Should You Go to a Writers’ Conference?

>I started attending at least one conference a year 4 years ago. The big thing I learned at my first conference was this: I don't just write, I AM a writer. It was amazing to meet other people who hear imaginary voices, who scribble ideas on napkins, and who take the hard experiences of life as fodder for a good novel.

After 4 times to our regional conference (OCW), this year I really felt at home. I know all of the staff, much of the faculty and many of the attendees and I'm no longer nervous when pitching to editors or agents.

If you want to write, my advice is to make conferences a priority. You'll learn more in a weekend than you can imagine and you'll meet some great people. If money is a problem, ask for a scholarship… or find out if you could volunteer to help plan the conference in exchange for a discount… or ask for tuition for Christmas.

>I have been to two writing conferences and I really think conferences are great for networking but not so great for information. Meeting people and getting your name out there is huge at a conference especially if you have a blog. If you are in the “writing is all about who you know” camp then this is reason alone to attend a conference.

If you are pitching a book it is a necessity because you will have face time with publisher/agent.

If you are going just to learn more about writing then you can save your money by reading this blog and others like it. The information is out there. If you are like me and the cost of a conference is an enormous expense (whereby $2,000 might as well be $200,000 then I’d try a writing course/workshop at your nearest college).

>I've been to four of the last five ACFW conferences, and I think they're invaluable for all the reasons you mentioned. I've learned much from the workshops, I've gotten some great meetings with editors and I've had a chance to network that I wouldn't get anywhere else. Plus, being out of my crazy house for four days really helps rejuvenate me.

>My first conf. was a small writer's retreat, and it really helped me prepare for ACFW last year. I had my first taste of *being* with other authors and having to talk about my baby (the written one… not human ones)

ACFW last year was my first one, and oh my, it's exactly what I needed. I had a manuscript I was editing, but got some great tips on HOW to edit it. Just being in the physical presence of so many writers inspired me to write more.

My advice is to pray about it. Neither year did we really have *extra* money laying around. But God provided and made a way each time when I gave the choice up to Him whether or not I should go.

I am SO excited this year (have been doing a funny conf. prep series on Monday's on my blog… it's getting me in the *conference* mood BIG time!) I feel more confident as a writer this year and am looking forward to seeing new friends and old friends alike, and learning a bunch of new stuff:-)

>I arrived at my first conference full of misgivings and doubt. I left with a clear mandate to write and the beginnings of friendships that continue to this day. I still attend conferences, and can second every reason you've given. I believe the networking and collegiality are just as important as the educational aspects. And, of course, there is (or can be) a clear spiritual benefit to the experience.

>I've been to a few 1-2 day conferences and was hooked right away. It's a time for fellowship and learning.

I'm able to attend the ACFW conference in Denver next month, so that'll be exciting.

If you're serious about the craft, conferences are way worth the money!!

>I've gone to two conferences and the many things I've learned in the workshops have influenced my writing tremendously. But more than that, these conferences connected me to writing friends that I've only had the opportunity to "see" online. Both conferences were wonderful investments in my writing, and I also had the chance to have a one-on-one critique of my work. That was very helpful and encouraging. I love conferences!

>This year I asked for a trip to the Midwest Writers Workshop for my birthday. I looked forward to it all spring and summer (Feb – July) and it was worth every minute and every penny!

The manuscript eval with a known writer in my genre saved a viable novel from the trunk and I actually . . . talked . . . with a living breathing literary agent without sustaining any injury. We didn't make a love connection, but I got some great feedback on my query and believe that project is viable as well (she laughed in the right places and didn't roll her eyes or tsk tsk).

I will be going back and hopefully on one other next year. I even threw my name in as a presenter, I have expertise in a topic (copyright law) they might find interesting.

Love live conferences and those who put them on and teach at them.

>Going to writers conferences helps you become comfortable in your own writer's skin. Helps you know you are not weird. You will feel more at home at a writers conference than any other time in your life.

>My first writer's conference last year was like making the decision to walk through the door. Attending a big conference, full of people who all "get it" was a life-changing experience for me. I never realized there were so many normal-looking people who walk around talking to themselves, scribble murder plots on their church bullitins, and obssess over passive verbs the way I did. If you are struggling with "being on the fence" about whether a writing career is really for you, I urge you to attend a conference. You'll know by the end if this is your thing.

