by Scott Lorenz | Blog, Book Events, Book Fairs, Book Festivals, Book Marketing, Book Promotion, Book Publicity, Christian Writer's Conferences, Promoting a Book, Writers Conferences
By Scott Lorenz
WestWind Book Marketing
If you’re a Christian writer and want to take your career to the next level, then writers’ conferences are certainly worth exploring.
There are many Christian writers’ conferences that can give you the opportunity to meet and learn from other authors, pitch your book, and network with agents, editors, and book marketing experts.
Here’s a good overview of some of the Christian writers’ conferences in 2025 that you should consider attending:
February 21–23, 2025: Asheville Christian Writers Conference (Asheville, NC). The Asheville Christian Writers Conference is a small conference limited to 120 attendees. It will offer one-on-one mentoring and critiques with award-winning authors. https://ashevillechristianwritersconference.com/
March 7–8, 2025: Carolina Christian Writers Conference (Spartanburg, SC). The Carolina Christian Writers Conference will offer tips and tricks on topics like book proposals, social networking, and pitching to editors and publishers. https://www.carolinacwc.com/
March 14–15, 2025: Mid-South Christian Writers Conference (Collierville, TN). This workshop will be full of workshops by editors and agents, a keynote speaker, and faculty appointments. https://midsouthchristianwriters.com/
May 26–30, 2025: Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference (Black Mountain, NC). The Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference will offer a keynote speaker, workshops, and plenty of networking opportunities for new and seasoned writers. https://www.blueridgeconference.com/
June 10–13, 2025: Write to Publish Conference (Wheaton, IL). Write-to-Publish, which is owned and managed by the Christian Writers Institute will host a conference with a focus on networking. https://writetopublish.com/
June 18–22, 2025: St. Davids Christian Writers’ Conference (Meadville, PA). Held at Allegheny College, the St. Davids Christian Writers’ Conference will feature boot camps, workshops, and more. https://stdavidswriters.com/
July 18–20, 2025: Realm Makers 2025 (St. Louis, MO). Realm Makers is specifically designed for Chrisitan writers who write speculative fiction. https://www.realmmakers.com/annual-conference/
July 25–26, 2025: Taylor University Professional Writers Conference 2025 (Upland, IN). Sponsored by Taylor University’s nationally recognized Professional Writing major, this conference stresses tools and tips for getting your writing into print. You’ll learn from professional writers and network with agents and editors who can take you to the next level in your writing. https://taylorprofessionalwritersconference.weebly.com/
October 22–26, 2025: Florida Christian Writers Conference (Leesburg, FL). This conference will include workshops, VIP breakfasts with special speakers, and the chance to connect to agents, editors, and award-winning writers. https://word-weavers.com/floridaevents
April 11–15, 2025: Vision Christian Writers Conference (Felton, CA). This is an annual gathering of collaborative, mutually encouraging writers focused on improving their skills, networking with professionals (agents, editors, publishers, etc.), and enjoying the fellowship of like-minded folks. https://vcwconf.com/
March 12–15, 2025: Blue Lake Christian Writers Retreat (Andalusia, AL). At Blue Lake Christian Writers Retreat, you’ll experience the benefits of a large writers’ conference, but on a more personal level. Whether you’re a beginning or experienced writer, interested in fiction or nonfiction, our faculty of seasoned professionals can teach you how to improve your writing skills, market your work, and get published. https://bluelakecwr.com/
May 1–3, 2025: Mt Zion Ridge Press Online Writing Conference 2025 (via Zoom, Virtual). The Online Conference with an In Person Experience. It covers fiction, non-fiction, children’s books, marketing, and more. Keynote Speaker: Allen Arnold. https://mzrpchristianwritingconference.com/
The Bottom Line: If you’re writing or have written a book with a Christian theme or genre, Christian Writers’ Conferences are well worth the investment. They can help propel your writing career forward.
Book publicist Scott Lorenz is President of Westwind Communications, a public relations and marketing firm that has a special knack for working with authors to help them get all the publicity they deserve and more. Lorenz works with bestselling authors and self-published authors promoting all types of books, whether it’s their first book or their 15th book. He’s handled publicity for books by CEOs, CIA Officers, Navy SEALS, Homemakers, Fitness Gurus, Doctors, Lawyers and Adventurers.
His clients have been featured by Good Morning America, FOX & Friends, CNN, ABC News, New York Times, Nightline, TIME, PBS, LA Times, USA Today, Washington Post, Woman’s World, & Howard Stern to name a few.
Learn more about Westwind Communications’ book marketing approach at https://westwindbookmarketing.com/ or contact Lorenz at [email protected] or 734-667-2090 or fill out the form below. Follow Lorenz on Twitter @aBookPublicist. Want help titling a book? Check out Scott Lorenz’s new award winning, bestselling book: Book Title Generator- A Proven System in Naming Your Book www.BookTitleGenerator.net.
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by Scott Lorenz | Blog, Book Promotion, Book Publicity, Marketing a Book, Promoting a Book, Writers Conferences, Writing a Book
By Scott Lorenz
Westwind Communications
If you are a serious writer with high aspirations, then you’ll want to go to a writers’ conference. Want to meet authors and exchange ideas, tips and techniques? Then sign up for a writer’s conference today.
A writers’ conference is a think tank for authors to build on each other’s ideas and inspire new achievements in their own work. For the cost of lodging and registration, the payoff for attending a writers’ conference could be tremendous.
Attending a writers’ conference gives you a chance to pitch your book, learn about the various publishing options and meet book editors, agents and book marketing specialists. If your book is six months or a year from being finished, you can talk to people with valuable input on shaping your book. At a writers’ conference, you’ll get all sorts of advice to help you wrap up your project when you return home.
Of course, you will want to prepare for any writers’ conference you attend by having a plan of what you want to find out and what you will do while there. I suggest you develop an ‘elevator pitch’ about your book that you can deliver in 30 seconds. Have a one-pager available with your book cover, author headshot, short 50-word synopsis, short bio, website URL, Twitter handle and your contact information. You never know who you’ll meet so be prepared for that moment!
