Detroit Writers Conference 2026

Are you interested in publishing a book and connecting with local writers, editors and publishers?

The Detroit Writing Room's inaugeral Detroit Writers Conference at Michigan Central Station is for you! Join us Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026 for a full day of learning, networking and inspiration.

Detroit Writing Room coaches will lead workshops and panel talks covering topics such as publishing options, finding an agent, marketing your book, copyright and trademark and more! Editors from Michigan university presses will also share best practices for pitching to publishers and the types of manuscripts they’re seeking.

The conference includes time to network with editors, Detroit Writing Room coaches and fellow writers. Detroit bookstore 27th Letter Books as well as local authors will be on-site selling books throughout the day.

Coffee, breakfast, lunch and a celebratory happy hour sponsored by Mays Multimedia are included!

Location:

Michigan Central Station

5th Floor Literary Lounge and Creative Spaces

Tickets:

• General admission - $250
• Writing Room members - $200 with their member code

Tickets are non-refundable. Registration closes on Monday, Oct. 5 at 9 a.m. EST or when spaces are filled.

Scholarships:

A select number of Detroit high school students from the Boys & Girls Club and Coaching Detroit Forward can attend at no charge.

9:30 a.m. - Doors open

9:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. - Breakfast & Networking

Enjoy coffee, breakfast and networking with writers!

10:15-10:20 a.m.- Welcome from DWR founder Stephanie Steinberg

10:30-Noon

Morning Option 1 - How to Get Your Book Published with Coach Elizabeth Ann Atkins

Morning Option 2 - How to Protect Your Intellect with Attorney April McKie

Noon to 12:45 p.m. - Lunch & Author Reading

Meet fellow writers over lunch in the Literary Lounge. The lunch break will culminate with a reading by Lillien Waller from “Black Summers.”

12:45-2:15 p.m.

Afternoon Option 1 - Marketing for Authors with Coach Lynne Golodner

Afternoon Option 2 - Picture Book Training: From Concept to Publication with Coach Amy Nielander

2:15-2:30 p.m. - Break

2:30-4 p.m.- Finding a Literary Agent with Coaches Justin Brouckaert & Aaron Robertson

4-5 p.m. - Pitching to University Presses in Michigan

The conversation moderated by DWR founder Stephanie Steinberg features Wayne State University Press executive director Stephanie Williams, Michigan State University Press executive director Elizabeth Demers and University of Michigan Press acquiring editor Haley Winkle. The presses will offer advice for writers who want to submit a book proposal and get published. They’ll also share what manuscripts they’re seeking in 2026 and beyond.

5 - 6 p.m. - Happy Hour Sponsored by

Grab a wine or beer and chat with fellow writers, Detroit Writing Room coaches and university press editors!

Meet local authors and get books signed during the conference! Participating authors, bookstores and companies include:

• 27th Letter Books
• All Access Tags
• Randye Bullock
• Leslie Cieplechowicz
• Beth Gelman
• Carol Nickles
• Motown Writers Network
• Espresso Public Relations

Interested in being a vendor? Email [email protected]

The Detroit Writing Room offers an inspirational community for writers, creatives and professionals. Whether you’re working on the next Great American novel or a resume, the DWR has nearly 50 professional writing coaches to help with all your writing needs. We also host book talks, writing workshops and literary events. Visit detroitwritingroom.com to sign up for coaching, memberships, events and more. Check out newyorkwritingroom.com to see our New York-based coaching team.

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