When: Aug. 30-31, 2025

Where: DoubleTree Hotel in Huntington, WV Address: 1001 3rd Ave, Huntington, WV 25701 Phone: (304) 525-1001

Who: For all writers who love writing genre fiction! Our intention is to bring to our corner of Appalachia an amazing conference with writing craft, marketing, and agents and editors! This conference is specifically for all kinds genre writers in any stage of their writing career. We have workshops, panels, a cocktail party with light refreshments and a cash bar on Saturday night to get to know each other, and the opportunity to pitch to an agent and editor. After the conference, all in-person attendees will get the audio recordings for free.

Now with a VIRTUAL OPTION!

Click here to download the program.

This is our second year, and we’re growing!

We have agents and editors accepting: Sci/Fi, Fantasy, Horror, Mystery, Thriller, Suspense, Romance, Literary, Women’s Fiction, YA, Commercial/Upmarket Fiction, Historical, Middle-Grade, and Non-Fiction including memoir. See below for more details or click this link!

We cannot guarantee participants will be able to pitch to every publisher or agent they want. Sign up now to be first on the list for your favorite agents. You may pitch to as many who are looking for your work. We will be capping the number of attendees in an effort to allow each attendee the opportunity to pitch once.

In-Person Attendence

In Person Attendance Includes:

  • Close to USA Today’s BEST Cake Shop! Enjoy a delicious baby cake and get all of the amazing other conference benefits!
  • Access to all workshops and panels
  • PossibilIty to pitch
  • Audio recordings of all of the workshops.
  • Jen Graybeal is offering free one on one sessions!
  • Free Zoom Pitching/Submission workshop July 10, 2025 at 6:30 pm.
  • For all attendees that receive a request from an agent or editor, a FREE follow-up workshop to help hone your query letter and answer other questions.
  • $250 for Saturday and Sunday, includes pitching for in-person attendance.
  • Or $100 for Saturday ONLY in-person attendance. Pitching is excluded.
  • Awesome people IRL!
  • Fun swag, handouts, etc.

Virtual Attendance for Workshops/Panels includes:

  • Audio recordings of all workshops and panels to be emailed in early September.
  • Access to all handouts/slides available.
  • Free Zoom Pitching/Submission workshop July 10, 2025 at 6:30 pm.
  • For all attendees that receive a request from an agent or editor, a FREE follow-up workshop to help hone your query letter and answer other questions.
  • $50

Virtual Attendance for pitching only includes:

You’ll have an opportunity to pitch via Zoom. Includes the pitching workshop on July 10th, and the follow up if a request is received. This deal ends August 10th. $50

In the unlikely event that the Genre Conference is cancelled, your registration will be refunded. A partial refund may be offered on a case by case basis before August 1, 2025. No refunds after August 1, 2025. Your conference registration is transferable if you contact AskIGW@gmail.com. Although we strive for perfection, pease note we cannot guarantee your opportunity to pitch or have a one-on-one as spots are limited. It is best to sign up early as it is a first-in-line situation.

We are ADA compliant. The hotel has an elevator, wide corridors, and is easily accessible. Most handouts will be available in PDF form. Also, we have access to a interpreter for the Hard of Hearing/Deaf if needed. Please let us know if you’ll need the interpreter and which workshops you intend to participate in. If you require any accomodations, please contact Tobi at AskIGW@gmail.com.

Registration for pitches ENDS 8:00 am ET, August 15, 2025 – SPOTS ARE FILLING UP

REGISTRATION – 2 steps!!!

Did you hear us on the Dawg radio? You can use “theDawg” as a coupon code to save $$$ but act FAST, this special is limited!

1 – Pay here (click)

Yes, we’re sending you to our sister site, StoryMagicCards.com because I would have to upgrade this site to include WooCommerce and we are keeping our costs down every way imaginable while still providing quality!

2 – Fill out this Google Form! (click)

More details:

Workshop Presenters 

Participating Publishers:

Participating Agents: Check out this page to find the right agent or editor for you, or click on their names to be directed to their MSWL. Remember to only pitch to agents and editors that are looking for your genre and style of manuscript. We’ve selected agents that are willing to meet you face-to-face via Zoom and are accepting many different kinds of genres, so please make sure you’re pitching to the right person/people who will love your work!

PITCH SCHEDULING HAS CLOSED

Workshops: 