I can't attend ACFW this year, but am already planning for next year. Everyone, have a fantastic time and I hope I meet many of you at next year's ACFW.

>I say to someone wondering if they should jump in: Go. Big or small, near or far, go to a conference.

>For someone new to writing non-fiction like me, the three conferences I attended so far have provided great inspiration and information to "get up to speed". The experience I've gained in pitching to agents and publishers and sending in the requested proposals and sample chapters have been invaluable in guiding me on my journey.

It was very interesting by my third conference to be sharing with other writers about my lessons learned and provide some input that helped them–even though I was new at the whole process myself.

Jim

>I've been to three Writing for the Soul conferences and will be at ACFW next month.

Honestly, I approached my first conference thinking that I could walk away with a book contract. I quickly learned how this business really works. (Blushing since I also learned how much my craft needed improving.)

Since then, I look at conferences as an investment in my (fledgling) writing career. Get the training. Meet the people in the business. Make friendship connections. Go home inspired to write.

People of all professions go to training seminars. I am a professional writer and do the same.

>I've been to a few conferences, big and small, near and far. It's nice to be around other writers and there's always something to learn. This year I'm attending the South Carolina Writers Workshop Conference in October. They have a great line up of agents, authors and editors. Can't wait to go and make new friends!

>I attended my first conference planning a special session with the agents, allowing them to line up and pitch me on why I should select them as my representative. Knowing full well that my just-around-the-corner, international, multi-published success would keep me busier than a liar in a single's bar, I reluctantly came to the conclusion it would be my one and only conference…

>I was already planning on commenting, and I knew I had to when I saw Lee Lofland's comment. Lee's Police Academy for writers at the Mad Anthony was the first conference I attended, and Lee gave me my first professional critique. He provided some helpful comments (read as kind, but brutally honest)on my manuscript which really helped me improve it.

Well, I just got back from the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers' Conference, just my second writers' conference, where I pitched my completed manuscript–with some very glowing feedback and a request for a proposal from both an agent and an editor!

Still far from a sale, but I've really enjoyed both conferences, and would love to attend more of them. Now if only I could sell my book to pay for it!

>For two years and three manuscripts into my writing journey, I didn’t attend conferences or read books on writing. Why spend my minimal spare time learning to write when I can just write? This way of thinking got me nowhere fast, so I finally gave in. I attended local conferences at first and learned the nuts and bolts. After four years and ten conferences, I stopped learning and looked for something more advanced. I attended my first American Christian Fiction Writers conference in Nashville. Boy did I learn. I joined an awesome critique group through the organization and learned some more. Last year was my fourth ACFW conference and my first sale resulted from a meeting with JoAnne Simmons of Barbour’s Heartsong Presents. I’m going this year to network and take all the marketing classes. In writing, you never stop learning and the friends I’ve made are invaluable. They get me, as only other writers can.

As for money, God has provided the funds for me. Each year, it seems to fall out of the clear blue sky.

If nothing else, buy the syllabus (an absolute steal) or CD (a fraction of conference cost). This way you don't have the face to face experience, but you still learn.

>PNWA, this summer, first writers conference, no regrets. What did I get from the conference?

1. Met fellow beginning writers and realized all of us are unsure, have varying degrees of confidence, and that we need to support each other as best we can. To that end, have joined a writers critique group composed of people I met at PNWA. We have our first meeting this week.

2. Spoke with three agents. All were interested in my manuscript. I had an amazing one on one pitch meeting with an agent who read my first page and asked to read the first 100 pages when my manuscript is ready to show (which will be by this October as I am finishing last two chapters, then will revise).

3. Attended workshops that offered insight on the industry, advice on writing techniques, and gave me a chance to see agents and authors (vs unpublished writers) as real people, too!

What did I "put in"? Because I believe in give and take, I had to be willing to put myself out there in order to get anything back. Turned my query in to be read at a pitch workshop, agents seemed to like it, gave me encouragement to continue. Because often what we are seeking is validation. Validation that our ideas are worthwhile, that our writing is not all crud, that we can indeed make a connection to others out there (readers).

