International Thriller Writers, Inc.
ThrillerFest XXII
April 27 - May 1st, 2027
New York Hilton Midtown Hotel
New York City

The Year's Premier Event for Thriller Enthusiasts,
now celebrating our TWENTY-SECOND conference

2027 ThrillerMasters and Special Guests

Meet the ThrillerFest Executives!

                                                                                  Welcome from
                             Kimberley Howe, Executive Director, International Thriller Writers
                             Samantha Skal, Executive Director, ThrillerFest

Conference at a Glance

FBI & ATF Day

FBI and ATF Day: A preconference bonus day! Join us for an intensive day of learning from FBI & ATF Special Agents who will share information in their area of expertise. This insider’s view of the FBI & ATF will allow you to write an authentic portrayal of any FBI & ATF experts and agents in your novels. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to go behind the scenes. The FBI & ATF Day sessions are not recorded and will not be available after ThrillerFest.

Note that this exclusive presentation preceeds Master Class/CraftFest/ThrillerFest, so it is necessary to arrive a day early.

FBI & ATF Day
Date:  Monday, April 26, 2027
Time:  8:00 AM - 5:30 PM ET

Master Class 1.0

MASTER CLASS 1.0: Take your writing and storytelling to the next level at Master Class 1.0 2027. Join our stellar group of teachers on Tuesday, April 27, 2027 at ITW’s Master Class 1.0, a hands-on all-day workshop for writers of all levels. Under the tutelage of one of our bestselling instructors, you will submit the first 2,500 words of your manuscript, a 1,000 word synopsis, as well as a short questionnaire about your writing history, and receive helpful feedback on how to take your writing to the next level. Master Class 1.0 offers an intensive and inspiring experience. Each class is limited to 10 students. Materials are due approximately six weeks before Master Class 1.0.

Master Class 1.0 Instructors are the judges for the Best First Sentence Contest. To enter, you must be an ITW member or registered for ThrillerFest XXII-2027. The deadline for entries is March 15, 2027. The Contest is independent; you don't have to register for Master Class 1.0 to participate in the Best First Sentence Contest.

Questions about Master Class 1.0? Email Ruth Church, Deputy Director ThrillerFest / Master Class.

Master Class 1.0
Date: Tuesday, April 27, 2027
Time: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM ET
Break: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM ET 

CraftFest

CRAFTFEST: CraftFest is one of the pre-eminent schools for the craft of writing. We aim to provide attendees with the tools needed to take their writing to the next level. New York Times bestselling authors share their knowledge and experience, and subject-matter experts (e.g. Forensic dentistry, US Marshals, Secret Service agents, blood splatter experts, and more) will provide an insider’s view of their worlds.

Offering lectures on the world of traditional and indie publishing, landing an agent, and finding success in Hollywood, CraftFest seeks to help all authors find the best and most viable routes to reaching their writing goals. CraftFest registration includes access to the CraftFest Luncheon on Wednesday, where CraftFest attendees can enjoy an interview with a VIP to-be-announced guest over a plated lunch, as well as access to the CraftFest Cocktail Party on Wednesday evening, which runs from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM.

You may want to read CraftFest FAQs.

If it happens that a particular presentation occurs at the same time as another you’re interested in, you can purchase the audio recording of the one you can't attend in person.

For questions about CraftFest, email Samantha Skal, Executive Director, ThrillerFest.

CraftFest
Date:  Wednesday, April 28, 2027
Time:  8:00 AM - 5:30 PM ET - CraftFest Lectures
Time:  6:00 PM - 7:30 PM ET - CraftFest Cocktail Party

Date: Thursday, April 29, 2027
Time: 8:00 AM - 12:20 PM ET - CraftFest Lectures

QueryFest

QUERYFEST: We’re offering a unique opportunity for Query Feedback Sessions in person.

These query sessions are ideal for writers who are not yet ready to “pitch” a completed manuscript but would like to discuss their synopsis, query letter, or writing sample for 15 minutes with experienced agents and editors. New writers and emerging novelists can also get general career and publishing advice from these industry experts. But no pitching, please.

