Wisconsin Resources for Writers
Here you’ll find a collection of resources for writers in Wisconsin, from conferences to local critique groups to literary magazines. If you’re looking for writing groups near you, writing workshops near you, creative writing classes near you, or simply a place to hang out with writers or submit your work, these are some Wisconsin writing organizations you might want to check out:
WriteByNight
For more than a decade, WriteByNight has helped writers in Wisconsin and beyond achieve their literary goals. And we want you to be next! Claim your free consultation to learn about WBN’s customizable one-on-one writers’ services, including:
Book Coaching: If you’re writing a book and want some help along the way.
Manuscript Critique: If you’ve written a book and want a beta read, critique, or writing workshop.
Editing/Proofreading: If you’ve written a book and want someone to polish it for you.
Publication Assistance: If you’ve written a book and want help finding an agent or publisher.
Not ready to chat? That’s cool. Until you are, why not sign up for our weekly message full of education and inspiration for writers and aspiring writers. You’ll also receive a free diagnostic tool, “Common problems and SOLUTIONS for the struggling writer.”
Publishes contemporary poetry, with a special emphasis on the lyric mode, as well as poetry in translation, essays, criticism and reviews of small press poetry books.
Offers craft talks, readings, and workshops in and around Eau Claire, as well as two annual retreats, the Priory and the Weekend Writers’ Retreat at the Oxbow. Non-conference events are free, but membership has its benefits.
An indie press publishing fiction, nonfiction, and poetry, supported in part by UW-Stevens Point and staffed by its English Dept. undergrads.
A unique community of writers, poets, and educators dedicated to the recognition of outstanding work by Wisconsin writers, and to promoting public awareness of Wisconsin’s literary heritage. CWW’s activities offer literary professionals from around the state an opportunity to meet, mingle, and work together in pursuit of common goals.
A nonprofit literary magazine published semi-annually in association with the English Department of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Poetry, fiction and more.
A free, annual event offering writers the opportunity to talk with peers, discuss their work, and to learn from the pros in writing workshops.
A literary magazine in Milwaukee dedicated to empowering women writers. Also offers critique groups, conferences, retreats, writing workshops, and more.
A two-day conference offering featured writers, breakout sessions, contests and more. Held annually in Oshkosh.
An annual lit mag publishing creative nonfiction, poetry, fiction, visual art and scripts. They’re currently on the lookout for work that “examines, interprets, and redefines the full spectrum of life, past and present, in the Midwest.”
Meets twice/month to share in the common interest of creative writing; inspire and motivate members to write; and provide a supportive forum for constructive feedback.
Offers critique groups, craft writing workshops, author readings, and creative writing camps for young people in a supportive community of writers who have the same goal: to improve their writing and help others to do the same.
UWGB’s journal of literature and arts; accepts fiction, poetry, nonfiction and visual art. Publishes two issues a year.
A writing group in Madison, including novelists, mystery writers, poets, children’s writers and more, of all age groups and experience levels.
Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts & Letters
Founded in 1870, the academy offers writing classes in multiple genres, as well as annual awards for fiction writers and poets across the state.
A free five-day program of public events that takes place every fall in downtown Madison. It is the state’s largest literary festival, drawing thousands of attendees annually.
An organization of people who are interested in poetry, who write poetry, and/or who are willing to work to make Wisconsin poetry-conscious and conscious of its own poets.
Founded in 1948, this nonprofit encourages, educates, supports, and promotes writers through its programs and services, including a writing conference, writing contest, writing workshops, and a literary journal.
Founded in 1984, the Wisconsin chapter of the Romance Writers of America holds monthly meetings with professional development writing workshops on the writing craft and publishing (traditional and indie) in five areas across the state: Chippewa Falls, Green Bay, Madison, Milwaukee, and Wausau.
A nonprofit bookstore in Milwaukee with over 25,000 small-press titles. The space also holds an art gallery which offers exhibitions, artist talks, readings, experimental films, concerts and writing workshops for adults and children.
An annual four-day conference in Green Bay geared toward helping crime and mystery authors write more authentically. It offers writing workshops and demonstrations from volunteer police, firefighters, EMS techs, forensic specialists, and more.
Help us add to this list, Wisconsinites! Do you know of writing groups near you, writing workshops near you, creative writing classes near you, or a lit journal we should be aware of? Let us know here