What do agents look for at writer's conferences?

branchwag · Aug 10, 2010

Hi, I have a dilemma here. I live in South Carolina and there is a writer's conference in the fall. I was thinking about going, but I have never been to a conference before and I don't want to throw away my money. I'm 18 and I'm in college, so $375 is a lot right now, but I feel that a conference might help me get published. Would it? Should I even go? What do most writers get out of conferences? Will it be easier for get an agent if I go?

I'm also not sure what I should do if I do go. My manuscript is two-thirds completed (58,975 words at the moment) and I'm worried that I should have it done before I go. Yet, I must reserve my space by September 1st if I am going to go and I don't fell like I would have it entirely finished by then. Should I bring pages anyway? Should I even go ahead and write a query letter?

Please help. ;(

Ryan_Sullivan · Aug 10, 2010

Just my opinion here. I went to a bit of SCBWI last week. For me, it was worth it because it was a chance to meet with my agent--but for somebody looking for an agent, I'd probably not recommend it. Conferences are wonderful, entertaining and insightful---but they do cost a lot, and they're probably not going to be magic. I think they're best for people who want to learn about the querying/publishing process--but they are what you make of them. It is a lot of money, so if you can justify that, and be okay with coming out with knowledge/inspiration for that money, then go--but if you're looking to hook an agent, or get a major jump start in order to feel like it's worth the money, then you may want to stay home.

cate townsend · Aug 10, 2010

Conferences are great for many reasons (you can probably find entire threads on the subject), but at this stage, your money might be better spent joining a local writing organization, like the Mystery Writers or America or your local chapter of Romance Writers of America. I'm not sure what you write, but some of them (like my local RWA chapter) welcome writers who write in any genre. It's one of the best things you can do for your writing career.

branchwag · Aug 10, 2010

That sounds a lot better than having to spend all of that money (student loans here). And thanks, Ryan. I feel like my reason is more of the second point right now and perhaps going to one later with the money available and a finished manuscript might be better. I would like to have multiple views on this, however.

I don't write anything genre-specific. It's all fiction, but my first is more realistic fiction while my second errs on the side of fantasy, but only very slightly. I'm currently in college and my campus has a literary journal group. Would that be the same thing?

cspradbery · Aug 10, 2010

I've been to a couple of conferences and found them to be interesting, but the information provided was pretty basic - like Ryan said, mostly about the roles of agents/publishers, the submission process and what-not-to-dos. I have often seen people trying to force queries and even complete manuscripts upon agents and have NEVER seen an agent accept one! I think it happens to them all the time and it does look quite daunting at the end of the conference when the agents are swamped by authors all trying to get a piece of them.

On the other side of the coin, I got an agent through attending a writer's conference, but it was through meeting the CEO of an agency and treading very carefully!

Giant Baby · Aug 11, 2010

Conferences are for learning and networking. Emphasis on learning- about perfecting your craft and about the business of publishing. A good conference is invaluable, IMO. But if you go with the aim of securing a contract, you might miss out on a lot, and come away disappointed.

That said, I came away from a conference I attended last year with two offers of representation, and am currently signed with one of them and on submission.

Have been to one since, and I've just sent my check in for another in November. I still have a lot to learn.

nitaworm · Aug 11, 2010

First of all, I'd concentrate on finishing the first draft of your novel, edit it, get beta readers to give feedback on it, then edit it again. Once you've done that, then work on your query letter, edit it, get others to critique it and make it shine. Then start querying and pinpoint a conference where agents that are good fits for your mss are hanging out. Meanwhile get involved in a local writer's organization and volunteer for a conference that they sponspor (you'll be able to get in for free).

What do agents look for at writer's conferences?

branchwag

Re-writer Extraordinaire

Ryan_Sullivan

Agented YA Writer

cate townsend

branchwag

Re-writer Extraordinaire

cspradbery

Best before 1998

Giant Baby

Oh, the humanity.

nitaworm

AW Addict