Theresa Lee says: “ThrillerFest 2006 was the first book-related conference I attended. I had no idea what to expect, but I’ve volunteered every year since. I had such a great time and met so many amazing people. It makes my heart happy when I volunteer.”
Volunteer
Why Should I Volunteer at ThrillerFest?
Serving as a volunteer is a great way to experience ThrillerFest. Conferences can feel overwhelming if you’re an author attending for the first time. ITW offers a supportive writing community for authors at every level of their writing career.
Just starting out? Volunteering at ThrillerFest will get you involved. You’ll meet other new authors and get a personal introduction to the world of publishing. Already an established author? Volunteering is a great way to give back to a community that’s given us so much. From volunteering at registration, where you get to meet and greet attendees and your favorite authors, to in-classroom volunteers where you’ll get to know some of the industry’s leading authors from your front-row seat, we have options for everyone.
Worried about the time commitment? Volunteer for an hour or cover a panel you were already planning to attend. Jump in for as much, or as little, as you’re comfortable with. More of an introvert? We’ve got behind-the-scenes volunteer positions for you.
Through volunteering, I’ve met friends I cheer for, who lift me up and support me, and with whom I gladly celebrate their literary successes. It’s a wonderful way to build a network of supportive, kind industry professionals.
Won’t you consider volunteering this year?
Kerry Savage
Volunteer Coordinator, ThrillerFest
You can sign up to volunteer at ThrillerFest 2025 by selecting “yes” in the volunteer section during registration, at which point you’ll be added to the interest list. In Spring 2025, you’ll receive an email with options volunteer slots. You can pick and choose any events and times you’d like. Registration is required for volunteers. Please use the form below for any questions about volunteering. If you have problems with the form below, please email us at support@thrillerwriters.org.
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Kerry Savage
Volunteer Coordinator, ThrillerFest
Here's what past volunteers have to say
Tammy Bennecke says: “I love every minute of volunteering at ThrillerFest! The staff, volunteers, and authors are all welcoming and positive. 2024 was my first time volunteering for PitchFest, and that was so much fun. I could feel the high energy in the room and the time passed by quickly.”
Rachel Heller says: “I was fortunate enough to volunteer at Thrillerfest in 2007. To this day, I am still friends with several fellow volunteers and many attendees. The highlight of my volunteer career was meeting Margaret Atwood. She was there to present, and I noticed she had her suitcase with her. I offered to watch it for her so she didn’t have to lug it around. She took me up on my offer and was so gracious. She signed my copy of “The Blind Assassin” and chatted about how she wanted to write a book about her mother’s generation.”