WIT 2025: Words, Ideas, and Thinkers Festival Share on Twitter (opens in a new tab) on Facebook (opens in a new tab) on Linkedin (opens in a new tab) via email Words Matter. Join the Conversation. Join us this September in the beautiful Berkshire Hills of Massachusetts for the WIT Literary Festival—a celebration of writers, their work, and the vital role they play in society. By bringing writers and readers together for an unforgettable weekend of timely conversations, the WIT Literary Festival reflects the belief that a rich culture of free expression is essential to a thriving democracy. Who are we? What do we believe? In what kind of country do we want to live? Guided by this year’s theme, The Power of Words: Authors & Activism, the WIT Literary Festival welcomes audiences to explore these abiding questions with a distinguished group of speakers renowned for their artistic virtuosity, intellectual passion, moral seriousness, restless faith, and civic engagement. Whether in person or via livestream, we can’t wait to see you this September 25–28. Sign up for updates on tickets, the schedule of programs, the roster of speakers, and other ways to get involved. Sponsors and Friend Supporters receive early access to reserve tickets in late June. Tickets will go on sale for the general public in mid-July. 2025 Featured Speakers M. Gessen Marilynne Robinson Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde Michael S. Roth Anna Deavere Smith Torrey Peters Chase Strangio Tim Weiner James Lawler Sanaz Toossi Hanif Abdurraqib Catherine Coleman Flowers Peter Hotez Imani Perry From the Authors I believe that art can inspire action and motivate us to reimagine our world. But it is a type of reimagining that needs to include all kinds of voices. And it has to start with listening. Anna Deavere Smith Sponsor & Support the Festival Your support helps bring these conversations to life. The WIT Literary Festival is powered by community. Whether you’re interested in joining us as a sponsor, purchasing a program ad, or contributing as a donor, your support makes the Festival possible. Sponsorship Opportunities To explore sponsorship opportunities, please contact: Bernard Schwartz, Executive Producer, Literary Programsbschwartz@authorsguildfoundation.org Learn more. Sponsors and Friend Supporters receive early access to reserve tickets in late June. Tickets will open to the general public in mid-July. Purchase a Program Ad Be part of a vibrant cultural moment—advertise in the WIT Literary Festival program and reach a community that celebrates books, writers, and readers. Learn more. Purchase a program ad. Make a Donation Every gift helps sustain the WIT Literary Festival, making possible engaging author sessions, livestream access, and equitable participation for readers and writers everywhere. Make a donation today. 2025 WIT Literary Festival Committee Hunter K. Runnette, Committee Chair Marie Arana · Karyn Bendit · Richard Thompson Ford · Taryn Leavitt · Ann Lombard · Maria Nation · Jeryl Oristaglio · Laura Pedersen · Letty Cottin Pogrebin · Roxana Robinson · Allison Smith · Wendy Strothman · Rachel Vail · Kelley Vickery · Tyler Whisnand The Authors Guild Foundation The Authors Guild Foundation, the educational and charitable arm of the Authors Guild, offers free programming to teach working writers about the business of writing and organizes events that highlight the importance of a rich, diverse American literary culture. Learn More About the Authors Guild Foundation
