Hello all, I’m taking a little break from the subplots posts to write a special blog about writers conferences. I know there has been other information by other agents on this topic, but I wanted to put my thoughts down and share them with you.
If you’re a writer seeking publication, I won’t say conferences are a must; but they sure do help on the journey to seeing your book in print. That statement is for those who wish to be published by a traditional house. However, if you’re indie publishing, don’t tune out just yet. You can definitely still benefit from attending conferences.
So, what are the benefits of a writers conference? Here are a few:
- Networking Opportunities: Meet other writers, editors, agents, and publishers, building valuable connections that can advance your career. It sounds mercenary, and I don’t mean it that way. Go with an open hand and attitude.
- Learning from Experts: Attend workshops and panels led by successful authors and industry professionals to gain insights and improve your craft. A conference has all of these professionals in one place. You get to soak up tons of information in a matter of days that would normally take you months to years to learn.
- Inspiration and Motivation: Engage with like-minded individuals and get inspired by their stories, experiences, and successes. Here’s where being around like-minded people can really spark your own creative juices.
- Pitching Opportunities: Present your work to agents and publishers in one-on-one sessions, increasing your chances of getting published. Fifteen-minute appointments with an agent or editor can be intimidating, but they are great opportunities to sell yourself and your work.
- Feedback on Your Work: Usually, there are paid critiques available from industry professionals. You send in your work ahead of time, the editor, agent, or experienced author reviews it and critiques it. Then sits down with you at the appointed time during the conference and discusses it with you. This can be priceless learning time for you.
- Latest Industry Trends: Stay updated on current trends, market demands, and new technologies in the publishing world. It seems like trends are always changing, and staying on top of things is tough. But in this place with industry professionals, you can learn what you need to know quickly.
- Skill/Craft Development: Participate in hands-on workshops that focus on specific writing skills, genres, and techniques. This is a wonderful opportunity. Usually, you have to sign up in advance for this kind of workshop, so be sure to read everything on the conference website to find out.
- Personal Growth: Gain more confidence in your abilities, and develop a stronger commitment to your writing journey. When you discover that you’re right where you’re supposed to be, this does wonders for your self-esteem and drive to write.
- Access to Resources: Gain access to writing tools, reference materials, people who work in the job you’re researching, and industry publications that can support your writing journey.
- Building Writing Habits: Learn tips and strategies for establishing and maintaining productive writing routines. I don’t know about you, but I need all the help I can get in this area! But remember, don’t compare yourself to others. You do you. What works for one person may not work for you.
- Mentorship Opportunities: Connect with experienced writers who can offer guidance and mentorship to help you navigate your writing career. Some conferences even offer mentor appointments. Even if you’re not pitching anything, just talking to someone who has been where you are is gold.
- Contests and Awards: Enter writing contests held at the conference, which can provide recognition and boost your writing credentials. I finaled, but didn’t win. But you know what? That’s okay. I enjoyed the moment of being a finalist, and there are always other contests to enter.
- Collaborative Projects: Find potential collaborators for coauthoring books, writing anthologies, or other creative projects. This actually happened to me at the conference I was at last week. From that conference came the idea for an anthology with two other writing buddies. How cool is that?
- Understanding the Business Side: Learn about the business aspects of writing, including contracts, royalties, marketing, and self-publishing. There are always great classes on this topic. I always want to soak up every minute of this kind of information.
- Fun and Enjoyment: Enjoy a vibrant and creative atmosphere, making the experience enjoyable and memorable. And this is the icing on the cake. Writing conferences are just plain fun! So, find the conference you want to go to, calculate how many months you have to save until you have to pay the early-bird price, and figure out how much you need to save per month. Then you will find yourself on the way to one of the best experiences of your life!
What about you? What’s your take on writing conferences? Have you been? Did you enjoy it? Hate it? Would you go again? Fill me in! I want to know.
Crafting a Space for Productivity
And so I guess I’ll see you there
to share that fellowship and leaven
way up yonder in the air
at a writers’ conference in Heaven,
where God’ll give keynote address
(maybe this one, I don’t fall asleep),
and I won’t have to worry, stress
’bout making that frightening leap
from wannabe to writing pro
(does my one-sheet make ’em swoon?),
’cause in workshops I’ll come to know
that my writing wasn’t picayune,
but held a grace that’s now revealed
as my sin has been repealed.
Can you just imagine the keynote address God would give? 🙂
I see all the benefits! Why oh why does it take so much no to make money? 🥹
I love writers’ conferences. The fellowship is invaluable and the rest is added benefit.
Having been to a couple of ACFW conferences, I find that they are superb! I have gone to professional conferences for years, but I learned more in a few hours at ACFW than I did in days at other conferences. They are worth the time, money, and effort.
I love writing conferences! I went to my first last year and it was amazing helping me to learn so much! This year I have been to two virtual conferences and plan to go to another in person conference. At lasts years conference I met some amazing authors of books that I adore and that alone was awesome. Add on the classes and networking and it was a home-run event! For anyone who writes I think its essential they attend at least one conference.
My number one goal at the BRMCWC was networking. I’m met so many people over the last years virtually, but wanted to meet face to face. To my delight, never skipping a meal pays off! I ended up sitting next to people whom I’ve admired from afar – some whom I’d never met, others who have mentored and helped me along the way. It built new relationships, deepened fledgling ones, and cemented others. My one regret (sort of) — I didn’t get up from my seat and accost you, Lynette, when you walked past my seat at the awards ceremony. Somehow it just seemed imprudent and not the reason we were all there. When the time is right, we will meet if God wills it. Meanwhile, the conference has filled me with the skills I need to maximize my website, connect it to Mailerlite for a newsletter, plan the rest of the series, handle contracts (Get an experienced AGENT), and how to start marketing my manuscript. And…CONFIDENCE that I can do this all — or know who to ask for help!
