conference season and three good bets
Just like gardners look forward to spring by lusting over catalogues of heirloom tomatoes and heritage roses, writers start to consider the the wide array of spring and summer conferences. The glossy brochures come in the mail, adverts arrive in your in-box, but are they worth it? Conferences are expensive. Your garden variety author doesn’t have big bucks to spend. Sometimes going to conferences can keep you from writing. So, why go? Hear are the reasons, you’ve heard a hundred times before and my take on them.
*networking–a chance to meet other writers, agents and editors (I am the world’s worst networker. It is hard work for me to approach people I don’t know and make small talk. But, when I stop thinking about myself and am genuinely curious about someone else it’s easier. And it’s worthwhile. In fact, this is the number one reason to attend conferences.)
* selling your work–a chance to pitch to agents and editors. (Hmm. Sometimes this works. It’s most effective if you already have a relationship started–an agent or editor has your manuscript and is going to be at a conference near you. You might get requests for your work, and then you might or might not hear back. An informal poll of fellow writers: a number of agents ask, after 6 months, maybe one response. It’s good practice for developing or giving the elevator pitch. Making a sale may not be the top reason for attending a conference.)
*learning the market–agents and editors tell you what they are looking for. (Valuable information. Yes, write what you love, but be aware that publishing like every industry has its trends. right now, middle grade fiction is still hot, so is YA.)
*learning your craft–workshop sessions that focus on genres or paritcular writing skills. ( These are only as good as the presenter. They can be excellent or a waste of time. Fortunately you are usually free to move from session to session. Network and find out which presentations are the best.)
Three upcoming conference for Northwest writers that won’t break the bank and that have a good line-up of presenters. SCBWI Redmond, WA May 16-17 $275 (if you’re writing for kids or YA), Field’s End April 18th Bainbridge Island $175 and Willamette Writers (wins my award for one of the friendliest big conferences and one of the best organized) Aug 7-9, prices vary depending on days attended.