Whether
you’re new to the writing industry or have already authored several books,
writer’s conferences are a great way to educate yourself on the up and coming
trends of the writing industry, craft and technique tips, networking with other
writers, meeting with agents, editors, and publishers. The list could go on and
on. Attending just one writer’s conference could make the difference between
being an unpublished writer and a published writer.
General Information
Conferences run anywhere from one to
five days. They generally include workshop classes, manuscript make-overs,
critiques, agent pitches, and book signings. Register early as classes tend to fill
up quickly. Most conferences offer an early bird discount. You’ll also want to
schedule appointments for critiques and pitches when you register so you have
the best chance at meeting with your top picks. Some conferences will let you
sign up for critiques on the opening day, if time and room allows.
Make your hotel arrangements as soon
as possible, too. Most conferences will hold a block of rooms for attendees at
discounted rates. Big conferences tend to sell out long before the conference
begins. Some meals are provided, but sometimes not all. Getting a room with a
fridge and a microwave will help you save on extra expenses.
The Craft of Writing
Writing conferences are filled with
speakers, published authors, editors, agents, and publishers who want to teach
you how to become a better writer. The only way you can learn from their
expertise is to be where they are, and that’s at writing conferences. Classes
abound from the basics of grammar to creating page-turning plots. All genres are
discussed from traditional writing and publishing, to freelance writing for
magazines, to screen-writing plays or movies, and of course, online.
Connecting With Other Writers
Writing conferences give you the
opportunity to meet other writers. Writers tend to be introverts who love the
peace, quiet, and privacy of their own homes where they can lock themselves up
in their office and tap out words on a keyboard for hours at a time. Only other
writers can understand the writer's mind. Who else can you compare rejection
letters with? Only other writers can appreciate how tumultuous the writing
process is.
Research, Research, Research
It's all right to be choosy when it
comes to picking the best conference for your needs. Know who the speakers are
and what they’ll be teaching. Study the genres in which they’ll present. If you
write poetry, but the conference faculty doesn't include any poets, that
conference won't be beneficial to you. Do you have a manuscript ready to
present to an agent? Make sure there's an agent present for you to pitch.
Networking
Networking is one of the main reasons
to attend writer’s conferences. This is your opportunity to surround yourself
with like-minded people. Writers who are informed and educated on how things
work in this industry have a better chance at getting published. Peel your
introvert-clothing off and open up. Most conferences have a reception or two
for participants to mingle and get to know each other.
Pitch Your Book Idea
Editors and literary agents attend
conferences looking for their next best-selling author. Check out the websites
of the many conferences offered to see which editors and agents will be
attending. If you don't live in a metropolis filled with big publishing
companies, pitching agents at conferences could put you on the fast-track to
getting your work published. Most pitches last 3-10 minutes so make sure you’re
prepared. Do not bring your manuscript to the conference. If an agent is
interested, they will ask you to send it to them.
A word of advice, never approach an
agent or editor in the bathroom in reference to your book. Don’t laugh, it’s
happened.
Tax Deductions
If you’re still having doubts on
whether to attend a writers’ conference, know that you can claim your expenses
on your taxes. The conference fee, airfare, rental car, hotel, meals not
provided by the conference, and even your mileage are deductible.
What to Bring
You’ll want to take lots of notes so
bring plenty of pencils, pens, paper, even your laptop. A small tape recorder
is recommended as sometimes in taking notes we can miss things. If you’re published,
some conferences allow you to bring and sell your books.
Bring comfortable shoes. You’ll do a
lot of walking getting from one class to another. But when you meet with an
agent or editor make sure you aren't too casual. You only get one chance to
make a good impression. Bring your camera—there will be published authors in
attendance! Not to mention the new friends you’ll make. Bring business cards. This
will help people remember who you are when the conference is over. Make sure it
includes your name, email, phone number, and website.
Thank You
Once you return home from the writer’s
conference, send a thank you note to every editor, agent, and publisher you had
the opportunity to speak with. Send a thank you to those who provided you with
a manuscript evaluation and/or critique.
Writer’s conferences are a great way
to put yourself on the right track to getting your work accepted and eventually
published. For a list of conferences, check out Shaw Guides or Newpages.
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