SleuthFest

SleuthFest is one of the country’s premier craft conferences for writers of mystery, thriller, suspense, and crime fiction.

Hosted by the Florida Chapter of Mystery Writers of America, SleuthFest brings together aspiring authors, published writers, bestselling faculty, forensic experts, agents, editors, and industry professionals for a conference designed to help writers sharpen their craft, deepen their knowledge, and move their careers forward.

Over four days, attendees can choose from a wide range of workshops, panels, interviews, presentations, and networking events. Sessions cover the things crime writers care about most: suspense, pacing, plot, character, dialogue, setting, publishing, marketing, forensic accuracy, and what it really takes to build a writing career.

For writers seeking publication, SleuthFest also offers valuable access to the industry side of the business, including agents and editors looking for new voices, sessions on pitching and publishing, and opportunities to learn how successful authors navigate the path from manuscript to marketplace.

SleuthFest 2027 features an extraordinary lineup, including Guests of Honor Lisa Scottoline and Riley Sager; guest faculty Jennifer Hillier, Noelle Ihli, Stacy Willingham, and Jess Lourey; forensic experts Heather Walsh-Haney, Ph.D., and Dr. Sharon Plotkin, CCSI, Ed.D.; plus agents and editors looking for their next author to sign.

But SleuthFest is more than a schedule of panels and workshops. It is a place where writers find their people — where conversations continue after sessions, ideas spark over coffee, books are signed, friendships are formed, and attendees leave with new tools, new connections, and renewed excitement for their work.

Join us in Orlando for four days of craft, community, and crime fiction.