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Indie Author Weekend

You can’t miss Indie Author Weekend—a two-day virtual self-publishing conference on October 16–17, 2026, designed to ignite your indie author potential! Whether you're starting your journey to self-publish a romance novel or a seasoned author looking to level up, this event connects you with key industry experts who’ll provide straight answers to propel your career forward.

Your golden ticket to self-publishing success awaits.

Bonus: Registrants get lifetime access to all recorded sessions.

Registration Fees

  • Members: $99 / Non-Members: $149
Register Now

Indie Author Weekend Registration Scholarships Are Now Open!

RWA is now accepting registration scholarship applications for Indie Author Weekend. Members and non-members are welcome to apply. Applications must be submitted by September 11, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Central Time. All applicants will be notified of their application status on September 18, 2026. Submit Scholarship Application  Here

Boost Your Romance Author Career with RWA! Join RWA now and save 10% on Indie Author Weekend registration. Enjoy exclusive benefits like advocacy, community, education, contests, weekly newsletter, a monthly digital magazine, access to archived resources, and discounts on conferences, workshops, and more. Your career deserves this advantage—join today!

Schedule

Friday, October 16

9:00 AM Central Time
  • Welcome from RWA President
9:15 - 10:15 AM
  • Panel with Editors
  • Habits and Systems That Set You up for Success
10:30 - 11:30 AM
  • From Trad to Indie: The Hybrid Author Tells All
  • Spam, Malware, Phishing, Oh My!
  • Vellum
11:45 AM - 12:45 PM
  • Understanding and Working with a Freelance Developmental Editor
  • Marketing Strategy for Authors
  • Character Driven Revisions
1:00 - 2:00 PM
  • Creating an Author Business Plan
  • Social Media for Authors: The Budget Edition
  • Let’s Talk About Independent (Romance) Bookstores
2:15 - 3:15 PM
  • Marketing on a Budget for Niche Markets
  • Working with a Book Cover Designer (90-minutes)
After Hours 4:00 - 6:00 PM
  • We Built This Genre on Love and Tropes
  • Meditation Hour
  • IAW2026 Virtual BINGO

 

Saturday, October 17

9:00 - 10:00 AM
  • Create Your Own Professional Audiobooks with Minimal Equipment
  • Launching a Bestselling Book with KGB
10:00 - 11:00 AM
  • So You Want to Cultivate an Arc Team
  • Pinterest for Authors
11:15 AM - 12:15 PM
  • More than Just Writing: How a Business Plan Can Be Your Blueprint for Success
  • Your Indie Editor and You
12:30 - 1:30 PM
  • Using Canva for Your Indie Author Business
  • Going Beyond Goal, Motivation, and Conflict: Leveraging Chapter Scenes & Sequels for Emotional Impact
1:45 - 2:00 PM
  • Conference Closing (President)