Here are some upcoming writers’ conferences in 2025:
January 18–19, 2025: South Asian Literary Association Annual Conference (Virtual). In the 2025 annual meeting of SALA, we take seriously the call for collective action, coalition building and solidarity between Black and South Asian peoples across the world in the aftermath of Black Lives Matter and new awareness about anti-Asian racism. https://southasianliteraryassociation.org/annual-conference/
February 6–9, 2025: 21st Annual San Francisco Writers Conference (San Francisco, CA). The San Francisco Writers Conference (“SFWC”) enjoys a rich literary culture. Over the course of four days, over 500 attendees and renowned keynote authors, presenters, editors, and agents, attend SFWC, combining the best of both the traditional publishing industry with the latest technology to empower authors to publish anywhere. Situated just north of Silicon Valley, the SFWC is truly a one-of-a-kind celebration of craft, commerce, and community. https://www.sfwriters.org/
February 14–16, 2025: Southern California Writers Conference (San Diego, CA). Founded and run by professional writers the SCWC provides veteran and emerging talent with authoritative guidance to help distinguish those manuscripts that are ready for market consideration, having facilitated well over $4 million worth of first-time authors’ book and screen deals. https://writersconference.com/sd/
February 21–25, 2025: Write to Learn Conference (Columbia, MO). Full disclosure, I swiped this year’s theme (with permission) from the title of Bonnie Davis’s book, How to Teach Students Who Don’t Look Like You: Culturally Responsive Teaching Strategies. Bonnie, an old friend, was one of the early leaders in this field that has now come to be known as Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). – says Willy Wood, Write to Learn Conference Coordinator. https://web.cvent.com/event/e387a59d-1ebe-4e1f-85e8-7fb9869c8b56/summary
February 24–28, 2025: 30th Annual Writers at the Symposium by the Sea (San Diego, CA). Writer’s Symposium by the Sea is an annual event to inspire readers and writers alike, featuring evocative conversations with exemplary writers from various genres, backgrounds, and perspectives. During each interview, the audience is invited to actively listen in as writers share what inspires their writing and delve into the practices that propel their success. https://www.pointloma.edu/2025writers
February 27– March 8, 2025: 2025 Sierra Writers Conference (Rocklin, CA). The 2025 Sierra Writers Conference celebrates the 22nd anniversary of Sierra College Press and Standing Guard, its landmark book of stories about Japanese internment during WWII. This year’s conference draws on the spirit of the Sierra College Press, its first publication, and the talent of a diverse group of speakers who will discuss and provide instruction on stories of social justice, the environment, and the craft of writing. https://sierrawritersconference.wordpress.com/
March 1–2, 2025: Gotham Writers Genre Fiction Conference (Via Zoom). The Gotham Writers Genre Fiction Writers Conference happens in March 2025, for writers of mystery, horror, and science fiction & fantasy books. Gotham Writers has two conferences per year, targeted to different corners of the publishing world. https://www.writingclasses.com/writers-conference/home
March 6–7, 2025: 28th ASU Writers Conference in Honor of Elmer Kelton (San Angelo, TX). The 2025 conference will commemorate the 28th Angelo State University Writers Conference in Honor of Elmer Kelton. Our two-day conference is one of the few in the state that requires no registration or attendance fees for presenters and guests. https://www.angelo.edu/departments/english-modern-languages/writers_conference.php
March 8, 2025: Bay to Ocean Writers Conference 2025 (Chesapeake College, Wye Mills, MD). Now celebrating its 28th year, the Bay to Ocean Writers Conference is a one-day event that has attracted more than 4,000 writers over its history. It is sponsored by the Eastern Shore Writers Association (ESWA), a non-profit organization of writers from across the Delmarva Peninsula. https://www.easternshorewriters.org/event-5975520
March 15, 2025: The 2025 Atlanta Writing Workshop (Atlanta, GA). The title of the Atlanta Writing Workshop is “How to Get Published.” It focuses on classes and advice intended to help you get your works published. https://atlantawritingworkshop.com/
March 12–15, 2025: Blue Lake Christian Writers Conference (Andalusia, AL). At Blue Lake Christian Writers Retreat, you’ll experience the benefits of a large writers’ conference, but on a more personal level. Whether you’re a beginning or experienced writer, interested in fiction or nonfiction, our faculty of seasoned professionals can teach you how to improve your writing skills, market your work, and get published. https://bluelakecwr.com/
March 19–21, 2025: 56th Annual UND Writers Conference (Grand Forks, ND). Founded in 1970 and held every year since, the UND Writers Conference is a three-day event featuring six to eight authors annually ranging from Gwendolyn Brooks and August Wilson to Tommy Orange and Colson Whitehead. The UND Writers Conference is committed to community outreach, engagement, and finding ways to increase audience access to literature. https://und.edu/writers-conference/index.html
March 21–23, 2025: Let’s Just Write! An Uncommon Writers Conference (Chicago, IL). Let’s Just Write! An Uncommon Writers Conference was named one of the best conferences in the U.S. by The Writer Magazine two years in a row! Two days, twenty-plus presenters, workshops, sessions, panels…and more. https://www.chicagowrites.org/conference
March 22, 2025: Atlanta Self-Publishing Conference (Atlanta, GA). They offer the Atlanta Self-Publishing Conference annually for authors who are interested in self-publishing or who have self-published and want to get the most out of their publishing business. https://atlantawritersclub.org/aspc/
March 26–29, 2025: AWP Conference 2025 (Los Angeles, CA). The AWP Conference & Bookfair is the essential gathering for writers, teachers, students, editors, and publishers. Join thousands of attendees, explore hundreds of events and exhibitors, and immerse in four days of vital literary community and celebration in Los Angeles! https://s2.goeshow.com/awp/annual/2025/index.cfm
March 28–29, 2025: American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW)- Colorado Springs Chapter (Colorado Springs, CO). American Christian Fiction Writers, Colorado Springs Chapter, has offered an affordable conference experience for Christian writers annually since 2009. We invite you to join us at Glen Eyrie Castle in the foothills of Colorado Springs, Colorado, for an unforgettable weekend of teaching, fellowship and inspired writing, whether you are already an established author or just starting your journey to publication. https://acfwcosprings.net/
April 3–5, 2025: 22nd Las Vegas Writers Conference (Las Vegas, NV). This year – and every year – the 22nd Las Vegas Writers Conference is dedicated to helping writers of all genres improve their craft, sharpen their business skills, and network with publishing professionals. Held each spring, this year’s conference will draw virtual attendees from around the world. Pitch sessions with literary agents and editors are included in the price of registration. Writers will have the opportunity for one-on-one mentoring sessions with faculty members and other published authors. https://lasvegaswritersconference.com/
April 3–6, 2025: The 2025 Chanticleer Authors Conference (Bellingham, WA). What makes the Chanticleer Author Conferences so special? Most importantly, the attendees! You are what makes this conference so special. Learning from the experts – Learn from the Best! Learning from each other and Networking and making new friends and connections. https://www.chantireviews.com/chanticleer-conference/
April 10–11, 2025, International Conference on Corpus Design, Compilation and Linguistics (Boston, MA). International Conference on Corpus Design, Compilation and Linguistics aims to bring together leading academic scientists, researchers and research scholars to exchange and share their experiences and research results on all aspects of Corpus Design, Compilation and Linguistics. It also provides a premier interdisciplinary platform for researchers, practitioners and educators to present and discuss the most recent innovations, trends, and concerns as well as practical challenges encountered, and solutions adopted in the fields of Corpus Design, Compilation and Linguistics. https://waset.org/corpus-design-compilation-and-linguistics-conference-in-april-2025-in-boston
April 11–12, 2025: Moravian Writers Conference (Bethlehem, PA). To celebrate the conference’s 11-year anniversary, this FREE conference (featuring in-person and live streamed events) will focus on different approaches for thinking about story and story sharing. https://www.moravian.edu/writersconference
April 11–15, 2025: Vision Christian Writers Conference (Felton, CA). The Vision Christian Writing Conference is the response to the devastating news that Mt. Hermon was ceasing their legacy 50-year writing conference at the beginning of the pandemic. https://vcwconf.com/
April 24–26, 2025: NWG Annual Conference (Omaha, NE). The Nebraska Writers Guild offers three days of consultations, critique boot camps, and shop talk seminars. Appointments with literary agents like Kristina Slater are first-come, first-served, and have no extra cost. This conference is perfect for writers who would rather focus on intimate group or pair discussions rather than large panels. Workshops are capped to allow for in-depth discussion and a focus on networking without small talk. https://nebraskawriters.org/the-nebraska-writers-guild-2025-annual-conference/