It is also important to be prepared to attend a conference, whatever point you may be at in your writing career. Because my manuscript was not complete, I focused on two things – my query letter (so it would be good to go when man. is ready) and the first chapter. Especially the first three pages. And because I did work so hard on those first pages, I felt confident (o.k, not really, but figured I'd done all I could with the first few pages), I was able to hand over that first page to the agent. And what do you know, she liked it enough to ask to read more.

Baby steps…think about what you need to focus on right now and say maybe in the next two or three months. Then go to the conference with those more immediate goals in mind. I found that kept me focused and gave me the push/confidence to work at my next goal (completing my first manuscript).

Yes, it was hard to come up with the funds to go. But yes, it was worth it. And I think attending shows agents and editors you are serious about your writing. I'm not saying you are not serious if you cannot or do not attend a writers conference. But I think the agents you meet at a conference are maybe even more open to hearing your pitch. They attend to find new writers…future authors. Having their ear (or both) just gives you that extra edge to show them your story holds promise.

>Thanks for the comments. I'm heading to my first conference (SCBWI), and I'm excited. For me, I haven't gone in the past because I wasn't ready to put myself out there. So, it's a commitment to writing as more than a hobby.

>Also — if you're short on funds, most conferences allow you to apply for a scholarship!

>Last year I started with a small 2-day conference close to home. I got to have lunch with the presenters and met some wonderful people (published and not) with whom I still correspond.

This year I did the Write-to-Publish (a 5-day trip to another state) as well as returning to the 2-day ACW conference near home. I went to WTP first and really didn't think I'd get anything out of the ACW (since two weeks earlier I had been at the bigger event). I was SO wrong!

It was as if the WTP prepped me to absorb EVERYTHING at the ACW conference. I thought I'd get to the point when I'd "heard it all" and wouldn't need to hear it again. Instead, I just became more aware of what I DON'T know and that helped me know which classes to take.

I'm really looking forward to next year!

>Sharon, try this link.

>Close to home & affordable: YES. Set aside your dreams of instant success, go to a conference near you, and be helpful. Actually listen to other writers instead of pouring out your own story. Meet people and care about them. Worry less about your future career path and more about being God's kind of person right here and right now.

>It's a struggle for me to go to conferences because I don't know if I can get the most from my money. Not because of the conference contents — but because of my hearing loss. I'm a lipreader and wear out easily at conferences.

I attended sxsw twice and had a great job. But I worked behind the scenes, so I only had to pay for travel and hotel.

I was contemplating a conference, but it decided for me as it takes place at the same time as a major holiday. So not meant to be.

>I can't emphasize how valuable writers conferences are to the new author. All of the reasons above PLUS the fact they work. I have acquired Camy Tang, Lisa Harris, karl Bacon, Deborah Vogts and Cheryl Rickers–all from conferences.

The most important thing to remember, though, is that this is a business conference. Yes, networking and socializing is fun and a huge benefit. But be prepared to work. Know which editors and agents you want to see. Go to workshops, get critiques, practice your pitch. This is the best opportunity you will ever have to improve your chances of getting published.

>Thank you for your post! I have never been to a writer's conference and have wanted to for years. I forwarded the link of your post to my husband to help convince him that it is worth the time and money! Thank you!

>What would I say to someone? GO… definitely go! I've been to a number of the Surrey Int'l Writers' Conferences near Vancouver, Canada, and always come away invigorated and inspired. Even if you don't have a finished manuscript to promote there is so much to learn at the workshops, so much benefit from the interaction with other writers and publishing professionals. So, GO!

Carol Garvin

>Rachelle,

I couldn't agree more. Last year's ACFW conference was invaluable for me. It defined for me what agents meant by "The story has great potential, but the craft needs work." I realized after the conference just how much work.

Unfortunately, this year I'm resonating with #1 in your list. There is just no way for me to make this years conference. And it's killing me. Basically, the needs of my family come first.

One of the reasons I appreciate your blog is that it gives us a way to connect with you outside the conferences. Though, nothing beats a face-to-face discussion.