Attack of the 50-Foot Otter
Kathy Green and Lara Bernhardt
William Martin, #1 New York Times-bestselling author
Lou Berney, Edgar Award-winning novelist
Attend the 19th annual WriterCon, happening September 4-7, 2026, at the Skirvin Hilton Hotel for four days of workshops, networking, and publishing opportunities.
From the start, I’ve aimed to craft a conference that provides writers with actionable skills, lasting connections, and real chances for growth.”— William BernhardtOKLAHOMA CITY, AL, UNITED STATES, August 4, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Authors wanting to refine their writing, engage with publishing industry insiders, and advance toward getting published are invited to join WriterCon 2026, the 19th annual gathering for writers, scheduled from September 4 through September 7, 2026, at the historic Skirvin Hilton Hotel in downtown Oklahoma City.
Ranked among the nation’s top educational conferences for writers, WriterCon assembles bestselling authors, literary agents, editors, publishers, and industry specialists for four days of workshops, panel discussions, networking sessions, and interactive learning. Whether participants are working on their debut novel, establishing a publishing career, or expanding an existing author platform, WriterCon delivers practical education and meaningful contacts that persist well beyond the event.
This year’s program boasts one of WriterCon’s most impressive rosters of faculty to date, headlined by #1 New York Times-bestselling author William Martin, who will appear at WriterCon for the first time alongside his son, Dan Martin, an accomplished writer whose background spans video games, television, and Hollywood. The duo will take part in a unique onstage discussion, interviewing each other in what represents their debut public father-son presentation. William Martin has reached the NYT list fourteen times, beginning with his debut novel, Back Bay, and including his latest work, December ’41.
WriterCon 2026 additionally features Edgar Award-winning novelist Lou Berney, the sole Oklahoma author to earn the prestigious Edgar Award, which honors excellence in crime writing. They are joined by USA Today-bestselling authors Kelsey Humphreys and Lauren Smith.
“Writers thrive through connection,” said William Bernhardt, bestselling author and founder of WriterCon, “with each other and with professionals. From the start, I’ve aimed to craft a conference that provides writers with actionable skills, lasting connections, and real chances for growth.” Bernhardt’s journey began with Primary Justice in 1991, the first of many bestsellers. His most recent publication is the nonfiction work, The Superman Wars. He empathizes with the challenges of getting published, having spent years breaking into the industry. “My hope is that WriterCon will ease the publishing path for the next wave of writers.”
A key highlight of WriterCon 2026 is Pitchapalooza, an event where aspiring authors can present their book ideas to multiple literary agents simultaneously. Instead of waiting months for individual submissions, participants get immediate access to publishing professionals while building valuable pitching skills in a supportive atmosphere.
Over the four-day conference, attendees can select from numerous educational sessions covering all facets of writing and publishing. Subject areas include novel writing, nonfiction, mystery, romance, romantasy, horror, fantasy, historical fiction, character development, dialogue, editing, marketing, book promotion, independent publishing, traditional publishing, and sustaining a long-term author career.
Favorite social gatherings are also back, including a complimentary Friday lunch, the popular WriterCon Jeopardy (founder Bernhardt is a Jeopardy champion), and WriterCon Karaoke, while 2026 introduces Singo!, a music-themed interactive game blending songs, friendly competition, and networking into a single memorable evening.
The conference’s educational tracks cater to every phase of the writing path. First-time authors can master storytelling fundamentals and publishing basics, while seasoned writers can delve into advanced marketing tactics, publishing trends, business growth, and methods for expanding their audience in today’s shifting publishing environment.
WriterCon’s blend of nationally recognized speakers, hands-on guidance, publishing access, and collaborative spirit has established it as a destination event for writers nationwide. Each session is crafted to provide attendees with concrete strategies they can apply right away, whether they are finalizing a manuscript, pursuing representation, releasing a book, or building a lasting writing career.
The full conference agenda is now available online. Registration is now open, and early sign-up is recommended.
About WriterCon
Established by bestselling author William Bernhardt, WriterCon is an annual educational conference dedicated to assisting writers in honing their craft, navigating today’s publishing landscape, and building successful writing careers. Through workshops, panel discussions, networking events, and direct access to bestselling authors, literary agents, editors, and publishers, WriterCon equips aspiring and established writers with the knowledge, connections, and motivation to meet their publishing objectives. Now in its nineteenth year, WriterCon continues to cultivate one of the writing community’s most supportive and instructive conference experiences. For additional details, visit their website.
Desiree Duffy
Black Chateau
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