Published: January 16, 2026
Writer’s conferences, book festivals, and book fairs were once considered something self-published authors could only access as members of the public, not as authors. But things have changed, and now these events provide valuable opportunities for self-published authors to learn from industry experts, discover the latest marketing strategies, network with fellow authors, and connect directly with readers who love your work.
Whether it’s your first book or you’re looking to build a second career as a writer, 2026 offers many events. From intensive business-focused conferences to reader-facing festivals where you can sell books and build your fanbase, there’s something for every indie author. So, check your calendar and plan which events you want to attend!
Top Writing Conferences for Indie Authors
Superstars Writing Seminars
February 5–7, 2026 | Colorado Springs, CO
https://www.superstarswriting.com/
A business-of-writing conference featuring many hybrid and self-published faculty members. The event includes an optional “Skills Day” workshop on February 4, making it perfect for authors who want to dig deep into the professional side of their career.
Best for: Career authors focused on long-term planning, contracts, IP strategy, and income diversification
IPNE Conference
February 20–21, 2026 | Virtual
https://ipne.org/conference-home
Run by the Independent Publishers of New England, this virtual conference is perfect for authors exploring small press models or operating as their own micro-press. The accessible online format makes it easy to attend from anywhere.
Best for: Authors exploring small press models or operating as micro-publishers
Women in Publishing Summit
March 8–11, 2026 | Virtual
https://womeninpublishingsummit.com
This online event focuses on women and nonbinary authors, with extensive coverage of self-publishing, platform building, and marketing. The summit features a strong community atmosphere and implementation-oriented sessions. Luminare Press will be present both as a sponsor and speaker.
Best for: Women and nonbinary authors, non-fiction writers, and niche-audience indies
Atlanta Self-Publishing Conference
March 28, 2026 | Atlanta, GA
https://www.atlantaselfpublishingconference.com/
This one-day powerhouse event is explicitly designed for self-published authors, with a 2026 theme of “Build Your Audience, Sell More Books.” The conference includes pre-conference webinars on self-publishing basics and unique opportunities for one-on-one meetings with publicists, cover designers, and other publishing professionals.
Best for: Authors seeking practical marketing strategies and connections with publishing service providers
Las Vegas Writers Conference
April 23–25, 2026 | Las Vegas, NV
https://lasvegaswritersconference.com/
Dedicated to helping writers of all genres improve their craft and sharpen their business skills, this conference draws attendees from around the world. Pitch sessions with literary agents and editors are included with registration, making it ideal for authors exploring both traditional and indie pathways.
Best for: Writers seeking craft development and traditional publishing connections alongside indie strategies
IBPA Publishing University
May 14–16, 2026 | Portland, OR
https://www.publishinguniversity.org/
One of the largest and longest-running indie-focused conferences, run by the Independent Book Publishers Association. This conference emphasizes publishing business models, distribution, marketing, and small/indie press operations—essential knowledge if you treat your author career as a business.
Best for: Business-minded authors seeking deep knowledge of publishing operations and distribution
Santa Barbara Writers Conference
June 21–26, 2026 | Santa Barbara, CA
https://www.sbwriters.com/
A week-long immersive conference in beautiful Santa Barbara, offering extensive networking and craft development opportunities.
Best for: Authors seeking an intensive, immersive conference experience
Willamette Writers Conference
July 31–August 3, 2026 | Portland, OR
https://willamettewriters.org/
The largest writers’ organization in the Pacific Northwest brings together writers of all genres and career stages for this annual conference. With a focus on craft development, community building, and career advancement, this event is perfect for Pacific Northwest authors.
Best for: Writers in the Pacific Northwest seeking community and craft development
WriterCon
September 4–7, 2026 | Oklahoma City, OK
https://writercon.com/about-writercon-2026/
A comprehensive writers’ conference featuring 70+ sessions, manuscript reviews, and consultations. The programming includes tracks relevant to both indie and traditional authors, making it valuable for craft development plus industry exposure.
