FAQs
When is the conference?
Oct. 7-8, 2023.
Where is it?
The Hurst Conference Center, 1601 Campus Drive, Hurst, Texas, 76054. Hurst is in the heart of the DFW Metroplex, about a 15 minute drive from DFW International Airport. Our official hotel is right next door, the Hilton Garden Inn Dallas at Hurst Conference Center. A discounted group rate is available.
What does DFW mean?
It’s the short name for the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, population 6.4 million. It’s not David Foster Wallace.
What classes will be offered?
DFWCon offers the largest, most comprehensive educational program of any multi-genre writers conference in Texas. We’ll have a huge list of both craft and business-related classes, including lectures, panels and interactive workshops.
What agents will be there?
DFWCon this year will have a VIP lineup of 12-16 agents, who will be traveling to Texas from around the country specifically to meet with writers, including you! We’re in the middle of inviting VIPs and will announce the lineup as soon as we are able.
Do I get a free pitch session with an agent or editor?
Yes. We do our utmost to get you a meeting with your first choice of VIP, and we succeed more than 90 percent of the time. Failing that, we will fall back to your second or third choice.
How do I sign up for a pitch session?
You’ll receive an email about signing up for a pitch session after you register. The emails go out in batches on Thursdays and Sundays.
Can I buy extra pitch sessions?
Yes. Pitch sessions will be on sale at the pitch sessions desk during the conference (price TBD).
Where do I register?
The main registration page is here. There are discounted rates for DFW Writers’ Workshop members for the two-day registration option only, but there are one-day options available also for members and non-members at the same rate. Registration options are also on our homepage. DFWWW members will need to sign into their accounts, all others will have to create an account.
Why should I attend a writers’ conference?
Simply put, networking. It’s the number one reason to attend any conference dedicated to writers. You will meet and befriend so many people both publishing professionals and people new in their careers, that will pay dividends. We’ve often had people, simply by chance, meet someone who eventually makes a great impression on their career. You can also learn a great deal about the business and the craft of writing. The publishing industry is in a constant state of flux with the democratization of publishing. We keep the information fresh and the topics new at the conference every year to keep you up to date.
What should I wear?
Whatever you’re comfortable in, within reason! We’ve seen people in tuxedos and shorts (not on the same person). Business casual is a safe bet if you don’t want to rock the boat.
What should I bring?
Something to take notes on. Good walking shoes. Change of clothes. There will be daytime and evening events. You can wear the same clothes to both if you like. Do not bring a printed manuscript, unless directly requested.
Do you have a refund policy?
There is a fee for cancellation.
All refunds are minus a $25 processing fee.
After Friday, September 8th, 25% of total charges will be retained in addition to the $25 processing fee.
Do you have an anti-discrimination & harassment policy?
Yes, you can find it here.
Who puts on the Dallas-Fort Worth Writers Conference?
The conference is run by the DFW Writers’ Workshop, a non-profit organization. Our tagline is Writers Helping Writers Since 1977. We help writers of all genres and experience levels to produce and promote professionally published work. We do this by providing read-and-critique sessions, educational activities, ongoing author support, networking opportunities and a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere. We’ve been meeting every week in the Metroplex for read-and-critique sessions for 45 years! In that time, more than 90 of our members have gotten a book traditionally published more than 350 times.
What if I still have questions?
Please email info *AT* dfwcon dot org.