May 1–3, 2025: 2025 OWFI Writers Conference (Oklahoma City, OK). Founded in 1968, the Oklahoma Writers’ Federation, Inc. (OWFI) is a non‑profit federation of writers’ groups dedicated to promoting higher standards for the written word. We believe that the literary profession has come of age and merits a fair share of the critical acclaim so generously lavished on other worthwhile arts. OWFI shall seek to coordinate and encourage professional writing within and without its organization and promote the recognition of outstanding contributions to the written language. https://www.owfi.org/
May 2–3, 2025: Lakefly Writers Conference, (Oshkosh, WI). EVERYONE HAS A STORY! Come to the Oshkosh Premier Waterfront Hotel and Convention Center for a two-day conference. They offer workshops on the craft and business of writing designed to inspire and guide your creative journey. https://lakeflywriters.org/
May 2–3, 2025: The 2025 Washington Writers Conference (Rockville, MD). The Washington Independent Review of Books presents the 12th annual Washington Writers Conference, the DC area’s premier literary gathering! Visit www.wirobooks.com for complete conference information. https://www.washingtonindependentreviewofbooks.com/page/the-2025-washington-writers-conference
May 2–3, 2025: Atlanta Writers Conference (Atlanta, GA). AWC’s 32nd conference offers an in-person experience for all activities—critiques and pitches, a workshop, Q&A panels, free talks, an award ceremony, a book fair & more—and a virtual option for agent/editor meetings https://atlantawritersconference.com/
May 2–4, 2025: 32nd Annual Pikes Peak Writers Conference (Colorado Springs, CO). The Future is Now. Join us as we look at the present and future of publishing. Look at where you are in your career and where you want to be and let us help you chart your course to the stars. Don’t be a Red Shirt! Let us help you soar to success! https://conference.pikespeakwriters.org/
May 2–4, 2025: 7th Annual Sonoma Valley Authors Festival (Sonoma, CA). The Sonoma Valley Authors Festival Brings people together to hear authors from a variety of literary genres and speakers who discuss advances being made in science, technology, and medicine. https://svauthorsfest.org/
May 3, 2025: The 2025 Michigan Writing Workshop (Detroit, MI). At this writers’ conference, participants will enjoy a day of intense instruction on how to get their works published. https://michiganwritingworkshop.com/
May 6–7, 2025: Monterey Writers Retreat Conference (Pacific Grove, CA). Join us on the wondrously scenic and soothing Monterey Peninsula in Pacific Grove for the express purpose of working intimately with experienced author and agent professionals. Know that writers of every kind have journeyed for over a century to this location on the California west coast. They come in search of inspiration, individuality, purpose and vision, but more importantly, to share an understanding that art has preceded their arrival in the form of a brutally beautiful sea and windswept shore. https://montereywritersretreat.com/
May 8–10, 2025: Storymakers Conference (Provo, UT). The Storymakers Conference will consist of various classes that cover various topics such as cover design, marketing, creating a writing business, and the nuts and bolts of screenwriting. 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. https://storymakersguild.org/storymakers-conference
May 15–18, 2025: Looking Glass Rock Writers Conference (Brevard, NC). Exploring the theme “A Sense of Place,” small select groups of conference attendees experience working under the guidance of notable writers. Founded in 2016 as a partnership between the Transylvania County Library and Brevard College, the annual conference consists of writing workshops for select participants and public readings by the workshop leaders free to the community. https://www.lgrwc.org/
May 17–20, 2025. Kachemak Bay Writers Conference (Homer, AK). The Kachemak Bay Writers’ Conference has been the place where writers from Alaska and beyond come together to create community and learn how to be better writers. https://writersconf.kpc.alaska.edu/
May 26–30, 2025, Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference (Black Mountain, NC). The Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference began nearly four decades ago as a spirit-filled environment where writers could move forward in their writing journey and publishing dreams. The legacy event is focused on God’s path for each writer, and the conference is dedicated to meeting professional and spiritual needs. https://www.blueridgeconference.com/blue-ridge-mountains-christian-writers-conference/
May 29 – June 1, 2025: Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers 2025 Writers Retreat (Colorado Springs, CO). The RMFW 2025 Writers Retreat is taking place at the beautiful Franciscan Retreat Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Immersed in this tranquil environment, authors are encouraged to come and work, network with other authors, join a critique group, and gather valuable knowledge from others in the industry. Lodging and meals are included in the price of the retreat. https://rmfw.org/event/2025-writers-retreat/
May 31, 2025: Sacramento Book Festival (Sacramento, CA). For the second year running, Sacramento will have its very own book festival. The California Writers Club is excited to continue such an important event in Sacramento. We intend to develop this into an annual Sacramento Capital Experience. As usual, authors will be available to meet the public and talk about your writing. Signed copies of your work will be on sale, and feel free to expand your fan base. Aspiring writers will be able to meet members of the California Writers Club, to gain guidance on how to develop their art. Leaflets and CWC promotional material will be available for distribution to visitors. https://www.cwcsacramentowriters.org/sacramento-book-festival/
June 4–10, 2025: TWH MAINE “Mini MFA” Writers Conference (Boothbay Harbor, ME). The Writer’s Hotel Maine “Mini MFA” is a unique, hybrid, comprehensive writing program. Our programming includes our TWH two-editor pre-conference Team Reading, virtual agent pitching sessions and our conference at Sebasco Harbor Resort in Phippsburg, Maine—a magnificent seaside resort, just north of Portland. https://www.writershotel.com/twh-maine-mini-mfa-conferences
June 6–8, 2025: Between the Pages Writers Conference (Springfield, MO). Springfield Writer’s Guild, Sleuths’ Ink, and Ozarks Romance Authors are pleased to present the second annual Between the Pages Writers Con, June 6-8, 2025. Join us for an exciting lineup of guest speakers, workshops, and the opportunity to network with industry professionals. https://btpwriterscon.com/
June 6–10, 2025, SWA 2025 Writers Conference (St. Simon’s Island, GA). This low-key summer conference for Southeast-based writers features book signing, socializing, and workshops on writing, publishing, and marketing works. https://www.southeasternwritersassociation.org/
June 10-13, 2025: Write-to-Publish Conference (Wheaton, IL). Since 1971, Write to Publish has been training, inspiring and encouraging writers like you, connecting them with editors to help them improve their craft, with publishers who are looking for good books to publish, and with literary agents who can represent them. https://writetopublish.com/
June 16-20, 2025: 26th Anniversary – Writing and Illustrating for Young Readers Conference (Draper, UT). Writing and Illustrating for Young Readers presents an exciting five-day conference every June, consisting of intensive, week-long classes and daily breakout sessions. The heart of Writing and Illustrating for Young Readers is its morning workshops, where attendees have the opportunity to workshop their manuscripts with an industry professional. In the afternoon workshops, registrants have the opportunity to attend plenary and breakout sessions to learn more about the craft of writing.” https://www.wifyr.com/
June 17–21, 2025: ThrillerFest XX (New York, NY). Notable thriller writers like Dennis Lehane will join other experts to offer Master Classes, workshops, pitches, panel discussions, and more. The conference’s PitchFest and QueryFest offer opportunities for self-published authors, traditionally published authors, and unpublished authors seeking query letter or manuscript help. Pricing is via day passes, per event, or with packages. https://thrillerfest.com/
June 18–22, 2025: St. Davids Christian Writers’ Conference (Meadville, PA). This year’s theme is “Your Story, God’s Glory”. St. Davids is special. They’re an intimate gathering of writers that provides an opportunity to build a network, not by exchanging business cards in a busy hallway. Here they connect, like real people – laughing over lunch, chatting about their projects in the lounge, or giving their elevator pitch in genre group meetings. Writing is a different beast with the digital world but connecting with people is still done face to face. https://stdavidswriters.com/
June 23–28, 2025: Minnesota Northwoods Writers Conference (Bemidji, MN). The Minnesota Northwoods Writers Conference has given hundreds of participants from Minnesota and across the United States the opportunity to work closely with award-winning faculty. We offer a range of scholarships to support emerging writers, important voices, and community leaders. This writing conference is full of workshops, Q&A sessions, panel talks. https://www.northwoodswriters.org/
