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February 10–14, 2027

The 2027 Conference

From February 10–14, 2027, the San Miguel Writers’ Conference & Literary Festival brings writers, readers, and storytellers together in San Miguel de Allende for five days of workshops, keynotes, cultural celebrations, and literary community.

70 Workshops + Intensives
65 Faculty + Agents + Consultants
5 Days February 10–14, 2027
Free Programs Open to the community

Keynote Speakers

In Order of Appearance

Wednesday, February 10 · 6:00 PM – 7:15 PM

Amor Towles

Amor Towles is an American novelist celebrated for his elegant storytelling, unforgettable characters, and richly imagined worlds that bridge history and contemporary life. His acclaimed novels include Rules of Civility, A Gentleman in Moscow, The Lincoln Highway, and Table for Two. With wit and humanity, Towles explores ambition, friendship, resilience, and the choices that shape our lives, creating stories that have captivated readers around the world.

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Thursday, February 11 · 2:00–3:15 PM

Jennifer Finney Boylan

Jennifer Finney Boylan is a bestselling American author who has spent her career illuminating the complexities of identity, family, and belonging with warmth, humor, and profound humanity. From the groundbreaking memoir She’s Not There to the bestselling novel Mad Honey and her latest memoir, Cleavage, her work has made her a distinctive voice in contemporary American literature, inviting readers to consider identity, relationships, and the many ways we understand ourselves and one another.

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Thursday, February 11 · 6:00 PM – 7:15 PM

Michelle Good

Michelle Good is an award-winning Cree writer and member of the Red Pheasant Cree Nation in Saskatchewan whose work Michelle Good is an award-winning writer from Canada and a member of the Red Pheasant Cree Nation in Saskatchewan whose work explores Indigenous history, justice, and reconciliation. A former lawyer and advocate for survivors of Canada’s Indian Residential School system, she is the bestselling author of Five Little Indians, winner of the 2020 Amazon Canada First Novel Award. Her writing celebrates the resilience, strength, and enduring stories of Indigenous communities.

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Friday, February 12 · 2:00 PM – 3:15 PM

Martha Bátiz

Martha Bátiz is a Mexican author, translator, and professor based in Canada whose work bridges cultures, languages, and literary traditions. She is the author of acclaimed short story collections, the novel Las cervantas (A Daughter’s Place), and the founder of the University of Toronto’s Creative Writing in Spanish program. Her writing explores history, feminism, translation, and cultural identity with insight and imagination.

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Friday, February 12 · 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM

Xavier Velasco

Xavier Velasco is an acclaimed Mexican novelist, journalist, and columnist whose work is celebrated for its wit, originality, and unforgettable characters. Winner of the Alfaguara Prize for his novel Diablo guardián, he has published numerous works of fiction and nonfiction exploring identity, ambition, memory, and desire. A longtime cultural commentator, Velasco brings a distinctive voice to contemporary Mexican literature.

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Saturday, February 13 · 6:00 PM – 7:15 PM

Kiran Desai

Kiran Desai is an Indian American author and Booker Prize winner whose work brings a distinctive global perspective to contemporary American literature. Born in India and educated in both India and the United States, she is the author of The Inheritance of Loss and the acclaimed Hullabaloo in the Guava Orchard. Her fiction explores migration, identity, family, and belonging, reflecting the experience of lives shaped across cultures and borders. Her work has been translated into dozens of languages and has earned international acclaim.

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Sunday, February 14 · 4:00–5:00 PM

Giller Prize Winner

Giller Spotlight: Every year we welcome the winner of the Giller Prize, which is announced mid November.

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Sunday, February 14 · 6:00 PM – 7:15 PM

Roxane Gay

Roxane Gay is an internationally acclaimed Haitian American author, essayist, editor, and cultural critic whose work explores identity, power, relationships, and contemporary life with honesty and insight. She is the bestselling author of Bad Feminist, Hunger, and An Untamed State. One of today’s most influential literary voices, Gay brings a wide-ranging perspective to conversations about literature, culture, and society, championing stories and experiences that broaden how we understand the world around us.

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2027 Theme

Literary Spotlight

Ten presentations delving into literary topics — a standalone series and a compelling alternative to workshops. Register for the full series or pick individual lectures à la carte.

Showing 3 of 10 lectures

Thursday, February 11 · 10:45 AM – 12:15 PM

Nita Prose

“The Truth about Fiction (ENGLISH)”

$50

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Thursday, February 11 · 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM

Danielle Trussoni

“Reading (and Writing) as an Act of Resistance (ENGLISH)”

$50

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10 presentations · $50 each or $450 for the full 10-lecture series

Explore the Full Series

2027 Conference

Packages & Pricing

Join us February 10–14, 2027, for five days of literary programming, cultural celebrations, and community in the heart of San Miguel de Allende.

