Write on the Sound Writers' Conference (WOTS) is currently accepting proposals for the 2026 conference, scheduled for Oct 2-3-4, 2026, 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. 26th.

Presented by the City of Edmonds Arts Commission (EAC), the conference is in its 41st year. 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. Please feel free to share this opportunity with others in your network.

Proposals are accepted through Monday, March 2, 2026, via online application only. 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 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, which have tables).
• Sessions are either 60-minutes (Online, only), 75-minutes (In-person, only) or 3-hour workshops (In-person, only). 
• Other conference features include short manuscript critique appointments, live panel critiques, a "flash" writing contest for registrants, a pop-up bookshop hosted by Edmonds Bookshop (exclusively featuring presenters' publications), a keynote address, book-signing/network evening event open to the public, and other opportunities 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 $133. The 75-min sessions honorarium is $166. Three-hour workshop honoraria start at $450.
• 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).
• Catered box lunches are available to order in advance at the conference's cost.

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

• Topics sought are writing/editing in fiction, nonfiction, and poetry, as well as informational topics on publishing, marketing/promotion, writers' life, and current trends/best practices.
• 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.
• 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. Proven practical knowledge and experience in their proposed topic(s) is required.
• Content for any level of writing/publishing experience is sought. Proposals designed for specific experience levels that are clearly defined are preferred ("intermediate level", etc.). Descriptions that state "for all levels" will not receive primary consideration.
•  3-hour workshop proposals that feature lecture/interactivity/generative writing exercises will receive primary consideration.
• 75-minute session proposals that feature both lecture and interactivity will receive primary consideration.

Contract Terms

• Honoraria is all inclusive. Travel stipends are available and discounted room at local hotel (see Honoraria above).
• 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.
• 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. Presenters are expected to know how to use Zoom, and with proven ability to manage their own presentation. WOTS will provide a volunteer to assist with management of attendees. 

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 can provide a proposal if requested.

Your session proposal(s) must include the following:

• A title and 50-word summary of your presentation that clearly states, A) the skill level of the attendee (Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced), and B) the specific value of the content to writers' projects.
• Three specific "take away" points stating how attendees can apply session information to their writing projects.
• A detailed description or outline of your proposed session. 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 a new presenter 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