Writing a book can be a very solitary journey, but it doesn’t have to be. There are many opportunities for writers to connect, network, and learn whether online or in-person. Writers conferences are one of the most effective ways for authors to improve their craft, interact with industry professionals, build a support network, and more. Conferences can also be a valuable asset for keeping tabs on the book marketplace, while furthering an author’s career.
Per the late Tony N. Todaro, author and former President of the Greater Los Angeles Writers Society, “Writers who just sit and write and don’t get out in the world, don’t get the opportunity to hear what other people have to say. They don’t learn.”
Hunkering down in your writing cave makes it difficult to expand your writing skills and connections; both of which are critical to your long-term success. At conferences, not only do writers have the opportunity to speak to fellow writers, but they also have access to resource-rich workshops and meet and greets with industry insiders like agents and editors. There are many benefits to attending writers conferences including:
Learning from Established Authors and Experts:
Conferences typically offer workshops and panels presented by seasoned authors and industry professionals. These can be about a wide variety of topics including writing craft, working with a professional editor, querying literary agents, or book marketing strategies. Attending the workshops and panels of your choosing allows you to acquire loads of important information and resources over just a short period of time.
Participating in One-on-One Consultations:
There are a variety of one-on-one meetings that may be offered at a writers conference. These can include formal sessions where you pitch your manuscript directly to literary agents and acquisition editors, in-depth manuscript critiques, and consultations with industry experts. Some conferences even offer mentor appointments. While these types of interactions can be intimidating, they are invaluable. It’s important to schedule and plan these meetings ahead of the event so that you are fully prepared to take advantage of the short amount of time you will have with these individuals.
Getting Feedback on Your Writing:
One of the more challenging but rewarding opportunities at writers conferences are the panel workshops where writers read the first page of their manuscript or drafted query letter out loud for live critiques in front of an audience of other writers. The members of these panels are experienced literary agents, acquisition editors, authors, or publishing experts that can provide valuable feedback on your content. If you can muster the courage to participate, you can potentially walk away with clear direction and even some contacts you can re-engage with down the road.
Acquiring Updates on Industry and Marketplace Trends:
The publishing industry is constantly evolving, so it’s important for writers to stay updated on the latest trends, market demands, and new technologies. Writers conferences are the perfect place to get up to speed on any changes or developments that may impact your writing and publishing journey.
Networking Opportunities:
There are many opportunities at conferences to interact with other writers, editors, agents, and publishers, building valuable connections. While the schedule may be pretty packed at an event, there are still some moments of downtime in between workshops or during meals where you can introduce yourself to others and trade contact information.
Conferences can also be a great place to find potential collaborators for co-authoring books, spearheading anthologies, or partnering on other creative projects or marketing initiatives.
Developing Writing Craft:
Many conference workshops focus on specific writing skills, genres, and techniques. These can be a wonderful opportunity to learn or expand your knowledge. Hearing how other authors have honed their craft can build your confidence in enhancing your own abilities, teach you strategies for establishing productive writing routines, and provide you with tips for meeting reader expectations.
Understanding the Business Side:
Writers often underestimate the importance of learning about the business aspects of being an author including contracts, royalties, taxes, marketing, and more. There are often helpful workshops on these topics at writers conferences.
Contests and Awards:
Writers conferences sometimes host contests to which writers can submit their work prior to the event. Winning awards through these types of contests can boost your credibility and visibility in the marketplace. You can visit the websites of individual conferences to see if they list specific awards or competitions in association with the event.
Social Engagements:
Writers conferences provide an energetic and creative environment, making them an enjoyable and invigorating experience. Many include mixers, happy hours, or after-dinner parties, giving writers the opportunity to get to know other writers and industry professionals on a personal level. Engaging with like-minded people can provide inspiration, sparking your own creativity and motivation.
There are many different types of writers conferences offered throughout the year. Some larger events, like the San Francisco Writers Conference, are well-known and have big attendance numbers, while others are more genre or topic-specific and intimate. The format of a conference can vary widely with some offering group workshops and panels, and others offering one-on-one opportunities. Here are some key factors to consider when choosing which writers conferences to attend:
Type of Event:
Writers conferences typically offer multiple types of educational and networking opportunities with varying levels of participation and engagement. This is so that they can appeal to all different styles of learning.
Opening keynote speakers provide inspiration and motivation, while also setting the tone for the event. Workshops and panels give writers the chance to learn and gain insights from those that have seen success and know the publishing business. One-on-one consultations offer direct connections to and feedback from industry professionals like agents and publishers.
Even if you can’t attend in person due to travel or budget constraints, check to see if the event offers a virtual component. Many conferences are now offering virtual attendance at a discounted rate, where writers can view recorded presentations or even live-stream certain parts of the event.
Guest Speakers and Presenters:
Guest speakers, workshops, and panels are great ways to hear from experienced professionals. Conferences often have exciting, well-known keynote speakers to attract attention and registrations. The workshops and panels are typically presented by established authors or industry experts offering insider knowledge and advice. One-on-one meetings offer you access to reputable industry professionals.
