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Author Experience

For over a decade, the National Writers Series has been bringing bestselling authors to Traverse City, MI. More than 230 authors have graced the stage—virtually or in person—since we began in 2010. Since then, we’ve welcomed 70,000 attendees and sold more than 18,000 books through our local bookstores.

This page will help authors and publicists get a feel for what an evening with the National Writers Series is like. Below, learn more about our events, our mission, and our esteemed NWS alumni.

The Experience

“Truly one of the best programs of its type in the world.” — George Saunders

 

The Experience

At NWS, we believe in the power of conversation. Each event features an author and a guest host who functions as an interviewer for the evening. We love pairing authors and hosts, always seeking to find the perfect match to bring out the best stories. Over the years, we’ve hosted more than 230 authors, including Lee Child, Margaret Atwood, Gillian Flynn, Jodi Picoult, Alice Walker, George Saunders, Elizabeth Strout, Anna Quindlen, Fredrik Bachman, David Sedaris, Janet Evanovich, Richard Clark, Larissa Fasthorse, Chasten Buttigieg, Robin Wall Kimmerer, Dax-Devlon Ross, Diana Gabaldon, Temple Grandin, Nikki Giovanni, David Blight, Harlen Coben, and Rita Mae Brown.

Our events are held at the historic City Opera House in downtown Traverse City. Live events seat up to 660 attendees and are simultaneously livestreamed to virtual attendees across the country. Occasionally we bring authors in virtually, and our digital evenings garner an average of 250 attendees, while hundreds more catch the replay on our YouTube channel or podcast

To ensure the biggest possible audience, we get the word out through our 10,000-plus email list, social media, and pursue press opportunities for visiting authors. We line up author interviews locally and regionally in advance of the big day, and all of our events are later aired on NPR stations throughout the state. Finally, we work hard to encourage book sales. Our official bookstore partner, Horizon Books, also helps get out the word and facilitate event signings. Authors can expect a sell-through of 10-30% based on attendee numbers, though those numbers can be much higher near a publication date for a highly anticipated book. For more information, please contact Anne Stanton at [email protected].

The Mission

The Mission

We love bringing great conversations together for our audience. But even more importantly, we believe in encouraging literacy and a love of books for youth in northern Michigan. Proceeds from our events go to our Raising Writers programs, which include poetry workshops, book trivia competitions, writing classes, scholarships, and more.

As part of your author visit, you have the option to lead a group of young writers in a “masterclass” on the craft of writing. While not mandatory, many authors have found this to be one of the most rewarding aspects of their visit.

The Setting

The Setting

As part of introducing you to the National Writers Series, we’re also thrilled to introduce you to Traverse City. Tucked among the waters of Lake Michigan, Traverse City is renowned for its food, wine, and natural beauty. 

We’re also an official “book city” and one of the cultural epicenters of the state of Michigan. Here, you’ll find: 

The Alumni

The Alumni

See what some of our visiting authors have to say about their experience with the National Writers Series. You can see all of our past authors here.

“The National Writers Series is truly one of the best programs of its type in the world – thoughtfully curated, magnificently moderated. The Series does the essential work of making real cultural connection possible, That is, it creates and nurtures a functional intellectual community, in which curiosity, listening, and the active, open exchange of ideas are valued — work that has never been more important than it is in this moment.” — George Saunders

“Thank you to the National Writers Series in Traverse City for a five-star experience – great event, great audience, and even a themed cake!” — Margaret Atwood 

“Traverse is French for ‘cross.’ Not as in, ‘I think I can cross the National Writers Series off my list,’ but rather, ‘I’d cross the US on my knees for another fine day at the National Writers Series.”  — David Sedaris  

“Thank you for the wonderful visit. It makes me want to write another book in hopes of being invited back.” — Nikki Giovanni 

“Surreal. Traverse City is an alternative universe that honors the writer. A giant poster at the airport announced my book event to fellow travelers. A small box in my hotel room contained sweets named after me, compliments of the local bakery. The City Opera House was packed. The conversation partner hand-picked by organizers threw me off my script and made me dig deep. How refreshing. Easily one of the best tour stops in America.” — Aarti Shahani 

“Beautifully done.” — Alice Walker 

“This program is FANTASTIC. What you’re supporting here is the future of our children, and it’s important work.”  — Mitch Albom  

“When you put together a community that cares deeply about reading and a staff that cares deeply about writers, magic happens. The National Writers Series was one of the highlights of my last book tour.”  — Jodi Picoult  

“The National Writers Series is a consistently fun, smart, and warm gathering for book lovers—whether they be readers or writers or both. It’s one of my favorites.”   — Gillian Flynn 

“I’d dreamed of being part of the National Writers Series for years, and the experience went far beyond everything I anticipated: fantastic promotion, outstanding attendance, smart conversation, and significant book sales—I’d return in a heartbeat if they’ll have me!”  — Karen Dionne

“A great program, one of the best of its kind.  The setting, the city, the interviews—but mostly, the audience—make it a wonderful stop.  Highly recommended.”  — Harlan Coben 

Want to Join Us?

Want to Join Us?

If you are an author, agent, or publicist interested in learning more about the National Writers Series, please reach out to us at [email protected]