AWP for the Newbie 2015

I’ve attended several writers’ conferences over the past few years, but never one as large as the Association of Writers & Writing Programs conference, or AWP as it’s more commonly known.

I first discovered AWP in 2010 and I’ve been anxiously waiting five years for the conference to come to my neck of the woods—Minneapolis. Now that it’s here, less than a week away, I’ve been reading everything I can to prepare myself for the massive crowds: Upwards of 12,000 people, 2,000 presenters, 550 readings, panels, and craft lectures, and 700 presses, journals, and literary organizations. That’s a whole lot of panic if you don’t do large spaces with an overwhelming amount of activity. Thankfully, that’s not me.

Or, at least I don’t think it’s me.

Guess I’ll find out next Thursday.

The largest conference I’ve attended is the Pacific Northwest Writers’ Association in Seattle, which pulls in about 400 attendees. But no matter the size, conferences are a great place to educate yourself on the up and coming trends of the publishing industry, learn craft and technique tips, network with other writers, meet agents, editors, and publishers, and the list could go on. So, from an AWP newbie prospective, I’ve compiled some tips to help you, and me, prepare for the masses.

General Information

If you haven’t checked out the AWP schedule already, do that now. You’ll find a complete list of all the panels and readings that are on-site at the Minneapolis Convention Center. There are events taking place at nearby hotels, restaurants, bars, literary markets like Loft Literary Center, as well as independent book stores.

The Craft of Writing

The daily panels are filled with featured speakers, published authors, editors, agents, and publishers who are sharing their expertise to help you become a better writer. But the only way you can learn from them is if you are where they are. Panels abound from the basics of social media to making your characters a plot in themselves. All genres are discussed from traditional writing and publishing, to freelance writing for magazines, to screen-writing movies, the Internet, and everything in between.

Connecting With Other Writers

Writing conferences give you the opportunity to meet other writers. We writers tend to be introverts who love the peace, quiet, and privacy of our homes where we can lock ourselves up in our office and tap out words on a keyboard for hours at a time. Or maybe that’s just me. Anyway, only other writers can understand the writer's mind. Only other writers can appreciate the tumultuous writing process. Who else can we compare rejection letters with?

Research, Research, Research

Be picky when choosing the panels that best meet your current needs. Know who the speakers are and what they’ll be talking about. Study the genres and topics in which they’ll present. Remember those 12,000 people I mentioned earlier-get to your classroom early if you don’t want to sit on the floor or stand, holding up a wall. You can always plop your books down on a chair, and then use the bathroom or get something to drink.

Networking

Networking is one of the main reasons to attend any writers’ conference. 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 of getting published than those who don't. Strip your introvert-clothing off and open up your trench coat. Ok, just kidding there, but you get the point. Right? Mingle. Get to know one another. Make a best friend forever friend.

Pitch Your Book

Literary agents, editors, publishers, and magazines are looking for their next best-selling author and/or freelance writer. If someone were to ask you, “What’s your book about?” Can you tell them in a one sentence logline? If yes, you’re golden. If not, get to work on it now. Although there are no scheduled ‘meet the agent of your dreams’ meetings at AWP, that doesn’t mean someone won’t ask. Do NOT bring your manuscript to the conference. If an agent/editor/publisher is interested, they’ll ask you to send a sample. And never pitch your book in the bathroom! (You may laugh, but it’s been done.)

Tax Deductions

Did you know your conference fee, airfare, rental car, hotel, and meals are tax deductible? They are! Save those receipts.

What to Bring

You’ll want to take lots of notes so bring plenty of pens and paper. Maybe even your laptop. There’s free Wi-Fi in the Bookfair. As much as I love my stilettos, they’re staying home. Wear comfortable shoes as there will be a lot of walking from one class to another and one floor to another, but remember, you’re there to mingle with the upper class (Published authors and Professional Panelists) of writers. Dress for comfort (and bring a sweater just in case), but keep in mind, you only get one chance to make a first impression. Bring your camera-there will be famous authors in attendance! Not to mention the new friends you’ll make. Bring business cards to pass out; this will help people remember who you are when the conference is over. Make sure they include your name, website, email, and phone number.

Additional Advice

During the AWP conference many of us writers, like me, will be tweeting live. There will be an ‘informal’ meeting of the minds on Thursday from 3:00pm-3:30pm in the Bookfair on Scott James’ Stage One. If you’re planning to tweet live, one, please inform the panel so they don’t think you’re ignoring them or being rude. And two, put your phone on silent. You don’t want to disturb those around you. For those not live tweeting, you can still follow along by watching #AWP15.

I participated in today’s Ask AWP Twitter Tweets and learned that tomorrow we will receive an email from AWP with tips for preparing for the conference. Check your spam just in case you don’t see one. The Bookfair will have food and beverages and they take both credit cards and cash. Make sure you stay hydrated.

In regards to how much money you should plan to bring, one AWP advisor said this: “Think Casino-logic: Never bring more money than your prepared to lose. But with books, you always win.”

Plan your schedule, but allow yourself to deviate if you need/want to write, visit friends, sight see, or just seek some quiet time in the Emily Dickson Quiet Space.

If you’re looking for more tips or are curious about what to expect from experienced AWPers, I’ve compiled a list of links for you. Until then, I’ll see you all next week!

The Ultimate Guide to NotLetting the AWP Do You 

How To Do AWP 2015

Writers—Welcome to AWP 15 inthe Twin Cities

Entropy’s Guide to #AWP15

10 AWP 2015 Minneapolis TipsThat'll Help You Survive So You Don't Have A Literary Burnout In April

11,800 People Sharing in the Existential Agony of Writing

More AWP Links:

Off-site Gatherings

Author Signings