress to develop, or come empty-handed to write something brand new.
Pacific University Master of Fine Arts in Writing Residency Writers Conference. Application deadline May 15, 2025: 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.
IBPA Publishing University. May 15 - 17, 2025: Saint Paul, Minnesota. The Independent Book Publishers Association offers 30+ educational sessions including experiential learning labs, insightful keynotes, a gala book award ceremony, networking events, and more!
Bookstock Literary Festival. May 16 - 18, 2025: Woodstock, Vermont. Expect 50+ speakers, author signings, live music, workshops, exhibits, special events and a huge tent sale of 10,000-12,000 used & rare books. All events and workshops are free and open to the public.
Colrain Classic. May 16 - 19, 2025: Via Zoom. "The Colrain Manuscript Classic is a highly focused, 3.5 day conference designed for poets with manuscripts in progress. The Classic features in-depth pre-conference work and candid, realistic evaluation and feedback from nationally-known poets, editors and publishers. In preparation, participants work at home on pre-conference assignments and then, in the workshop, review, arrange, and winnow their work based on the pre-conference work. In addition to the manuscript preparation workshop and editor sessions, there will be an editorial Q&A, and an after-conference strategy session."
The 2025 Cincinnati Writing Workshop. May 17, 2025: Cincinnati, OH. "This is a special one-day “How to Get Published” writing workshop on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at the Courtyard Cincinnati North at Union Centre (West Chester). 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."
Kachemak Bay Writers' Conference. May 17 - 20, 2025: Homer, Alaska. We are looking forward to welcoming you to the 2025 conference on May 17-20 at the beautiful Kachemak Bay Campus in downtown Homer, Alaska. There will there be four-days of craft classes, agent and editor meetings, panel discussions, readings by the participants and the faculty, and more chances for folks to interact with each other and form the community of writers that sustains us when we return to our desks.
Writeaway in New Mexico. May 17 - 24, 2025: Casa Bellisima, New Mexico. $3.200 for private room; $2,800 each for friends or couple sharing a room Includes writing consultations and daily writing workshops, all meals, wine and cocktails, plus a cooking class and excursion. Full
Boldface Conference for Emerging Writers. May 19 - 23, 2025: Houston, Texas. Daily workshops, readings, craft talks, social events and professionalism panels in an intimate and supportive environment designed specifically with the needs of emerging writers in mind.
The Poetry Bandit: An Online Workshop. May 19 - June 23, 2025: Online. Enliven your language, invoke your inner child and fall in love with writing all over again. In this course, we will rekindle our creativity and expand our writing toolbox by experimenting with found text. Inspiring exercises will lead us to write centos and erasures, lift speech from overheard conversations and interrogate repetitive language to refresh our storytelling. We will share our work and also cover the ethics of using found texts as well as best practices when submitting for publication. Whether you’re a seasoned poet or new to poetry, here’s an opportunity to learn some fun tricks to elevate your writing.
From Pencil Or Paint To Pixel: A Two-Night Mini For Beginning Illustrators. May 20 - 22, 2025: Online. Beginning illustrators can join children’s book author/illustrator Courtney Pippin-Mathur to talk about approaches to using different media (traditional and/or digital) in your illustrations. Special guest Aram Kim will join us the second day for ten tips about submitting work to an art director (traditional and/or digital). Will be conducted online.
Balticon. May 23 - 26, 2025: Baltimore, MD. Balticon is sponsored by the Baltimore Science Fiction Society (BSFS). BSFS presents the Compton Crook Award, the Robert A. Heinlein Award, and the winner of the annual Jack L. Chalker Young Writer's Contest annually at this event. Multiple tracks of Programming over the four day weekend, featuring authors, artists, scientists, musicians, podcasters, publishers, editors, costumers and other creative SF luminaries.
North Words Writers Symposium. May 28 - 31, 2025: Skagway, Alaska. "Exploring the Frontiers of Language," the North Words Writers Symposium welcomes all to an intimate setting with just 40 participants engaging with authors in a spectacular Alaska setting. Join this year's faculty of Alaska-NW authors for four days of panel discussions, writing workshops, readings, and adventure in Skagway, Alaska. Symposium events include activities such as hiking and writing workshops, a barbecue with live music at Alderworks Writers & Artists Retreat in Dyea; and a keynote banquet in a show garden. REGISTER by May 10.
The Crash Course in Children’s Book Publishing (Spring). May 28 - July 30, 2025: Online. Join lead faculty Harold Underdown and special guests for a Crash Course in Children’s Publishing. At the end of the course, you will understand how the children’s book publishing industry works, including submitting, publishing, marketing a book for children, teens, or young adults, and beginning ideas about craft and critique.
Mountain Heritage Literary Festival. May 30 - 31, 2025: Cumberland Gap, TN. "Every year writers gather at the ancient and beloved Cumberland Gap to celebrate writing, music, and Appalachian heritage. Events include workshops, panels, readings, concerts, lectures, open mic, and more."
The Bay Area Book Festival. May 31 - June 1, 2025: Berkeley, California. The free Bay Area Book Festival celebrates books and literature with a heavy focus on readings and author talks. But you’ll also find panel discussions and writing workshops for youth and adults. There’s one large adult program stage, a robust children’s area with activities and readings, and more than 100 exhibitors and food vendors.
The Massachusetts Poetry Festival. May 31 - June 1, 2025: Salem, Massachusetts. The Mass Poetry Festival offers nearly 100 poetry readings and workshops, a small press and literary fair, panels, poetry slams, and open-air readings. More than 150 poets will engage with thousands of New Englanders. Biennial.
Workshops with application deadlines in May
Orion Environmental Writers’ Workshop. June 15 - 20, 2025: 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. Application deadline May 1.
Viable Paradise Science Fiction Writers' Workshop. Oct 19 - 24, 2025: Martha’s Vineyard, MA. Viable Paradise is a unique one-week residential workshop in writing and selling commercial science fiction and fantasy. The workshop is intimate, intense, and features extensive time spent with best-selling and award-winning authors and professional editors currently working in the field. VP concentrates on the art of writing fiction people want to read, and this concentration is reflected in post-workshop professional sales by our alumni. Application deadline May 15.
RSS Feed