July 13–20, 2025: Port Townsend Writers Conference (Port Townsend, WA). Since 1974, the Port Townsend Writers Conference has brought together aspiring and master artists to talk about craft, ignite creativity, connect learners and mentors, and build a diverse community. The Conference includes a week of generative, craft-centered workshops, lectures, readings, open mics, and communal gatherings in an environment designed to de-privilege the literary art form and serve diverse voices from across nations. Whether you consider yourself a beginning or seasoned writer, our approach is to provide an inspiring and inclusive space where writers can share their perspectives, celebrate growth, and take creative risks to improve their writing and the writing of our peers. https://centrum.org/program/writers-conference/
July 16–20, 2025: GCLS Annual Conference (Albany, NY). The GCLS’s annual conference is the premier literary event for both authors and readers. The event brings together readers, fans, writers, editors and publishers to celebrate women-loving-women and sapphic literature. https://www.goldencrownliterarysociety.org/2025-annual-conference
July 17–20, 2025: Readercon 34 Conference (Burlington, MA). Although Readercon is modeled on “science fiction conventions,” we have no art show, no costumes, no gaming, and almost no media. Instead, Readercon features a near-total focus on the written word. In many years the list of Readercon guests rivals or surpasses that of the Worldcon in quality. 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. https://readercon.org/
July 18–20, 2025: Imaginarium (Louisville, KY). The Imaginarium Convention, now in its 12th year, is a unique event for writers and storytellers of all genres, including authors, filmmakers, game developers, artists, musicians, poets, publishers, editors, cosplayers, and many other creatives, and their fans. The convention features three days full of extensive panel and workshop programming, an expo, a film festival, live entertainment, literary and film awards, cosplay, and much more! https://www.entertheimaginarium.com/
July 19–21, 2025: Sun Valley Writers’ Conference (Sun Valley, ID). The Sun Valley Writers’ Conference (SVWC) began with a conversation among four friends – journalist Reva B. Tooley, Sun Valley Community School leaders Jon and Leslie Maksik, and venture capitalist Gordon Russell, who sat around a kitchen table in 1994 and fantasized about starting a writers’ conference. One year later, SVWC held its first event in a tent at Sun Valley Community School, featuring 12 writers, 108 attendees, and an opening talk by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, David Halberstam. https://svwc.com/
July 20–25, 2025: Napa Valley Writers Conference (Napa, CA). Since 1981, the Napa Valley Writers’ Conference has provided literary fellowship and a craft-focused experience among the foothills and vineyards that have made this region famous. http://www.napawritersconference.org/
July 30 – August 3, 2025: Willamette Writers Conference (Portland, OR). Willamette Writers is the largest writers’ organization in the Pacific Northwest. Writers of all genres and at all stages of their careers come to our meetings, annual conference, and workshops to connect with their community, develop their craft, and advance their career. https://willamettewriters.org/
July 31 – August 2, 2025: Mendocino Coast Writers Conference (Mendocino, CA). The Mendocino Coast Writers’ Conference is a vibrant gathering that offers morning workshops in a wide range of genres. Afternoons are packed with craft seminars, panels, one-on-one consultations, and open mics; and every evening offers an opportunity to enjoy the camaraderie and connection that make this conference, in the words of one participant, “life changing.” At this conference, writers can participate in morning workshops that are related to various genres. https://mcwc.org/
July 31 – August 2, 2025. The 61st Cape Cod Writers Center Conference (Hyannis, MA). The Cape Cod Writers Center is committed to assisting published and aspiring writers of all genres, abilities and ages to develop their writing skills and learn the business of editing, publishing and promotion. https://capecodwriterscenter.org/conference-2/
August 2–8, 2025: 30th Annual Postgraduate Writers’ Conference (Montpelier, VT). VCFA’s annual Postgraduate Writers’ Conference is a haven for serious, emerging practitioners seeking to connect, recharge, and lift their process and craft to new levels. https://vcfa.edu/postgraduate-writers-conference/
August 21–25, 2025: 2025 Killer Nashville International Writers’ Conference (Franklin, TN). Killer Nashville is the premier forum for all genres incorporating mystery, thriller, or suspense elements; learn, present, meet agents & editors, sign books, mingle with forensic experts, and network. Writers who attend the Killer Nashville Writers Conference can expect writing workshops, pitch sessions, panel discussions, author signings, and a book fair. https://www.killernashville.com/
August 29, 2025: WriterCon Conference (Oklahoma City, OK). This will be the 18th annual WriterCon Conference. Featuring three days of 60+ speakers providing more than 70 sessions designed to cover all genres and all aspects of the writing experience: skills, industry knowledge, opportunities, networking, pitching, contests, opportunities to meet with writers privately, to obtain manuscript reviews or private consultations, and much more. https://writercon.com/
September 25–27, 2025: Moonlight & Magnolias Conference 2025 (Norcross, GA). Whether you’re taking your first steps toward writing your dream novel, polishing a manuscript, or celebrating multiple book releases, the Moonlight & Magnolias (M&M) Conference is designed to support writers at every stage of their journey. https://www.garomancewriters.org/moonlight-and-magnolias
October 4–5, 2025: The Literary/Commercial Fiction Writers Conference. Registration opens May 2025. More details will be posted on the website soon. https://www.writingclasses.com/writers-conference/home
October 9–11, 2025: Ozarks Creative Writers Conference (Eureka Springs, AR). This conference is for new, emerging, and accomplished writers focusing on the craft of writing, further developing skills, as well as stimulating and encouraging participants. OCW also focuses on opportunities for the participants to interact with editors, agents, and publishers. https://www.ozarkcreativewriters.com/
November 17–19, 2025: Kauai Writers Conference, (Lihue, Kauai). The Kauai Writers Conference attracts major authors of both literary and popular fiction, memoir, poetry, non-fiction and screenplay. A three-day conference including about 40 workshops, lectures and panels with each of the author faculty. https://kauaiwritersconference.com/
Select a writers’ conference of interest to you and be prepared to enjoy the benefits of meeting other writers. You may acquire knowledge you can use immediately, find a new market for your book, elevate your professional effectiveness, meet editors, agents and publishers, become inspired and return home energized.
The Bottom Line: Take a little working vacation and hit some writers’ conferences. Make it a priority to sign up for one in the coming weeks and months. You’ll be glad you did!
Book publicist Scott Lorenz is President of Westwind Communications, a public relations and marketing firm that has a special knack for working with authors to help them get all the publicity they deserve and more. Lorenz works with bestselling authors and self-published authors promoting all types of books, whether it’s their first book or their 15th book. He’s handled publicity for books by CEOs, CIA Officers, Navy SEALS, Homemakers, Fitness Gurus, Doctors, Lawyers and Adventurers. His clients have been featured by Good Morning America, FOX & Friends, CNN, ABC News, New York Times, Nightline, TIME, PBS, LA Times, USA Today, Washington Post, Woman’s World, & Howard Stern to name a few.
Learn more about Westwind Communications’ book marketing approach at https://westwindbookmarketing.com/ or contact Lorenz at [email protected] or 734-667-2090 or fill out the form below. Follow Lorenz on Twitter @aBookPublicist. Want help titling a book? Check out Scott Lorenz’s new award winning, bestselling book: Book Title Generator- A Proven System in Naming Your Book www.BookTitleGenerator.net.
Would you like help promoting your book?
If so, tell us a little about your book. What is the title? Do you have a publisher? What is the publish date? How many pages is your book? What is the cost? Do you have web site? What is your specific goal I.E., to make money, raise awareness, get the attention of an agent or publisher, sell the story to a movie or TV studio or something else?
Submit the form below with this information and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Thank you!
by Scott Lorenz | Blog, Book Events, Book Marketing, Book Promotion, Book Publicity, Book Publishing, Book Title Generator, BookTok, Marketing a Book, Writers Conferences
By Scott Lorenz
Westwind Book Marketing
The popularity of romance books has been steadily on the rise for several years now. Stemming from the trend, the latest phenomenon in the reading community is brick and mortar stores exclusively for romance novels. According to an article by Alexandra Alter in The New York Times, romance bookstores are scattered throughout the nation “and have become vibrant community hubs for romance fans.”
