Apply

Rolling applications to the 2013 program will be considered beginning March 1 and continue until all workshops are filled. For priority admission and a better chance at your choice of workshop, we suggest you apply as soon as possible.

Applications for financial assistance are now closed. Grant and housing awards will be announced by May 1.

We will send notification within 30 days of receiving your application. Applicants must confirm they plan to attend the conference within 2 weeks of acceptance to secure their place. In all cases, final payment is due by May 31.

Application Guidelines

Enrollment in each poetry and fiction workshop is limited. Acceptance is based on submission of a qualifying manuscript (10-15 pages of fiction, or five poems) and a brief statement describing your background as a writer and your interest in the conference. For more guidance on manuscript submission, view our FAQs.

You must include a nonrefundable $15 reading fee and a $100 deposit with your application.

Electronic applications

We prefer to receive applications electronically. You can download the plain-text version of the application form below, complete it, and email it with your qualifying manuscript as attachments. We accept PDF, RTF or Word format.

Apply by email: Plain-text application form

For payment of the reading fee and deposit, email applicants may 1) include credit/debit card information on the application form; 2) give the information by phone to an administrative assistant at (707) 967-2903; or 3) mail a check along with a copy of your application form so that we may properly match the funds with your application.

Postal mail applications

Alternatively, you may send us your application through the postal mail by printing out the PDF copy of the application form below, completing it, and sending it to us with your enclosed manuscript and a check for the reading fee and deposit.

Apply by postal mail: Print-friendly PDF application form

Past Participants

If you have been accepted to the conference twice in the past five years and are not applying for financial assistance, you do not need to submit a qualifying manuscript. Using either method above, please complete an application form and attach a brief biographical statement, and include the $100 deposit but not the reading fee.

If you are a past participant and are applying for financial assistance, you must submit a qualifying manuscript and pay the reading fee.

Conference Fees

The total participation fee for the 2013 program is $900, and includes daily breakfast and lunch, two dinners, several wine tastings, and attendance at all conference events.

• $ 15 reading fee – Send with your application.
• $100 participation fee deposit – Send with your application.
• $800 participation fee remainder – Due by May 31; non-refundable after that date.
• If you are offered community housing as part of a financial assistance award, you will owe a $50 fee to cover processing and placement costs upon acceptance.

If you are accepted into the program, your $100 deposit will be credited as a nonrefundable payment toward the conference participation fee. For those not admitted to the program this year, the deposit will be returned. Please note that we cannot refund the $100 deposit to individuals who are accepted but then decline to attend. The only exception is individuals who do not receive financial assistance and cannot attend without it.