Writers' Conferences in 2012

Looking to network with fellow writers, agents and editors next year? I can't say enough good things about writers' conferences for building those all-important connections. So far, I've managed to attend meetings of the Historical Novel Society and Writers' Digest, both well worth the costs because of the diverse topics each offered to writers. You can learn the basic elements of craft, how to sell manuscripts and market your published works, insight into character sketches and research, or pitch to your dream agent or editor. Conferences are one of the best opportunities to aid personal growth and reach your publication goals. If you're worried about financing a future trip, I hope this listing of the following conferences in 2012 will give you ample time to save up - you'll want to attend at least one these venues next year. 

January 2012

2012 Writers' Digest Conference: January 20-22, Sheraton New York Hotel. $525 for general three day registration, $375 for Saturday attendance only or $275 for student registration with student ID and proof of enrollment. Note that this does not include room reservation. Highlights: Author Barry Eisler & agent Chuck Sambuchino.  


13th Annual Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators Conference: January 28-29, Grand Hyatt, NYC. Early registration rate of $360 for members, $450 for non-members. 

February 2012

2012 San Francisco Writers Conference: February 16-20, Intercontinental Mark Hopkins Hotel, California. $595 general registration (ends December 31, 2011), $695 thereafter, $645 includes Speed Dating with Agents session. Room rate $179 per night. Highlights: Author Lisa See.  

March 2012

Sleuthfest 2012: March 1-4, Royal Plaza Walt Disney World Resort, Orlando, Florida. Sponsored by the local Mystery Writers of America chapter. $255 for MWA members, $275 for non-members by January 15 to avoid a late fee. Room rate $119 per night. Highlights: Author Charlaine Harris. 

April 2012

Romantic Times Booklovers Convention: April 11-15, Hyatt Regency O'Hare Hotel, Rosemont, Illinois. Varying rates for writers and industry insiders. Room rate $130 per night. 

May 2012

DFW Writers' Conference: May 19-20, Hurst Conference Center, Dallas-Forth Worth, North Texas. Regular registration $295 until March 19, late registration $325 until April 19; thereafter $350 until May 19. Highlights: Author James Rollins.

Backspace Writers Conference: May 24-26, Radisson Martinique, NYC. $425 conference registration through February 1; $525 thereafter OR $595 conference registration includes author-agent day through February 1; $720 thereafter.  Call for room rate. Highlights: Agent Donald Maass

June 2012

32nd Annual Romance Writers of America Conference: July 25-28, Anaheim Marriott, California. Registration opens January 16. Varying rates based on member, non-member and early or late registration status. Highlights: Authors Stephanie Laurens and Robyn Carr.    

July 2012

7th Annual ThrillerFest: July 11-14, Grand Hyatt, NYC. Varying registration packages. Call for room rates. Highlights: Authors Jack Higgins, R.L. Stine, Lee Child and Catherine Coulter (whom I always thought of as a romantic novelist - learn something new everyday!).

August 2012

Killer Nashville: August 24-26, Hutton Hotel, Tennessee. Varied  registration rates, including student and senior citizen discounts. Highlights: Authors C.J. Box and Peter Straub.  

September 2012

8th Annual UK Historical Novel Society Conference:  September 29-30, The University of Westminster on Regent Street, Central London, United Kingdom. Registration details forthcoming.

October 2012

Surrey International Writers Conference 2012: October 19-21, Sheraton Vancouver Guildford Hotel, British Columbia, Canada. Receive updates on registration rates. Check room rates online. 

November 2012

American Christian Writers Conference: November 2-3, Phoenix, Arizona. Registration details forthcoming.

December 2012

Check back for updates.


If you decide to attend any of the conferences, safe travels, and enjoy the experience! I'm sure you'll find it worthwhile.