As soon as the lists of guest speakers, workshops, and professional meetings are available for an event, we recommend reviewing them to see if the individuals and their expertise align with your areas of interest.
Topics of Discussion:
Some conferences are more generalized and offer learning opportunities for writers in all genres. Other conferences, especially those associated with specific writing organizations, may focus on a particular category or genre of writing. It’s important to make sure any conferences you are considering attending are offering content relevant to your writing journey.
Location and Proximity:
Whether you attend an event might come down to your ability to travel. If it’s important to you to attend in-person and you are unable to fly, you’ll want to focus on conferences in your state and in your region that are drivable.
Price and Accommodations:
Price may be the biggest factor affecting whether you attend a writers conference in-person. There are several costs to take into consideration when determining your required investment including the cost of the event ticket, transportation, hotel, food, and spending money.
Many conferences offer an early-bird discounted ticket rate for a window of time, while others offer tiered ticket prices based on your level of participation or number of days you will be in attendance. There may even be volunteer or scholarship opportunities that will provide you with a reduced rate.
Only you can decide if a conference fits into your budget. If you plan to take advantage of a virtual offering, it may cost only a couple hundred dollars to access the content. An in-person event can cost quite a bit more – from several hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the size of the event and the location.
The easiest place to search for upcoming writers conferences and workshops is the internet. To save you time in your research, here is a list of some of the most comprehensive event directories and listings:
Poets & Writers
Association of Writers & Writing Programs
Writer’s Digest
Publisher’s Weekly
The Write Life
New Pages
Written Word Media
Independent Book Publishers Association
Westwind Communications
Narrative Magazine
Professional Ghost Writer
Black Chateau
Gotham Writers
African American Literature Book Club
Indies Today
National Speakers Association
There are also several genre-specific writers associations that host their own conferences:
Romance Writers of America
American Fiction Christian Writers
Historical Novel Society
International Thriller Writers
Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers Association
Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI)
Nonfiction Authors Association
National Association of Memoir Writers
Attending a writers conference requires both a financial commitment and a time commitment, so it’s important to get as much out of each event as possible. Whether your goal is to take your writing craft to the next level, or, to connect with industry professionals, here are six tips for making the most of each literary adventure:
1. Know what your goals are for the event
This initial step is hugely important because it will drive decisions you make about your schedule and participation during the event. Most conferences are packed with speakers, workshops, panels, one-on-one meetings, and more. If you fail to plan what you want to take away from the weekend, you'll end up with frustration and regret, or, with burnout.
2. Do some investigating and find your way around
Many conferences take place in large hotels with multi-room event spaces, so be sure to get a map of the conference space to find your way around. If you are able to say onsite at the hotel, that is ideal. Most conferences negotiate a discounted room rate for attendees.
You’ll want to show up early and familiarize yourself with meeting rooms, halls, restrooms, and food options. You might even want to plan out your day’s route based on the start times of each desired event. It’s important to be comfortable with the venue and your schedule.
3. Research the guest speakers/presenters and topics prior to the event
Conferences will typically publish their schedules of workshops and panels prior to the event, giving you the opportunity to review your options ahead of time. If one-on-one meetings are available, you’ll want schedule these far in advance of the event, as spaces will be limited.
To determine which parts of the event you want to take advantage of, you can research any speakers, presenters, or panelists to learn more about their experience and work. This is especially important for those one-on-one meetings to ensure the individuals are appropriate for your genre, and to make the most of your time with them.
You aren’t going to be able to attend everything. There are often overlapping workshops and panels, so it’s important to attend the sessions that make the most sense for where you are in your journey. The worst thing you can do is stretch yourself too thin.
4. Bring any materials you might need
Depending on your goals for the event, this can include a hard copy of your manuscript, writing samples, hard copies of your media kit (including a one-sheet), and business cards. You always want something you can leave behind if requested. In addition, you’ll want to have plenty of notebook paper and pens for taking notes. Much of the information will be coming at you at a fast pace, so you want to be sure to capture as much as possible.
5. Take advantage of breaks
Writers conferences often require long days with early morning breakfasts, all-day workshops, panels, and meetings, and then social events in the evenings. When you actually get a moment to breath, do so – hydrate, get something to eat, and get some fresh air if you can. Once you are refreshed, maximize this time by networking with other writers and industry professionals. These events can be exhausting, but very fulfilling.
6. Follow up after the event with any new contacts
Once you're back home, send follow-up emails, texts, or cards to anyone you met and spoke to at the event. You’ll also want to thank any industry professionals for their time – be specific about where and how you met them, and mention anything memorable about that meeting. You’ll want to add all conference contacts to your database – you never know when one of these contacts may become important for future opportunities. This includes any conference organizers. Creating a relationship with these individuals can lead to speaker or presenter opportunities at future conferences.
Writers conferences offer far more than just a chance to leave your writing cave—they are valuable hubs of learning, networking, and creative companionship. Whether you're polishing your writing style, seeking a literary agent, or looking for inspiration, you can find a conference that fits your goals and journey. While conferences can require an investment, the benefits of attending far outweigh the costs.
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