What is the James River Writers Conference?

The James River Writers Conference is an annual gathering in Richmond, Virginia, that attracts prize-winning authors and poets as well as highly regarded editors and literary agents from around the country to share their wisdom about writing and publishing. Since 2003, this multi-day event of 225 to 400 writers, has been known for its inspiring, collegial atmosphere and Southern hospitality. This year, we are offering in-person and online programming, so be sure to check out the full schedule for details.

When and where is the two-day, in-person portion of the Conference?

The 2026 conference is in-person Saturday, September 26, and Sunday, September 27 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center in Richmond, Virginia. To find us in the convention center, either park on the street and enter through the doors facing 3rd street, or park in the GRCC parking deck and enter the building from the third floor walkway. The registration table is closest to room E11A. Generally the conference is 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 pm. Exact times are subject to change. A full schedule is available by clicking on “conference schedule” in the menu above.

For travel and lodging information, please visit this page.

When and where are the Master Classes?

On Friday, September 25, we will offer nine pre-conference Master Classes online via Zoom. Each two-hour Master Class, taught by a subject expert, takes an in-depth look at a particular topic of interest to writers. You do not need to be a master to attend; we’re bringing the masters to you! Master Classes are offered for an additional cost to the regular conference fees and are open to everyone, whether you are attending the in-person conference or not. Classes will be 9-11 a.m. ET, 11:15 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. ET, and 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. ET. We will provide you with a link for the classes you have paid for, and all registrants will receive a recording of the class, including the chat.

Master Classes may be purchased a la carte; you do not have to be registered for the Saturday and Sunday in-person conference to take advantage of the Master Class offerings.

How many Master Classes can I take?

You can take up to three two-hour Master Classes live on Friday, September 25, and you must buy a Master Class ticket for each class you take. There are three options per time slot, and all classes will be recorded. If you want to register for more than one class in a time-slot, so you can attend one live and get the recording for another, please fill out the Contact Form, and we’ll be glad to help.

Do the Online Master Classes include recordings?

Yes, registrants will receive access to recordings for the online Master Class(es) they registered for, for a limited time. In addition, they will also receive the downloadable chat capture that includes any resources, links, or other details shared in the chat during the live session.

Who is speaking this year?

Please check our Speakers page, using the menu above, for information about this year’s speakers.

How much is a ticket, and what does it include?

If you are not already a member, you may purchase a membership and take advantage of the member discounts on your conference registration form. If you’re not sure if your membership has expired, please send an email to [email protected]

Early Bird Two-Day Ticket (through July 31)

$325 Members; $425 Non-members

Regular Two-Day Ticket (after July 31)

$425 Members; $475 Non-members

Full-time Student ticket (high school, college, or graduate school)

$135 (must provide documentation of full-time student status)

One Day Tickets 

• One-Day Saturday or Sunday: $195 Members; $225 Non-members

Master Class Tickets

• Master Class: $50 Members; $75 Non-members; $25 Students

Your Two-Day Ticket includes:

• Keynote on Saturday/book signing with keynote speaker
• Breakfast snacks and coffee or tea in the morning
• Boxed lunch
• The opportunity to book a one-on- one meeting with an agent
• Query Letter Live Critique session on Saturday
• First Pages Live Critique session on Sunday
• Networking by Genre
• At least twenty-four breakout sessions to choose from over the two days
• 5 Workshops to choose from to learn specific skills
• Ask an Expert “Lucy Booth”

Your One-Day Saturday Ticket includes:

• Keynote session/book signing with keynote speaker
• Breakfast snacks and coffee or tea in the morning
• Boxed lunch
• The opportunity to book a one-on- one meeting with an agent
• At least twelve breakout sessions to choose from
• Workshops to choose from to learn specific skills
• Query Letter Live Critique Session
• Networking opportunities
• Ask an Expert “Lucy Booth”

Your One-Day Sunday Ticket includes:

• First Pages Live Critique session
• Breakfast snacks and coffee or tea in the morning
• Boxed lunch
• The opportunity to book a one-on- one meeting with an agent
• At least twelve breakout sessions to choose from
• Workshops to choose from to learn specific skills
• Networking opportunities
• Ask an Expert “Lucy Booth”

Are Scholarships Available for the Conference?

Yes! For details about scholarship eligibility and to access the application, click HERE.

What should I wear?

Attendees generally wear business casual or casual attire. Layers are appropriate since the convention center can be chilly in the conference rooms and warmer in the lobby.

How do I register?

Complete a Conference Registration form and pay the corresponding fees. If the choices seem overwhelming, you can begin by downloading and printing the Registration Guide.

Last day to register is September 21, 2026.

Cancellations

Cancellations and requests for refunds must be submitted in writing by email by midnight on September 11, 2026, to [email protected]. A cancellation fee of 20% of your total will apply. No refunds will be issued for cancellations made September 12, 2026 or later. Refunds will be credited to your credit card account (or mailed if fee was paid by check) within 30 days after the conference.

Special Needs

Reasonable accommodations will be made for attendees with special needs. If you have special needs, please indicate on your registration form or send your written request to [email protected] by September 10, 2026.

How do I become a sponsor?

If your target audience includes anyone in the literary world, the James River Writers Conference is the perfect opportunity to widen your reach. Our multiple conference promotional emails reach 5K writerly folks, with additional opportunities for engagement during the conference. Visit our full Conference Sponsorship options HERE and/or contact Katharine Herndon at [email protected].

I have another question. Who can help me?

Complete our Contact Us form, and someone will get back to you.