The Works

Full conference immersion

$1,795 USD

Early Bird Rate

  • Open Plenary Welcome
  • All 8 Keynote Presentations
  • 2 Panels
  • 7 90-min. Workshops/Literary Spotlight sessions
  • 2 Three-hour Intensives
  • 1 Round Table with a Keynote Speaker
  • Opening Reception
  • Fiesta
  • Closing Reception
  • Free Conference Events & Offerings

Other Rates

  • Mexican Nationals $695 USD (~$12,000 MXN)
Register – $1,795 USD See all packages →

À La Carte · Sold Separately

Create your own conference experience View full list

  • 3-hr Intensive $250 USD Three-hour intensive workshop. +Add
  • Individual Keynote & Panels $60 USD +Add
  • Individual Workshop $125 USD 90-minute workshop. +Add
  • Individual Literary Spotlight Presentation $50 USD One-hour presentation on a unique literary topic. +Add
  • Agent Pitch $100 USD 15-minute one-on-one pitch with a literary agent. +Add
  • Individual Consultation $120 USD 30-minute consultation with a Publishing & Marketing consultant. +Add
  • Opening Reception $75 USD Opening cocktail reception. +Add
  • Closing Reception $75 USD Farewell evening reception. +Add
  • Fiesta $125 USD Mexican Fiesta with music, food, and drinks. +Add

Panel Discussions

Included in all packages · Click a panel to learn more.

Get ready to pull back the curtain on book publishing. Our Industry Insiders panel is an all-access pass to the inner workings of publishing, featuring a powerhouse panel of literary agents, editors, and professionals who can explain how the industry really works. From submission tips to new trends to the mysterious alchemy of getting a book deal, this lively and revealing discussion will give you guidance straight from the source. Whether you're a first-time writer or a seasoned author, you'll walk away with fresh insights and real answers to your publishing questions.

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It is rare in the literary world for so many famous authors to appear together in one event. In this lively panel, all of our illustrious keynote speakers will engage in discussions in a Q & A format. Questions from attendees will be answered, and the authors will be encouraged to engage in discussions with each other as well.

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San Miguel Global Literary Institute's

2027 Writing Contest

Open to emerging writers in three categories. One winner per category receives a "The Works" Package to the 2027 Conference (valued at $1,795 USD), including full access, seven 90-minute workshops/Literary Spotlight presentations, two six-hour intensive workshops, parties, receptions, and accommodation upon request.

Opens: June 11, 2025 · Deadline: September 15, 2026 · Winners announced: November 15, 2026 · Cost: $35 per submission

Submission Guidelines

  • NO ENTRY FEE
  • Poetry submissions must not exceed 5 pages and must include a maximum of 5 poems. Multiple poems may be included on the same page.
  • Double-spaced (line spacing of 2) in 12-point Times New Roman font; submitted in Word or PDF format.
  • Open theme.
  • The work must be signed with a pseudonym; the author's name must not appear anywhere in the attached document containing the entry.
  • The attached document containing the entry must be named using the following format: (Title of Work/Pseudonym). For example: TITLEOFWORK/PSEUDONYM.doc

Registration

National Contest: Poetry (Spanish)

Submit National Contest: Poetry (Spanish)

Add contest@sanmiguelwritersconference.org and concurso@sanmiguelfestivalescritores.org to your contacts so our emails don’t go to spam.

Submission Guidelines

  • NO ENTRY FEE
  • Los escritos en prosa no deben exceder las 7,500 palabras.
  • Double-spaced (line spacing of 2) in 12-point Times New Roman font; submitted in Word or PDF format.
  • Open theme.
  • The work must be signed with a pseudonym; the author's name must not appear anywhere in the attached document containing the entry.
  • The attached document containing the entry must be named using the following format: (Title of Work/Pseudonym). For example: TITLEOFWORK/PSEUDONYM.doc

Registration

National Contest: Short Story and Chronicle (Spanish)

Submit National Contest: Short Story and Chronicle (Spanish)

Add contest@sanmiguelwritersconference.org and concurso@sanmiguelfestivalescritores.org to your contacts so our emails don’t go to spam.

