COMING FEBRUARY 2026!
As a newer author in the world of LGBTQ+ romance, I'm always trying to learn more about this market, my readers, my craft, as well as my fellow authors and other professionals in the genre. We are such an amazing and diverse group of people, but I often find many other retreats or conferences aren't aimed specifically at us and our unique needs. Thankfully, I am a woman of action! That's why I decided to tackle this problem head on and create my own retreat for authors and other professionals in the wonderful world of LGBTQ+ romance!
Although much is still in the planning phase for this event, I can share the following tentative details:
Pride in Prose is a virtual retreat for LGBTQ+ romance authors and other professionals in the genre.
Here's the current plan for the retreat:
A 3-day virtual event held in February 2026 over a Friday, Saturday, Sunday (specific date TBD).
Day 1: New and/or aspiring authors
more beginner level workshops and presentations
some networking sessions
Day 2: Established authors (with at least 5 books published)
Workshops and presentations
some networking sessions.
Day 3: Other professionals in the field
PAs, editors, audiobook narrators, cover and character artists
reps from entities like Kobo Writing Life, Bookfunnel, and so forth
some of these sessions would be open to everyone, and some may be exclusive (for instance, a session just for PAs to network and talk about issues specific to what they do)
other panels and events would be open to all
Everyone will need to register for this event for a small fee (approx. $50). Admission allows virtual entry to all three days, although a small number of events may be exclusive. The registration cost will go toward covering web hosting and PA fees associated with the event; any money left over will then be donated to an LGBTQ+ charity. There will be an opportunity for individuals to pay more to fund some participants who cannot afford the entry fee.
Panels and presentations will be recorded and made available streaming for two years to all attendees.
This virtual retreat can accommodate up to 500 participants but it is being planned as something much smaller starting out.
This retreat will be a recurring biennial event to help LGBTQ+ romance authors and professionals stay abreast of the latest issues and developments in the genre and the ever evolving business-side of our indie industry.
Pride in Prose is inclusive of the whole rainbow spectrum. As such, there will be every effort to include sessions related to MM romance, FF and sapphic romance, trans and enby romance, polyamory and kink romance, bisexual romance, YA LGBTQ+ romance, etc.