Make the Most Out of a Writers' Conference - Part Two

HOW TO MAXIMIZE THE VALUE OF A WRITERS' CONFERENCE

 

If you want to make the most out of a conference, you have to stay busy and get involved. Go to presentations; hang out at late-night fiction readings; and make sure to stay for the whole shebang. Sign up for pitch slams and meet the power players in attendance. A little face time can pay off down the line. If you're involved with the sponsoring organization, offer to volunteer. If you pick up an agent from the airport, for example, that's plenty of one-on-one time in the car to slip in a pitch or two.

 

Make sure you schmooze. When you sit down at the dinner banquet, ask people what they're working on. Networking can be as simple as "I'll pass your name on to so-and-so, and I'd be appreciative if you could give me a referral to such-and-such." If you don't have business cards, make some basic ones just so others can know your contact info.

 

An unfortunate truth about conferences is that they can be a hit on the wallet. Some are affordable ($100-200) while others not so much ($700+). It all depends on how long the conference is, what is included, the price the conference paid to fly in speakers, etc. I've spoken at conferences where the crowd gathered at a Days Inn, and another where the event was hosted in a posh San Francisco hotel. Can you guess which event cost more? In addition to the basic conference cost, you have to budget money for "extras." Sometimes, the little things at a conference, such as 10-minute pitch sessions with agents or an editor's personal critique of your work, will mean an additional cost. If you want to truly make the most of a conference, you will need to indulge in some extras. When all is said and done, you may have to take a day off work and spend a chunk of money on costs and hotels. Think of it as an annual writing vacation for you and budget money early in the year. If you gain contacts that lead to writing assignments down the line, the conference will pay for itself before you know it!

 

KNOW WHICH ONE IS RIGHT FOR YOU

 

With so many to choose from, how can you know which one is the best investment? Obviously, proximity will play a factor, as we can't all afford a ticket to the Maui Writers' Conference. Look for events in your area and start from there. Some locations, such as Tennessee and Colorado, have a surprisingly large number of gatherings each year.

Ask yourself: "What do I want to get out of this?" Is it simply to recharge your batteries and get motivated? Because a general goal like that can be accomplished by most conferences. Do you have a polished and ready manuscript that needs an agent? Look for conferences with not only agents in attendance, but agents (or acquiring editors, as they function basically the same) in attendance that handle your specific area of work, be it science fiction, medical nonfiction, or whatever else.

 

Conferences usually have either a general focus on all subjects of writing, or a more narrow purpose. With some looking, you can find conferences devoted to screenwriting, playwriting, romance, mysteries, fantasy, science fiction, medical thrillers, and more.

 

GET OUT THERE!

 

Now that you know the ins and outs of a writers' conference, all that's left is for you to hunt down an event and sign up for 2008 or 2009. Going to a gathering and pitching agents may seem intimidating, especially if you're going alone, but the payoff is definitely worth it, and you're likely to make several friends who can ensure you don't go to a conference alone again. At the very least, you'll get some tips on how to start the befuddling first chapter that never seems to click.

 

This article is one of many in the 2010 Guide to Literary Agents.

(hyperlink: http://www.writersdigestshop.com/product/2010-guide-to-literary-agents/)

 

CHUCK SAMBUCHINO is the editor of GLA as well as the editor of Screenwriter's & Playwright's Market and the assistant editor of Writer's Market. To read agent interviews, see query letters that worked, and much more, visit his blog at www.guidetoliteraryagents.com/blog.

Comments

[Valerie Comer]

Thanks for sharing these, Chip! Maybe I'll see you in Denver.

[Genny]

I recently went to the SCBWI conference in Los Angeles and it was a great experience (I'd been to the conference twice before). I'm already looking forward to next year.

I think the note about business cards is key. At conferences, you meet many people in a short period of time, and it's great to be able to give cards out and get cards from others for follow up.

[John Robinson]

As one of Chip's writers, I think I speak for all a whole bunh of people in thanking you for this, Chuck. Very meaty stuff indeed.

[John Robinson]

"bunch", that is.

[kristi holl]

Great tips here. "Schmoozing" can be intimidating, but getting out there and being friendly can result in meeting some fascinating people and new friends. Writing down a bit about each person on the back of their business card helps me remember who they are too--and what we talked about. Thanks again!
Kristi Holl
Writer's First Aid blog

[Lisa Jordan]

Thanks for the conference tips! I haven't read the comments for both posts, so I apologize in advance if this has been mentioned. If conference CDs or mp3s are available for purchase, consider spending the extra cash to buy them, especially if you are unable to attend the conference. I I listen to ACFW conference sessions on my iPod while walking on the treadmill, riding in the car, driving.... Well worth the investment because I can listen to sessions I was unable to attend and still benefit from what the speaker was teaching.

[Sharon A. Lavy]

I am also looking forward to seeing you in Denver.

[C. A. Rose]

Great tip ideas. I attended the SC Writers Workshop in 2008. I will be there in Myrtle Beach in 2009 (Oct 23-25) and I look forward to hearing Chuck Sambuchino The 2008 was my "practice" workshop. I felt overwhelmed, because I didn't know what to expect. This time I know a little better how to participate. These tips provide me with a refresher and I will be more prepared for this and local workshops in Tennessee and Virgina in 2010. Thank you for the refresher.