Apply to be a Speaker at the 2025 event

When Words Collide is so much more than the line up of Guests. 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?

Storytellers & Wordsmiths
Writers and authors with a knack for sharing insights and sparking creativity. Whether you’ve taught creative writing, spoken at festivals, or simply have a passion for your craft, we want to hear your ideas. Being published or produced is optional—what matters is your voice and confidence in your topic.

Industry Insiders
Your behind-the-scenes know-how can make all the difference! Publishers, editors, publicists, agents, and other literary professionals—we’re looking for your unique perspective to guide and inspire.

Experts with a Story
Your experience could unlock new worlds for our audience. Detectives, doctors, scientists, therapists, comedians—whatever your expertise, if it sparks ideas for writers, readers, or creatives, this is your chance to share it.

 For Publishers & Agents

Are you a publisher or Agent looking to showcase your authors at When Words Collide 2025? We invite you to submit a Author Promotion Application Form to propose authors for sessions or other opportunities at our event. 

SUBMIT APPLICATION

Speaker Roles

When applying, choose the role that aligns best with your expertise and comfort level:
​
PRESENTERS
Presenters deliver solo sessions such as panels, workshops, lectures, or other events lasting 60–90 minutes. This role is ideal for experienced writers, authors, lecturers, or industry professionals who are confident leading a session independently and sharing their deep knowledge on a topic.

PANELISTS
Panelists join 2–3 others to discuss a shared topic in a moderated session. Panels, typically lasting up to an hour, often include a Q&A and are guided by a moderator to keep discussions focused and engaging. This is a great fit for writers and authors with emerging experience or a smaller body of work, as well as industry professionals with specialized knowledge.

MODERATORS
Moderators guide sessions, keeping speakers on track, audiences engaged, and discussions flowing smoothly. They introduce speakers, lead Q&As, and prepare in advance by familiarizing themselves with the panelists or presenters and the topic. Moderators might also lead special events such as Live Action Slush, author readings, or interviews. 

​Pick the role that suits you best and let your skills shine!

Types of sessions

LECTURE/SEMINAR

A speaker shares expertise or insights on a specific topic through a structured presentation, combined with opportunities for audience interaction, questions, and discussion to deepen understanding and engagement.

EVENTS

Evening events are sessions held in the evening, offering opportunities for networking, entertainment, or engagement, often featuring discussions, presentations, or social activities.

PANELS

Multiple speakers with expertise or diverse perspectives on a specific topic engage in a moderated conversation. It combines structured dialogue with opportunities for audience questions and interaction to explore the subject in depth.

AUTHOR EVENTS

 Author Events can be a gathering where authors connect with an audience to discuss their work, host a book launch, and engage through readings, Q&A sessions, or signings. These events focus on celebrating authors and their stories while fostering interaction with readers.

WORKSHOPS

An interactive session where participants actively engage in hands-on activities, exercises, or discussions to develop skills or knowledge on a specific topic. It focuses on practical learning and direct application of concepts.

AUTHOR READINGS

We are planning for 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. These reading events are independent from open mic events. ​

​New this year: All panelists, presenters and moderators will receive an honourarium, as well as, be provided with a Festival Pass. If you have already purchased your festival pass, and are accepted as a presenter, you will be eligible for a refund. 

Before you apply

We  aren't going to be able to take everyone who applies, but we will do our best to find a way for you to be a part of the 2025 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.

Deadline: February 28, 2025.
​You will be notified by May 2, 2025.

Now, if you're ready, click the link below to apply. 

Apply Now