Why You Should Attend HNS2025 Virtually
Aren’t we fortunate these days that even if we’re not able to travel, we can still meet and mingle with our fellow historical novelists? Back by popular demand, the Historical Novel Society North America conference will again include a virtual option.
Here are some great reasons to join your fellow historical novelists at the HNSNA virtual conference from June 26 to 28, 2025.
Take Part in 48 Sessions with a Huge Variety of Programming Topics
New this year: All 48 mainstage sessions will be livestreamed and recorded! Choose the sessions you’d like to attend in real time, just like you would in-person. When you attend a livestreamed session at HNS2025, you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions of the presenters. Learn from experienced presenters about the craft of writing historical fiction, marketing historical fiction, the business of being an author, and historical inspiration.
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.
And remember, if you can’t choose between sessions, no worries! All 48 sessions will be recorded and available for six months after the conference at no extra charge. You don’t have to miss a thing! Please note that more intimate sessions like cozy chats and events that take place in the grand ballroom, such as keynote speeches, will not be available to virtual attendees.
And did we mention Master Classes? For an extra (and very reasonable) price, you can attend virtual master classes conducted by leading authors and industry professionals and take a deeper dive into craft and marketing.
Meet Agents, Editors, and Mentors
Looking to land a book deal? When you attend HNS2025 virtually, you can choose to pitch your novel to seven agents and editors for a very reasonable extra cost.
Submit your opening page to potentially be read aloud and critiqued by agents in our popular Cold Reads sessions. These are livestreamed and virtual attendees are welcome to submit a page.
Connect with Fellow Attendees on the Conference App
The state-of-the-art Event Mobi conference app will keep you connected throughout the conference. You can network with other writers, post notes on the social wall, and organize a lively conversation room to connect with people interested in a specific genre or topic.
You can also create your personal schedule, browse the program and speaker bios, advertise your new release, get the word out about any services you provide, play games, win prizes, and more!
Share Your Work
In online sessions, you always get the chance to introduce yourself in the chat. Take the opportunity to share information about what you’re working on, your favorite genre and time period, any new releases, and whatever else you want to communicate.
Whether you are a new author with nothing published (yet!) or a seasoned veteran, you’ll be welcomed at HNS2025.
Attend from Anywhere in the World
Forget geographical boundaries! All you need to do is get up (still in jammies if you want!), turn on your computer, and voilà! you’re connected to hundreds of like-minded historical novelists in sessions and through the conference app. And if time zones make attendance at a specific session challenging, no worries. All 48 sessions are being livestreamed which means you can watch them for six months following the conference, at no extra cost.
You won’t miss a thing! We can’t wait to see you in Las Vegas!
2025 Conference Board