National Writers Conference 2026: The Writer's Journey

Join Writing West Midlands for a day of dynamic panel discussions, insightful presentations, and excellent networking opportunities with writers from across the country.

Leading writers, publishers, and other industry professionals will share their expertise on topics designed to support and elevate your writing career, including:

Editing Your Writing – getting that first draft into its final form.

Promotion for Writers – ways of getting seen and heard.

Monetise Your Work – paid work for writers beyond the writing.

Keeping Your Writing Going – the fine art of not giving up.

Well-Being for Writers – looking after yourself as a writer.

Working with Agents – how to be want agents want.

"A writer's journey can last a lifetime and most writers are in it for 'the long haul.' Knowing how to navigate the writing industry can be a great help, as can developing ways of working that are productive and sustainable. The National Writers Conference takes a broad view about what success means, and is a great place to for writers to steer their own journeys. Our two keynote speakers, Kit de Waal and Casey Bailey, are brilliant and inspiring examples of both the power of perseverance and the value of good judgement - knowing how best to work to make a really satisfying career. Come along, ask questions, share answers and be part of a vibrant network of writers from across the country.” - Jonathan Davidson, Chief Executive, Writing West Midlands

National Writers Conference 2026 at a glance:

Keynote Address from one of the UK's most inspiring and successful writers - a poet, performer and playwright with a gift for speaking for the moment - Casey Bailey

Keynote Interview with novelist and memoirist, Kit de Waal, a writer who is has also campaigned for working class and older writers to be heard.

Industry Knowledge – panel sessions on Promotion for Writers and Working with Agents

Personal Support – panel sessions on Keeping Your Writing Going and Well-Being for Writers

Information & Inspiration – panel sessions on Editing Your Writing and how to Monetise Your Work

Informal Opportunities to Meet Other Writers - frequent breaks in the formal programme as well as stalls from local and national writing organisations.

Speakers & Panellists include Joe Sedgwick (Head of Writing Services, The Literary Consultancy), Lou Platt (Writer & Founder of The Artist Wellbeing Company), Salma Begum (Literary Agent, Greyhound Literacy), Jo Bell (Poet & Poetry Coach), Kit de Waal (Novelist & Memoirist), Serena Arthur (Commissioning Editor, Bonnier Books UK), Bradley Taylor (Performance Poet), Jane Commane (Editor & Director of Nine Arches Press), Emma Purshouse (Freelance Writer & Performance Poet), Winnie M Li (Writer, Novelist)

Bookshop – Voce Books, Birmingham’s bookshops for thinkers and writers, will be selling books by all speakers plus a selection of poetry, fiction and non-fiction titles

“I thought the content and range of speakers was brilliant. The timings were perfect - not too long or too short. There was a lovely vibe and atmosphere at the event. It was a hugely enjoyable and helpful day. Thank you!” – Attendee of National Writers Conference 2025

Important information:

Date/Time: Saturday 13th June, 2026, 10am-4pm (registration from 9.15am)

Location: Bramall Music Building on the University of Birmingham Campus, Birmingham, B15 2TT

What Three Words: deeply.nearly.walks

Please note that shops and eateries are usually closed on campus on conference day. You are welcome to bring your own lunch with you or a simple packed lunch can be purchased for £10 as an add-on to your ticket price on tickets purchased before the 14th May 2025 (please do this before checking out on Eventbrite).

Refreshments such as tea, coffee and squash will be available.

Ticket Prices: Ticket prices start at £42 (concession) and there are bursary tickets available – read our bursary policy here and email info@writingwestmidlands.org to apply.

Optional 'Pay it Forward' Donation: Help make this conference accessible to more writers by adding a "Pay It Forward" donation to your ticket, supporting attendees of the conference who may need financial assistance. Your contribution will go towards providing bursary tickets for those who might otherwise be unable to attend.

The National Writers Conference is presented in partnership with University of Birmingham. Supported by the Authors’ Licensing & Collecting Society and Arts Council England.