The Rise of Romance
“The current romance craze traces to the early days of the pandemic,” says Alter. Romance books began to trend as people were in search of exciting love stories in times of boredom and uneasiness. Alter continues, “Print sales more than doubled in the last few years, from 18 million copies in 2020 to 39 million in 2023.” A significant turning point in the world of romance novels pre-pandemic was the 2016 release of Colleen Hoover’s It Ends With Us. Hoover’s novel topped the charts, selling 6.9 million copies and remaining on The New York Times’ Best Sellers list for 131 weeks, according to Vox. The book gained tons of attention on social media, especially BookTok, because of its subject matter of abusive relationships. The iconic romance novel has now been made into a movie starring Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni.
Dream Me Home
Another notable novel intertwines romance and mystery: Dream Me Home written by psychotherapist Laurie Elizabeth Murphy. Murphy says her book “is about characters that are real, and face real dilemmas, they make irrational decisions even with the best intentions, and cannot always control the outcomes of the most well-planned lives.” The book was published in 2023 and Murphy won first place with Dream Me Home at the 2024 PenCraft Book Awards for Best Fiction in the Mystery category. Visit Murphy’s website to learn more about her award-winning novel.
Darzik
Physician Fionne Foxxe Farraday’s science fiction fantasy Darzik is a continuation of her Mates of the Alliance series. This compelling series tells the story of the love connection between a human and an extraterrestrial being. Farraday says, “In this story, Emily has been through something horrific which altered the course of her life. She is a survivor and doesn’t see herself as a victim. Most of this book is her journey to reclaim her life and how Darzik is there for her through it all as her staunchest cheerleader, the one who sees her bravery and supports her as she steps forward into a new life.” Find out more about Darzik here.
Get Involved in the Romance World
More and more people have jumped on the romance novel train. The industry has grown far from its old “smut” and guilty pleasure stereotypes. As the community has grown, there are now events for romance fans to come together in celebration of their shared interest. Here are a couple of upcoming events for romance fans: Romance Con taking place September 6-7, 2024, in Milwaukee, WI and Black Romance Book Fest taking place May 30-June 1, 2025, in Atlanta, GA.
Advice for Romance Writers
In every good romance novel, there are common aspects that are keys to its success. For example, to write a good romance story there needs to be tension. According to The Book Coach, readers become more engaged as the tension between characters strengthens, building up the story and creating an emotional connection with the reader. Similar to other genres, a good romance includes some kind of character development.
A blog post on QinPrinting says to “avoid creating a one-dimensional character and instead focus on making your heroine human, flawed, and capable of growth.” This allows readers to relate to the character, which heavily influences how much they will enjoy the story. You can also implement character development with the use of tropes; everybody loves a good enemy to lovers’ trope! A final piece of advice is to have a happy ending to your book.
As The Urban Writers stated, “Real life doesn’t always guarantee happy endings, especially when it comes to love… readers understand this and are drawn to romance bestsellers because they know that a happy ending is in the cards.” Readers expect a “happily ever after” to follow the whirlwind of drama they’ve just been taken through.
Romance Bookstores in the US
- The Ripped Bodice in Los Angeles, CA as well as Brooklyn, NY
- Love’s Sweet Arrow in Tinsley Park, IL
- The Last Chapter in Chicago, IL
- Meet Cute in San Diego, CA
- Blush in Wichita, KS
- Under the Cover in Kansas City, MO
- Tropes & Trifles in Minneapolis, MN
- Grump & Sunshine in Belfast, ME
- A Novel Romance in Louisville, KY
- Beach Read Books in Wilmington, NC
- Lovebound Library in Salt Lake City, UT
- …And more!
The Bottom Line: If you’re a romance reader or writer, dive deeper into the community. Visit these romance bookstores, join/start a romance book club, or write a romance novel of your own!
About Book Publicist Scott Lorenz
Book publicist Scott Lorenz is President of Westwind Communications, a public relations and marketing firm that has a special knack for working with authors to help them get all the publicity they deserve and more. Lorenz works with bestselling authors and self-published authors promoting all types of books, whether it’s their first book or their 15th book. He’s handled publicity for books by CEOs, CIA Officers, Navy SEALS, Homemakers, Fitness Gurus, Doctors, Lawyers and Adventurers. His clients have been featured by Good Morning America, FOX & Friends, CNN, ABC News, New York Times, Nightline, TIME, PBS, LA Times, USA Today, Washington Post, Woman’s World, & Howard Stern to name a few.
Learn more about Westwind Book Marketing at https://WestwindBookMarketing.com or contact Lorenz at [email protected] or 734-667-2090. Follow Lorenz on Twitter @aBookPublicist. Want help titling a book? Check out Scott Lorenz’s new award-winning, bestselling book: Book Title Generator- A Proven System in Naming Your Book www.BookTitleGenerator.net.
by Scott Lorenz | Blog, Book Marketing, Book Publishing, Book Title Generator, BookTok, How to title a book, Literary Agent, Writers Conferences, Writing a Book
By: Scott Lorenz
Westwind Book Marketing
Have you been thinking about publishing a book for your personal brand or business? A strategized memoir or business book can elevate your authority and be a lead-generating machine for your speaking, consulting, or course offers. Today anyone can publish a book for next to nothing. But take it from a book marketer, just because it’s published doesn’t mean it’ll elevate your business.
On average, a self-published book costs around $2,000 to publish. But most of those books sell less than 100 copies. Wouldn’t you like your book to do better than that?
For the people I work with, investing in a professional book is a no-brainer. Speakers and business leaders see their books as a career investment, and it makes sense to consult the experts to get the best ROI.
“If you want to exponentially grow your opportunities as a consultant, speaker, investor, or leader, it’s time to get published,” says Marie Hasty. She’s a concierge ghostwriter for clinicians and medical entrepreneurs, and she loves helping her clients elevate their careers with a professional book. “These projects aren’t cheap. But investing in just one book can impact the rest of your life – your business, your personal brand, and your legacy.”
How much can you expect to invest if you want to put together a professional book for your brand? Here’s a breakdown of the cost of publishing a branding book today.
Publishing cost is different for every project. But understanding the rough cost for each step in the publishing process will help you make the best decision for your book (and your wallet). Let’s break down the book-building process into four categories: pre-publication, publication, marketing, and distribution.
Pre-Publication Expenses
Professional book development lays the foundation for an impactful branding book. As a book publicist and publishing expert, I can’t stress enough the importance of investing in the following areas to ensure your book’s quality and resonance with your audience.
1. Book Concept and Development
The first step in publishing your branding book is refining your concept and developing a well-structured outline. If you’re working with a ghostwriter or book consultant, they’ll help you with this. You’ll also need to get clear on your goals for the book, your audience, and the key stories you want to tell during this stage. Here’s a list of ghostwriters I like to work with: Ghostwriters
Ghostwriter: $20,000-$100,000+
Book Coach or Consultant: $1,000-$3,000 per month
2. Professional Editing and Proofreading
Editing is an indispensable aspect of publishing, as it ensures that your writing is polished, error-free, and ready for public consumption. Investing in professional editing and proofreading services will significantly improve the quality and credibility of your branding book. Skilled editors will help refine your content, improve flow, and ensure consistency for your readers.
Depending on the publishing route you choose, editing may be included in your publishing package.
Developmental Editing: $1,500-$5,000 per project
Line/Copy Editing: $1,500-$3,000 per project
Proofreading: $800-$1,000 per project
3. Book Cover Design
Don’t underestimate the power of a visually striking book cover. Despite what we’ve been told, your readers are judging your book by its cover. A good book cover can help sell a book – a bad cover can kill a book. Enlisting professional designers to create a compelling book cover that aligns with your branding visuals is well worth the investment. Here’s a list of Book Cover Designers I’ve compiled.
