See Expanding Your Network, Part I: Associations
In my previous post on Associations, I highlighted a few writers’/editors’ associations to help you begin (or continue) growing your network. In this post, I’m focusing on the other side of that: literary events.
Yes, you must sometimes be an extrovert! (Maybe some of you already are and this is no shock to you. For the rest of us? Deep breaths.)
Why Do I Have to Network?
Publishing is still often about who you know and who you connect with. The best place to connect and be remembered is often at live events, where you can share interests, form a bond, and imprint your face on other writers, agents, etc. (That’s not to say that I don’t love my online connections, but the moment one of you changes your avatar or profile picture, you risk me being unable to remember if you’re that Joanie or a new one! It’s happened!)
What Happens at Literary Events?
Experiences can vary by event, with multi-day conferences having more time and space to offer variety.
Some are simply book fairs with a meet and greet element.
Some events may have a schedule full of inspiring and informative panels that help you write or publish.
Others may allow you to submit your work for a query, first chapter, or manuscript critiques, or even a pitch to attending literary agents or acquisitions editors of your choice.
Many ensure there’s an opportunity for you to nurture and grow your network of writers and publishing professionals.
And—of course—the books. There are so many books.
You’ll find that several of the events below are either New England-based or centered around sci-fi/fantasy genres. That’s because that’s my wheelhouse! Several are also large and popular, meaning the registration fee may be $$$. Do your research and find what works for you.
At the bottom, I have a brief note about finding events local to you and for your genre(s).
Side Note: Please Be Healthy and Courteous
The majority of these are in-person events (although several have a virtual component, and a few are fully virtual). Please stay up to date on your vaccinations, and if you are sick stay home.
15 Annual Literary Events to Check Out
Arisia
New England’s Largest, Most Diverse Sci-Fi & Fantasy Convention; based in Boston, MA
From their site: “The Arisia convention [brings] together fans from around the world to celebrate the best and brightest stars in the science fiction and fantasy genres.”
Next: January 16–19, 2026, in Boston, Massachusetts
Cost: Yes; varies
Special note: While this convention includes a literary component, it encompasses all things sci-fi/fantasy, including games, art, etc.
Atlanta Writers Conference
From their site: “The conference features pitch sessions, a workshop on emotional survival skills for writers, a bookfair, and manuscript and query letter critiques for poets, fiction writers, nonfiction writers, and graphic novelists.”
Next: May 1–2, 2026, in Atlanta, Georgia (with virtual critique/pitch options)
Cost: Yes; varies by events/query critiques, etc.
AWP Conference & Bookfair
Organized by the Association of Writers & Writing Programs; location changes each year
From their site: “The AWP Conference & Bookfair is the annual destination for writers, teachers, students, editors, and publishers of contemporary creative writing. It includes thousands of attendees, hundreds of events and bookfair exhibitors, and four days of essential literary conversation and celebration.”
Next: March 4–7, 2026, in Baltimore, Maryland (with virtual options)
Cost: Yes; varies by member/nonmember and in-person/virtual
Boston Book Festival
From their site: “The Boston Book Festival celebrates the power of words to stimulate, agitate, unite, delight, and inspire by holding year-round events culminating in an annual, free Festival that promotes a culture of reading and ideas and enhances the vibrancy of our city.”
Next: October 17, 2025, in Boston, Massachusetts
Cost: Free and open to the public
Brattleboro Literary Festival
From their site: “The festival has grown from year to year to become one of the region’s most significant annual events, drawing more tourists, more sponsors and has presented over 900 authors.”
Next: Est. October 2026 in Brattleboro, Vermont
Cost: Free and open to the public
Hudson Children’s Book Festival
From their site: “The festival […] strives to create, sustain, and nurture a culture of literacy in partnership with our community and schools. This free, public event fosters a love of reading as families meet and greet world-class creators of books for children of all ages.
Next: May 2, 2026, in Hudson, New York
Cost: Free and open to the public
Imaginarium Book Festival
For lovers of the fantastical; based in Washington, D.C.
From their site: “Imaginarium Book Festival brings together people who share a love for fantastical story-telling. Whether you are a newcomer to the fantasy, science fiction, and paranormal genres, or a longtime fan, you’re sure to find the book that makes you feel at home.”
