So you want to attend a writer’s conference? First time? Even BETTER!
There are so many great ones out there. Before you make any decisions,
make sure you do your research, talk to others that have gone; listen to
what they have to say. Most conferences have their agenda listed with
plenty of time to review it beforehand. Read over it carefully so you
can plan your conference experience.
What do you want to accomplish?
If
you’re attending to socialize, you’re not maximizing the resources
writers’ conferences offer. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with
meeting other authors, but it probably wouldn’t be beneficial if this
were your main attendance goal. Authors attend conferences for many
reasons, but here are a few main benefits that draw people.
*Pitching:
This is a fantastic opportunity that is rather unique to writers’
conferences. Personal, face-to-face contact with editors and agents who
want to give you a shot. Believe it or not, they attend conferences for
some of the same reasons as authors, but the positive thing here is
these particular editors and agents make time because they are actively
seeking quality work. No waiting in that pesky slush pile email box.
Here are tips on how to create a perfect pitch. Sometimes these are what
we would consider big deal editors from the coveted New York Houses
that you don’t get into without an agent. This is a major benefit of a
conference. On the same token, agents are not always easy to sign.
Speaking to one face-to-face, whether from a big agency or not is a
great opportunity. Even if your current project isn’t right for them,
your impression can make them remember you. This alone can be a great
reason to attend a conference. But make sure you research well. Some
conferences charge extra for this perk, though most don’t. If you’re a
conference virgin, even the thought could have you shaking in your
boots, but don’t. Editors and agents are people, too. They enjoy talking
to you. Just think of it like this: You can practice your pitch all you
want, but if it’s not natural, it can lose appeal even if your words
are awesome. So speak to an editor or agent as if you’re telling your
best friend about your book. No one knows the book better than you.
Don’t let nerves make you miss out on this conference-unique
opportunity.
*Workshops: Most conferences have a variety of sessions
that cover everything from craft to marketing to industry trends. This
should be a deciding factor in which conference you choose. No matter
what stage your career is in, whether you’re pre-published or have
several books out there, you never stop learning as an author. The more
you write, the better you get. So, look at the agenda (most will have it
available beforehand) and see which would benefit you most. You
shouldn’t have any ‘free’ blocks in your schedule. There should be so
many interesting classes you just have to attend, how can you possibly
choose between them. Research the presenters as well: are they
experienced in what they’re presenting? Have they given it before and
have others found it helpful? Workshops can be one of the best reasons
to attend a conference. *Book Signings: A perk of many a conference is a
book signing that’s open to the public. Hopefully this won’t be your
only reason for attending a conference, but it can be a nice experience
as well. You get your name and your book(s) out to authors as well as
the general public. Here are tips on how to have a successful book
signing. If you are going to take part in a signing at a conference, ask
questions. Will they have a sponsor? Will you have to be your own
cashier for the books you sell? Will sales benefit a charity? (This is
very common at conference book signings) and research what turnout they
usually have, if the conference is annual so you can plan the number of
books and swag you need to bring.
*Networking: Another awesome reason
for attending a conference! Read the brochure/agenda to see what
headliners will be at the conference of your choice. Then, make it a
point to speak to these people. Yes, you really can talk to famous
authors! Just like editors and agents, they’re people, too! You never
know what kind of friends you could make—for life. Let your inner social
butterfly come out and shine! It pays to talk to people. Writing, like
any other industry can depend on who you know. So make contacts! Get
business cards and keep them handy. Write down their email addresses or
website, and get their Twitter handles. Other authors, editors, agents,
you never know who can be around the corner, at a meal, even hanging out
in the lobby at the conference. Make use of free time by being
observant. Read name badges. Don’t be afraid to ask other authors what
they write. And remember, when someone asks what you write—they really
do want to know. You could end up with a fantastic critique partner or
some awesome new reads. Other factors to consider in choosing which
writer’s conferences to attend are:
*Genre Specific: Make sure you pick a
conference that includes the genre in which you write. If your stories
are mainly thriller or science fiction, then attending a romance based
conference won’t be as helpful. There are plenty of conferences that are
more specific to a particular genre to which gears many of their
workshops and key speakers. Pay close attention to those. But of course
don’t disregard the broader conferences like the Writer’s Digest
Conference, where many big editors and agents always attend, looking for
new talent for their lineup. *Budget: How much can you spend in a given
year on these conferences? Between registration fees, airfare, hotels,
food, books, contests, and other miscellaneous items, the endeavor can
get expensive. The best conferences are those that do not charge extra
for pitch sessions, specific workshops or even parking. Make sure you
choose one that has all of those included (unless you don’t plan to
pitch your manuscript). Another tip is to choose conferences that are
geographically close, saving you the cost of airfare and/or hotel. Or if
you have several friends all attending, split the costs by sharing a
hotel room and make a road trip out of it. Most conferences offer an
‘early-bird’ rate, so book early if you can. Some conferences also give
out ‘scholarships’ to help ease the cost to a few individuals who
present a financial need.
*Attending Agents/Editors/
Authors: If
you’re pitching a novel or just want to meet the experts in the
industry, make sure the ones you’re really interested in plan on
attending. Conferences will always list the names of presenting authors,
agents and editors on their websites in advance, especially those that
will accept pitches. They often include the kinds of stories the experts
are actively looking for. So research the editors and agents attending
and see if they cover your topic/genre. If you’re spending this much
money, make sure it’s worth your while. Conference Etiquette ~Dress
appropriately. No one is asking you to wear an uncomfortable suit or
dress or three-inch heels for an entire day of workshops, presentations
and pitch sessions. But be professional. Don’t show up in ratty jeans,
tank top and flip flops. ~Don’t stalk agents/editors in the bathroom or
just before they present. They are clearly focused on other things and
they won’t give you their full attention. And it’ll annoy the hell out
of them, and that’s not the kind of impression you want to leave.
~Networking is a must, but monopolizing conversations with constant
reminders of your story is a turnoff. Give others a chance to talk, and
LISTEN.
What to Bring
~Business cards with your email address and
contact info (write the title and genre of your current work on the
back)
~Notepad or Notebook and a good pen
~Synopsis/Query Letter
~A
prepped 1-line ‘elevator pitch’ of your story.
~A small messenger bag to
carry the ‘goodies’ you’ll get
~Cash- for buying books, the cash bar,
raffles, tips for housekeeping
~Light Jacket/Sweater- you never know how
powerful the air conditioner will be
~Extra Luggage Bag- to cart home
the extra books and stuff you’ll get (if you’re flying, and if you don’t
leave extra space in your original bag)
~Snacks- if you’re staying at
the hotel overnight, do you really want to pay hotel prices for a bag of
chips or granola bars?
What to Leave
~Laptop (leave it in the hotel
room)
~A copy of your full manuscript. If agents ask for it, they all
prefer email. (Why would you want to cart around the extra weight,
anyway?)
~Shy or Wallflower Tendencies- this will kill your experience
at conferences, and the whole point is to network and meet people who
will help advance your career and/or skills
Hopefully this will help you
in deciding which conference(s) to attend and how to prepare. More than
anything else, remember why you write: what keeps you going back to
that keyboard or notepad? Everything about a conference is supposed to
help make you a better writer and be more successful. Good luck and keep
writing forward.
by Susan Sheehey
Co-written with author C.A. Szarek
www.susansheehey.
com
http://susansheehey
.com/2013/
06/26/how-
to-choose-
a-writers-
conference/
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