Let’s face it—writing is a quiet, contemplative, and sometimes even lonely profession. And we love it!

But every so often, it’s helpful to spend time with fellow novelists who get you. That’s where the Historical Novel Society North America Conference comes to the rescue.

In a world where so many conferences have moved exclusively online, HNS2025 is keeping it old-school and in-person. There's nothing like being in the same room with other people to make connections, learn new skills, get ideas, grow your craft by leaps and bounds, and soak up the energy you need to continue your author journey.

Here are the top ten reasons to join your fellow historical novelists at the HNSNA conference from June 26 to 28, 2025 in Las Vegas. Registration is open now!

1. Promote Your Work

HNS2025 welcomes both new and established authors. If you’re just starting out, you’ll experience lots of encouragement from your fellow authors and make connections that can last a lifetime. And if you’ve got a novel or two or three under your belt, you can sell your books in the conference bookstore and participate in the author-signing event.

New in 2025 is the opportunity to give a public reading of your work in a group setting. See the Call for Proposals for more information.

2. Enjoy a Supportive and Fun Environment

The Historical Novel Society North America conference has been the conference for historical fiction for over 20 years, and 2025 marks our 11th biennial conference. We have a proven track record and offer a welcoming and friendly environment.

A common observation from attendees is that they’ve “found their people” at the HNSNA conference. Close friendships are often formed, and attendees return year after year to reconnect and share their lives, work, and progress.

Throughout the conference, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to meet up with friends in the Histfic Hub and enjoy complimentary coffee & tea.

You can also participate in our Pub Trivia night and strut your stuff in the Costume Revue for a chance to win prizes. And if you’re a first-time attendee, you can join us for a special introductory mixer and be paired up with conference buddies.

3. Connect with Agents, Editors, and Mentors

Pitch your novel to an agent or editor and maybe land yourself a book deal. We have plenty of success stories from attendees who have secured an agent after pitching at an HNSNA conference. Pitch sessions are very reasonably priced, well below what most writing conferences charge.

Get immediate feedback about your writing at the Blue Pencil Café by submitting ten pages of your manuscript to a writing mentor.

Submit your opening page to potentially be read aloud and critiqued by agents in our popular Cold Reads sessions.

4. Network with Fellow Authors

You never know who you’re going to meet at an HNSNA conference! The person you sit next to in a session may become a new writing partner, or the group you join at a conference meal may include someone who knows how to solve a research dilemma.

The possibilities for networking and making new connections to help you grow as an author are endless!

And for an extra cost, you can party with your fellow attendees at the ever-popular Hooch Through History event—this year featuring a speakeasy theme—during which you’ll explore alcoholic beverages from days gone by with munchies and lots of laughs.

5. Choose From a Huge Variety of Programming Topics

HNS2025 is one of the richest conferences around when it comes to content. Our 60+ hours of programming with over 80 speakers set the gold standard for historical fiction content. Topics geared to both new and established authors include the craft of writing historical fiction, marketing historical fiction, the business of being an author, and historical inspiration.

Enjoy high-quality presentations in each mainstage session room and attend special readings and Q&As with your favorite historical fiction authors.

The Conference Theme for HNS2025 is Celebrating Historical Fiction in Its Many Forms. Learn how each distinct form (from biographical to thrillers to romance to mysteries and everything in between) views history through its own lens with unique literary conventions to amplify stories, themes, and emotions. Join us as we explore the ways authors, agents, and editors craft, publish, and market these various subgenres. Revel in the wide array of historical novels we all love to read.

If you can’t choose between sessions, no worries! All 48 mainstage sessions will be recorded and available for six months after the conference at no extra charge. You don’t have to miss a thing!

And did we mention Master Classes? For an extra (and very reasonable) price, you can attend master classes conducted by leading authors and industry professionals and take a deeper dive into craft and marketing. In-person attendees can also sign up for virtual master classes offered in the days preceding the conference.

6. Meet and Mingle with Our Fabulous Special Guests

HNS2025 is thrilled to welcome Silvia Moreno-Garcia and Fiona Davis as our special guests along with spotlight authors Sarah Penner, Jeffrey Blount, and Yangsze Choo. Enjoy keynote speeches, Q&As, and panels with our special guests, meet them at meals, ask them to sign their books, and learn from their experience.

7. Experience Great Food and Accommodations at Caesars Palace

Six delicious meals from Caesars Palace’s award-winning chefs are included with your conference registration: two light breakfasts, two lunches, and two evening receptions with hearty appetizers and cash bars.

And when you’re not hanging out with your fellow authors, relax in your spacious, updated guest room (cost not included with your registration). Your room rate includes WIFI in your room and throughout the conference space, access to the amazing Oasis of the Gods pool complex and the state-of-the-art fitness center, 24-hour security at the entrance to the Palace Tower, and access to opulent public spaces and tons of Insta-worthy photo ops.

When you’re not at the conference, go dancing at the Omnia night club; enjoy entertainment in the Colosseum; sample the fare at 24 restaurants, including Nobu and Mr. Chow and offerings from Bobby Flay, Gordon Ramsay, Giada De Laurentiis, Dominique Ansel, Lisa Vanderpump, and Guy Savoy, plus two Starbucks; and shop to your heart’s content in the Forum.

8. Explore Historic Las Vegas

Yes, Las Vegas is glitzy and maybe even a bit garish! But it’s also steeped in fascinating history. HNS2025 is welcoming Claytee D. White and Michael Green, both from the University of Nevada Las Vegas, to share their expertise about local history.

You can also get off the strip to explore the amazing Neon Museum, sample bootleg whiskey at the Mob Museum, and explore Old Las Vegas and even the Hoover Dam.

HNS2025 is offering some cool excursions to help you explore lesser-known parts of Vegas history. Sometimes a conversation on a bus or revelation while looking at something new can spark a whole new idea or approach to your work.

There is a LOT of history in Las Vegas and the surrounding areas!

9. Keep Organized with the Cutting-Edge Conference App

Powered by EventMobi, the conference app is your best friend at the conference. You can create your personal schedule, browse the program and speaker bios, connect with friends old and new, post to the social wall, advertise your new release, get the word out about any services you provide, play games, win prizes, and more!

10. Get Incredible Value for Your Money

When it comes to writers’ conferences, HNS2025 is a bargain! And this year, we’re providing a payment plan to make it even easier for you to afford the conference.

Can’t join us in person in Las Vegas? No worries! Our virtual conference provides you with much of the same programming as the in-person conference, along with plenty of opportunities to network with fellow virtual attendees through our conference app.

2025 Conference Board