Best 10 New York Writing Conferences 2023
New York is among the best destinations for a publishing conference, thanks to the agents and big publishing houses headquartered in the city. But several top-notch programs are held nearby too—although more like intensive writing workshops and learning sessions.
Here are some of the best writers conferences held in New York, with a few you can even attend from home.
Gotham Writers Children’s Lit Conference
May 20-21, 2023
New York, New York and Zoom
2023 Cost $160-$375
On Day 1, attend four panels and presentations with writers, agents, editors to gain insights into the children’s book publishing world. On Day 2, selected authors meet virtually and in person in New York for Pitching Roundtables with two agents specializing in picture book, middle grade/young adult and graphic novel forms. Authors present a query and first page, and get feedback.
Thrillerfest
May 30-June 3, 2023
New York, New York
2023 Cost: $324-$1,431.
Bringing together writers, editors, agents, and publishers to enhance and support thriller authors through masterclasses, pitchfests, top-notch panels, business-focused sessions, and information to improve your scenes regarding firearms, explosives, forensics, pathology, and more. Pricing varies widely as you can select conference sessions ala carte.
Writers in New York
May 30–June 23, 2023
New York, New York
2023 Cost: $13,040
Organized by NYU's Creative Writing Program, this literary, credit-earning session is targeted at undergraduate students. You must apply and be accepted to participate in the program’s workshops, readings, and other opportunities taking place in a Greenwich Village townhome.
New York State Summer Writers Institute
June 25-July 22, 2023
Saratoga Springs, New York
2023 Cost: Tuition-only $3,800, housing extra
An intensive month-long program designed for college-aged students and adult applicants, much like Writers in New York. Small classes, individualized instruction, and creative writing workshops in poetry, fiction, non-fiction and historical fiction. Social gatherings and other activities on the Skidmore College campus. Scholarships and college credit available.
Southampton Writers Conference
July 12-16, 2023
Southampton, New York
2023 Cost: $1495
This Stony Brook University conference focuses on you and your writing—including expert-led workshops on fiction, poetry, nonfiction, personal essay, and nonfiction/memoir. You can drop in for lecture-only portions for just $150 for all five days. Several writing conference scholarships available. Plus, it’s near the nation’s second-best beach. Not too bad.
The Gotham Writers Genre Fiction Conference
August 12-13, 2023
New York, New York and Zoom
2023 Cost: $160-$375
A two-day conference made up of two sections. Day one offers panels on speculative fiction settings and fantastical plots, along with an author interview and publishing-biz basics. Day two is for authors ready to publish, with Zoom and in-person NYC pitch sessions science fiction, fantasy, mystery, thriller and horror. To participate in the Pitching Roundtables, you must apply and be accepted.
Writer's Digest Annual Conference
August 17-20, 2023
New York, New York
2023 Cost: $229-$449
Well-known Writer's Digest magazine brings together writers across genres for an incredible mix of workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities. You can register for both conference and pre-conference sessions. Sessions include practical topics such as the business of creative writing and self-publishing. Pitch slam is an extra $149.
New York Write to Pitch Conference
September 28-October 1, 2023
New York, New York
2023 Cost: $895
Hosted by Algonkian Writer Conferences, this event focuses on honing your work, refining your book pitch and connecting with literary agents along with TV and film opportunities. It offers workshops, one-on-one consultations, and opportunities to pitch your manuscript. Formerly known as New York Pitch Conference.
The Gotham Literary/Commercial Fiction Writers Conference
November 18-19, 2023
New York, New York and Zoom
2023 Cost: TBD
Two days of events, including guest panels via Zoom, and one in-person pitching roundtable, much like the other Gotham workshops.
The Brooklyn Book Festival
September 24-October 3, 2023
Brooklyn, New York and Online
2023 Cost: Free
Not really a writers conference, but this annual event may offer inspiration, if you attend to hear a favorite author speak on a panel, sign a book, or do a reading. It offers opportunities to connect with authors, publishers, and fellow writers opining on broad-based panel topics such as the coming-of-age novel or satirical fiction.