Submission Guidelines

  • 2,500 words of double spaced 12pt prose
  • Limited to emerging writers who have not yet published 10,000 copies of any book
  • The submission must be unpublished work
  • Original work completely written, edited, and produced by a human — no AI technologies permitted in drafting or generation of the text
  • Do not include your name in the body of your creative submission
  • Use Times New Roman or Calibri font

Registration

International Contest: Short Story (Spanish)

  • Opens: June 11, 2025
  • Deadline: September 15, 2026
  • Winners announced: November 15, 2026
  • Cost: $35 per submission
Submit International Contest: Short Story (Spanish)

Add contest@sanmiguelwritersconference.org and concurso@sanmiguelfestivalescritores.org to your contacts so our emails don’t go to spam.

Submission Guidelines

  • 2,500 words of double spaced 12pt prose
  • Limited to emerging writers who have not yet published 10,000 copies of any book
  • The submission must be unpublished work
  • Original work completely written, edited, and produced by a human — no AI technologies permitted in drafting or generation of the text
  • Do not include your name in the body of your creative submission
  • Use Times New Roman or Calibri font

Judge

Ivy Pochoda

Author of Ecstasy, Wonder Valley, Visitation Street, These Women, and Sing Her Down. Winner of the 2018 Strand Critics Award and the 2025 ITW Thriller Award.

Registration

Fiction (English)

  • Opens: June 11, 2025
  • Deadline: September 15, 2026
  • Winners announced: November 15, 2026
  • Cost: $35 per submission
Submit Fiction (English)

Add contest@sanmiguelwritersconference.org and concurso@sanmiguelfestivalescritores.org to your contacts so our emails don’t go to spam.

Submission Guidelines

  • 2,500 words of double spaced 12pt prose
  • Limited to emerging writers who have not yet published 10,000 copies of any book
  • The submission must be unpublished work
  • Original work completely written, edited, and produced by a human — no AI technologies permitted in drafting or generation of the text
  • Do not include your name in the body of your creative submission
  • Use Times New Roman or Calibri font

Judge

Pamela Uschuk

Pamela Uschuk’s is a wildling poet, a human, immigrant and wilderness rights activist. Her eight poetry books include Crazy Love, American Book Award and Refugee, Red Hen Press, Los Angeles (Named by Orion as among their top 14 poetry books 2022 and by Kirkus Review among of their ten top books of 2023). Red Hen reprinted Blood Flower in 2025 and will publish the 2nd Edition of Crazy Love, 2026, and Wild in the Plaza of Memory as well as her newest collection, Pulling Down Sky.

Registration

Poetry (English)

  • Opens: June 11, 2025
  • Deadline: September 15, 2026
  • Winners announced: November 15, 2026
  • Cost: $35 per submission
Submit Poetry (English)

Add contest@sanmiguelwritersconference.org and concurso@sanmiguelfestivalescritores.org to your contacts so our emails don’t go to spam.

Submission Guidelines

  • 2,500 words of double spaced 12pt prose
  • Limited to emerging writers who have not yet published 10,000 copies of any book
  • The submission must be unpublished work
  • Original work completely written, edited, and produced by a human — no AI technologies permitted in drafting or generation of the text
  • Do not include your name in the body of your creative submission
  • Use Times New Roman or Calibri font

Judge

Ben Widdicombe

Ben Widdicombe is a Kirkus-starred memoirist (Gatecrasher, 2020), as well as a New York Times bestselling ghostwriter. He is a former weekly columnist for the New York Times and a current contributor to its Opinion section.

Registration

Creative Nonfiction / Memoir (English)

  • Opens: June 11, 2025
  • Deadline: September 15, 2026
  • Winners announced: November 15, 2026
  • Cost: $35 per submission
Submit Creative Nonfiction / Memoir (English)

Add contest@sanmiguelwritersconference.org and concurso@sanmiguelfestivalescritores.org to your contacts so our emails don’t go to spam.

The Big Read | La Gran Lectura

The Big Read

Full Reading List

English

The Big Read in English

The Big Read in English is an opportunity for us all to immerse ourselves in a book by one of our esteemed keynote speakers. Read the book at your own pace, then join the book club event on the first day of the Conference to discuss it with fellow attendees and gain deeper insights.

Book Selection: A Daughter's Place by Martha Bátiz

Spanish

The Big Read in Spanish

La Gran Lectura is one of the most anticipated events of the conference. It is a collective, open reading that celebrates the richness of the Spanish language and the deep connection between author and readers. Register yourself or your book club at: contacto@sanmiguelfestivalescritorets.org

Book Selection: Las Cervantas by Martha Bátiz

Workshops & Intensives

7 Sessions
12 Intensives
65 Faculty + Agents + Consultants

70+ workshops across all genres and skill levels — from beginner craft sessions to advanced intensives. Morning and afternoon sessions run daily across five days, led by our world-class faculty.

