applications are now closed.
APPLY to BE A PANELIST, PRESenter OR MODERATOR
When Words Collide is so much more than the Guests of Honour. It's networking and sharing ideas, it's learning from one another in a safe and welcoming environment, it's having fun in an industry that can often feel impossible. It's the ability to share your industry experience with others, teach tips and tricks from the trenches, build confidence and so much more. And a large part of that is accomplished through festival panels and presentations.
WHO SHOULD APPLY
WRITERS & AUTHORS
We welcome applications from writers and authors with previous experience from this festival or teaching creative writing in general. You do not have to be published or produced though you should be able to speak confidently about the subject you are proposing.
INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS
Publishers, literary magazines, editors, publicists, agents - you have a special knowledge we want to know about.
OTHER PROFESSIONALS
Detectives, medical professionals, therapists, scientists, environmenalists, martial artists, comedians - the list is long. If you have something that would be of interest to a writer, reader or general creative, we want your proposals.
We welcome applications from writers and authors with previous experience from this festival or teaching creative writing in general. You do not have to be published or produced though you should be able to speak confidently about the subject you are proposing.
INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS
Publishers, literary magazines, editors, publicists, agents - you have a special knowledge we want to know about.
OTHER PROFESSIONALS
Detectives, medical professionals, therapists, scientists, environmenalists, martial artists, comedians - the list is long. If you have something that would be of interest to a writer, reader or general creative, we want your proposals.
PANELIST VS PRESENTER VS MODERATOR
Make sure you're applying for the thing that makes the most sense for your skill level and experience.
PANELISTS
You can expect to be on a panel with 2 to 3 other individuals speaking about a common topic in front of an audience, theatre style. Every session will be guided by a moderator to help you along, ask leading questions and keep everyone on task and on time. These often involve a Q&A. Panels are typically up to an hour, but depending on the topic may run a little longer. Ideal for writers and authors just starting out, maybe have a small body of work, but not required. and industry professionals (publishers/agents) with a similar scope of knowledge.
PRESENTERS
If you're applying to be a presenter, you are saying that you have enough knowledge to run a solo presentation on a topic of interest. These will run 55-90 minutes, usually lecture style, depending on topic and proposal. Ideal for the experienced writer, author, lecturer, industry professional or other professional.
WRITING SESSIONS/WORKSHOPS
Do you want to run a generative writing session or lead a workshop? Workshops are more focused on a central subject with a common goal. They are interactive and engage the audience in the process. These will be smaller groups, held throughout the duration of the festival. Typically an hour in length.
AUTHOR READING EVENTS
We hope to do a series of reading events throughout the festival. Give us your ideas, or simply let us know that you would like to be a part of a reading and we will find you a slot. Maybe you have a new book recently released and want help sharing it with the world.
These reading events are independent from open mic events.
MODERATORS
A moderator leads a session and keeps the panelists on track and on time. The moderator is usually familiar with the topic being discussed and the authors doing the discussion. They may or may not be published but are good at keeping people engaged, asking leading questions and steering the audience to create an engaging, informative and welcoming experience. The moderator will be expected to touch base with the panelists or presenter ahead of the festival to make sure everyone knows what they are doing and what to expect. Moderators for presentations will introduce the speaker and guide the Q&A. Other moderation needs might be for the Live Action Slush, evening events such as in conversations or other author reading events. Moderators will be required to familiarize themselves with the authors they are working with.
PANELISTS
You can expect to be on a panel with 2 to 3 other individuals speaking about a common topic in front of an audience, theatre style. Every session will be guided by a moderator to help you along, ask leading questions and keep everyone on task and on time. These often involve a Q&A. Panels are typically up to an hour, but depending on the topic may run a little longer. Ideal for writers and authors just starting out, maybe have a small body of work, but not required. and industry professionals (publishers/agents) with a similar scope of knowledge.
PRESENTERS
If you're applying to be a presenter, you are saying that you have enough knowledge to run a solo presentation on a topic of interest. These will run 55-90 minutes, usually lecture style, depending on topic and proposal. Ideal for the experienced writer, author, lecturer, industry professional or other professional.
WRITING SESSIONS/WORKSHOPS
Do you want to run a generative writing session or lead a workshop? Workshops are more focused on a central subject with a common goal. They are interactive and engage the audience in the process. These will be smaller groups, held throughout the duration of the festival. Typically an hour in length.
AUTHOR READING EVENTS
We hope to do a series of reading events throughout the festival. Give us your ideas, or simply let us know that you would like to be a part of a reading and we will find you a slot. Maybe you have a new book recently released and want help sharing it with the world.
These reading events are independent from open mic events.
MODERATORS
A moderator leads a session and keeps the panelists on track and on time. The moderator is usually familiar with the topic being discussed and the authors doing the discussion. They may or may not be published but are good at keeping people engaged, asking leading questions and steering the audience to create an engaging, informative and welcoming experience. The moderator will be expected to touch base with the panelists or presenter ahead of the festival to make sure everyone knows what they are doing and what to expect. Moderators for presentations will introduce the speaker and guide the Q&A. Other moderation needs might be for the Live Action Slush, evening events such as in conversations or other author reading events. Moderators will be required to familiarize themselves with the authors they are working with.
BEFORE you apply
We know we aren't going to be able to take everyone who applies, but we will do our best to find some way for you to be a part of the 2024 program. There are many reasons why you or your topic won't get chosen but the most common and more likely is that we have too many of the same proposal. So make yours stand out above the rest.
Be creative.
Think outside the box.
Send us your best ideas.
Sell yourself, sell your topic, be clear in your proposal, be flexible. The more flexible you are, the easier it will be to find you a spot on another panel, or as a moderator.
All panelists, presenters and moderators will receive an honourarium.
Now, if you're ready, click the link below to apply.
We will accept applications until February 29, 2024. You will be notified by May 1, 2024.
Be creative.
Think outside the box.
Send us your best ideas.
Sell yourself, sell your topic, be clear in your proposal, be flexible. The more flexible you are, the easier it will be to find you a spot on another panel, or as a moderator.
All panelists, presenters and moderators will receive an honourarium.
Now, if you're ready, click the link below to apply.
We will accept applications until February 29, 2024. You will be notified by May 1, 2024.
