I’ve been writing for publication since the mid 90s, but I’m convinced I’d be unpublished to this day if not for writing conferences. I attended my first one in 1996. A friend made me go. (I say that quite honestly. I had no idea what I was getting myself into!) The experience was overwhelming, to say the least, but I gleaned as much as I could from both the classes and the services.
The following year I returned to the conference. And the year after that. And the year after that. Between that year and now, I’ve probably attended more than thirty conferences. I’ve even been asked to teach at a few. I just can’t say enough about the conference experience. Whether you’re a beginner, an intermediate or writing for publication, there’s so much to be learned at conferences.
Just a reminder to the pros out there: we’re on a continual learning curve. Just because you’ve got a few books under your belt doesn’t mean you’ve learned everything there is to know about the craft. I was several years into my publication career before I fully understood many of the concepts. And it took even longer to figure out what editors and agents were looking for…and how I could give it to them. Open yourself up to the idea that you’ll be an “always-and-forever” learner. This will do two things: It will strengthen your writing and will cause you to be more humble at the same time.
If you’ve never been to a conference before, likely you’re wondering if it will be worth the cost. After all, there will be conference fees, hotel costs, air-fare and possibly even a few new wardrobe pieces to consider. It’s a lot to think about, but it’s so worth it. You’ll get your money’s worth with the classes, alone. Just make sure you go in with realistic expectations. Few people sell a manuscript at their first conference. Or their second. However, they acquire the tools they need to eventually sell that first manuscript, and many, many more.
Because I feel so strongly about the need to stay on a learning curve—and because conferences offer such unique settings to do just that—I’ve put together a top ten list of reasons to attend a writing conference. If you’ve been hesitant to step out and go to a conference, maybe this list will give you the courage you need.
TOP TEN REASONS TO ATTEND A 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.
THE CONFERENCE JOURNEY:
I’ve polled several writing friends, asking for their input. Consider their words:
Megan DiMaria, author of Searching for Spice, offered up this tidbit about the conference experience:
When I knew I wanted to get serious about achieving my goal of becoming a published author, I started to attend writer’s conferences. There’s so much to learn of the craft, and I found face-to-face instruction the best way to gain that knowledge. Attending conferences also helps to put you into the culture of the publishing world and gives you invaluable contacts (friends) to help you on your journey. Of course the biggest benefit for me was my serendipitous meeting with my future Tyndale House editor over lunch at the ACFW conference.
Ane Mulligan (Zone officer for a major writing organization) had this to say: The conference experience is absolutely essential. Besides the great classes and meeting other writers, nowhere else will you have access to so many editors and agents. You can shave a few years off the road to publication through conferences.
Sharon Dunn (author of Bargain Hunter’s mysteries) offers us a little advice with her statement about the conference experience:
“There is so much excitement in the air at conferences. I love it, but at the same time all the chatter and pitching, can get overwhelming for an introvert like me. I gave
myself time to go back to my room or find a quiet place where I could collect my thoughts and catch my breath.”
Author Deb Kinnard (who calls herself, “the easily overwhelmed”) had this to say about writing conferences:
I was not expecting sensory overload! I felt like a kid at a three-ring circus, never knowing where to gaze first. Just like at the circus, I learned very quickly to pick the “acts” that interested me most, and leave the rest unobserved. I know I missed some great lion-taming (late night chats, etc.), but budgeting my mental energy became a real plus for me.
MY FAVORITE CONFERENCES:
American Christian Fiction Writers
www.acfw.com
Colorado Christian Writers Conference
www.writehisanswer.com
