I’m continuing to answer questions on writing conferences. I’ve had the help of guest expert Meredith Efken in answering many of your questions over the last couple of weeks. Meredith has a great e-book out, the Writers Conference Survival Guide that covers all this stuff in depth.
Karen wrote:
So it’s conference ’season’ up over eh? I’ve been drooling over the ACFW conference schedule…
What other conferences are about?
I’m an Aussie, so drooling is about all I’m going to do for a few years. I’m looking at options now so that once I have a finished manuscript, I hope to make it to an ACFW conference. It covers my genre completely, includes many of the authors I avidly read, and every publisher that I would target, so I’m guessing it’s the one for me. Still, if you know of other conferences coming up, feel free to list them here so I can do some more drooling. We all know how important it is for writers to dream!
There are so many conferences in the US, it’s hard to choose between them. So those of you who are angsting over whether you’ll make a fool of yourself, take just a minute to be grateful that you can easily go to a conference near you. I have many loyal blog readers in Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, and Europe, who would kill to have all your options.
As for which conferences to go to, I always recommend that a freshman start with a good regional conference near home. That will minimize your investment in time, energy, and money and yet will give you a good look into the publishing industry. There is a lot to learn, and you might as well learn it cheaply.
For sophomores, it’s not too early to pick a good national conference that is in line with your interests. The many Christian novelists who read my blog are often talking here about the ACFW conference (in September) and the Mount Hermon conference (in March or April). These are both great, and I teach at both every year, and usually 2 or 3 others. There are many other Christian writing conferences, such as Oregon (where I’ll be teaching next week), Florida (where I’ll be teaching in February), Colorado and Philadelphia and San Diego (where I have taught in years past), and a number of others.
However, many of my loyal blog readers are writing fiction for the general market, and there is a vast selection of conferences to meet your needs. If you write romance, then of course, you’ll probably be most interested in the RWA conference (I don’t know much about it, but I have many romance writer friends who’ve gone to this over the years, and one of my friends is a past president of RWA). Mystery writers have a number of conferences specifically for them, and the name I hear year after year from my mystery-writer friends is Bouchercon. Fantasy and science fiction writers also have some specialty conferences.
Writers in other genres can generally go to just about any non-specialty conference and get some value out of it. A number of years ago, I went to the San Diego State University conference, and out of that, I was invited to a continuing seminar with about 20 writers studying under Sol’s tutelage. Sol is one of the great writing teachers and I can still hear his voice in my ear whenever I lapse into narrative summary or backstory. When you hear me rail against these sins, you are hearing an echo of Sol.
The best resources for learning about conferences are WRITER’S MARKET (an annually updated book on publishers, agents, conferences, magazines, etc.) and WRITER’S DIGEST. Either of these will give you an encyclopedic list of your options.
As I noted above, most of these conferences seem to be in the US. There is not much I can do about this, except to commiserate with my many friends who are outside the US. I know that some conferences offer scholarships, and so I would recommend polishing your craft, saving your money, and waiting for the opportune moment.
Karri wrote:
Randy, I read somewhere recently that editors don’t read manuscripts, they read proposals. Isn’t it possible for an editor to be interested in a novel that is not yet completed, but that has a solid proposal?
Randy sez: Yes, but the amount of interest the editor will have depends on two things:
1) How good the writing is
2) How complete the manuscript is
Proposals are great, and you really do need one in order to get interest for your book. However, the best proposal in the world can’t save bad writing. It just can’t. The purpose of a proposal is to provide an editor with a summary of your book. It’s just quicker to read a 10 page proposal than a 400 page manuscript, plus the proposal is physically easier to carry around. In the end, the editor will make a decision based on the strength of the writing plus any marketing oomph you have–and you will describe that oomph in your proposal.
One thing all editors are wary of is the first-time writer who has three fantastic sample chapters but who has not yet completed the book. The fear is this: “What if those three chapters are the result of ten years of hard work with critiquers and editors? What if the writer doesn’t have the skills to write a whole book? What if this story doesn’t actually work? What if???” So the editor will almost never buy an incomplete manuscript from a first-time novelist. It can happen, but the smart money sez to finish the durn book.
Pam wrote:
I think we need a balance of writing well and pitching ourselves. I met with an agent at Mt. Hermon and she was considering saying no to something I had sent her before the conference UNTIL we met face to face. She asked me to simply tell her the story. And I did. After that, she said, well, that made all the difference. Send me 3 more chapters and a more detailed outline.
I’m still waiting to hear from her, but at least I had a second chance, and that was because I could tell my story.
On a happier note, I was asked for the full manuscript of the same story 3 months ago! Still waiting to hear on that, too.
Randy sez: Editors or agents tend to take you more seriously if they meet you at a conference than if you just send them something in the mail. There are a couple of reasons for this.
