Jonathan Eig to headline Evanston Writers Workshop conference in November

The Evanston Writers Workshop has opened registration for In the Trenches 2026, a two-day writing conference set for Nov. 14-15 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Evanston. Pulitzer Prize winner Jonathan Eig will deliver the keynote as the event brings together craft sessions, pitch meetings with agents and editors, and networking for writers at every stage.

Why it matters: - In the Trenches 2026 gives writers direct access to agents, editors and published authors in one weekend. - The conference is designed for writers at every level, from early drafts to publication queries. - The event also connects the Evanston writing community with national publishing professionals.

What happened: - The Evanston Writers Workshop opened registration for In the Trenches 2026. - The two-day conference will run Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 14-15, 2026. - The event will take place at the Hilton Garden Inn, 1818 Maple Ave., Evanston, Ill. 60201. - Jonathan Eig will headline the conference and deliver the Saturday evening keynote. - Eig won the Pulitzer Prize for King: A Life. - The New York Times called King: A Life the definitive biography of Martin Luther King Jr. - Eig is a Northwestern University alumnus and Chicago resident. - Eig also wrote Ali: A Life, which won a 2018 PEN America Literary Award. - Eig has four New York Times bestsellers. - Eig’s Lou Gehrig biography, Luckiest Man, is being adapted for film.

The details: - The conference will feature more than 20 sessions on craft, publishing and the writing life. - Jade Lee will lead a two-hour master class on characterization. - Kat Falls will teach workshops on reviving manuscripts, building antagonists and sustaining conflict. - Goldie Goldbloom will lead a session on interiority. - Betsy Bird will discuss the current state of children’s book publishing. - Jill Wine-Banks and Sherrill Bodine will appear on a memoir panel. - Jody Lynn Nye will lead sessions on worldbuilding and comedy. - Additional programming will cover indie publishing, querying, submitting to literary journals and public readings. - Attendees can book one-on-one pitch appointments with literary agents and editors in person or virtually. - Participating industry professionals include representatives from Trident Media Group, Sourcebooks, Dafina/Kensington Books, Thompson Literary Agency, Talcott Notch, Neon Literary, The Purcell Agency and Page Turner Literary Agency. - Agents and editors are seeking literary and commercial fiction, mystery, thriller, horror, romance, fantasy, memoir, narrative nonfiction, and children’s and young adult books. - The weekend will also include breakfasts with speakers, the Plot Twist Cocktail Party, an on-site bookstore and the EVIE Awards. - The EVIE Awards recognize excellence in the Evanston writing community. - Full passes cost $150, or $135 for Evanston Writers Workshop members. - Single-day passes cost $90, or $80 for members. - Student discounts and scholarships are available by emailing info@inthetrenches2026.com. - Registration, the full schedule and speaker and agent information are available at inthetrenches2026.com. - In the Trenches 2026 is supported in part by the City of Evanston Arts Council, the National Endowment for the Arts and the Illinois Arts Council. - Additional support comes from Evanston Art Makers Outpost, Northwestern University’s Office of Neighborhood and Community Relations, Abel McCallister Abel and Hagerty Consulting.

Between the lines: - The conference blends professional development with local community-building, which can help emerging writers make contacts and get immediate feedback. - The mix of keynote, craft workshops and pitch sessions suggests a focus on both artistry and the business side of publishing. - The range of agents and editors across genres broadens the event’s appeal beyond one writing category.

What's next: - Writers can register now and review the schedule as it is finalized. - Attendees interested in pitching work can book appointments once available. - The Evanston Writers Workshop says more information on speakers and agents is on the conference site.

The bottom line: - In the Trenches 2026 is positioning itself as a one-stop weekend for writers who want craft instruction, industry access and community in Evanston.