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Helping to Change the World Word by Word

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Home » writers conferences

writers conferences

4 Conference Success Secrets

By Steve Laubeon March 3, 2025
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I have been on the faculty of nearly 200 writers conferences over the years. Some might say that is the definition of insanity… !?! But I would not be where I am today if it were not for the fine people I have met over the years at those events. I am a firm believer in the purpose behind a writers conference and what can be accomplished.

After a while it became clear which writers were going to have a successful conference and those who weren’t. Let’s look at some tips to achieve conference success.

1. Set Appropriate Expectations. More often than not, first-timers have visions of grandeur, thinking they are going to be “discovered” and in short order would be flying in a private jet paid for by their publisher.

It has happened (not the jet part), but it is so rare they can be counted on one hand. It is wise to set expectations very low. Likely you will meet a couple of editors. You will get to practice your pitch a few times. But you will learn a lot of new things from the classes and from listening to others talk about the writing profession.

2. Be Prepared. You never know when you will suddenly be confronted with that agent or editor you’ve always wanted to meet but couldn’t get an appointment with. I have experienced it firsthand, watching recognition flow across the writer’s face … accompanied by their sudden inability to talk coherently.

Remember, we agents and editors want to meet and talk with new writers. Otherwise, we would not be at the conference! We want to talk to you! Don’t worry that you’ve been caught off guard; but if we do ask, “What are you working on?” be prepared to answer. You can even say, “You want to hear my sound-bite pitch?” Of course, we do. Take a deep breath and let ’er rip.

Understand that a writers conference is a safe place to fail. Your pitch may be poorly framed. Your idea may need to be reworked. Your pet project may be an echo of one that we just sold to a publisher. That is okay. See #1 above. If you set your expectations to zero, hitting a 1 on a scale of 1-10 (where 1 is the bottom) is a victory, no matter how small.

3. Keep a Positive Attitude. Don’t let your anxiety, lack of sleep, jet lag, or information overload ruin your experience.

I once stood behind two women who were arguing about which one would get the last appointment left on the schedule–with me. I had come to the table to see what the appointment schedule was like and came upon this potentially ugly scene. They were starting to do a little hip-checking at each other and angrily saying things like “I drove six hours to get here to see him and I got here first.” The conference had not even started yet, and two people were already on edge.

I leaned in, lightly touched their shoulders, and said, “Maybe I can help.” One of them turned pale and wide-eyed. The other turned beet red. We all laughed nervously and figured out a way where they both could have an appointment.

Remember that while you are in public, there are eyes that may see you in action. Eyes that see how you treat conference staff or hotel staff or restaurant employees.

You have invested a lot of time and a lot of money to attend the conference. But while that is true, keeping a light heart and a willing smile will make the experience so much more enjoyable.

4. Ours Is a Small Industry. If you are going to regale those around your lunch table about how awful your editor is at So&So Publishers, be aware that there are others within earshot of your tale.

Awful rumors can start at conferences. I once had an editor call to find out why I was shutting down the agency; he thought we were successful. ??? After stammering for a moment, I had to ask, “Whatever gave you that impression?” It seems he had overheard someone at a conference saying something to that effect. I was quick to correct his error. I’m grateful he called to verify the veracity of the story and had not spread the rumor.

Remember that we agents and editors know one another, some with relationships that go back many decades. And we do talk to one another on occasion. So, be careful with your words and your complaints. Often what you say is not heard with precision, and the new version becomes the story that is retold.

Your Turn

Any secrets of success you want to add?

 

 

 

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Category: Career, ConferencesTag: Success, writers conferences

4 Tips for Surviving a Writers Conference

By Steve Laubeon June 12, 2023
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I’ve had the fun of teaching at nearly 200 writers conferences over the years. In that time, I’ve noticed several common things that all writers face. Let’s explore a few tips that may help you survive at the next one you attend. Relax The most common mistake is viewing the conference as a make-it-or-break-it event. The stress folks place on themselves is palpable. I’ve had …

Read more4 Tips for Surviving a Writers Conference
Category: Conferences, MarketingTag: Get Published, writers conferences

