Below is a list of writing conferences and workshops in Utah. Our state has a robust writing community and lots of opportunities to learn, network, and grow as a writer or editor. The conferences are listed by the month they typically occur in. Each conference has its own focus and tone, so be sure to visit the website of a conference you’re interested in to learn more.
If you know of a conference to add, please contact us.
January
February
The Life, the Universe, and Everything Symposium (LTUE)
- Typically President’s Day weekend
- Emphasizes science fiction and fantasy and has tracks for writing, editing, illustration, audiovisual media, game design, and more
- More information: LTUE.net
March
Teen Author Boot Camp (TABC)
- Typically in March/early in the year
- Specifically tailored for writers who are teenagers, not necessarily writers who produce books for teens
- More information: TeenAuthorBootCamp.net
April
Pre-Quills Conference
- Typically in the spring
- Hosted by the League of Utah Writers (LUW), Utah’s biggest community writing organization (Utah Freelance Editors is a LUW chapter)
- More information: Pre-Quills Conference
May
Storymakers Conference
- Typically in the first half of May (often Mother’s Day weekend); sells out fast
- More information: LDStorymakersConference.com
Brigham Young University’s YANCON
- Sometime summery: dates have ranged from May to July
- Focus is on writing young adult (YA) novels.
- Application required, and priority goes to current BYU students. But UFE has heard that if there are open slots, nonstudent community folk can join in.
- More information: BYU English Conferences
June
Writing & Illustrating for Young Readers (WIFYR)
- Typically in June; sells out fast
- Focuses on creating children’s literature (picture books, middle grade, and young adult)
- More information: WIFYR.com
July
Kanab Writers Conference
- Late July
- Smaller, more personal atmosphere; incorporates plein air writing hikes that take advantage of the unique setting
- More information: KanabWritersConference.com
August
The Quills Conference
- Typically in August
- Hosted by the League of Utah Writers (LUW), Utah’s biggest community writing organization (Utah Freelance Editors is a LUW chapter)
- More information: Quills Conference
September
Latter-day Saint Publishing & Media Association Conference (LDSPMA)
- Typically in late September or early October
- Focuses on contributing to media as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; has editing, writing, marketing, and audiovisual tracks
- More information: LDSPMA.org
October
UVU Writers Academy
- Typically in October (lasts all month with once-a-week events)
- Hosted by Utah Valley University; formerly known as Book Academy
- More information: UVU Writers Academy
FyreCon
- Typically in the fall
- Heavy emphasis on education; has teen-focused tracks
- More information: Fyrecon.com
November
20Books Vegas
- Not technically in Utah, but near enough for many of us to drive
- Centered on publishing business rather than on writing craft
- Focused on self-publishing and indie publishing
- More information: 20BooksVegas.com