Book Cover Design: $200-$2,000
Publication Costs
The cost of publishing your book will depend on the publishing route you choose. Today, there are three main ways that authors are published: Traditional, hybrid, and self-publishing. For many authors, traditional publishing is not an option. But hybrid and self-publishing routes are rapidly gaining traction for authors who are able to invest in their book’s development and printing. Let’s compare the costs of each publishing method.
1. Traditional Publishing
Traditional publishing through big firms has significant advantages in that it won’t cost you anything to have your book edited, designed, and printed. Some authors even get advances on their book, although these aren’t what they used to be (think: less than $5,000).
However, there are still costs associated with traditional publishing. You’ll need to work with a literary agent, put together a book proposal, do most or all of the marketing yourself, and likely foot the bill on travel for a book tour. Check out my article with interviews from 18 literary agents about what they want from authors. What Literary Agents Want
Literary Agent: 10-15% of advances and royalties
Ghostwritten Book Proposal: $5,000-$15,000
Book Tour Expenses: $3,000-$20,000+
2. Self-Publishing
Self-Publishing has come a long way in the last decade, and several big authors have turned to this method as a way to keep more royalties and maintain creative control. Most importantly by self-publishing you can bring your book onto the market much faster by months and months. The downside is that this method is more work for the author, and you may need to coordinate hiring editors, designers, etc. to produce a professional finished product. Assisted self-publishing firms can help you save time and create a more refined book, but they’re not cheap, and you’ll need to vet your team before signing a publishing contract.
DIY Self-Publishing Expenses: $1,000-$2,000
Assisted Self-Publishing: $8,000-$25,000+
3. Hybrid Publishing
Hybrid publishing brings a mix of professional editorial support with the speed and creative control of self-publishing. Hybrid publishers share the publishing cost with their authors and provide in-house editing, design, and production. These firms help with some book marketing since their profits come partially from book sales. But keep in mind that hybrid publishers are not vanity presses, and many firms only select about 10% of the manuscripts they see in a year.
Hybrid Publishing: $6,000-$30,000
The publishing industry is always changing, and even experienced authors may change their publishing route depending on the goals for their book. Jane Friedman, an expert on book publishing and author consultant, summarizes the publishing process well:
“There is no one path or service that’s right for everyone all the time; you should take time to understand the landscape and make a decision based on long-term career goals, as well as the unique qualities of your work. Your choice should also be guided by your own personality (are you an entrepreneurial sort?) and experience as an author (do you have the slightest idea what you’re doing?).”
No matter what publishing route you choose, most book marketing efforts will likely fall on you, the author. So, let’s talk about what you might expect to pay for book PR, book promotions, and marketing a successful book launch.
Book Marketing
Investing in expert book marketing support can be the difference between a book that makes you a household name and a book that collects dust on your shelf. Book marketing costs money but obscurity costs more. Today, there are more avenues for marketing your book than ever. Here are the book marketing essentials to start with:
1. Hire a Book Publicist.
Have you ever wondered how guests on talk shows get those coveted spots? They’re likely working with a publicist or PR firm. Working with an experienced book publicist (like me) elevates your authority, gaining you media exposure with the audiences who need your book. A book publicist can also help you schedule appointments on your book tour, find book fairs and festivals, and connect you with journalists for interviews.
Book Publicist Cost: $5500-$7500 per month
2. Build Your Author Platform.
Where do you want people to go after they see you on TV, read your book, or watch your speaker presentation? Maintaining an author website and blog helps create more touchpoints for your audience to learn about you and your expertise. And this is a great place to recruit readers for your newsletter or course. Jeff Jacobs of the prestigious web design firm Marketing Success, says “I love working with authors because a website really elevates their book success. We’ve built dozens of author sites, and I recommend that every author keep a website.”
DIY Website Cost: $16-$50 per month
Professional Website Cost: $4,000-9,000
3. Social Media Promotion.
If you don’t have one already, building a following on social media can get more eyes on your brand and help you connect with more readers.
I know it’s difficult to be on all platforms, but you should be on at least one. If you have a business book and you are seeking business clients, then build out your LinkedIn page.
If you have a fiction book, then go for Facebook and Instagram.
If you have a younger audience then check out TikTok, and specifically BookTok, which has elevated dozens of authors in the last several years. Jane Friedman helped her client get to half a million followers on the platform, which led to a traditional publishing deal. “There are many approaches to getting your book out there to readers,” says Jane. If you’re wanting to build a face-forward platform, TikTok could be a great place to start.
You’ll need to think about who your audience is and where they live on the internet to best invest your time. Personally, I love Twitter or X as it’s being rebranded, and have 49K followers at @aBookPublicist. I promote my client’s books and my own services as well as Tweet about publishing, writing, and info useful to authors and publishers. I send out articles like this one to my followers and some are really happy to see this stuff!
DIY Social Media Cost: Nothing
Professional Social Media Management Cost: $200-5,000 per month
Social Media Ads Cost: $15-$200 per day
Distribution Costs
How and where readers access your book comes down to distribution. Most branding books are physically printed, and many authors opt for an e-book as well. Audiobooks are less common unless you’re working with a traditional publisher who will foot the bill. These are the main ways authors distribute their books today:
1. Online Retailers:
Amazon is the most common online retailer for books today, and a great option for self-publishing. Their print-on-demand option allows you to avoid the cost of large print runs. POD has a higher cost per book, but there’s much less risk. This costs nothing, but you won’t find your book in bookstores with this method.
Amazon Print-On-Demand Cost: $0
2. Brick-And-Mortar Stores:
If you’re working with a hybrid or traditional publisher, they’ll likely handle distributing your book to stores. Most publishers work with Ingram Publishing, which gets your book out to most bookstores nationwide. Retailers then order your book, and Ingram prints and ships it to them.
Book Distribution Cost: 10-26% of net sales
3. Do a Goodreads eBook Giveaway:
It may sound counterintuitive, but giving away your book can be a great marketing strategy. Sign up in your author profile on Goodreads and they do all the work. They’ll promote it to their audience and charge a nominal fee of $115. They’ll send out the eBooks to the winners of the contest. Some authors schedule several per year. Why do this? It puts your book into the hands of people who may read it and review it on Amazon or Goodreads. If you have a physical book, you can do the same thing but shipping the book is up to you. My recommendation is do the eBook.
The Cost and Investment of Publishing: Key Takeaways
There’s a reason why want to write a book but only a small fraction does it. Putting a successful book together takes time, money, and energy. But for the business leaders who commit to the process, there are big payoffs on the other side of being a “published author”. When you consult the experts in writing support, publishing, marketing, and distribution, you ensure the best results possible.
The Bottom Line: Your book will not write, publish and promote itself. If you want success get professionals to help you along the way.
Book publicist Scott Lorenz is President of Westwind Communications, a public relations and marketing firm that has a special knack for working with authors to help them get all the publicity they deserve and more. Lorenz works with bestselling authors and self-published authors promoting all types of books, whether it’s their first book or their 15th book. He’s handled publicity for books by CEOs, CIA Officers, Navy SEALS, Homemakers, Fitness Gurus, Doctors, Lawyers and Adventurers. His clients have been featured by Good Morning America, FOX & Friends, CNN, ABC News, New York Times, Nightline, TIME, PBS, LA Times, USA Today, Washington Post, Woman’s World, & Howard Stern to name a few.
Learn more about Westwind Communications’ book marketing approach at https://WestwindBookMarketing.com or contact Lorenz at [email protected] or 734-667-2090 or fill out the form below. Follow Lorenz on Twitter @aBookPublicist. Want help titling a book? Check out Scott Lorenz’s new award winning, bestselling book: Book Title Generator- A Proven System in Naming Your Book www.BookTitleGenerator.net.