  • Pitch, Please! with Tobi Doyle and Sheila Redling. If you are pitching at GenreCon, this workshop is mandatory. We’ll walk you through exactly what to expect, help you polish your logline and elevator pitch, and demystify the whole process—so you can shake off the heebie-jeebies, calm those ants in your pants, and show up with only the usual amount of nerves. AND, we’re having another pitch workshop for those of you who want to practice later in the day. You’re welcome to attend if you’re not pitching but practice will focus on those who have scheduled pitch sessions.
  • Creating a Strong First Act with Abigail Drake
    The beginning of your story is the most valuable real estate in your entire book. Some agents and editors don’t make it past the first chapter. Many don’t get past the first page, and the same goes for your readers as well. How can you create a first chapter that not only hits all the marks, but also leaves them dying for more?
    • From writing a fabulous hook, to finding a way to break into act two, there are steps that must be taken to ensure you set a solid foundation for the rest of your novel. It’s not rocket science, but it does involve a bit of thought and planning.
    • In this session we’ll discuss all the elements that must come together to create a great start to your book. Prepare to roll up your sleeves and get to work, because we’re going to figure out how to polish up that first chapter (and your first act) to make it shine!
  • Building the Ultimate Book Box: Superfans, Swag & Painted Edges with Casey Bond
    Ready to level up your book marketing game? Join Award-Winning Author Casey Bond as she walks you through creating a book-themed swag box your superfans and influencers will actually want to unbox (and post all over Instagram). From choosing fun, story-inspired goodies to painting the edges of your hardcover like a true artisan, this workshop will show you how to turn your book into a collector’s dream—and get readers buzzing.
  • Masterclass: Reconnect with the Joy of Writing (2 hours) with Jen Graybeal. When did you first start dreaming of being a writer? How long did it take for you to realize that it is not just difficult, but can be draining?
    • Your way forward is as unique as you are and must fit within the realities of your life. In this session, we will dive deep into research-based strategies to relieve stress, conquer doubt, and create a personalized approach to long-term success in publishing and in life. We will investigate the causes of writer’s block and imposter syndrome to understand why so many authors experience it, and how to outsmart the inner critic that holds us back. Through exercises for creativity, focus, and mindfulness, you will leave energized and excited about your writing. – This interactive session might include laughter, tears, and epiphanies—and it will definitely include 80s music.
    • Please note, this is a double workshop with a small break included.
  • Self-Publishing for Beginners with Abigail Drake
    Are you intrigued by the idea of self-publishing, but don’t know where to start? Are you a traditionally published author who wants to rerelease a previously published book on your own? Never fear. Abigail Drake is here to take you by the hand and teach you step-by-step how to do it, and it’s not really as scary or as difficult as you might think. 
    • In this course, we will:
      • 1. Make sure your book is ready to be self-published.
      • 2. Learn exactly how to put your book up on Kindle Direct Press. 
      • 3. Go over what to consider when choosing genres and keywords.
      • 4. Discuss the back cover blurb.
      • 5. Figure out pricing, preorders, and distribution.
      • 6. Analyze the merits of Kindle Unlimited and discuss going wide.
      • 7. Decide when and how to hit that magic “publish” button.
    • This is a class intended for anyone considering taking the leap and trying out self-publishing for the first time. The first step is often the scariest. This class is designed to take away that worry, and help you realize your dreams of publication.
  • Finding Time to Write with Misty Simon
    Life’s busy. The laundry’s multiplying. And somehow your characters still expect you to finish their story. Sound familiar? In this down-to-earth, laughter-filled session, author Misty Simon shares real strategies for carving out writing time—even when your schedule feels impossible. Learn how to build sustainable habits, set guilt-free goals, and protect your creative time like it’s the last chocolate in the house. Whether you have five minutes or fifty, you can write—and Misty will show you how.
  • Build a Romance Join Tobi and Sheila for a fun, hands-on session using Story Magic Cards to craft a romance that readers will fall head over heels for. You’ll learn how to create swoon-worthy characters, irresistible chemistry, and a plot that keeps hearts racing—and pages turning. Come ready to plot love at first write!
  • Inside Scoop: What Agents and Editors Really Love and Loathe with Chandler Haun and Courtney Pierce of Henlo Press Pull back the curtain and hear straight from the pros—what makes them fall in love with a manuscript, and what makes them hit “pass” faster than you can say “prologue.” Join this workshop for the honest, unfiltered take on what works, what doesn’t, and how to stand out–in a good way.
  • Pitch Practice: Get Ready to Wow ‘Em Nervous about tomorrow’s pitch? Let’s work out the kinks together. Join Sheila and Tobi for a hands-on session where you’ll fine-tune your logline, sharpen your elevator pitch, and walk through exactly how the pitching process works. We’ll workshop your pitch until it’s polished, powerful, and ready to impress.

Panels:

  • Pick Your Path: Trad, Indie, or Both? with Henlo Press, Misty Simon, and Amanda Hooser. Should you chase a traditional publishing deal or go indie and do it your way? This panel dives into the pros, cons, myths, and realities of both routes. Hear from authors who’ve been there, done that (and got the rejection letters and royalty statements to prove it). Whether you’re dreaming of Big Five prestige or total creative control, this conversation will help you make an informed—and empowered—decision for your writing career.
  • From Pages to People: Finding Your Audience Your book is awesome—now let’s find the people who’ll love it. This panel will discuss how to identify your ideal readers, connect with them authentically, and grow a loyal fanbase. From discovering where your audience hangs out to finding book signings and building meaningful interactions, you’ll learn how to turn casual readers into die-hard supporters. With Casey Bond, Misty Simon, Amanda Hooser, and Henlo Press
  • Promo Panic: What to Do, What to Skip, and What’s Free The only thing scarier than writing a synopsis? Book marketing. Where should you spend your time—and your money? Is it possible to build buzz without breaking the bank (or your spirit)? This candid panel shares real-world tips, tricks, and hard-earned lessons to help you market smarter, not harder. With Abigail Drake, Casey Bond, Amanda Hooser, and JT Cooper
  • Genre Fiction: How to Meet Expectations Without Becoming Cliché
     Every genre has its rules—romance wants the swoon, thrillers want the chase, and mystery readers will riot if it’s not solved. This panel will chat about what not to do and how to meet the expectations of readers and editors without selling your soul—or your plot twists. Come for the tips, stay for the tea. With everyone!

Consultations

  • Jen Graybeal – Author Life – Editor – Creative Coach – and More – Sign up to talk to Jen about anything. She’s been in the business forever and can answer your questions and help point you in the right writing direction!
  • Henlo Press – Here’s your chance to talk to real editors about what they are looking for, you can even have them peruse your query letter or more. Don’t miss this opportunity!

The Schedule – subject to change…