Hello, writers!

Can you believe it? We're only two weeks away from the big weekend!

In this email, you'll find important information and reminders to help you prepare for the weekend and plan your days in Austin, including the link to join next Tuesday's virtual "Practice Makes Pitch Perfect" Presentation + Pitch Lab and a link to the FULL conference program. 

Thank you in advance for reading all of the information here. There's even more to come, so be sure to add us to your contacts and keep an eye on your inbox.

Worried you missed something important? You can find all previous conference updates here.

See you soon!

Sarah

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Sarah Renee Beach

Program Director

Next week! All 2026 A&E Conference attendees are invited to join us for a special pre-conference program on Tuesday, June 16, from 6:30-8:30 PM CT on Zoom. We’ll start with a “Practice Makes Pitch Perfect” presentation aimed at helping you refine your pitch so that you have a concise and compelling response to “Tell me about your project” during the big weekend.

After the presentation, we’ll move into a Pitch Lab, which will include small breakout group opportunities to practice your pitch with other writers (which means you’ll also have the chance to meet some fellow attendees ahead of the big weekend).

No need to register or RSVP. all conference attendees have access to this session. And if you can’t make the live event, don’t worry! The “Practice Makes Pitch Perfect” presentation will be recorded and a link to the recording will be shared with you the day after the event takes place.

Our presenters for the “Practice Makes Pitch Perfect” presentation are Lance Fitzgerald, VP of Content and Business Development at Penguin Random House Audio, & Becka Oliver, Director of Talent at Kevin Anderson & Associates.

Simply click the button below to access the presentation and Pitch Lab on Tuesday, June 16, at 6:30 PM CT.

Saturday Keynote Luncheon

“All I Ever Wanted to Do Was Drive Tractor: From the Cotton Fields of West Texas to the New York Times Bestseller List” with Stephen Graham Jones

On Saturday, June 27, join us for a special conference luncheon featuring an address by Stephen Graham Jones. All luncheon attendees will receive a three-course meal plus a complimentary copy of Buffalo Hunter Hunter, with a signing line to follow Stephen’s remarks. This is a ticketed event and seating is limited. Tickets are $60 per person.

Seats are quickly running out! Reserve yours now.

Sunday Closing Luncheon

The 2026 Agents & Editors Conference will conclude on Sunday, June 28 with a closing luncheon, an opportunity to reflect on the weekend and to say goodbye to all your new conference friends. This luncheon is free with advanced RSVP; if you do not RSVP, tickets will be made available for purchase at the conference. To reserve a seat at this luncheon, please RSVP here.

The deadline to RSVP for this luncheon is 11:59 PM CT on Friday, June 19, 2026. 

Any questions? Now's the time to ask! But first, take a look at our FAQs. If you still have a question after you've read through the FAQs, email us at wlt@writersleague.org.

All consultation appointments have been scheduled and those details have been sent out. The email came from wlt@writersleague.org and the subject line was "IMPORTANT: 2026 A&E Conference / Your Consultation Meeting Details."

If you think you should have an appointment but did not receive your schedule, please first check your spam folder. If you're still not finding your appointment details, please contact the WLT staff by replying to this email.

We will continue scheduling and sending consultation appointment details on a weekly basis between now and the conference.

As a reminder, consultations are 10-minute one-on-one meetings with our featured agents and editors, a great opportunity to verbally pitch your work to an industry professional.

At this time, conference attendees are permitted to buy up to two (2) total consultation appointments. If you have one (1) appointment scheduled, you are eligible to purchase a second consultation at the link below. If you have zero (0) appointments scheduled, you are able to purchase up to two (2) consultations at the link below.



In order for us to assign your consultation(s), you will need to first fill out the consultation purchase form and make payment. You can find the form HERE. It will ask you to rank your top choices for your appointment.

There are less than 20 consultation spots available. This form will remain open until all consultation appointments are filled.

Please note: Consultations will be assigned in the order in which completed forms are received. Once an agent or editor's appointment slots are filled, we will do our best to remove them from the form as promptly as possible. You can find more information on the featured agents and editors attending the conference here and here, but we also highly recommend doing your own independent research to determine who may be the best fit for you.

The following agents’ consultation slots are full: Amy Bishop-Wycisk, Jem Chambers-Black, Christopher Combemale, Elizabeth Copps, Emma Dries, Mina Hamedi, Tia Ikemoto, Barbara Jones, Taylor Martindale Kean, Ashley Lopez, Alex Reubert, Melissa Rodman, and Jade Wong-Baxter. Also, due to an unforeseen scheduling conflict, Will Evans is no longer able to participate in the conference, and is thus unable to offer consultations. 

Any questions? Now's the time to ask! But first, take a look at our FAQs. If you still have a question after you've read through the FAQs, email us at wlt@writersleague.org.

The Full Conference Program is LIVE

We are so excited to present the full 2026 A&E Conference program HERE.

You'll also receive a printed copy in your welcome bag upon check-in. Look over the full schedule and plan your days, but be sure to have back-up options in case your first session choice is full.

Conference Hotel

The Hyatt Regency Austin is the 2026 conference hotel. The guest rooms offer spectacular views of Lady Bird Lake, downtown Austin, and the Hill Country. The cut-off date to receive the special group rate has now passed. If you have not yet reserved your room at the Hyatt, you must now do so at full price.

If you have any questions regarding the reservation system, we suggest you contact the Hyatt directly at 512-477-1234, but you're also welcome to reach out to us and we'll do our best to help. 

Required Attendee Form 

If you haven't already, please fill out this form at your earliest convenience. We will use the information on this form to print your conference name badge and to communicate with you ahead of the event, so please ensure that it is accurate and submitted in a timely manner.

Any questions? Now's the time to ask! But first, take a look at our FAQs. If you still have a question after you've read through the FAQs, email us at wlt@writersleague.org.

Thank you to the following businesses and organizations that sponsored this conference.

WLT programming is supported in part by funding from our generous sponsors.