What Writing Conferences Do You Recommend?

Although writing conferences can be expensive, you can’t beat them for education in the craft of writing and access to agents and editors. What writing conferences do you recommend?

In-Person Conferences

If you write Christian fiction, I recommend American Christian Fiction Writers national conference. I’ve attended 3 times and learned a lot both about writing and marketing. I also signed up for 15 minute appointments with agents and editors to pitch my novel. Those appointments make the price of the conference worth it because agents and editors take a writer, who has invest time and money in a conference more seriously, than someone who just sends a query letter.

If you write Christian fiction or nonfiction, try the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. I’ve attended once, in 2020. Then the conference was much smaller, which I liked. So I don’t know if a fully attended conference would feel overwhelming. Again, they had great sessions and opportunities to talk to industry professionals and successful authors one on one.

If you write anything in the mystery genre, check out Killer Nashville International Writers Conference. I attended in 2019. I liked the smaller conference and the sessions are what any mystery writer would love. There were sessions on writing, marketing, and with law enforcement professionals talking about what they do.

Online Conference

The biggest problem with conferences is the cost. But if you want to stay at home and save money, you should try the conference hosted by Mt. Zion Ridge Press. They offer sessions for both fiction and nonfiction Christian writers. The appointments with editors are not only for Mt. Zion Ridge Press but other small Christian presses. I’ve attended and taught at the conference and enjoyed being on both a teacher and student.

Now it’s your turn. What writing conferences do you recommend?