Resources for Writers in Central Kentucky

With a rich tradition of producing poets and writers, Central Kentucky is home to numerous festivals and retreats that attract authors and readers from around the country. Thanks to Karen Lanier and the Carnegie Center for Literacy & Learning for compiling this extensive list of resources for writers in Kentucky. In Lexington, the Carnegie Center offers writing workshops, mentorships, manuscript reviews, and more. This list covers resources in Louisville, Lexington, and the surrounding areas.

The Authors Guild’s community resources for writers are produced in coordination with our educational series Business Bootcamps for Writers. We will update and add to these community resource lists over time.

To suggest an addition to the Central Kentucky community resource list, please contact us.

CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS

• Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning
• 8^th Circle Academy
• Louisville Literary Arts

FESTIVALS & CONFERENCES

• Kentucky Book Festival
• KSPS Annual Poetry Conference
• Kentucky Women Writers Conference
• Writers Block Festival

INDEPENDENT BOOKSELLERS

• Black Swan Books
• Carmichael’s Bookstore
• Plaid Elephant Books
• Poor Richard’s Bookstore
• The Bookstore at the Berry Center

LITERARY JOURNALS

• New Limestone Review
• Pegasus

PUBLISHERS & PRESSES

• Accents Publishing
• Finishing Line Press
• Fireside Industries
• October Press
• Rabbit Catastrophe Press
• Shadelandhouse Modern Press
• The University Press of Kentucky
• Workhorse

ORGANIZATIONS

• Kentuckiana Romance Writers
• Kentucky State Poetry Society
• Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (Midsouth)

RETREATS AND RESIDENCIES

• Appalachian Writers’ Workshop
• COLLIDER Artist-In-Residence Program, Louisville Public Library
• Hopscotch House, Kentucky Foundation for Women
• Owsley Fork Writers Sanctuary

CREATIVE WRITING PROGRAMS

• Asbury University
• Eastern Kentucky University
• Morehead State University
• Murray State University
• Northern Kentucky University
• Spalding University
• University of Kentucky
• University of Louisville
• Western Kentucky University

OTHER

• Kentucky Arts Council
• The Kentucky Author Forum
• Lexington Poetry Month
• Lexington Writers Room