2026 BIPOC Writers Connect
Ends on
BIPOC Writers Connect: Facilitating Mentorship, Creating Community is a virtual conference for Black, Indigenous, and racialized emerging writers to connect with industry professionals, established authors, and fellow emerging writers — all in one place! This program is presented by The Writers' Union of Canada and committed to cultivating space where BIPOC writers can share tools, strategies, feedback, and knowledge.
The conference is open to BIPOC writers in Canada who have a minimum of one published piece of writing (e.g., an article or short story in an online newspaper, school paper, or magazine), and who currently have a work-in-progress (10-20 pages of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, YA, or children's writing) to submit for manuscript evaluation. Writers who have one or more full-length published book (traditional or self-published) or contract offer are not eligible to apply. Previous BIPOC Writers Connect mentees are not eligible to reapply. Selected mentees are eligible to participate in one TWUC mentorship program per year. Applicants must be 18 or older by the conference date, October 22, 2026.
This virtual one-day event includes:
- one-on-one time for feedback with a professional writer who has reviewed your work in advance;
- workshop on query letter-writing;
- industry panel discussion;
- networking opportunities.
BIPOC Writers Connect is a free event, with no application fees, but advance application is required. We welcome applications from emerging writers across Canada. Applications are open until July 26, 2026 at 11:59 pm PDT. Successful applicants will be notified by September 2026. This year's conference takes place on October 22, 2026 on Zoom.
Learn more: writersunion.ca/bipoc-writers-connect.
TWUC continues to consult widely on equitable terminology. We recognize the use of the term BIPOC, and continue to prioritize equitable and responsive programming for the writing community.