Would you like help promoting your book?
If so, tell us a little about your book. What is the title? Do you have a publisher? What is the publish date? How many pages is your book? What is the cost? Do you have web site? What is your specific goal I.E., to make money, raise awareness, get the attention of an agent or publisher, sell the story to a movie or TV studio or something else? Submit the form below with this information and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Thank you!
by Scott Lorenz | Book Awards, Book Contests, Book Marketing, Book Promotion, Book Publicity, Marketing a Book, Promoting a Book, Writers Conferences
By Scott Lorenz
Westwind Communications
Are you a poet and nobody knows it? Get busy and enter poetry competitions and tell the world about your poetry!
One of the best ways to gain exposure for your poetry is to enter your work into various poetry competitions around the United States. The recognition gained for your prose could help launch your career or give you the encouragement to propel you forward to greater heights. Sometimes that third party endorsement of your work is well worth your time.
I’ve researched and compiled this list of poetry contests that offer recognition and in some cases cash prizes. Good luck!
1. Agha Shahid Ali Prize in Poetry, Salt Lake City, UT. Honoring the memory of a celebrated poet and a beloved teacher, the Agha Shahid Ali Prize in Poetry is awarded annually and is sponsored by The University of Utah Press and The University of Utah Department of English. $1,000 Cash Prize and Publication from the Press; $500 and reading in The University of Utah’s Guest Writers Series from The University of Utah Department of English. https://uofupress.com/agha-shahid-ali-prize-in-poetry/
2. Agnes Lynch Starrett Poetry Prize, Pittsburgh, PA. Established in 1981, the Agnes Lynch Starrett Poetry Prize is administered by the University of Pittsburgh Press. Named in honor of Agnes Lynch Starrett, the Press’s first director, the prize is awarded for a first full-length book of poems. The prize carries a cash award of $5,000 and publication by the University of Pittsburgh Press as part of the Pitt Poetry Series. The series is edited by Ed Ochester, who also serves as final judge in the Starrett competition. https://upittpress.org/prize/agnes-lynch-starrett-poetry-prize/
3. Aliki Perroti and Seth Frank Most Promising Young Poet Award, New York, NY. Established in 2013, the Aliki Perroti and Seth Frank Most Promising Young Poet Award recognizes a student poet twenty-three years old or younger, with an annual cash prize of $1,000. https://poets.org/academy-american-poets/prizes/aliki-perroti-and-seth-frank-most-promising-young-poet-award
4. Amy Lowell Traveling Poet Scholarship, Boston, MA. The American poet Amy Lowell died in 1925. Her will established an annual scholarship to support travel abroad for gifted American-born poets. The scholarship is administered by the Trustees under her will at the law firm of Choate, Hall & Stewart in Boston, Massachusetts. There is no age requirement, publication requirement, or education requirement. Poets must be of American birth. https://www.amylowell.org/
5. Benjamin Saltman Poetry Award, Pasadena, CA. Established in 1998, in honor of the poet Benjamin Saltman (1927-1999), this award is for a previously unpublished original collection of poetry. Awarded collection is selected through an annual competition which is open to all poets. https://redhen.org/awards/benjamin-saltman-poetry-award/
6. Berkshire Prize for a First or Second Book of Poetry, North Adams, MA. The Berkshire Prize for a First or Second Book of Poetry is open to anyone writing in the English language, whether living in the United States or abroad. Translations are not eligible for this prize, nor are previously self-published books. https://www.tupelopress.org/berkshire-prize/
7. Colorado Prize for Poetry, Fort Collins, CO. The Colorado Prize for Poetry is an international literary contest started in 1995. Since the contest began, over 5,000 book-length poetry manuscripts have been entered. Each year’s prizewinner receives a $2,000 honorarium and publication of his or her book by the Center for Literary Publishing. https://coloradoreview.colostate.edu/colorado-prize-for-poetry/
8. Elixir Press Annual Poetry Awards, Denver, CO. Elixir Press is sponsoring a poetry contest open to all poets writing in English. There will be a Judge’s Prize of $2,000 and an Editors’ Prize of $1000. Both winning manuscripts will be published by Elixir Press. All entries will be considered for publication. An outside judge, to be announced later, will make the final decision for the first prize. The editors will make the final decision for the second prize. http://elixirpress.com/guidelines/annual-poetry-awards
9. Fugue Annual Writing Contest, Moscow, ID. Fugue’s Annual Writing Contest accepts submissions of both poetry and prose (fiction and nonfiction). Multiple submissions are accepted as long as separate fees are paid. For poetry submissions, please send between 1-3 poems. For prose submissions, please send no more than one short story or one essay. https://fuguejournal.com/general-submissions
10. Iowa Poetry Prize, Iowa City, IA. The Iowa Poetry Prize, open to new as well as established poets, is awarded for a book-length collection of poems written originally in English. Previous winners, current University of Iowa students, and current and former University of Iowa Press employees are not eligible. https://uipress.uiowa.edu/resources/prospective-authors/iowa-poetry-prize
11. Jake Adam York Prize, Denver, CO. The Jake Adam York Prize is a collaboration between Copper Nickel & Milkweed Editions. It is open to all poets in the US who have published no more than one full-length poetry collection. The entries are due October 15. The entry fee is $25 (which includes a year’s subscription to Copper Nickel). The prize is $2,000 plus publication by Milkweed Editions. http://copper-nickel.org/bookprize/
12. May Sarton New Hampshire Poetry Prize, Peterborough, NH. The May Sarton New Hampshire Poetry Prize is named for May Sarton, the renowned novelist, memoirist, poet, and feminist (1912-1995). The winner receives $1000, book publication, and 100 copies of the published book, as well as distribution with our other spring titles through our partner UPNE (University Press of New England). https://bauhanpublishing.com/contests/
13. Miller Williams Poetry Prize, Fayetteville, AR. A prize of $5,000 and publication by University of Arkansas Press is given annually for a poetry collection. Submit a manuscript of 60 to 90 pages with a $28 entry fee by September 30. Visit the website for complete guidelines. https://www.uapress.com/millerwilliamspoetryseries/
14. Raiziss/de Palchi Translation Awards, New York, NY. The Raiziss/de Palchi Translation Awards recognize outstanding translations into English of modern Italian poetry through a $10,000 book prize and a $25,000 fellowship, given in alternating years. To apply, a translator must submit four copies of a proposal describing the work-in-progress, the applicant’s credentials, and how the fellowship money will be used. https://poets.org/academy-american-poets/prizes/raizissde-palchi-translation-awards
15. Rhina Espaillat Poetry Award, Walden, NY. This award honors the achievements of the great Dominican-American poet, translator, and public school teacher Rhina Polonia Espaillat. The Rhina Espaillat Poetry Award will be awarded for an original poem of not more than fifty lines that reflects her lyricism, empathy, and ability to find grace in everyday events of life. https://www.plough.com/en/contact-us/rhina-espaillat-poetry-award
16. Spirit First Poetry Contest, Langley Park, MD. Poetry submissions may be of any length and any style but must have a theme of Meditation, Mindfulness, Silence, Stillness, or Solitude (we are referring to peaceful solitude – not loneliness). Poems may reflect any discipline, any faith, or none. Poems must be previously unpublished. https://www.spiritfirst.org/
17. The Center for Book Arts Poetry Chapbook Competition, New York, NY. The Center’s Poetry Chapbook Competition has been going strong since 1996; past winners have included Ailish Hopper, Jeffrey Skinner, L.B.Thompson, and Rachel Zucker. Poets! Submit your work for this year’s contest; the deadline every year is December 1; current guidelines are up on our site here. https://centerforbookarts.org/annual-chapbook-competition
