Listen:
Thinking about attending the AWP Conference and wondering how to prepare for it?
With thousands of writers, panels, book fairs, and networking opportunities, AWP can feel exciting, inspiring, and a little overwhelming. That is why it helps to have a strategy.
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- Moderating Double Exposure: Writing, Submitting, & Publishing in Literary/Mainstream Outlets at AWP 2026
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- The room for our panel was packed at AWP 2026
In this solo episode of Freelance Writing Direct, I share how I prepared for AWP, what it was like moderating a standing-room-only panel, and the simple strategies that helped me navigate the conference with confidence.
I cover everything from packing light and bringing snacks to creating meaningful connections with other writers. I also share highlights from my panel discussion on publishing in both literary journals and mainstream outlets, along with insights from other sessions I attended.
Whether you are attending AWP for the first time or looking for ways to approach it more thoughtfully, this episode offers practical tips to help you prepare, connect, and get more out of the experience.
In This Episode
- How to prepare for the AWP Conference and Bookfair
- What to bring to make long conference days easier
- Networking strategies for writers who prefer smaller conversations
- Behind the scenes of my panel on literary vs. mainstream publishing
- Lessons from other panels on writing and the publishing journey
- Why following up after conferences matters
Moderator Estelle Erasmus with panelists Dennis James Sweeney, Katie Henken Robinson (Electric Literature), and Dionne Ford at AWP 2026.
After moderating the panel, I pulled together a resource guide with some of the key writing and publishing resources we discussed. These are the tools, platforms, and publications writers frequently ask about when trying to move their work from draft to publication.”
You can find it here: AWP 2026 Writing and Publishing Resources.
With Denne Michelle Norris , Editor-in-Chief of Electric Literature at their off-site cocktail party. Denne was also a former podcast guest for two episodes.
Watch on YouTube
Don’t miss episode #181 From Ashram to Author: Finding The Transformative Thread in a Near-Cult Memoir with Blair Glaser
Get More From Estelle Erasmus
- Free NYU “Editor on Call” Event
Join Estelle Erasmus and the editor-in-chief of PROVOKED on April 22 from 12:30–1:30 PM EDT to learn how to pitch and publish your work.
Register here: - Private Small-Group Memoir/Essay Class
My Next 6-week session that begins May 2026 is SOLD OUT.
Email freelancewritingdirect@gmail.com for details on my September 2026 class. - Read & Subscribe
Substack: NEW POST — Why Your Memoir Draft Still Feels Flat (And How to Fix It) - Newsletter
Sign up at estelleserasmus.com for show updates and a free Pitching Guide. - Watch
Estelle’s TEDx Talk: How to Get Noticed in Your Writing and Beyond - Book
Writing That Gets Noticed — named a Poets & Writers “Best Book for Writers.” - Listen/Watch
Freelance Writing Direct Podcast — 2026 and 2025 Podcast of the Year (American Writing Awards)
About Estelle
Estelle Erasmus is an award-winning journalist, TEDx speaker, and author of Writing That Gets Noticed. She is the host, founder, and executive producer of Freelance Writing Direct and an adjunct professor at NYU.
Her work has appeared in more than 150 publications, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, WIRED, PBS/Next Avenue, The Independent, and AARP The Magazine. She has served as editor-in-chief of five national magazines.
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