You've written that book (or it's well underway) and you want to meet up with some editors and agents. A conference sounds appealing, but you're not convinced it's worth the money. Here are my top ten reasons to attend a writing conference!
1. Attending a conference changes the way your view yourself and your writing. From the time you commit to attend a conference, you begin to see yourself as a professional (or someone who is striving for professionalism). Maybe you’re like I was at that first conference. You feel like such a novice. Maybe you’re afraid you’ll be intimidated by all of the professionals around you. Well, rest easy! About 90% of the people at a writing conference feel just like you. And maybe it’s time to change the way you view yourself. You’ve got to see yourself as a pro...even before that first manuscript is sold. And it’s critical to keep seeing yourself that way if you’ve sold a couple of books because you’re on a forever learning curve.
2. Attending a conference gives you an opportunity to get away from your normal everyday life. There—in that strange new place—you can focus on your writing. If you’re like I am, this is half the fun. Sure, it’s exciting to meet so many “famous” people. And a little nerve-wracking, too, especially if you’ve arranged any one-on- one meetings with editors or agents. Oh, but having a “set apart” time to focus on your writing—with other writers—is such a blast!
3. Attending a conference gives you an opportunity to realize that “famous” writers, editors and agents are just people. . .like you. It’s true. They’re average, ordinary human beings who put their socks on one at a time. So, don’t fret over that one-on- one meeting with an editor or agent. He or she is just as normal—or abnormal—as you!
4. A great conference will offer you an opportunity to meet personally with editors of major houses, as well as great literary agents. Where else can you meet with editors and agents in person to pitch your ideas? So, prepare the best possible sales pitch now. (We call this the elevator pitch and will be discussing it at length a few pages
from now. It has to be short enough to be presented to an editor or agent between floors on an elevator.)
5. The classes at conferences run the gamut. You will learn so much, you’ll feel like your brain can’t contain it all. So, what classes would you like to take? Historical fiction? Romance? Suspense? Mystery? Acquiring an agent? Working with an editor? The submission process? With so much to choose from, how will you ever decide? Don’t worry about it! Most conferences offer a how-to class for newbie’s on the first day. And remember, you can always ask others. Don’t be shy. Dive right in. The water’s fine.
6. The evening events at conferences are usually amazing, offering keynote addresses from some of the best in the business. I’ve been thrilled to hear from some of the leaders in the industry over the years. Where else can we glean from the masters and hob-nob with them after the fact? So, who would you love to hear? Which successful novelist or non-fiction book writer could you glean from? Check around. Chances are pretty good they’re speaking at conferences around the country!
7. At a writer’s conference, you will meet like-minded people. (Finally. . .people who get me!) This is truly the only place in the world where you’re surrounded on every side by people whose characters talk to them. People who get bug-eyed when a famous editor walks in a room. People who stay up half the night talking about plot points and POV issues. People who analyze royalty statements and advance amounts. People who race to be the first in line at a book-signing. You get the point. You’ll be among friends.
8. A great conference will give you the opportunity to discover your weaknesses and strengths. (You will learn from both, trust me!) As you attend the various classes, you’re liable to realize you’ve still got a lot of work to do on your manuscript. But the person seated next to you is having the same revelation, so you’re on level playing ground!
9. Attending a conference is a great way to show the IRS that you’re serious about your writing. (And conference fees are usually deductible!)
10. The friends you make at conferences will likely be life-long friends. You’ll continue to connect through email, Facebook, blogs and so forth. Best of all, you will acquire the support system you need for years to come.
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