First, when they meet you, you now have a face. You are no longer just ink on paper or electrons in an email. You are a human; they can see you; they can assess your passion for your writing. And passion can carry you a long way.
Second, when you have invested hundreds of dollars in airfare and conference fees, when you have taken time away from family and job, all to go to a conference, then you are a SERIOUS writer. Editors and agents take you more seriously at a writing conference simply because you are acting like a serious writer. This does not guarantee anything, but it is better to get to first base than to strike out. It just is.
Third, as you meet editors and agents at conferences, you will lose your fear of them. I am not exaggerating to say that many years ago when I started writing, I was terrified of the idea of meeting such High-Powered, Important People. Those who have been reading my e-zine for long know that I once suffered from Panic Disorder. I don’t any longer, but I did. And meeting editors and agents was high on my list of triggers for panic. But as I got to know these folks, sat with them at dinner, talked late into the night at conferences, and just watched them in action, I realized that they’re just people. They don’t acquire a Superman cape and tights when they become editors or agents. I know some editors who refuse to do lectures at conferences because they’re afraid of public speaking.
The longer you hang out with editors and agents at conferences, the more human they become, and the easier it is for you to talk business with them. Someday, when you’ve developed your craft, when you’re a Senior, when you’ve got a strong manuscript, and when you’ve lost your fear of talking to editors and agents, making your first sale will feel like graduating from high school did. It’s an achievement–an important milestone. But you’ll have earned it. And you won’t be afraid to take the next step.
That has happened to a large number of my friends and students. It can happen to you. It can. Writing conferences are part of that process.
I’ll be at the Oregon Christian Writers Conference Monday through Thursday of next week, so I may not have time to blog then. I always plan to blog at conferences, but it’s way more fun to talk to writers and editors and agents, so my good intentions usually go awry.
I am was just wondering if you could talk more about proposal soon and what is good to put in them as well what you should know about marketing before you put a proposal together.
Tim
At what point do you begin to see a payoff from going to conferences? I’ve been to several, but feel I can’t swing the cost this year. Is it better to attend the same ones every year, so that you are a familiar face, or to try different ones to meet more people?
Also, I appreciate your honesty in the last post about the writer’s self-esteem. It helps to know that others struggle too! And it lends encouragement for the process.
Funny you said that Randy. I’m in the middle of preparing a hit list.
The two things I envy the Americans most are writing conferences and NFL. While I was in Canada I watched a lot of ballgames on TV but now I can only check the results on the internet. 🙁
Daan – please have mercy. I live 40 minutes from the Oregon Conference Randy mentioned and yet I am unable to attend. fooey. Unless I can sneak in for part of a day. But all the cool teachers’ classes are full anyway.
Randy – how close a second is an ipod and those mp3 conference lectures? Of course, there is no virtual substitute for meeting editors, agents and writers in person. Not that I know of, anyway.
Wow!!! I am sure there’s a very good reason why you can’t attend the conference, Camille, but let me tell you, if I lived in Oregon, I would even have given up watching the San Diego Chargers playing against my team, the Dallas Cowboys. (Hi Mary!)
PS. Don’t worry. After serious consideration, I have just deleted your name.
I too occasionally suffer from panic disorder and my first conferences were my very idea of hell, hyper-ventilating in my room every two hours. Other writers told me I seemed so relaxed and mellow. HA! I say.
With another year of writing under my belt, another conference approaches and, while it would be a stretch to say I’m looking forward to it, I have more confidence and my feet feel much more on the ground.
Your Writing 101 course that lays out a four year writer’s career path made all the difference. It gave me the long view and patience to see becoming a novelist just happens to be “rocket science”. Who knew? How hard could novel writing be?
HA! I say.
Thank you for that Randy.
I’m one of you European blog readers, and I don’t even know where to start looking for a writer’s conference near my home. You guys are so lucky! It’s way harder to get a foot in here in Europe, I believe. Take all the opportunities you get, people, and make us outsiders proud! 😉
For those who live near or would like to visit the beautiful Pacific Northwest, check out the oregonwriterscolony.org website for a calendar of workshops and conferences in the area. There are lots and lots of them . . . and Oregonians/Washingtonians are among the nicest, friendliest in the world.
I’ve been to one conf and LOVED it. It was a regional one but had a ton of great info and editors and agents available. they truly are just regular humans…aren’t they? 🙂 I can’t wait to go to another one soon…thanks for the post.
Thanks for all the good advice, Randy!
Thanks for the commiseration Randy! Actually I’ve just survived my first toe dipping experience attending the local ‘Writer’s Festival’. My genre was off the radar there, but some things are universal to all writers, and I did enjoy the weekend.
I also found an RWA (Australia not America) conference in Melbourne which I would have attended had money not been a roadblock (I’m not in Melbourne, so travel costs too), but then after looking at the ACFW conference schedule, I’ve set my sights on that, so all available funds will be aimed in that direction.
