Why Attend the Conference?

Because it’s worth the investment!

Here are the reasons:

Reputation and longevity. The Philadelphia Writers’ Conference is the oldest writing conference with open registration in the country. This year PWC celebrates its 65th year. Check out the PWC history.

Inspiration. This year’s theme, “Join the Writing Evolution” will be supported by two amazing  speakers:

• Friday morning: Former Philadelphia Mayor and Pennsylvania Governor, Ed Rendell!

• Saturday banquet: Celebrated Philadelphia Journalist and Author, George Anastasia!

Craft. Our three-day writing tracks are led by some of the best writing teachers and published authors in the area. Create a schedule that meets your needs—or stretches your competency into new areas.

Information. Stay up to date on current trends in the business and craft of writing through additional single sessions.

NEW—Master Classes! For an additional $50 you can sign up for a three-hour master class that will give you an intense, two-day interaction with a leading writer in that field: J.C. Todd for poetry or Keith Strunk for screenwriting.

Pitch to Agents and Editors. Is your manuscript ready to sell? Sign up for a 5-minute pitch session on site after you register Friday morning (registration opens at 8:30 a.m., and agent/editor sign-ups open at 9 a.m.).

Learn what’s new in the publishing world. The agents and editors will form a panel at the optional Friday night buffet (additional $40 fee). Bring your questions for the open    Q & A!

Peer Critique. Friday night, Manuscript Rap sessions—poetry, juvenile fiction, and adult fiction—allow peer feedback and critique. Bring along sample pages to read aloud.

Mentoring. Conferees can receive guidance from their workshop leader by sending in a writing sample to the Critique Coordinator by May 1.

Contests. Submit your manuscript and find out how your work competes. PWC offers two different contests with some pretty cool prizes! First prize for our advance submission Manuscript Contest, open in all 12 three-day workshop categories and evaluated by our national team of esteemed judges, is a free conference for the next year! Bring along a one-page entry for the Words on the Wall contest.

Purchase books and pick up free publications. We will have a bookseller on site with books by all of our presenters—purchase one and get it signed!—as well as some giveaways to boost your freelancing career.

Networking. This conference brings together the most serious writers in the Philadelphia area and beyond. Do not underestimate the power of networking! Consider making up some business cards so people can remember you.

Location. PWC is located in the heart of Philadelphia’s historic district, with easy access to trains, buses, and major highways.

Price. PWC maintains a high value to cost ratio! Order food functions and master classes a la carte to custom build an affordable conference experience. Scholarship opportunities are available before April 15 . Register before May 1 for a price break.

So what are you waiting for? Register online now, and we’ll see you in June!

Please visit our FAQ sheet. It contains answers to the most common questions we receive.

“The Philadelphia Writers’ Conference, Inc. is a non-profit organization
whose purpose is to bring writers together
for instruction, counsel, fellowship and the exchange of ideas.”
- bylaws: 1949-present
PWC was founded in 1949 and incorporated as a nonprofit organization in 1980.

The use of laptop computers and electronic tablets is permitted.

Photographs will be taken during the 2012 Philadelphia Writers Conference weekend. Conferees attending this year’s sessions are advised that their attendance grants all rights of permission for non-commercial purposes, including possible publication on the PWC website.

For more information, email us at info@pwcwriters.org.