Instructions for QueryFest will be emailed separately in early 2027 to everyone who has registered for QueryFest. You will be asked to submit a query letter, the first five pages of your manuscript, and a one-page synopsis.

You can purchase up to five query appointments, and can view the list of QueryFest experts for 2027 here. You can read the Query Sessions FAQs and Advice prior to signing up for this event.

***QueryFest is not a stand-alone event. To purchase QueryFest, you must purchase
Master Class 1.0, CraftFest, ThrillerFest, or any package.***

Questions about QueryFest? Email Jim L'Etoile, QueryFest Director.

QueryFest
Dates:  Wednesday, April 28, 2027 - Friday, April 30, 2027  
Time:   By Appointment, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM ET

ConnectFest

CONNECTFEST: Sign up for our ConnectFest, and you will get a 15 minute one-on-one session with a top-notch author, agent, or editor in the ITW community to discuss your book, your writing life, promotion, or your path to publication.

***This is not a pitch or query review event; please sign up for PitchFest or QueryFest if you're looking for those opportunities. Blurb or critique requests are not allowed, and experts will not review manuscripts in advance.

You may initially purchase up to five separate meetings. The opportunity to schedule more sessions may be available in the spring. You will be able to select the time of your appointment, but ITW will assign attendees to their experts.

***To purchase ConnectFest, you need to have purchased at least one of the following:
Master Class 1.0, CraftFest, or ThrillerFest, or a package that contains one or more of them.

Questions about ConnectFest? Email Kerry Savage, ITW Communications Director.

ConnectFest
Dates:  Friday, April 30, 2027 - Saturday, May 1, 2027
Time:   Time: By Appointment, to-be-announced midday sessions
              Each Day

Master Class 2.0

MASTER CLASS 2.0: In our Master Class 2.0, ITW is focused on authors eager to meet the challenge of a growing career - to raise the bar, up their game, and grow in technique, imagination, and skill. Maybe even change genre. In these four-hour limited-size intensive sessions, your 10-page manuscript will be analyzed and critiqued by one of the most experienced writing coaches in our community.

Each class is limited to approximately 10 students. You may register for the Morning or Afternoon session, but not both.

Don't be "one and done." If you are seriously invested in growing your career, Master Class 2.0 can be your secret weapon.

***Applicants for Master Class 2.0 must have published at least one novel-length
work of 80K words or more and be an Active ITW member.***

Questions about Master Class 2.0? Email Ruth Church, Deputy Director ThrillerFest / Master Class.

Master Class 2.0
Date: Thursday, April 29, 2027
Two Sessions - Choose Morning OR Afternoon, but not both
Morning:    Time: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM ET
      OR
Afternoon: Time: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM ET

Master Class 2.0 Instructors

PitchFest

PITCHFEST: We're offering authors a chance to have Pitching Sessions with top agents and editors who are seeking thriller clients.

Writers with a finished manuscript will pitch their work in a conversation for three minutes to an agent or editor. If the editor or agent is interested in your pitch, they will request pages of your work. You'll enter the room with all the agents and editors and get in line for your favorite choices. The list of available agents will help you select your favorites.  Please study who the experts are, particularly what they are looking for and what they are not currently looking for, before signing up. You can learn more about this event by reading PitchFest FAQs and Advice before you decide to attend.

***PitchFest is not a stand-alone event. To purchase PitchFest, you must purchase a package containing PitchFest.***

Questions about PitchFest? Email Susan Lee, PitchFest Director.

PitchFest
Date:  Thursday, April 29,  2027
Time: 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM

ThrillerFest

THRILLERFEST: ThrillerFest offers attendees an opportunity to meet the top authors in the industry. Expect innovative panels and informative Spotlight interviews that will educate and inspire.

Registration to ThrillerFest includes access to the Thursday evening Opening Reception, as well as the Friday Evening Cocktail Party, where you won’t want to miss the opportunity to network. 

ThrillerFest includes a popular event that highlights new authors called the Debut Author Breakfast on Saturday morning. It is free for ThrillerFest attendees, but guest tickets can be purchased.

Are  you a  Debut Author? Apply to be a part of the Debut program ASAP for inclusion in the Breakfast. Share the experience with your agent, editor, or friend!

