Question 1

What is a Romance Writing Festival?

Accepted Answer

The Romance Writing Festival is a romance literature event filled with talks, panels, activities, workshops, networking events and other events designed especially for those writing in the romance or romantic book genre to get their book published. The event is ideal if you are writing a romance boo or looking to connect with industry professionals.

Bestselling authors, writers, writing professionals, book marketing experts and publishers will be in attendance in a conference format, giving tips, advice, guidance and knowledge to help you get your novel out into the world.

The Romance Writing Festival Bournemouth is located in Dorset, UK, with the hotel right by the sea. So why not make a writing retreat by staying the weekend!

Question 2

Where is it being held?

Accepted Answer

The Romance Writing Festival will be held at the award-winning Marsham Court Hotel, moments from Bournemouth Town Centre and with stunning sea views.

They even have a coldwater swimming pool for those brave enough!

Question 3

When is it?

Accepted Answer

The Romance Writing Festival in Bournemouth takes places on Saturday 3rd October 2026.

Question 4

I'm an author, can I sell my book or be on a panel?

Accepted Answer

All of our panels are now filled and we have no more space this year.

Unfortunately, our bookshop has limited space and is reserved for the speakers only.

Question 5

I'd like to sponsor or promote my company

Accepted Answer

We have many opportunities for companies to get involved and get in front of romance writers. Contact us to discuss the best option for you (or we can come up with some ideas together). Head over to our sponsorship page for more details.

Question 6

Is the hotel accessible?

Accepted Answer

The Marsham Court Hotel has received numerous awards for its accessibility, including a Gold award for Accessible & Inclusive Tourism at the Dorset Tourism Awards (2025) and a Silver award in the same category at the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence (2025). The hotel also won the Institute of Hospitality Award for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (2025) and other recognitions like the Travel For Any Body Awards (2025).

Carer tickets are free. Just contact us at info@romancewritingfestival.co.uk once you've booked a ticket and we will make a note on your booking.

Question 7

Who is organising the Festival?

Accepted Answer

The Festival is organised and run by the team behind the Bournemouth Writing Festival and is led by Festival Director Dominic Wong.

The Bournemouth Writing Festival is going into it's fourth year, and puts on 100 free and ticketed writing events and activities to inspire all writers to write, regardless of their age, ability or background.

Profits from the Romance Writing Festival will go towards free community workshops for areas of our community who do not typically have access to writing professionals, ensuring voices from all areas of our society are heard.

Question 8

Are you offering 1-2-1s with agents?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we have five literary agents and commissioning editors attending where you can book a 15-minute session. You are invited to send examples of your work in advance for real feedback. Go to the agent page for all the details.

Question 9

How does the day work?

Accepted Answer

There are ten one-hour panels and talks over the course of the day, starting at 9:30am. Panels in both rooms will run at the same time, so you must choose which one to go to! The last session finishes at 5:30pm, where you can relax before our evening gala starts.

The panels room has inspirational discussions with lots of authors giving advice and opinions whilst the talks room has practical advice and guidance - from just starting out through to book marketing.

View the list of talks and panels here.

Question 10

Will there be photos and video?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a photographer and videographer will be roaming the entire event recording footage for promotional purposes.

If you do not wish your image to be part of this, please inform them at the event, or contact us at info@bournemouthwritingfestival.co.uk.

Question 11

Will talks and sessions be recorded if I can't attend?

Accepted Answer

No, none of the sessions will be recorded.

Question 12

I have a complaint

Accepted Answer

We will try our utmost to make your visit as smooth as possible. There are many moving parts of this festival so please be kind if something has gone wrong and we will do our best to sort it out.

Please email us at info@bournemouthwritingfestival.co.uk if there are any urgent issues during the festival.

Question 13

Will there be any competitions?

Accepted Answer

There are no planned competitions this year but there is a session where you can pitch your book to our panel, named Slay the Slush Pile.

Saturday 3rd October 2026

Frequently asked questions