Getting the Most for Your Money at a Writer’s Conference
If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!
(Part 1 of a 2 part article)
by Renee Kirchner
Any writer serious about the craft of writing should plan to attend a writer’s conference. A writer’s conference is a place where writers, editors and agents gather to share information and experiences with others who share their common interests. Conferences can differ greatly in cost, duration, and content. Beginning writers might want to start with smaller conferences or classes held at local public libraries or community colleges. The cost will be nominal and travel is minimal. As you become more serious about your writing, you will want to attend a regional or national conference. It is a lot of fun and a great experience that can be very inspirational. Here are a few tips I have for anyone planning to attend a conference. After attending many regional conferences for SCBWI, I have learned how to get the most out of my conference dollars.
WHY ATTEND A CONFERENCE?
There are many reasons to attend a conference, the biggest one is that it gives you a chance to network and meet others interested in writing. Writing can be a lonely business and it is nice to have some interaction away from your computer. Beginners will learn the basics of writing such as manuscript formats, query letter techniques, and proper etiquette. Advanced writers can learn more about negotiating contracts, keeping better records for tax purposes, and can meet agents and editors who could further their careers.
HOW DO I FIND THE RIGHT CONFERENCE?
You can begin by searching the Internet for upcoming writing conferences. There are conferences for every genre of writing (fantasy, children’s, horror, romance, etc.) A couple of good websites to start with are: http://www.writing.shawguides.com/ and http://www.writerswrite.com/conf.htm.
If you belong to a writer’s organization such as SCBWI or Romance Writers of America, you will probably receive flyers in the mail about upcoming conferences and classes. Read the material and look at the lineup of guest speakers before choosing a conference. You need to find the right fit or you will be wasting your time.
DO YOUR HOMEWORK BEFORE THE CONFERENCE
As soon as you sign up for a conference, read the conference brochure from cover to cover. You will want to familiarize yourself with the speakers. Read their bios so you know if they will be accepting manuscripts after the conference. You will want to find out what types of books they have edited in the past to see if you have a manuscript that would be a good fit. If the speakers are agents, find out if they are accepting new clients. You may have the opportunity to speak with the editors and agents and it helps if you are knowledgeable about their backgrounds.
VOLUNTEER TO HELP
A great way to get more out of a conference is to volunteer to help coordinate the conference. There are many opportunities available such as handing out nametags, introducing speakers, acting as a host/hostess for visiting speakers, and working at registration tables. In order to volunteer, you will need to find out who the conference coordinator is and drop them an email offering your services. I spoke with several editors at the last conference I attended and they told me that they always rememeber the conference volunteers more than the other participants. Volunteering is a good way to make a favorable impression on an editor or agent.
(Part 2 of this article will be posted next Wednesday)
Topics: Uncategorized |