Margie Lawson was a big drawcard at the RWA conference, but since I’m not going, I ordered her lecture packet online. I’m really enjoying it. Thanks for mentioning it here Randy!
🙂 Karen
Conflux 5
Dreaming
Friday October 3 to Monday October 6, 2008
The Marque, Canberra, Australia
http://www.conflux.org.au/
Is a conference for the writers of Speculative Fiction. I went to Conflux 4 and learned heaps.
Having gone three years to one conference, and now signed up for year four (Writing for the Soul in Colorado Springs), I found one thing that has helped me through talking with editors: Research!
I researched well the attending editors and publishers the first and second year, and while I didn’t sell anything, they each gave me great advice on how to improve my writing and/or structure.
The third year not so much and boy, each appointment bombed because I didn’t research well enough into their guidelines. They all told me nicely how my work wasn’t what they wanted, but I could tell they were frustrated; I was one of many they had to turn down because the writer didn’t choose the right magazine/publisher/agent to talk their project up to.
Knowing what the editor is looking for and having something that meets their needs can boost a writer’s confidence.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to do some research . . .
But before I go, have fun at the conference!
If anyone is on the East Coast, the Greater Phildelphia Christian Writer’s Conference is next week. I’m on faculty this year and will be teaching a workshop on writing fantasy and co-leading the First Timer’s Orientation. Email me for more info!
*waves*
Loyal NZ AFWB reader who would LOVE to attend a writers conference near me. Unfortunately most in NZ are held at the top of the North Island, which is too far for me to travel too.
What I would give to attend the Mt Hermon conference one day.
For anyone writing for the children’s market (picture books through YA) consider looking into SCBWI. They have a summer conference in LA every year (actually starting in a couple days) and a winter conference (next in Feb 09) in New York City.
You would think they would be in CA in the winter and NY in the summer… oh well…
Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators
www.scbwi.org
One more note about SCBWI… they are an INTERNATIONAL organization with regional chapters in more than 50 countries.
SCBWI is an excellent organization and writing source. Besides being international, they also have state regional chapters. The leader of each region schedules workshops during the year. If you write for kids of any age, it’s worth checking out.
Eurotrash has it tough…
Try to find anything such as conferences, classes, review groups, etc… and you’re left with nothing but disappointment.
This post is directed to those that asked about proposals, and going to conferences.
I can happily say I went to the Oregon Conference (My first conference)and even had Randy’s workshop on marketing. Randy laid out everything you need to see $$$ signs in the internet market, and beyond. I am still recovering from a headache from all the information he gave us. But worry not…if you take one of his workshops he will email you all of the notes right after the conference is over. I just got mine today.
If you are anywhere near a conference that Randy is teaching, get on a plane, train, boat, bus, or walk to that conference. His marketing ideas, will help you bring in much more money than any other method.
Now for the proposal thoughts. The proposal is the door opener, the first look paper, the “please use my manuscript,” paper. I guess you know how important it is! Spend every ounce of your creativity on this document.
Do not spare any expense on preparing it. You may even have a professional company edit it for you.
I have a suggestion of a book that should help a great deal:
Sally Stuart’s “Guide to Getting Published.” She covers every inch on getting published from your first sit down of writing to seeing the book on a book shelf
On pages 194-204 she goes all out giving details on how to write proposals for non-fiction and fiction.
Sally also has a very good market guide you may want to check out.
As for going to conferences. I am hooked. I went to the Oregon conference thinking I was going to land a big contract for my book, Close Encounters of the Heavenly Kind: Through Bumper Sticker. How could anyone with any common sense pass up a book with such a catchy title? Well I got several good reviews by publishers at the conference, but no contract at this point. (I will though)
What did happen is that I decided to check out the Freelance writing angle, and I was overwhelmed with offers!! I mean I got 10 “gigs” from several newspapers, magazines, periodicals, and newsletters. Apparently there aren’t enough men doing Freelancing.
So today I sent out three articles, and have seven to go in the next two days. They pay about $100. for each article. That doesn’t sound like much, but I said I had 10 offers. That’s $1,000. for one weekend of work. I think I can handle that.
The great thing is that I have an open door with all of these opportunites, and I will be able to go back again and again to present articles. I also can grow with new prospects in the future. Once you get the name for being a good freelance writer, the skies the limit. In one workshop the instructer told us that if you make $1,000. in the first year you should feel lucky. Then by five years you should be making $25,000 a year and so on. Trust me that is a better income than most books you publish will make year after year.
I am still clinging to my dream of getting a book published, but for now I am getting tons of experience, and a long resume for future attempts with publishers.
For those of you looking for options for writers’ conferences to attend, I keep a pretty extensive list (mostly, though not all, of Christian conferences) on my web site at www.DianneEButts.com. Click on “For Writers,” then you’ll see the button for my page of conferences. Hope that helps someone!
Dianne