18. The Washington Prize, Washington, DC. The Washington Prize, awarded annually to a living American or Canadian poet, is $1,500 and book publication for a manuscript of original poetry in English. Poets at any stage in their career may submit a manuscript of 48 to 80 pages between January 15 and March 15. $25 entry fee. The winner is selected in summer and publication is planned for early the following year. https://wordworksbooks.org/submissions/the-washington-prize/
19. Pushcart Press, Wainscott, NY. Publication in The Pushcart Prize: Best of the Small Presses is awarded annually for works of poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction published by literary magazines or small presses during the current year. http://pushcartprize.com/
20. Wergle Flomp Humor Poetry Contest, Northampton, MA. Now in its 14th year, this contest seeks today’s best humor poems. No fee to enter. Submit published or unpublished work. $2,000 in prizes. https://winningwriters.com/our-contests/wergle-flomp-humor-poetry-contest-free
21. Joy Bale Boon Poetry Prize, Elizabethtown, KY. Poets and writers can submit 1-3 poems of any style to The Heartland Review Press poetry contest. All submissions must include a cover letter and author bio of 30-40 words. https://elizabethtown.kctcs.edu/community/theheartlandreviewpress/poetry-prize.aspx
22. Marystina Santiestevan First Book Prize. Awarded annually to a poet writing in English who has not yet published a full-length poetry book, the prize is named in honor of a great supporter of young poets, and the grandmother-in-law of the contest’s final judge, Bob Hicok. Prospective entrants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with Conduit, which champions originality, intelligence, irreverence, and humanity. https://www.conduit.org/book-prizes
23. TWFest Poetry Content, New Orleans, LA. Tennessee Williams & New Orleans Literary Festival hosts an annual competition for 2-4 unpublished, original poems of any style, with a combined length of 400 lines. This contest is only open to emerging writers who have not published a book of poetry. However, poets and writers who have published a book in another genre are still eligible. https://tennesseewilliams.net/contests/
24. Robert and Adele Schiff Awards, Cincinnati, OH. The Cincinnati Review invites submissions for the annual Robert and Adele Schiff Awards. One poem, one piece of fiction, and one piece of literary nonfiction will be chosen for publication in our prize issue, and winning authors will receive $1,000 each. All entries will be considered for publication in The Cincinnati Review. https://www.cincinnatireview.com/contests/robert-and-adele-schiff-awards/
25. Maine Artist Fellowship, Augusta, ME. The Maine Arts Fellowships recognize artistic excellence in the careers of Maine artists. Fellowships are not grants but are merit-based awards based on the level of artistic creativity and vision as shown in the artist’s support materials. https://mainearts.maine.gov/Pages/Funding/Individual-Artist-Fellowships
26. Bellevue Literary Review Prizes, New York, NY. The Bellevue Literary Review Prize awards young poets who create work related to the themes of health, healing, illness, the mind, and the body. Winners are published in the Spring 2024 issue of the BLR and receive a $1000 cash prize. Honorable mention is awarded $300. Poetry entries are encouraged to be written vividly with a strong narrative. https://blreview.org/blr-prizes/
27. Kingsley Tufts Poetry Award, Claremont, CA. The Kingsley Tufts Poetry Award is an annual poetry contest open to mid-career US poets & writers. The generous cash prize is given to encourage poets to have the freedom to dedicate a year to writing their next book and honing their craft without having to worry about paying bills. https://arts.cgu.edu/tufts-poetry-awards/
28. Los Angeles Review Literary Award, Los Angeles, CA. Los Angeles Review awards four first place-winning writers a $1000 prize for the annual literary competition. Using their online submission, poets can submit up to three poems of no more than 50 lines each. First place will also be published in the new LAR Online and included in the annual best-of-print edition. Only previously unpublished poems are considered for this award. https://losangelesreview.org/awards/
29. Barrow Street Press Prose Book Award, Kingston, RI. Barrow Street’s 2023 Poetry Book Prize has an annual poetry collection prize of $1500 that will be awarded to the first-place winner. Writers and poets must submit a manuscript or book of poetry of 50 to 80 pages to be judged. The poetry must be in English and include a table of contents and an acknowledgment of any previously published poems. https://barrowstreet.org/press/submit/
30. New Writers Awards, Ann Arbor, MI. Now entering its 55th year, the New Writers Award confers recognition on promising writers who have published a first volume in one of the three genres: Poetry, Fiction, and Creative Non-fiction. Judges of the New Writers Award are faculty members of creative writing and literature at GLCA’s member colleges. https://www.glca.org/faculty/new-writers-award/
31. Akron Poetry Prize, Akron, OH. The University of Akron Presson awards a first-place prize of $1500 for an English poetry manuscript of at least 48 pages and no longer than 90. Manuscripts must be submitted using the online portal, and all entries need to adhere to the guidelines available on their website. Online unpublished works are eligible, but individual posts that may have appeared in literary magazines are acceptable. As well as winning the cash prize, the first-place winner’s book will be published as a part of the Akron Series in Poetry. https://www.uakron.edu/uapress/akron-poetry-prize/
32. 42 Miles Poetry Award, South Bend, IN. The 42 Miles Press Poetry Award was created in an effort to bring urgent and original voices to the poetry reading public. The prize is offered annually to any poet writing in English, including poets who have never published a full-length book as well as poets who have published several. New and Selected collections of poems are also welcome. https://42milespress.com/contest/
33. Omnidawn Poetry Contests, Richmond, CA. Omnidawn Publishing hosts an annual poetry competition awarding first-prize $1000 and publication with 20 author copies. Manuscripts must be in English, and editors encourage a wide range of styles, forms, diversities, and aesthetics (for example: prose, haiku, lyric, and experimental verse). https://www.omnidawn.com/contests/omnidawn-poetry-contests/
34. Townson University Prize for Literature, Towson, MD. Townson University hosts an annual literary prize for a poetry, fiction, or creative nonfiction book. Books published within the past three years or scheduled for publication in 2023 are eligible. Publishers, institutions, or individuals can submit three copies of a book or manuscript. It’s important to note that only residents of Maryland who have lived in the state for at least three years can apply. https://www.towson.edu/cla/departments/english/documents/towson_prize_for_literature_rev.pdf
35. Poetry Nation Poetry Contests. Enter your poem for a chance to win up to $2,000 in cash and prizes! Our semi-annual poetry contests award a multitude of prizes to deserving poets. Your poem can be on any topic, using whatever style you prefer. There is no fee to enter our contests, so you have nothing to lose. https://www.poetrynation.com/contest/
36. Oklahoma Poem Contest, Locust Grove, OK. To celebrate National Poetry Month and Oklahoma, the Rural Oklahoma Museum of Poetry conducts an annual Oklahoma Poem Contest, with cash prizes for the winners. Poems must honor or celebrate Oklahoma in some way. Look at the previous winners below to get an idea of what this means. https://rompoetry.com/oklahoma-poem-contest/
37. The Donald Justice Poetry Prize, West Chester, PA. The Donald Justice Poetry Prize is part of the Spencer Poetry Awards, which Kean W. Spencer created in honor of his mother, Iris N. Spencer. The prize recognizes the distinguished American poet, teacher, and Pulitzer Prize winner, Donald Justice. The WCU Poetry Center welcomes submissions of unpublished, original book-length manuscripts that pay attention to form for consideration in this competition. The winner of the competition will receive $1,500, and have their manuscript published by Autumn House Press. https://www.wcupa.edu/arts-humanities/poetry/contestAwards.aspx
The Bottom Line: If you are poet and nobody knows it then it’s time to get busy and enter poetry competitions. Do it TODAY!
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