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. 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. 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, David Ellis,

Alex Finlay, Danielle Girard, Heather Graham, Rachel Howzell Hall, Charlaine Harris, Jennifer Hillier,

Gregg Hurwitz, Joshilyn Jackson, Tosca Lee, Melinda Leigh, Rick Mofina, Boyd Morrison, Hannah Morrissey, Neil Nyren, Daniel Palmer, Sarah Pekkanen,

Ande Pliego, Hank Phillippi Ryan, Lisa Unger, Wendy Walker, Kate White, and Carter Wilson.

*More experts to be added, and all experts subject to change.

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