The Right Conference?
As you pursue a writing career, one big question is how much time and money to devote to writers conferences. Conferences have many benefits, including the chance to meet face to face with editors and fellowship with writers. Some writers have plenty of time and money and love to attend conferences because the events get them out of the house and they enjoy meeting other writers. There is nothing wrong with attending conferences for these intangible benefits, and just for fun. But writers with more modest resources may want to ask themselves questions before choosing a conference.
Do I need to attend writers conferences to sell books?
No. Many successful writers have never attended a conference. Some aren’t able to break away because of family and day job commitments. Others can’t spare the money. Most agents accept submissions from writers they’ve never met, and editors often buy books from writers they’ve never met. And it’s possible to meet through other ways than conferences. So if attending a writers conference isn’t possible for you right now, don’t despair. Just keep writing and submitting your best work. The time and money to travel will come at the right point in your career.
Is it worth my time to attend a conference because it’s close to my home?
Not if that’s the only reason you’re attending. If the purpose of the conference is to showcase, for example, fiction when you write nonfiction, magazines when you write books, or ABA when you write for CBA, then you may be just as well off to spend that time polishing your manuscript. Granted, it’s always great to see other writers and meeting editors may lead to some unexpected work or development, but if you are focused on a certain type of writing, targeting a conference that is a good fit will be a better use of your resources.
My dream agent will only take submissions from people she meets at a conference. But what if I can’t go?
To my knowledge, agents will still consider referrals from their clients. If you have done enough research to determine you really want a particular agent, then you should know one or two of his clients. If no one is willing to recommend your work to your dream agent, find out how you can improve your work and try again. For the record, we at The Steve Laube Agency accept submissions from writers we have not met. You can find our submissions guidelines here.
Then how many conferences should I attend?
Start out with one per year, and make it the one you think will benefit you most. You can always increase travel as your career grows. And of course, as you become established, conferences offer more opportunities for you to defray your expenses if you can offer paid critiques, give speeches, and teach workshops. However, these positions are often difficult to secure because of intense competition, so don’t short yourself on your budget until you are confirmed as a member of the faculty.
How much should I budget for a conference?
You must consider room and board, conference fees, travel, and incidentals such as meals the conference is not providing. I suggest budgeting $1,000 for a major conference held at a high end hotel, plus air or car fare. Conferences held in more modest settings might demand closer to $500, and a one-day conference may cost less than $100. There are ways to economize, such as carpooling, staying at a cheaper hotel nearby, and sharing a room. You may think my suggested budget is too generous, but it’s better to be prepared with more money than you spend than to face an unpleasant surprise later.
How do I find out about conferences?
We have a great list of Christian conferences: (click here for the complete list)
Now that you have an idea as to how to arrange your travel plans, go and have fun.
Your Turn
1.) Share your favorite conference experience.
2.) What is your dream conference you hope to attend?
3.) What tips can you add?
[This post originally written for the ACFW Blog and was posted June 18, 2012.]