Writing Conferences

Try the SCBWI website. They have conferences all over all year long. One of the best conferences I've ever been to was the Surrey International Writer's Conference just outside of Vancouver. It's a toss up on what YA specific stuff they have each year, but the overall sessions are great. I wouldn't have written the book I sold if not for that conference.

Thanks for the post MLC23. I hope to be on tour in a year's time and I want to make it to as many of the most useful writers' events I can. I'll be starting in Nova Scotia.

SCBWI is the way to go. As a matter of fact, i believe they have a conference in NYC this weekend Feb 6 - 8. The other big one they host is in LA during July or August. Those are the two biggest ones and they always seem to draw great agents and editors from the big houses.

The SCBWI National Summer Conference is Aug. 7-10, 2009 in LA and the SCBWI National Winter Conference is Jan. 28-31, 2010 in NYC. The national conferences are great, but you're competing for time with a lot more writers.

Check out your SCBWI regional events. You'll have a better chance of building a rapport with fellow writers and professionals at these. They have retreats/conferences where editors, agents and authors can help you learn about the business, improve your writing and network. Also, many offer manuscript critiques (for a fee) with the faculty that provide insight into how the market responds to your work. A bonus for attending is the ability to submit to the editors/agents that attend - many of these are at houses closed for submission.

SCBWI Events This has links to the national conferences, but also regional events.