DFW Writers Conference

May 2-3, 2009 - Grapevine Convention Center, Irving, TX

The DFW Writers' Workshop is proud to present a special conference for writers. Meet other writers, learn the tricks of the trade from experts, and pitch your work to literary agents -- it's going to be a fantastic two days!

Our keynote speaker is New York Times bestselling author Bob Mayer. We have a stellar lineup of speakers to share their insights on a wide range of writing-related topics.

Literary agents Uwe Stender, Gina Panettieri, Al Longden, Anne Hawkins, Sally Harding and Doris Booth will attend. There will be plenty of opportunities for attendees to meet these agents. Agents will be available for a limited number of one-on-one pitch sessions. Conference registrants will be contacted to arrange their meeting in order of registration.

Pitch sessions for all the agents have been filled as of 6 p.m. Monday, April 27. Notifications of pitch session assignments are still being sent out to attendees.

Current news headlines may have some of you concerned. We are monitoring news reports closely. Health officials are advising everyone to be aware of the situation and practice good hygiene, but not to be alarmed. As of 3 p.m. on Thursday, April 30, last-minute conference registrations are still coming in. The conference will proceed as planned. Hand sanitizers will be available at the convention center.

Speaker schedule now posted!

Time are subject to change. View schedule

Frequently asked questions

Q. How do I arrange a pitch session and choose an agent?
A. After you register, you will be contacted in order of registration and informed which agents still have sessions available. You will be asked to indicate your first, second and third preferences.

Q:  I submitted a request for an agent appointment.  When will I receive notification about the time and day of my appointment?
A.  Final notification of agent appointments will be sent via email between April 27 and May 1.  Watch your Spam folder, since our emails sometimes land in that box.  Information will also be available upon request at the front registration desk during the conference. 

Q. Why haven't I heard about a pitch session yet?
A. Emails went out on March 7, March 14 and March 16 to everyone who had registered up to that time. If you registered and did not receive the email, please contact us at dfwwritersconference@mail.com.

Q. Why do I have to have a completed manuscript in order to pitch?
A. It is generally considered poor form to pitch an incomplete fiction manuscript to an agent. They want to hear about completed works; if they are interested, it's partly because your work fits into the current market and they want to see it now. Your manuscript must be ready by the time of the pitch session. In the case of non-fiction pitches, a well thought out and complete book proposal is required.

Q. Is there a special hotel rate available?
A. Yes. We have an arrangement with the Wyndham DFW Airport North, which is only minutes' drive away from the convention center. This special deal ends on April 9, so book with them now! More details are available here.

If you have any other questions, please contact us.