Questions about ThrillerFest? Email Samantha Skal, Executive Director, ThrillerFest.

ThrillerFest
Date: Thursday, April 29, 2027
Time: 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM - ThrillerFest Opening Reception
Date: Friday, April 30, 2027
Time:  8:00 AM - 6:10 PM ET - ThrillerFest Panels
Time:  6:15 PM - 7:45 PM ET - Friday Night Cocktail Party
Date:  Saturday, May 1, 2027
Time: 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM ET- ThrillerFest Panels
Time: 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM ET - Debut Author Breakfast

ThrillerFest Awards Banquet

2027 ITW Thriller Awards Banquet: The ITW Thriller Awards Banquet honors our  ThrillerMasters, Spotlight Guests, International Guest of Honor, Thriller Legend, Thriller Fan, Thriller Volunteer of the Year, and our 2027 ITW Thriller Award winners.

This festive event includes a Pre-Banquet Cocktail Party, a lavish meal, and a ThrillerMaster After Party to wrap up the conference. Bring your agent, spouse, or a friend. Guest tickets are available.

ThrillerFest Award Banquet
Date:  Saturday, May 1, 2027
Time:  6:00 PM - 7:00 PM ET - Pre-Banquet Cocktail Party
Time:  7:00 PM ET - ThrillerFest Award Banquet
Time:  Immediately Following Banquet - ThrillerMaster After Party

Need Help with Registration? 

ThrillerFest Refund Policy

There is a fee for cancellation!

Prior to December 1, 2026:
20% of Total Charges will be retained.

From December 1, 2026 through February 28, 2027:
30% of Total Charges will be retained.

NO REFUNDS after February 28, 2027.

Have a quick look at ThrillerFest Pricing.

For questions on specific sessions, email the person indicated for those sessions.

Samantha Skal: Executive Director, ThrillerFest, for ThrillerFest and CraftFest
Ruth Church:      Deputy Director ThrillerFest, for both Master Classes
Kerry Savage:     ITW Communications  Director, for ConnectFest
Jim L'Etoile:         QueryFest Director, for QueryFest
Susan Lee:           PitchFest Director, for PitchFest
                                                         ____________________________________________

For all other questions, to add events to an existing registration, or to cancel your registration:
Email Dennis Kennett, ThrillerFest Registrar, for assistance.

There are nine separately priced events. Learn more details about each event here:
FBI & ATF Day
Master Class 1.0
CraftFest
QueryFest
ConnectFest
Master Class 2.0
PitchFest
ThrillerFest
Thriller Awards Banquet

Don't forget to enter the Best First Sentence Contest!
(For ITW Members or ThrillerFest XXII-2027 Registrants)

You pay only for the events you want to attend.

Save money with available discounted packages.

  DAY PASSES are available for CraftFest and ThrillerFest.

GUEST TICKETS are available for the Debut Author Breakfast
       and the Thriller Awards Banquet.

ThrillerFest XXII- 2027

Tuesday, April 27 - Saturday, May 1, 2027

New York Hilton Midtown
1335 6th Avenue (Avenue of the Americas)
New York, New York 10019
USA
+1 212-586-7000 (Hotel Direct)
International Support

We’re opposite the Museum of Modern Art, surrounded by subway and bus lines. Rockefeller Center and Radio City Music Hall are two blocks away and we’re a short walk from Central Park. Grand Central Station, Broadway, and Times Square are within a mile. Enjoy sweeping city views, seasonal dishes from our restaurant, and the fitness center.

Don't forget to make your reservations at the New York Hilton Midtown Hotel; call +1 212-586-7000. Press 1 to make a new reservation, Press 1 again, and finally, when you are speaking to a reservationist, ask for the ThrillerFest 2027 discounted rate.

If you prefer, you can reserve your room using our special Hilton online link with ITW group rate.

There are limited rooms available at our conference rate. As soon as you register for your ThrillerFest event(s), please make your hotel reservation - don't wait!

Once our block of hotel rooms is filled, there will be NO space available at the conference rate.

You must be registered for the conference before making a hotel reservation.