Browse All Workshops

Agent Pitch Sessions & Individual Consultations

$100 / 15-min pitch · $120 / 30-min consultation

One-on-one time with literary agents and consultants — a rare opportunity to get direct feedback from industry professionals. Agent Pitch Sessions are 15 minutes long and Individual Consultations are 30 minutes long.

View All Sessions

Conference Celebrations

Immerse yourself in the vibrant spirit of San Miguel Writers' Conference celebrations.

Wednesday, February 10 · 4:45 PM – 5:45 PM

Opening Reception

Join us for a vibrant kick-off to the conference at our Opening Reception! Connect with fellow attendees, meet our esteemed speakers and faculty, and enjoy an evening filled with engaging conversations, delicious refreshments, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. This is the perfect opportunity to set the stage for an inspiring and enriching conference experience.

$75 · HRM Gardens

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Wednesday, Febuary 10th 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM

Fèt Haïtienne

Join us for a free community celebration honoring the rich culture of Haiti, our Featured Country. Enjoy an evening of poetry, music, storytelling, and other festive activities as we come together to celebrate the spirit, creativity, and culture of Haïti in San Miguel. Free admission. Everyone is welcome.

Free · HRM Gardens

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Friday, February 12 · 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM

Fiesta

Immerse yourself in the vibrant spirit of San Miguel with our Mexican Fiesta! Enjoy traditional flavors, savor tequila tastings, and dance to traditional music. Witness captivating traditional dances that celebrate Mexico’s rich cultural heritage. This unforgettable evening promises a party like no other, filled with authentic experiences that embody the essence of San Miguel.

$125 · HRM Bullring

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Sunday, February 14 · 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM

Closing Reception

Celebrate the conclusion of our eventful conference at the Closing Reception! Reflect on the memorable moments, share your experiences, and bid farewell to new friends and colleagues. Enjoy a delightful evening of entertainment, refreshments, and heartfelt farewells as we wrap up our time together in style.

$75 · HRM Gardens

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Community Programming

Free admission

Everyone welcome — attendees, locals, and visitors. Free daily readings, open-mic nights, poetry-and-song circles, the Big Read, wellness sessions, and more.

View All Community Programming

Bookstore & Mercado Cultural

Shop, browse, and bring a piece of the conference home with you.

Conference Bookstore

Books by Faculty & Featured Authors

The hub of the Conference is the Bookstore, a place to relax and connect with newfound friends and do some of the most interesting browsing you’ll find anywhere. The bookstore features books by our keynote speakers, our distinguished visiting and local faculty members, and Literary Sala members — from small chapter books to huge bestsellers. All items are priced in Mexican pesos and may be purchased with a credit card.

  • Books by keynote speakers and faculty
  • Works by San Miguel Literary Sala members
  • Signed copies
  • Conference swag

Open daily during conference hours · Priced in Mexican pesos

Mercado Cultural

Local Artisans & NGOs

Join us at the Mercado Cultural, where you can experience the artistry and craftsmanship of San Miguel. The Mercado offers the opportunity to shop and explore a diverse range of offerings unique to San Miguel — local delicacies alongside local and Indigenous arts and crafts. We will also feature our NGO partners, offering insights into local initiatives taking place in San Miguel.

  • Local and Indigenous arts and crafts
  • Handmade goods and textiles
  • Local delicacies
  • NGO partner initiatives

Open during conference hours

Volunteer at the Conference

Learn more

Every unforgettable conference experience begins with dedicated volunteers. Help welcome readers, writers, and storytellers from around the world while becoming part of the San Miguel Global Literary Institute's community.

  • Guest Services Teams – roles that are front-facing and focused on hospitality
  • Spanish-Language Program Team – roles requiring native Spanish fluency and cultural familiarity
  • Tech & Logistics Teams – roles that involve tech tools, A/V, room setup, and registration systems
  • Marketing & Communications Team – roles for creatives and content creators

Travel & Accommodations

Plan your visit to San Miguel de Allende

Hotel Accommodation

Partner hotel with special conference rates.

Learn More

Conference Venues & Maps

Map of all conference locations and San Miguel landmarks.

View Map

Full Travel Guide

Join the Global Institute Community

Be a part of building a more connected, inclusive, and inspiring literary community.

Attend the Conference Become a Patron Join Our Newsletter