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Book proposals clutched in their hands, appointment slip at the ready, writers everywhere are taking one step closer to their dream of publication with a trip to a writer’s conference. From horror writers to inspirational romance authors, they gather at conferences every year with their name tags and pitch sheets.
And I have three reasons why you should too...
Most agents meet their clients at a writer’s conference than by any other means. Be it snail mail or email query, the best way to get the attention of a prospective agent is by meeting them. Nothing can replace the passion and excitement you have for your book as you talk about it face-to-face. It’s also a great way to size up what you want in an agent. During your meeting you can ask what their level of involvement is, in what genre they feel they have the best contacts, and how they communicate with their clients.
You connect with other writers. As an author, you cannot get better unless you get feedback. Plain and simple, you have to show people your stuff. If you’re not ready to meet with an agent, then sign up for a critique. Most conferences offer them. It will give you an opportunity to find out where in the publication process you really are. Are you polishing up a ready to submit manuscript or just starting out and finding your voice. Meeting with authors both published and unpublished in invaluable in growing as a writer.
You have access to the experts. The best things about writer’s conferences are the workshops. Classes to learn pacing, character development, crafting a page turner are all available to you and the best part? They are usually taught by authors you know and read. How about learning about character arc from your favorite romance writer? The art of the red-herring from a mystery writer? You can learn so much not only from the class, but from the question and answer period afterwards.
Wherever you are in your writing journey, be it novice or seeking representation, a writer’s conference is a wonderful place to network, connect, and learn. From face-to-face meetings with your dream agent to ‘How-To’ classes with a favorite author, if you’re serious about writing you need to go to a writer’s conference.
+Raquel Byrnes
(Originally posted on Blogging Authors, 3/16/11)
I just spent the last two weeks hosting the Almost Kiss Clash over at COTT and what a blast that was! In case you missed the excerpts hop on over. The voting is over, but the winner will be revealed tomorrow!
I wanted to check in and remind everyone about the Romance Writers of America Conference coming up July 25-28. It looks like it is going to be so much fun!
I don't think I'll be able to make it this year, but I know a few writers who are...I'm sure you'll all have a doozy of a time!
For those of you thinking of joining, the price better the earlier you register. Here is a link to the site's page. If you are not a member, its still cheaper to go without purchasing a membership.
There is also a San Diego Christian Writers Guild Conference in the Fall that I will most likely attend. It is October 19-20. I highly recommend the Friday night Round Table discussion!
Be it the RWA or any other conference...if you go, you'll be exposed to so many opportunities to network and meet with industry professionals there. From agents to acquisition editors, the conference is jam packed with something for everyone.
I am going to start a series on proposal packages, queries, and one sheets starting next week to get you ready for the conference.
What about you? Are you planning to attend any writers conferences or workshops this year? I'd love to hear what's out there!
Until next time...Go Write!
I always encourage people to go to writer's conferences because I believe they are the best way to gain the interest of an agent or an editor. There's nothing like sitting face to face with a person to really show how passionate and excited you are about a project.
Its also a time for you to judge whether or not this is the type of person you want to work with. Book Ends Literary Blog has a great post on what you need to know about an agent before signing with them.
Ask them questions about how hands on they are, what level of communication with clients they maintain, if there is a specific genre they feel they have strong contacts in...all these are important for you, the client, to know before pursuing a working relationship with the agent.
That being said...you need to GO in order to actually meet anyone. It amazes me how many writers don't go to conferences at all. Not only is it a great place to learn -- they have wonderful workshops by agents, editors, and other authors -- it helps you to learn the business side of writing.
That's right...the BUSINESS side of writing. Because there is one. You need to understand that although its an art, a craft, and something dear to your heart, it is also an industry.
A good conference will publish updates of what's going on in the publishing world, have keynote speakers that address the changes and upcoming trends, and a faculty that is knowledgeable and professional.
I encourage you to sign up for a pitch session with an agent. It is scary...like, spit less, sweaty-hands, scary...but so worth it in terms of growth as a writer.
They have always had great advice, direction, and encouragement for me at those sessions.
A good conference has a submission process like the one for OC Christian Writer's conference to get you ready for meeting with those agents.
The San Diego Christian Writer's Guild conference has you submit your intended proposal before the conference. This is really helpful because you get valuable feedback on how to fine tune your pitch. Something that will help long after the conference.
Shaw Guides has a list of conferences for every state and every focus. From horror to inspirational to non-fiction there's a place for you to learn, network, and maybe even...land an agent.
I hope you take a chance and take trip to one of them. Until next time...Go Write!
Photograph by Chispita . Photograph by Beneath Blue Skies. Photograph by Bill Kuffrey.
