Have a question about #HNS2023? We’ve got you covered! Check the Frequently Asked Questions on this page to see if your question is answered. If it’s not, please contact us and we’ll get back to you as quickly as we can. We are so looking forward to welcoming you to #HNS2023!

Meals & Accommodation

Also check our Hotel Information page for information about booking your room at the Marriott Rivercenter.

Are meals included with in-person registration? 

Yes, your registration includes two evening receptions, two breakfasts, and two lunches along with complimentary coffee and tea service throughout the conference.

Are accommodations included with in-person registration? 

No. You are responsible for your accommodations in addition to the conference registration fee. Book your room at the Marriott Rivercenter via this link to receive the conference’s discounted rate. If you’re looking for a roommate to help share costs, please visit this post.

What if I have Marriott points I’d like to use? 

You may book your room directly with the Marriott. Please note that there are two Marriotts with similar names in close proximity. The conference is at the Marriott RIVERCENTER at 101 Bowie Street, not the Marriott Riverwalk.

Do I have to stay at the conference hotel? 

No. Staying on-site is the most convenient option and ensures you never miss an event or networking opportunity, but it is not required. 

How do I get from the airport to the hotel? 

The easiest method is Uber. Our hotel is a quick 15-minute ride from the airport. Taxis are available as well, but Uber is usually significantly less expensive. There are also two different bus routes servicing the airport. Click here for more information.

Conference Content: Virtual and In-Person

Which in-person conference sessions will be livestreamed for virtual attendees? 

Six sessions will be livestreamed on June 9 and six on June 10. Those sessions will be announced closer to the conference.

Which conference sessions do I get to watch on-demand? 

You can watch all of the virtual presentations and all of the in-person mainstage sessions and special guest speeches on-demand.

Which conference sessions will not be available on demand? 

Virtual conversation rooms, in-person cozy chats, in-person master classes, and in-person social and after-hours events.

How long will the on-demand sessions be available for viewing? 

All on-demand sessions will be available for viewing for 90 days following the conference.

Will virtual master classes be available for on-demand viewing?

 Yes. If you purchased a virtual master class when you registered, those will be available for on-demand viewing for 90 days following the conference. 

Will in-person master classes be available for on-demand viewing?

No. In-person master classes are only available to in-person attendees and will not be recorded.

What are Virtual Conversation Rooms?

These are informal, free-flowing conversations on specific topics. Each room will have a host to moderate the conversation, but everyone is welcome to contribute. This is the place to chat with friends old and new about your favorite subjects! These are conducted via Zoom meetings within the conference app. Simply navigate to the appropriate session in the program and click the Join Now button. Note that conversation rooms are not recorded.

What is the Histfic Hub?

This centrally located lounge within the conference space, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and an outdoor terrace, is where you’ll find the beverage station. It’s a great place to grab a coffee and have a quick chat with friends between sessions or just hang out for a little while to unwind and regroup. This is also where our Cozy Chat sessions will take place.

Will there be a commemorative printed program this year?

No. The entire program along with speaker and attendee bios, hotel maps, games, surveys, videos, and more will be available in the conference app powered by EventMobi. You can access the app on your mobile device and in your browser on your laptop. The conference space at the hotel will be equipped with free high-speed wireless internet. A brief listing of program sessions will be available at the help desk for those who prefer a paper program.

Agent Pitches & Query Critiques

For more information about agent pitches and query critiques and to view the list of agents taking pitches at #HNS2023, check the Agents and Editors page here.

Can I sign up for virtual pitches if I’m attending in-person? 

No. Virtual pitch slots are limited and are reserved for virtual attendees. You are free to send regular queries to agents/editors who are only taking pitches from virtual attendees.

Can I sign up for a pitch session and a query critique? 

No. We’re asking people to select one or the other to give more attendees the option of meeting with an agent or editor.  If you have a completed or near-complete manuscript you’re welcome to pitch it. If you prefer to get feedback on your novel concept or your query letter, then you should sign up for a query-letter critique. 

Can I sign up for a third pitch session?

If there are still open time slots at the opening of the conference, they will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Can I sign up for a second query-letter critique session?

If there are still open time slots at the opening of the conference, they will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Bookstore

For more information about having your books for sale during the Readers Festival, check our Bookstore FAQs.

Can I sell my books in the bookstore if I’m a virtual attendee?

No, the bookstore and book signing are reserved for in-person attendees. But you may list your titles along with a link to your website or Amazon author page in your bio in the conference app.

Advertising

How can I advertise at the conference?

Rotating home page ads and virtual exhibit booths in the conference app will be made available for sale in March to both virtual and in-person attendees. Spaces are limited, so make sure you’re signed up for HNSNA emails so you don’t miss the announcement. Click here to sign up for our emails.

We also still have several sponsorship opportunities available. Click here for more information.

Will there be swag tables at the conference?

Yes, there will be several tables in the Histfic Hub where you can leave items for attendees to take. Popular items are bookmarks, postcards, magnets, and first chapter booklets, but don’t be afraid to think outside the box! You may also consider purchasing a virtual exhibit booth.

Registration

I already registered; can I still add a master class or pitch session?

Yes, using the login you created when you registered, you may add classes and pitch sessions if they are still available and pay the additional fee(s).

Can I cancel a master class or pitch session?

Yes. You may cancel in-person add-ons before May 15 and virtual add-ons before June 4. To do so, please contact Registration Chair Christopher Cevasco at author@christophermcevasco.com.

Can I switch my virtual registration to in-person or vice versa?

Yes, you may change your attendance method without penalty before May 15. You will either pay or be refunded the difference in the registration price at the time you make the switch. Virtual registrations may not be switched to in-person after May 15. In-person registrations may be switched to virtual after May 15 but the difference will not be refunded. To change your attendance method, please contact Registration Chair Christopher Cevasco at author@christophermcevasco.com.

Will I be charged a fee if I need to cancel my registration altogether?

Yes. For in-person registration, you will be refunded the fee paid minus a $100 processing fee. For virtual registration, the processing fee is $40. To cancel your registration, please contact Registration Chair Christopher Cevasco at author@christophermcevasco.com. No registration fees will be refunded after May 15, 2023. Virtual registrations made between May 16 and June 4 are final.

Do you have a question not answered here? Contact us!