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START HERE! View/Print the 2021 Conference Registration Guide

Conference Home  |  Speakers & Moderators  |  Conference Schedule  |  Master Classes  |  ShopTalk  |  Agent One-on-Ones  |  First Pages Critique  |  FAQ  | Sponsorship

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What is the James River Writers Conference?

The James River Writers Conference is an annual gathering usually held in Richmond, Virginia, that attracts prize-winning authors and 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 350 to 400 writers, has been known for its inspiring, collegial atmosphere and Southern hospitality. 2021 will be our second year hosting the conference online. We had great success the first time around and have decided to keep it online in 2021 due to everyone (speakers and attendees) being at different stages of “re-entry” during the pandemic. We look forward to resuming the conference in-person in 2022. 

When is the conference?

The 2021 conference is Saturday, October 9, and Sunday, October 10 with pre-conference Master Classes and evening fun on Friday, October 8. Generally the conference is 8:45 a.m. to 6:00 pm, but our online activities will extend beyond those hours. Exact times are subject to change. A full schedule is available by clicking on “conference schedule” in the menu above.

How will I access the conference?

We will set up access through a password protected page on our website. You will then be able to access all of the elements of the conference, including embedded video and Zoom panels/sessions. A “HelpDesk” will also be available throughout the conference, via the website and email, for anyone that may have difficulties accessing any of the content. We will provide instructions to all registrants prior to the conference, to help you navigate the conference offerings. This will allow you to select which regular conference sessions you would like to attend on Saturday and Sunday that don’t require appointments, in real time, just as you would at an in-person conference.

Who is speaking this year?

Please check our Speakers page for information about this year’s speakers.

How much is a ticket and what does it include?

Early Bird Two-Day Ticket (through July 31, 2021)

$199 Members; $259 Non-members

Regular Two-Day Ticket (After July 31)

$249 Members; $309 Non-members

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

$85 (must provide documentation of full-time student status)

One Day and Master Class Tickets

• One-Day Saturday ticket: $145 Members; $170 Non-members
• One-Day Sunday ticket: $130 Members; $155 Non-members
• Master Class: $50 Members; $75 Non-members

Shoptalk Tickets

• $50 or included in all-inclusive membership

Your Two-Day Ticket includes:

• Keynote on Saturday
• The opportunity to book one meeting with an agent
• First Pages session on Sunday
• The Grammartopia® Game with Editor Kris Spisak
• “Never Have I Ever” Writer’s Version Game
• At least eighteen breakout sessions to choose from over the two days
• Evening activities Friday and Saturday with opportunities to win prizes
• Two workshop intensives to choose from to learn one or two specific skills on both Saturday and Sunday
• Networking opportunities

Your One-Day Saturday Ticket includes:

• Keynote session
• The opportunity to book one meeting with an agent
• At least nine breakout sessions to choose from
• Two workshop intensives to choose from to learn one or two specific skills
• Evening activities Friday and Saturday
• Networking opportunities

Your One-Day Sunday Ticket includes:

• First Pages session
• The Grammartopia® Game with Editor Kris Spisak
• The opportunity to book one meeting with an agent
• At least nine breakout sessions to choose from
• Two workshop intensives to choose from to learn one or two specific skills
• Evening activities Friday
• Networking opportunities

How many Master Classes can I take?

You can take up to three two-hour Master Classes on Friday, October 8; however, you must buy a Master Class ticket for each class you take. Conference attendees are given first choice for Master Classes. If space is available, classes will be open to the public October 1.

What should I wear?

Attendees generally wear business casual or casual attire in person. There will be opportunities for you to be seen on video, especially if you have an agent appointment or choose to participate in networking events.

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 Roadmap.

Cancellations

Cancellations and requests for refunds must be submitted in writing by mail or email by midnight on September 30, 2021, to programdirector@jamesriverwriters.org. A cancellation fee of 15% of your total will apply. No refunds will be issued for cancellations made October 1, 2021 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 programdirector@jamesriverwriters.org by September 15, 2021.

How do I become a sponsor?

If you target audience includes anyone in the literary world, the James River Writers Conference is the perfect opportunity to widen your reach. Contact Katharine Herndon at execdirector@jamesriverwriters.org.

I have another question. Who can help me?

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