2026 Washington Writers Conference Schedule

(Click here to return to the main conference page.
And download the conference program here
and a map of the facility here.)

Agent pitches are ongoing from 9-11:50 a.m. and 1:30-4:50 p.m.

Please note that room assignments are TBD.

The bookstore will be open May 2nd from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Friday, May 1st

5:30 p.m.

• Check-in/registration begins

6-7:30 p.m.

• Reception (food and drink, cash bar)

7:30-8:30 p.m.

• “How to Pitch an Agent” panel

8:30-9 p.m.

• Reception wrap-up

Saturday, May 2nd

7:30 a.m.

• Check-in begins

8-8:30 a.m.

• Continental breakfast

8:30-8:50 a.m.

• Welcome & Housekeeping

9-9:50 a.m.

• Debut Authors: How They Did It
• How to Organize a Collection of Fiction or Poetry

10-10:50 a.m.

• From Journalist to Author
• Workshop: Book Marketing on a Budget

11-11:50 a.m.

• Writing in Washington
• The Business of Poetry

12-1:30 p.m.

• Lunch
• Lifetime Achievement: Richard Peabody
• Keynote Speaker: Margot Lee Shetterly and Aran Shetterly

2-2:50 p.m.

• What Booksellers Know
• Plot Secrets from the Pros

3-3:50 p.m.

• Your Story, Your Way
• Writing for Young Readers

4-4:50 p.m.

            • Beyond the Big Houses: Self-Publishing and Independent Press Publishing
            • Workshop: How to Get Noticed: An Editor & Agent Shares Tricks of the Trade