Best for: Authors wanting exposure to both traditional and indie publishing pathways
SelfPubCon (ALLi)
October 2026 | Virtual
https://selfpublishingadvice.org/conference/
This free online conference hosted by the Alliance of Independent Authors is dedicated to high-quality, ethical self-publishing. With recorded sessions available and a global lineup of indie experts covering everything from production standards to advanced marketing, it’s an accessible event for all indie authors. Luminare Press is a proud member of the Alliance of Independent Authors.
Best for: All indie authors seeking free, high-quality education on ethical self-publishing practices
Author Nation
November 10–13, 2026 | Las Vegas, NV
https://www.authornation.live/
Described as one of the largest indie author events, Author Nation offers programming on sustainable, data-driven strategies for independent authors. Designed for both published and unpublished writers, the conference features a strong community atmosphere and an exhibitor mix of bestselling indies and service providers.
Best for: All indie authors seeking a large, supportive community and data-driven marketing strategies
Book Festivals for Reader Engagement
Sunshine State Book Festival
January 23–24, 2026 | Gainesville, FL
https://sunshinestatebookfestival.com/
This seventh annual festival brings together about 150 authors across multiple genres, with robust opportunities for author-reader interaction. Many exhibitors are self-published, making this an excellent regional option for visibility and direct sales.
Best for: Florida authors seeking direct reader engagement and book sales
Appalachian Wordfest / Rose Glen Literary Festival
February 28, 2026 | Sevierville, TN
https://appalachianwordfest.com/
This festival began as a platform to help local authors sell books, meet readers, and network. It includes presentations, signings, and workshops—perfect for Southeastern US indies who want both education and book sales opportunities.
Best for: Southeastern US authors seeking a combination of education and sales opportunities
Nantucket Book Festival
June 11–14, 2026 | Nantucket, MA
https://www.nantucketbookfestival.org/
A multi-day summer festival featuring author readings, panels, and social events in a highly engaged reader environment. This is a strong discovery event if you have books aligned with literary, book-club, or upscale nonfiction markets.
Best for: Literary fiction and upscale nonfiction authors seeking discerning readers
2026 Conference Calendar at a Glance
| Event | Dates | Location | Best For |
| Sunshine State Book Festival | Jan 23–24 | Gainesville, FL | Reader engagement & direct sales |
| Superstars Writing Seminars | Feb 5–7 | Colorado Springs, CO | Business strategy & career planning |
| IPNE Conference | Feb 20–21 | Virtual | Small press & micro-publishing |
| Appalachian Wordfest | Feb 28 | Sevierville, TN | Regional networking & sales |
| Women in Publishing Summit | Mar 8–11 | Virtual | Women & nonbinary authors |
| Atlanta Self-Publishing Conference | Mar 28 | Atlanta, GA | Marketing & service providers |
| Las Vegas Writers Conference | Apr 23–25 | Las Vegas, NV | Craft & traditional connections |
| IBPA Publishing University | May 14–16 | Portland, OR | Publishing business & distribution |
| Nantucket Book Festival | Jun 11–14 | Nantucket, MA | Literary & upscale audiences |
| Santa Barbara Writers Conference | Jun 21–26 | Santa Barbara, CA | Immersive experience |
| Willamette Writers Conference | Jul 31–Aug 3 | Portland, OR | Pacific Northwest community |
| WriterCon | Sep 4–7 | Oklahoma City, OK | Hybrid publishing pathways |
| SelfPubCon (ALLi) | October (TBA) | Virtual | Free indie education |
| Author Nation | Nov 10–13 | Las Vegas, NV | Large-scale indie community |
Have you attended any of these conferences before, or planning to go? Share your experiences!
Make 2026 Count
Staying connected, becoming part of a writing community, and building a network of authors who share a similar journey are extremely powerful and important for indie authors.
The publishing landscape continues to evolve, but now indie authors can be participants and drivers of the change. These events allow first-time and experienced authors to meet, develop relationships, and make partnerships that can lead to successful activities and larger platforms.
Whether you’re looking to improve your writing, learn new marketing strategies, or connect with fellow authors who understand your journey, conferences and festivals offer something valuable for every stage of the indie author career.
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