Every writer needs time to step away from the page. Time to learn something new. To hear fresh ideas. To ask questions. To meet people who understand both the excitement and the uncertainty that come with a writing life.

That's why CWA created Let's Just Write! Chicago Writers Association Conference.

Each year, writers from across the country come together for a day of inspiring conversations, practical learning, and genuine community. Whether you're beginning your first manuscript or adding another book to your bibliography, you'll leave with new ideas, new connections, and renewed momentum.

A day dedicated to writers and the work they love.

Save the Date

The 8th Annual Let’s Just Write! Chicago Writers Association Conference will take place on Saturday, June 12, 2027, bringing writers together for another inspiring full-day event at Chicago’s iconic Steppenwolf Theatre.

Registration and pitch session fees will remain unchanged from 2026. Stay tuned for programming, speaker, and registration details.

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“The 7th annual Let’s Just Write! conference is a wrap, and it was a tremendous success. I’m deeply grateful to my outstanding presenters, our sold-out audience, my fellow CWA board members, our generous sponsors and agents, The Book Cellar for selling all our books, and the wonderful staff at Steppenwolf Theatre for helping make the day so memorable. ”
— Samantha Hoffman, Executive Director, Let's Just Write! Chicago Writers Association Conference

2027 Conference Programming

Get ready for a day of inspiration, creativity, and connection at the 2027 Let’s Just Write! Chicago Writers Association Conference! We're putting together an exciting lineup of sessions designed to inform, inspire, and support writers at every stage of their journey.

We'll continue adding session topics and programming details as we get closer to the conference. Check back regularly to see what's in store!

  • What if everything you thought you knew about story structure was only part of the picture?

    We’ve traditionally understood story through time: beginning, middle, and end; first act, second act, third act. But what if there were a more elemental way to understand how stories work? A visual, intuitive framework that applies to every genre and reveals the forces that drive a story forward.

    In this workshop, Steven James will introduce a radically different way of seeing story—one that can transform how you structure your writing, develop your stories, and think about storytelling itself.

  • AI is transforming the publishing world, upending the rules of authorship, raising questions about copyright and creativity, and leaving writers wondering what it all means for their work and their future.

    Recently named one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in AI, Andrea Bartz has become a leading voice in the debate over AI and the future of publishing. In her timely, eye-opening presentation, you’ll get a clearer understanding of what’s happening, what’s at stake, and what you can do about it. You’ll leave with practical, actionable guidance to help you make informed decisions about your writing, protect your interests, and navigate conversations with agents, editors, publishers, and fellow writers.

    AI is changing the rules. Make sure you understand what they mean for you.

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Meet Our 2027 Presenters

  • Diego Báez

    Diego Báez is a writer and educator. He is the author of Yaguarete White (Univ. Arizona, 2024), a finalist for the Georgia Poetry Prize and a semifinalist for the Berkshire Prize for Poetry. A fellow at CantoMundo, the Surge Institute, and the Poetry Foundation’s Incubator for Community-Engaged Poets, Báez has served on the boards of the National Book Critics Circle, the International David Foster Wallace Society, and Families Together Co-operative Nursery School. His poems, book reviews, and essays have appeared online and in print. He lives in Chicago and teaches at the City Colleges.

  • Andrea Bartz

    Andrea Bartz is a journalist and the New York Times bestselling author of six novels, including We Were Never Here, a Reese’s Book Club pick, and Delete Your Account, a speculative AI thriller. Her books have been optioned by Netflix, Hulu, and other production companies. 

    She is an AI advocate, and lead plaintiff in the landmark class action lawsuit, Bartz v. Anthropic. The case marked a major legal victory for creative rights and resulted in the largest copyright recovery in history.

  • Steven James

    Steven James is the critically acclaimed author of twenty-two novels and dozens of nonfiction books. As a professional speaker, he has appeared more than 2000 times at events spanning the globe. When he’s not writing or speaking, he hosts the popular podcast The Story Blender. Find out more at stevenjames.net. 

Pitch Sessions

Pitch your book to literary agents and/or traditional publishers. 

Pitch session registration for 2027 will be posted when registration for the conference is available.

Pitch sessions will be available on the day of the conference. There is no limit to how many sessions you may register for. Sessions are $30 each (subject to change per year). Please review the agents/publishers prior to registering. Keep in mind that each agent/publisher has particular genres/topics they represent.  

You must be registered for the conference to sign up for pitches.

Each session lasts a total of five minutes. Time will be closely monitored. Come prepared with a two- or three-minute description of your finished manuscript.