Next: June 5–6, 2026, in Washington, D.C.
Cost: Yes; different levels and add-ons offered
Portland Book Festival
From their site: “This daylong event features author discussions, pop-up readings, writing workshops for youth and adults, kids’ story times, an extensive book fair, local food trucks, and more!”
Next: November 2026, in Washington, D.C.
Cost: Yes; varies (lower cost if pre-purchased, but can purchase pass day-of)
Readercon
Book festival for science fiction, fantasy, and speculative fiction
From their site: “Although Readercon is modeled on general ‘science fiction conventions,’ we feature a near-total focus on the written word. Readercon is the only small convention regularly attended by such giants of imaginative literature as Samuel R. Delany, Ellen Datlow, Amal El-Mohtar, John Crowley, Greer Gilman, and Catherynne M. Valente.”
Next: July 9–12, 2026, in Burlington, Massachusetts
Cost: Yes; varies
SCBWI Summer Conference
From their site: “This event features breakout sessions with tracks for illustrators, picture book writers, nonfiction writers, self-published writers and traditionally published authors plus keynote addresses from kidlit icons and industry panels.”
Next: Expected July/August 2026, virtually
Cost: Yes; TBD (may be limited to SCBWI members only)
SCBWI Winter Conference
From their site: “This event features deep-dive creative labs, keynote addresses from kidlit icons, industry panels, one-on-one manuscript and portfolio consultations, and an in-person Portfolio Showcase.”
Next: January 16–18, 2026, in New York City
Cost: Yes; varies by membership status
SCBWI Regional Conferences and Events
Regional conferences and events are offered to SCBWI members from different regions to help facilitate connections.
Next: Varies
Cost: Varies
SFWA Nebula Conference
From their site: “Our main goals for each year’s Nebula Conference are to provide excellent professional development, foster community among SFF aspiring and industry professionals, and of course, celebrate our Nebula Award finalists and honorees throughout the weekend, but most especially at the Nebula Award ceremony.
Next: June 6–7, 2026, in Chicago, Illinois
Cost: Yes; varies by in-person/virtual ($$$)
WisCon
From their site: “WisCon is a 1,000-member science fiction convention with a feminist/social justice focus. Every year we celebrate, dissect, and transform speculative literature, television, film, comics, and games. We specifically aim to foster conversations about feminism(s), gender, race, disability, and class.”
Next: May 21–25, 2026; virtual (returning in person in 2027)
Cost: Yes; varies
Special note: While this convention includes a literary component, it encompasses all things sci-fi/fantasy, including games, art, etc.
Women in Publishing Summit
From their site: “Our community and conference help aspiring and published authors and publishing professionals grow their businesses and expand their networks and skills. Both groups find the people they need to be—better together!“
Next: March 8–11, 2026; virtual
Cost: Yes; varies with early-bird pricing and the occasional special offer
Special note: WIP is changing up its format in 2026
What’s Not Here
There are a couple of events I’ve intentionally left out due to controversy in recent years.
Events for Editors
There are plenty of these as well, but here are a few favorites from the world of editors:
ACES Conference
From their site: “You’ll experience practical training, an inclusive community, and time to network and build your business skills.”
Next: In person: April 23–25, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia; Virtual: September 16–18, 2026
Cost: Yes; varies
Red Pencil Conference
From their site: “A learning and networking forum for members of the Northwest Editors Guild, colleagues, and friends in the editing community, this one-day conference hosts sessions that speak to both freelancers and in-house editors, covering a variety of professional topics from plain language editing to publishing trends and more.”
Next: TBD
Cost: Yes; varies
EFA Conference
Next: TBD 2026
Cost: Yes; varies
Finding Your Local Literary Events & Book Festivals
It may sound a little on the nose, but if you’re looking for more local events, check in with your library, community centers, universities, and bookstores. They’re the most likely folks to be involved in or know about literary goings-on in your area. Community-based events are often also free and open to the public, unlike some of the above that are nationally or globally known.
Originally posted September 29, 2023 | Updated December 18, 2025