Lynette, I wouldn’t have met you had I not gone to conference. I was learning about the industry through Writer’s Digest magazine in 1990’s and writing in secret. ACFW member since 2006. Though working full-time I made a goal in 2007 to attend BRMCWC which I found in WD ad. Met that goal in 2010. Nothing compares to attending a conference and learning with other writers in training. My first ACFW was in 2016 in Nashville. But years attending BRMCWC and learning craft is worth the investment. Thank you for being one of those encouragers.
I went to my first writers conference, Write to Publish, last year. I can’t go again this year, because of a scheduling conflict, but will try again next year. It was everything you say it can be, even including a pitch to a publisher resulting in my current book contract. It was one of the highlights of my year.
This will be my very first conference. Is there a “first time attendee” cheat sheet or helpful hints? I’ve signed up for a one-on-one; but I didn’t know about “shopping my work or getting critique for pay. How do you do this? Help! (P.S. I’m taking the course you offer on developing a book proposal and working my way through it.)
Hey, Felica,
I attended my first conference in 2017 and learned quickly that I knew nothing about publishing. I left incredibly discouraged. Despite that, attending a writers conference proved the most valuable career choice I ever made. Now I attend one/ year.
When I go, I try to take small bites of what professionals tell me listen for the common theme, trusting God to speak to me through them. For instance, this year, I heard “Youtube” over and over, so that’s where I’m focusing my attention. (That and newsletter).
Hope that helps!
I’m sure everyone will think you’re fabulous! Try to relax and be yourself while you’re there. Meet people, have fun.
Lynette, thank you for this. Write to Publish 2024 will be my first conference (since I went with my Romance writer wife to one in 1984!) and I’m excited about everything you mentioned, especially meeting new friends. I do have a novel to pitch, and I believe in it, but however it goes, I know the Holy Spirit is driving the boat, so I will stay on board whatever the weather.
I am actually on your schedule for Wednesday afternoon, and I count myself very fortunate in that.
See you at WTP!
I’ve attended many conferences over the years. Last year at Write to Publish, I finally met three of my online writing friends in person for the first time. What a wonderful experience! I always enjoy the speakers and learn a lot from the courses. Sometimes, though, the connections I make mean even more than any class or appointment.
At one of my first conferences, I met with someone from a publishing house who cut me off about three minutes in and said he wasn’t interested. Stunned, I rose and flew out to the common area where tears just erupted. A total stranger stopped and asked what was wrong, and I poured my heart out. She took me to a quiet place where she prayed for me and made sure I was okay before she left. I know she probably missed whatever class she was heading to, but I was so grateful for her that day. We’ve kept in touch, and she’s had great success in publishing since that time. Oh, and I learned not to burst into tears at a rejection, lol.
Once, while waiting at the Cincinnati airport to catch a connecting flight to the Writing for the Soul conference, I met a woman also headed there. During the conference, we met for lunch a few times. On the flight home, we were surprised to find we were seated next to each other. We’ve kept that relationship going ever since.
One thing I’ve noticed in recent years is it seems appointments with industry professionals have become fewer than they used to be. If an attendee doesn’t arrive early to sign up (or doesn’t see the email with sign up links until the afternoon), then agent appointments disappear quickly. I guess everyone is spread thin these days.
This year, I’m attending Write to Publish again. My online writing friends could not come this time, so I’m ready to meet all kinds of new folks and hopefully make more writing friends.
I love conferences and couldn’t agree more. I haven’t been to one in a while. Thanks for the motivation!
Thank you so much for this list, Lynette! Reality check! When I attended Write to Publish in 2018 THE goal was to successfully pitch to agents and publishers. Networking was just the bonus. Some agents required a platform, but not all. Many publishers still accepted proposals directly from authors.
I did my homework and was able to book appointments with 8 carefully researched agents and publishers to present my well-prepared pitches, and came home with 7 invitations to submit full proposals or complete manuscripts. Things have certainly changed!
This year when I tried to register for the one appointment now offered at W2P, that agent was already fully booked. Few of the three-day series of sessions we required to commit to attending applied to me because I am already a published non-fiction author and professional editor who has worked with both self-published and traditionally published authors, so I understand the processes, but I’m now trying to break into publishing fiction myself. Nevertheless, until I had to cancel my reservation due to health issues, I looked forward to attending because of several of the things you listed! I expect to apply your last point and start planning for next year.
I’ve been attending conferences since 1997. I love them! For all the reasons you listed, as well as the friends I’ve made and the writers groups that have come out of them. I’d have give up writing if not for the friends and groups.
I attended Blue Ridge for the first time last week. Loved it! I’m still in post-conference-reentry-syndrome. haha! And already trying to figure out if I’ll have the funds to attend again next year. I was only able to go this year because I can’t make Realm Makers (which is my tribe.)
I enjoyed all the good information. Since I am totally new in the field of writing and marketing are there certain good writing conferences that you would suggest?
I’ve come away from each conference feeling good about what I’ve learned, the fellowship with likeminded people, the encouragement, and all of the above you mentioned. Yes, as long as the finances are available I would attend again.