Christian Writing Conferences to Meet Publishers
Ready to pitch your book idea to a traditional publisher? The best places to do that are at the Christian writing conferences held every year. Publishers and literary agents will be there to host 15-minute appointments with authors and writers to pitch their book proposals.
Here's a list of conferences that I know of that offer an opportunity to attend and book those appointments to pitch your Christian nonfiction proposal or idea. I'll be sure to keep it updated for you!
Be sure to scroll to the end for more tips and if you know of other conferences I missed or have some inside scoop on any of the ones I’ve mentioned, I’d love to hear.
Christian Writing Conferences for Nonfiction Authors
Northwest Christian Writers Renewal Conference
May 19-20, 2023 Mill Creek, WA (Seattle)
In-person and virtual
Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference
May 28-June 1, 2023 in Blue Ridge Mountains, NC
In-person only
I’ve heard so many great things about this conference from both attendees and presenters!
Be sure to check out their sponsored Your Best Writing Life Podcast hosted by my friend Linda Goldfarb. Plus stay tuned she'll be a guest on Book Marketing Mania soon.
Southern Christian Writers Conference
June 9-10, 2023 in Leeds, AL (Birmingham)
In-person and virtual
Write to Publish Conference
June 13-16 in Chicago, IL
Hosted by the Christian Writers Institute
In-person only
She Speaks Conference
July 13-14, 2023 in Charlotte, NC
Hosted by Proverbs 31 Ministries
In-person and virtual
I love She Speaks and attended five years in a row. 🙂 Be sure to check out their Compel Membership for writers. I was an original member and small group leader if you have questions!
Speak Up Conference
July 13-15, 2023 in Grand Rapids, MI
Hosted by Carol Kent
In-person and virtual
I’ve heard so many great things about this conference from both attendees and presenters and hope to attend one year!
Advanced Writers & Speakers Association (AWSA)
August 4-6, 2023 in Lexington, KY
In-person only
Write His Answer
August 9-12, 2023
co-hosted by Colorado and Greater Philly Christian Writers Conferences
Virtual conference only
Spark Media Christian Podcasting Conference
September 28-30 in Houston, TX
In-person only (so far)
I've attended this conference every year since Misty Phillip founded it in 2020. I highly recommend it to not only meet with a publisher but to learn all about podcasting both as a guest and host. Be sure to join the Spark Facebook group to get up-to-the-minute updates and start networking with other attendees. I'll be there and would love to hug your neck!
Florida Christian Writers Conference
October 18-22, 2023 in Leesburg, FL (Orlando)
In-person only (so far)
West Coast Christian Writers
October 18-20, 2023 in Sacramento, CA
In-person and virtual
Asheville Christian Writers Conference
Feb 23-25, 2024 in Blue Ridge Mountains, NC
In person only
Visions Christian Writers Conference at Mount Hermon
March 22-26, 2024 in Mount Hermon, CA (San Jose)
In person only
I’ve heard so many great things about this conference from both attendees and presenters and hope to attend one year!
These writing conferences were also held in 2023
No word yet on whether these Christian Writing conferences will return in 2024 but I'll keep this list updated.
Mid-South Writers Conference
was held March 2023 in Memphis, TN
Carolina Christian Writers Conference
was held March 2023 in SC
Blue Lake Christian Writers Conference
was held March 2023 in AL
Helpful tips for deciding on attending a conference
Here's some tips that might be helpful as you start looking into these Christian writing conferences.
Sign up for the conference's email list. That way you'll be the first to know when registration opens and you can start saving money for your conference ticket and travel expenses and grab your literary appointment!
Wondering how to prepare your book proposal and calm your nerves before your appointment? Check out these tips from literary agent Barb Roose.
Check out the scoop on each conference (even if it's past). Ask yourself if the timing is right, if the price fits your budget, and if the location is somewhere you can travel to.
Ask your writing friends or writing communities about them. It helps to hear what past attendees liked or didn’t like about the conference.
Pray over your choices and ask God for His direction. Just like each of our books is unique, each of us is unique and are needs for learning about publishing options and pitching our books and learning from others are all unique.
Join the conference Facebook group. If there is one, join to start networking. It’s so much fun to meet your online friends in person!
If you know of other conferences I missed or have some inside scoop on any of the ones I’ve mentioned I’d love to hear!