A Note from the Director

Dear Bread Loafer,

The Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference prides itself in bringing together a diverse community of writers at various stages in their writing trajectory. Writers admitted to have a manuscript reviewed reflect a wide range of experience, from emerging writers to those with significant publications in journals, and, starting this summer, all will be referred to as Participants. We are discontinuing the names of “contributor” and “scholar.” Though we are updating the names, substantial financial aid remains available and will continue to reflect a full range of experience. We invite you to see our application information page for further details regarding the newly named “participant scholarships” as well as the usual fellowships for writers with one or two books. We also will continue to provide opportunities for Bread Loafers to return to the mountain via returning participant scholarships and returning fellowships. 

We believe these changes will enhance the learning and communal exchange that happens each summer on the mountain.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Grotz

With its rich literary and intellectual tradition, the 99th annual Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference will bring emerging writers together to work with a diverse and talented faculty. 

For ten days in August, Participants and Fellows will experience the opportunity of working under the guidance of notable writers, including MacArthur Fellows, U.S. Poets Laureate, and recipients of the Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award.

Our rural and scenic setting amid the Green Mountains on Middlebury’s Bread Loaf campus provides an ideal environment for discussing manuscripts, sharing insights, getting to know agents and editors, and becoming acquainted with the next generation of significant writers.

Overview

Workshops are at the core of the conference. Each faculty member conducts a workshop in fiction, poetry, or nonfiction that meets for five two-hour sessions over the course of the 10 days.

  • Groups are limited to ten writers to facilitate discussion.
  • Participants meet individually with their faculty mentors.
  • Faculty offer lectures on literary writing and classes on specific aspects of craft.
  • You can attend daily readings by the faculty, participants, and guests.
  • All participants meet with visiting editors, literary agents, and/or publishers.

The 2024 Session

This year’s conference will take place from Wednesday, August 14 to Saturday, August 24. Find out more about dates and fees.

In addition to their literary accomplishments, writers on faculty have been specifically chosen for their skill at guiding developing writers. Find out more about faculty and guests.

Financial Aid

Thanks to the generous support of Middlebury College and to an endowment fund established by past Bread Loafers and other donors, financial aid is available for both published and unpublished writers. Financial need has no bearing on decisions, except as noted. See Financial Aid Information.

Apply

Applications are accepted between November 1 and February 1. Please note that this February 1 closing date is earlier than in past years. Notification letters will be sent via Submittable in late May. See Application Information.

What Past Participants Say:

  • “It’s wonderful and inspiring to be around so many writers. Last time I attended Bread Loaf, I came home motivated to revise and send my collection out, which I did months later. This time, I feel like a novel is within my reach.”

    Sindya Bhanoo
    Corvallis, OR
     

  • “My workshop leader was exceptional. Her guidance not only provided constructive feedback but also encouraged meaningful conversations that enriched our understanding of the craft. The lectures provided an opportunity to step back from the intricacies of my work and ponder its place within the broader context of literature. This holistic perspective is vital. I found the readings to be a great opportunity to both foster community and explore a diverse range of literary voices beyond my own workshop and genre. I’m so happy that it was an inclusive community and there were BIPOC and Dark Tower readings. I wish I’d applied years ago!!!!!”

    Bruce Morrow
    New York, NY

  • “The community was the reason I went and I found it exceptional. My favorite times at Bread Loaf were at the meals where I met amazing people. I feel very lucky to be part of this Bread Loaf community.”

    Nelson Cheng
    Los Angeles, CA

  • “This was one of the best workshops of my life. I found the entire process to be incredibly inspiring and was also happy to be among emerging writers. The lectures were among the best I’ve ever heard, and I am slowly listening again from the recordings on the website.  I found Bread Loaf to be inclusive and was so relieved and relaxed there. For me, this was a dream.”

    Leanne Ogasawara
    Pasadena, CA