The 2026 Washington Writers Conference

WHEN

May 1-2, 2026

WHERE

Bethesda North Marriott Hotel & Conference Center
5701 Marinelli Road
Rockville, MD

WHY

Join us for the premier writing event in the DC area to network with fellow writers, learn from publishing pros during panels and workshops, and, most importantly, pitch directly to literary agents! DOWNLOAD THE FULL PROGRAM HERE. (And download a map of the facility here.)

HOW AGENT PITCHES WORK

How do you choose your agents? How long is each pitch session? What if a chosen agent cancels? Please READ THIS CRITICAL INFORMATION IN ITS ENTIRETY to learn everything you need to know about the process!

REGISTRATION

~~Super-Early Bird Rate: $389 (includes FOUR agent-pitch sessions). Available Nov. 1, 2025, through Dec. 31, 2025. Register here.~~

~~Early Bird Rate: $409 (includes three agent-pitch sessions). Available Jan. 1, 2026, through Feb. 28, 2026. Register here.~~

~~Standard Rate: $429 (includes three agent-pitch sessions). Available Mar. 1, 2026, through Apr. 22, 2026. Register here.~~

WHAT’S INCLUDED?

Three one-on-one pitch sessions with agents (Super-Early Bird registrants get four!).
Access to speakers, panels, and workshops on pitching, writing, and publishing. Hear from authors, agents, editors, and other pros!
A finger-food and cash-bar reception on Friday, May 1st.
Morning coffee and lunch on Saturday, May 2nd.
Want to take a peek at a previous conference? Check out our 2024 video!

LITERARY AGENTS

You’ll find our list of participating agents here. Check it frequently for updates!

PANELS AND WORKSHOPS

You’ll find our list of panelists here and our panels and workshops here! And find the hour-by-hour schedule here and the full downloadable program here.

BIPOC SCHOLARSHIPS

Again this year, we’ll be offering five full conference scholarships to promising BIPOC authors. Applications are due Jan. 15, 2026. Click here to learn more.

REFUND POLICY

We guarantee a full refund until April 1, 2026. No refunds after that date.

BECOME A SPONSOR

Are you interested in becoming a sponsor? Benefits include a table at the conference, along with your linked logo on our website and your marketing materials distributed to each attendee in a conference folder. Reach the DC area’s writing community! Click here to become a sponsor. And meet our 2026 sponsors here!

Check back for updates and announcements on speakers, agents, schedules, sponsorships, and BIPOC scholarships.

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