Sewanee Writers’ Conference

July 14-26, 2026

Writers may apply to the Sewanee Writers’ Conference by submitting applications in one or more of the categories listed below. The application deadline is March 1.

We have some important changes to the conference this year as we try to  address challenging budgetary issues in ways that align with our values.  Since 2021, we have worked to reduce hierarchy at the conference, so  we've decided to approach budget cuts partly through adopting a more egalitarian approach. To that end, we will no longer offer publication/production-based fellowships and scholarships, but instead shift toward providing need-based aid. Tuition, room, and board will now be $3,000 for all participants, who will have the same reading time, status, and opportunities. $3,000 is 40% of the actual cost to attend, so every writer will receive 60% support to participate.

All applicants will be notified of decisions via email April 15.

2026 Faculty

FICTION 

Chris Bachelder • Sarah Shun-lien Bynum • Lydi Conklin • Amitava Kumar • Margot Livesey • Jill McCorkle • Claire Messud • Chinelo Okparanta • Maurice Carlos Ruffin • Stephanie Powell Watts

POETRY

Marianne Chan • Eduardo C. Corral • Danielle Cadena Deulen • Ananda Lima • Carl Phillips • Caki Wilkinson

NONFICTION 

Jaquira Díaz • Amy Leach • Alex Marzano-Lesnevich • Elena Passarello

PLAYWRITING 

David Adjmi • Nathan Alan Davis • Dan O'Brien • Lauren Yee

All participants are expected to attend the Conference for its entire 12-day duration. 

Applicants must be 21 years of age by the time of the Conference. Past that criteria, age is not a factor in admissions. We welcome a wide range of ages to the Conference. 

Applicants accepted to the Conference will have the opportunity to submit a separate manuscript for workshop as well as their top choices for a faculty reader.