Seven Tips for Your Next Writers’ Conference

By Bob Hostetleron January 24, 2018
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I attended my first writers’ conference in 1989. Yes, I am that old. I was a magazine editor at the time, and knew absolutely nothing about writers’ conferences. Since then, however, I have served on faculty more than a hundred times, and have learned a thing or two about writers’ conferences, knowledge that I am happy to impart—for the right price. Today, since we are approaching the height of …

Read moreSeven Tips for Your Next Writers’ Conference
Category: Conferences, Get PublishedTag: Get Published, writers conferences

Tips for Conference Prep

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon November 16, 2017
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Is there really a conference season? True, conferences rarely take place during the Christmas season but there seems to be a conference somewhere at any given time. And that means, authors are preparing to go to conferences all year. Here are a few perennial tips I hope you can use. Thinking about going: Do I have the funds? For a national conference you must fly to, I recommend aiming to have at …

Read moreTips for Conference Prep
Category: ConferencesTag: Conferences, writers conferences

Will I Make Money by Attending a Conference?

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon June 22, 2017
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When thinking of going to any conference, most authors need to consider expenses. A question friends and family might ask is, “Are you making money by going?” I wish I had a firm answer, but the fact is, you may never know. Granted, you might go to a conference, meet an agent and then sign with the agent. Then the agent presents your work to an editor. Soon you receive a contract worth much more …

Read moreWill I Make Money by Attending a Conference?
Category: ConferencesTag: writers conferences

Should I Go to the Conference?

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon June 15, 2017
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Authors want to be good stewards of time and resources so when considering whether or not to attend a conference, many factors apply. You may want to consider, in no particular order: How much will my attendance inconvenience myself and those around me? 1. Will my day job suffer? 2. How will my family cope? 3. Can I easily get to and from the conference? Have I budgeted enough funds to go to the …

Read moreShould I Go to the Conference?
Category: ConferencesTag: writers conferences

Where Do You Find New Clients?

By Steve Laubeon April 3, 2017
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“As an agent, what percentage of your new clients come from meetings at conferences vs. general email or postal proposals? Can you address the importance of conferences?” Thanks to Scott for the question. It is a good one. Another way to frame it is “Where do you find new clients? Blind submissions or conferences?” The answer, as always, is “It depends.” Meeting someone at a conference is a …

Read moreWhere Do You Find New Clients?
Category: Book Proposals, Christian Writers Institute, Conferences, ConventionsTag: Agency, book proposals, Christian Writers Institute, writers conferences

2016: The Year of Travel

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon January 5, 2017
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Conferences The year 2016 was a year of travel for me. I was privileged to be on faculty at many conferences. I appreciate the warmth and kindness of conference staff and volunteers, as well as all the hardworking and generous conference directors. Everywhere I went, I felt welcomed and at home. For me, reconnecting with editors and other publishing professionals is always a conference highlight. …

Read more2016: The Year of Travel
Category: Agency, PersonalTag: Agency, Personal, writers conferences

Announcing “The Christian Writers Institute”

By Steve Laubeon October 24, 2016
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I am very excited to announce the launch of The Christian Writers Institute! Come visit at www.christianwritersinstitute.com. Over three years ago I began thinking of the need for a place where writers could find the best teachers all in one spot. The idea percolated for awhile until this year when its development began in earnest. It is great to see it finally become a reality. This new online …

Read moreAnnouncing “The Christian Writers Institute”
Category: Book Proposals, Career, Christian Writers Institute, Conferences, Craft, Creativity, Editing, Get Published, Grammar, The Publishing Life, The Writing LifeTag: Christian Writers Institute, education, writers conferences, Writing Craft

Why Isn’t My Agent Working for Me at Conferences?

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon September 8, 2016
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Often I’m asked by writers to pitch a book at a conference I’m attending. Sometimes I’m asked to find out the status of a submission. Because of my writing background, I totally understand these impulses. When I was writing novels, I asked these questions of my agent. So believe me, I’ve experienced the frustration of being at home, wondering why my agent isn’t asking about and pitching my work at …

Read moreWhy Isn’t My Agent Working for Me at Conferences?
Category: Agents, ConferencesTag: Agents, writers conferences
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