We are currently accepting proposals from presenters for the 2027 Conference of Writers. Please read this page for details. Proposal submission instructions are at the bottom of the page.

Event Date: April 10, 2027

Location: Capital Plaza Hotel, 405 Wilkinson Blvd, Frankfort, KY

Expected Attendance: 100-120

Audience Profile: Attendees are writers at all levels, from aspiring novices to multi-published authors. Their writing spans the literary gamut, with writers of fiction, nonfiction, essay, memoir, and poetry. They attend the conference to learn the craft, identify publishing pathways, and connect with a supportive regional literary community.

About the Conference:  Advertised as “A conference for every writer, every genre, every dream,” our annual conference aims to provide high-value, comprehensive programming that appeals to writers across all literary genres and at every level of experience. The full-day event includes sessions covering a variety of craft topics, marketing strategies, and publishing options. The schedule features a keynote address by a renowned literary professional, two distinct tracks of educational workshops, and an on-site bookstore where author attendees may sell their books. The program concludes with an open-topic Q&A panel where all presenters answer questions from our attendees.

Proposals Accepted: We are currently accepting proposals to fill our 2027 conference agenda. Sessions last 50 minutes, including time for Q&A. With that timing in mind, the format of the session is not necessarily conducive to attendee participation but is more appropriate for presentation-style topics. We are looking for proposals that address any of the following:

• Craft Topics: Sessions on any subject related to the craft of writing. We strive to present options for writers of all genres. Examples of previous sessions include: Writing Sensational Short Stories, Research Techniques for Non-Fiction, Writing Short Poems, Creating Believable Characters, Writing for Young Readers, Memoir: Opening the Memory Door, From Page to Stage (Scriptwriting)
• Professional Topics: Sessions to inform and instruct attendees on the professional aspects of a writing career. Examples of previous sessions include: Mastering Online Marketing, Compelling Query Letters, Copyrights for Authors, What an Agent Wants, How to Catch a Bookseller’s Eye
• General Topics: Sessions on topics relevant to writers such as: Breaking Writers Block, Helpful (and Un-Helpful) Critiques
• One-on-One Meetings: Literary professionals (publishers, editors, marketing experts, and literary agents) are invited to schedule 15-minute private appointments with registered attendees.

Submission Requirements: Presenters are invited to submit their proposals through our online form. Your submission will include:

• Title of your session (catchy and descriptive)
• Description of your session (max 300 words)
• Sample handout, if applicable
• Places where you have presented this session, if applicable
• Speaker biography (max 150 words)
• A list of conferences at which you have presented

Selection Criteria The review committee will evaluate submissions based on:

• Relevance to the conference theme and tracks
• Practical application of the content
• Speaker’s expertise and presentation experience
• Originality of the topic

Key Dates & Deadlines

• RFP Launch: September 1, 2026
• Submission Deadline: October 30, 2026
• Speaker Notification: November 15, 2026

Compensation & Benefits

• Full conference registration pass, including lunch ($125 value)
• A full-page ad in the conference program book ($100 value)
• A table in the conference bookstore ($25 value)
• An honorarium of $150, to be paid in cash at the conference

When you have assembled all the required information, please submit your proposal here.

You may submit multiple proposals.

Please direct questions to conference@bluegrasswriterscoalition.com