ConnectFest

Do you have one burning question about your book, your writing life, promotion, or your path to publication? Are you trying to make a decision or choose a path or simply wish you could get advice and savvy answers from someone who knows their stuff? Now ITW can make that happen.

Sign up for our brand new ConnectFest, and you will receive a one-on-one session with a top-notch author, agent, or editor in the ITW community. It may be the most valuable 20 minutes you’ve ever spent. ConnectFest is in person at ThrillerFest and will run from 8:30 am – 11:30 am on both Friday, May 8, 2026 and Saturday, May 9, 2026. Our 2026 experts are listed below.

*This is not a pitch or query review event; please sign up for PitchFest or QueryFest if you’re looking for those opportunities. Blurb or critique requests are not allowed, and experts will not review manuscripts in advance.

You may initially purchase up to five separate meetings. The opportunity to schedule more sessions may be available in the spring. You will be able to select the time of your appointment, but ITW will assign attendees to their experts.

Our ConnectFest instructors in 2026 include:

 Allison Brennan, Joe Brosnan, Lynne Constantine, Karen Dionne, Heather Graham, Gregg Hurwitz, Neil Nyren, Sarah Pekkanen and Carter Wilson.

Questions? Please email Kerry Savage, ITW Communications Director: kerry@thrillerwriters.org