  • Pitch sessions will be 5 MINUTES and will be strictly timed. That may not seem like a lot of time but you’ll be surprised. You will use about two minutes of that time for the description of your book. That will leave the agent/publisher with the remaining time to ask questions and give feedback on your pitch and/or your book project. If a participating agent or publisher finds your pitch compelling, he or she may ask to see your manuscript.

    • You should have a completed, polished manuscript or nonfiction book proposal.

    • Prepare a two- or three-sentence synopsis of your story (Aps for how to do that are below). Keep in mind that it takes about 200 words to fill one spoken minute.

    • That will give the agent/publisher enough time to ask questions and to give you feedback. Voila! Five minutes. On to the next.

    NOTE: If someone asks for a sample or manuscript (yay!) and gives you submission instructions, use the pad/pen in your conference bag to write them down.

    • Don’t fill the first minutes apologizing for being nervous.

    • Don’t ramble about what you know about them to prove you did your homework. They expect that you did that.

    • Don’t wing it. Be ultra-prepared.

    • Agents/publishers are just people. They know how you feel. They are looking for a project they can love and sell, and they hope yours is it.

    • All writers feel nervous. Expect that and plan for it by overpreparing. The agent/publisher will not count nerves against you.

    • Don’t get discouraged no matter what happens. If materials are requested, great! If not, it might not be their kind of project. And you may get meaningful feedback to help you the next time. It’s good experience.

  • Fiction Writers: You must have a completed novel manuscript. You are not there to pitch ideas, you are there to pitch a book. 

    Nonfiction Writers: Have a completed book proposal, including a brief overview of the book, chapter outline, author statement/platform and potential market. You do not have to have a completed manuscript but you should have several chapters written. 

    Memoir Writers: A completed memoir would be best, along with a book proposal. Be prepared to talk about your hook and why you are writing this story.

2027 Agents and Publishers

We're working on bringing together an exciting lineup of literary agents and publishers for the 2027 Let’s Just Write! Chicago Writers Association Conference.

Check back soon as we announce participating agents and publishers.

Thank you to our 2026 sponsors for their generous support!

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Book cover titled 'VIVIAN'S DECISION' by Della Leavitt, featuring a woman in a hat and coat walking on a sidewalk.
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Book cover titled "Farewell to South Shore" by Charlene Wexler, featuring a woman walking on a beach during sunset.
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Become a Sponsor for our next conference

The Chicago Writers Association invites businesses, organizations, and individuals to sponsor the annual Let’s Just Write! Conference.

This full-day gathering brings together writers, authors, publishing professionals, and literary enthusiasts for craft-focused learning, meaningful connection, and professional development.

Sponsorship offers an opportunity to:

  • Reach an engaged audience of writers and publishing enthusiasts.

  • Demonstrate your commitment to literacy and the creative arts.

  • Increase your organization’s visibility within the literary community.

  • Support education, networking, and career development for writers.

Availability for sponsorship in 2027 will be posted when available.

Sponsorship opportunities and benefits may vary by conference year and are subject to availability. The Chicago Writers Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Contributions may be tax-deductible; please consult a qualified tax professional.

    • Sponsor table at the conference, subject to availability.

    • Logo placement in the conference program.

    • Linked logo recognition in CWA’s newsletter, website, and social media.

    • Company materials included in conference attendee bags.

    • Logo placement in the conference program.

    • Linked logo recognition in CWA’s newsletter, website, and social media.

    • Company brochure or printed promotional item included in conference attendee bags.

    • Logo placement in the conference program.

    • Linked logo recognition on the CWA website.

  • Choose an amount that works for you and receive acknowledgment in the conference program.

Questions about sponsorship opportunities? Contact the CWA.

Scholarships

A limited number of full scholarships are available for the conference each year.

Scholarship deadline for 2027 will be posted when available.

There is no fee to apply, but applicants must be current Chicago Writers Association members. Not a member? Join CWA.

    • Submit an essay explaining how attending the conference would support your writing goals.

    • Limit your essay to 600 words.

    • Format it as a double-spaced Word document or PDF using 12-point Times New Roman.

    • Do not include your name or other identifying information in the document. Essays are reviewed anonymously.

    • Email your application materials to [scholarship email] with the subject line Scholarship Application.

  • The scholarship submission period and deadline for 2027 will be posted when available.

  • The award notification date will be posted when the scholarship period opens.

Already registered for the conference? You may still apply. Scholarship recipients who have already paid their registration fee will receive a refund.