Write on the Sound Writers' Conference (WOTS) is currently accepting proposals for the 2025 conference, scheduled for Oct 3-4-5, 2025, in Edmonds, WA (Puget Sound region of the Pacific Northwest U.S.), with a special live online presentation of a select group of sessions on Sept. 27th.

Presented by the City of Edmonds Arts Commission (EAC), the conference will celebrate its 40th year in 2025. The conference endeavors to create an inclusive program that represents a broad range of genres and publishing options, presented by a wide range of industry professionals. The EAC is committed to creating an inclusive environment for presenters, attendees and volunteers. Please feel free to share this opportunity with others in your network.

Proposals are accepted through Monday, March 3, 2025, via online form below. If you have questions, we are happy to discuss your proposal(s). Please call our office at 425-771-0228, or email Laurie Rose, conference coordinator, at laurie.rose@edmondswa.gov.

About the Conference

• Established in 1985 by the City of Edmonds Arts Commission, Write on the Sound (WOTS) is a small, high quality, affordable four-day conference focused on the craft of writing. 
• In-person conference registration is limited to approximately 175 - 200 attendees. The conference is held in City-owned facilities (Frances Anderson Center and the Edmonds Plaza Room).
• Session capacity ranges from 18 to 60 attendees for both in-person and online presentations. Seating for the in-person event is lecture/theater style, except for the longer workshops.
• Sessions are either 60-minutes (Online, only) or75-minutes (In-person, only).  3-hour workshops are also offered (In-person, only, date during the conference TBD). 
• Other conference features include short manuscript critique appointments, a writing contest for registrants, a pop-up bookshop hosted by Edmonds Bookshop (exclusively featuring presenters' publications), a keynote      address, book-signing evening event open to the public, and the opportunity to network with attendees and other presenters.
• WOTS does not feature a trade show hall, or an appointment/pitch opportunity with agents or publishers.

Honoraria

• The 60-min online session honorarium is $130. The 75-min sessions honorarium is $162. Three-hour workshop honoraria start at $400.
• Travel stipend for in-person presentation is available for those traveling from more than 50 miles from Edmonds, and for those arriving by WA State Ferry.      
• Discounted hotel rooms provided by Best Western/Edmonds Harbor Inn (based on availability).

The Need-to-Know before submitting your proposal(s)

• The goal of the planning committee is to create a well-rounded conference program  for all experience levels      on the craft of writing fiction, nonfiction and poetry. This includes  a variety of sessions presented by a      broad representation of writers in different genres, as well as writing/publishing/marketing industry professionals. Topics on writing craft are prioritized, but topics related to  specific genres, publishing industry, the business of writing, writer's life, and current trends are also considered.
• Approximately half of WOTS attendees are 55 – 70+ years old adults. Attendees are enthusiastic students who want to expand their knowledge of the craft of writing, obtain tips to improve their skills, and gain insight from writing/publishing industry professionals to help further develop their writing projects and publishing industry knowledge. 
• Eligible applicants must have proven practical knowledge and experience in their proposed topic(s).
• Primary consideration is given to those with proven in-person conference session instruction, classroom or workshop teaching experience, and online conference or distance learning instruction.
• Successful proposals will focus on content that is specifically tailored for either the Beginning, Intermediate, or Advanced level writer. Those that claim their proposal is suited "for all levels" should specifically outline why writers at any level will come away with information they can use in their writing.
• 75-minute session proposals with a focus on in-session writing exercises will not be given primary consideration as our classroom set-up is lecture/theater style seating (no tables)

Contract Terms

• Honoraria is all inclusive. Travel stipends are available (see Honoraria above).
• If booked as an online presentation, presenters are required to have dedicated access to a computer, microphone, audio speaker, webcam, high-speed internet and the Zoom platform application. Additionally,      presenters are expected to be familiar with the function of an online format, with proven ability to manage their own presentation. WOTS will provide a volunteer for each session to assist with management of      attendees and other functions. Training is not provided. 
• In-person event: Travel stipend is available for those traveling from over 50 miles from Edmonds WA. Washington State Ferry stipend is also available for residents of the Kitsap Peninsula, Bainbridge, Vashon, Whidbey Islands, and the San Juan Islands. Discount hotel rooms at the Edmonds Harbor Inn are available on a first come/first served basis (presenters make their own reservations). Transportation to/from the conference location is not available. 
• All contracted presenters are invited as our guest to attend the 60- and 75-minute sessions (online and in-person), including the Keynote address. Registration is required for the 3-hour workshops.
• Only presenters' and speakers' publications are sold at the pop-up bookshop, including publications referenced in handouts and/or presentation.

Application instructions

• Please review all the information above before drafting your proposal.
• Complete the form below.
• No more than 3 proposals. Submit each proposal separately. You may provide a list of additional session topics for which you have a proposal.

Your session proposal(s) must include the following:

• A 50-word summary of your presentation that clearly states, A) the skill level of the attendee (Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced), and B) the value      of the content of your session to writers.
• Three key "take away" points specifically stating how attendees can apply session information to their writing projects.
• A detailed description or outline of your proposed session and a title. Maximum one page per description.
• Your resume, including previous teaching experience and/or conference presentations, and your publication credentials (Limit to 2-3 pages. Please, do not submit a complete CV).
• Up to a 100-word biography.
• If you are new to WOTS: Three professional teaching, conference and/or publication references. Contact information only. Do not submit letters of recommendation.

Questions? Happy to chat! Email wots@edmondswa.gov.

Thank you, 

Laurie Rose, Conference Coordinator