Conferences - Yay or Nay?

I've never been to a writing conference, but I've been to a bunch of academic conferences. There, it's all about hanging out and networking, which is probably what the writing conferences are all about too. I think that's probably important in terms of finding an agent/editor, so it might be worth it. Still, I've never had to pay for a conference, and $525 is not cheap!

I hate academic conferences because I usually have to give a talk!!
But that wasn't the question. I've only been to one writers conference and I found my best beta reader ever there. I also pitched two editors and they both requested material, but I haven't heard back from neither yet so I still don't know whether it was successful or not. I am considering going to another conference next spring, it's still within driving distance from where I live. The registration fee is not as expensive as the "big" ones, though I'm waiting until they post the faculty to see if it's really worth my money.

The conference I'm attending next spring is pretty steep, but I figured I should go to help promote my book. My editor also recommended the two-day writing session that's held before the conference, and it'll also be a chance to catch up with somebody I haven't seen in about 19 years.

Conferences are sometimes good, sometimes horrible, sometimes useful, sometimes a complete waste of time. You never know which is which until after the fact.

If you can afford the time and the money, go. If you can't, then I wouldn't worry about it.

The only conference I went to was the yearly MWA conference (April or March each year) in NYC. It's the one where they award the Edgars. Anyhow, I was surrounded by so many famous writers, I barely knew where to turn. My host kept saying, look, there's so and so; look over there, do you know who she is? It was an amazing experience. I went to a few writing workshops...those were okay, too.

Then I booked it to go to the National History Museum. I freaking love dinosaurs.

I go to Left Coast Crime and next year I'll go to Bouchercon, too - I like to network, sometimes get a slot on a short story panel, and got to meet Lee Child this past summer...
I like the networking and there are often readers and fans there, too - as well as the awards banquets (which I usually skip as they are expensive and would be fun, but more so if you're actually up for an award, which I'm not. If I ever *did* get nominated for an Edgar, I'd hock my skivvies to get to that banquet!)
If you have a novel to pitch, there are usually agents taking pitch sessions.
Okay, meeting Lee Child was a big treat. He looks like his character, Jack Reacher, only better. And gorgeous. And really polite.I nearly wet myself.
Meeting the incredibly nice and generous Michael Connolly was another high point. Oh, and hearing someone point *me* out was fun, too...!
Plus the food, the seminars, the fun, and book signings - what's not to love?

For me, it's worth the money. Mind, I only go to mystery genre conferences...I write other stuff, too, but the mystery cons appeal to me.

Jaksen, I'm a dinosaur fan, too - will be at Los Angeles Museum of Natural History tomorrow researching a story I'm writing. When I was in Pittsburgh last year, I made a beeline for their dino exhibit at the Carnegie! Wow!

May I recommend the Emerald City Writers Conference? It's at the end of October next year. It's put on by the Greater Seattle Chapter of RWA. One of the main speakers next year is Sherrilyn Kenyon.

I find that the networking opportunities are better at the smaller conferences and workshops. I put on a small event every year and I can point to several authors who have sold their books as a result of attending. I'm a big believer that conferences and workshops can help improve your skills as well as help you make connections in the writing industry that can lead to publication.

I've been to RWA national and it's a fantastic experience, but you don't get a chance to pitch to the editors or agents unless you meet certain criteria. I'd recommend a conference where you can get a chance to pitch your work to agents or editors interested in your genre.

Have fun!

May I recommend the ONTARIO WRITERS' CONFERENCE. (-: I am one of nine organizers. We work year round preparing for the conference, lining up top industry professionals and doing our best to have every single detail of the conference ironed out to perfection. We are insanely proud of the conference and we do it for the love of writing and the desire to help writers. Nine people dedicated to offering the best conference we possibly can for an affordable price to writers.

The April 30th, 2011 conference line-up has Robert J. Wiersema, Wayson Choy, Ray Robertson, Neil Crone and MANY MORE.

The price before Dec. 15th is $200...and believe me, you get MORE than your money's worth. We are a not for profit organization. The nine of us do this for love. A few AWers have attended the conference...so maybe they'll chime in with whether or not it's worth the trip to Ontario. I know at least 1 AWer who is returning for a second year...to me, that's a good sign! (-:

We actually have it organized to account for networking time between the attendees and the professionals. We've had great feedback about the value of the networking at the conference.

Kate Thornton said:

I go to Left Coast Crime and next year I'll go to Bouchercon, too

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Wow! I just looked up LCC: next one will be a ... one-hour drive from my town!! The thing I can't understand, though, is: do only writers go or agents too? Do you know?

Thanks!!

Its2Snappy said:

I was thinking of attending the RWA National conference this year. But, registration fee is $525! Pretty far out of my price range. So, now I'm looking for something on a regional level instead.

What do you all think of conferences for the purpose of networking with agents, editors and fellow writers? Worth it or not?

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I went to a one day conference last month that was fabulous! I really enjoyed myself- the classes, schmoozing with agents, editors and other writers, and simply being among my writing tribe.

It was $150 for one day, which was reasonable.

In California where I live, there is a one day conference in the fall for less than $100. I've heard it's great.

I've loved all the conferences I've attended (SCBWI conferences).

OneWriter said:

Wow! I just looked up LCC: next one will be a ... one-hour drive from my town!! The thing I can't understand, though, is: do only writers go or agents too? Do you know?

Thanks!!

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There were agents at the one in L.A. this year - and if it's only a 1 hour drive for you, A) you're lucky to live in a beautiful part of the world and, B) I'll see you there!



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Its2Snappy said:

What do you all think of conferences for the purpose of networking with agents, editors and fellow writers? Worth it or not?

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Where it's worth it: You get an opportunity to see agents in person and see that they're people. You also may be able to get referrals to other agents.

Where it's NOT worth it: Networking is not a magic solution to getting the manuscript in front of the agent. If your book is "there," you'll get picked up by an agent either by query or in person. If your book "is not quite there," you'll get a rejection letter. Meeting them in person is not going to make a difference. You might get a personalized rejection, but you could also get a non-response.

Where it's really not going to help: If you lead a bad impression. I run the pitch sessions for my local conference and have done it for 6-7 years. Every year, we get at least one writer who leaves a bad impression: Desperate and tries to crash the pitch room; lying to try to get into the agents; not pitching what the agent reps; pitching short stories; (and the agents DO remember this--we get complaints afterward from them); etc.

When I started doing the pitch sessions, I had simple goal: Good customer service. I wasn't pitching a novel at the time, so I could really focus on making sure the pitch sessions worked. So I was easily able to walk up and chat with the agents ("How was your trip up here? Did you get caught in the rain?"; "They just put out coffee upstairs. Do you want any?"; "Do you need to be reminded about your breaks?"). And I've gotten asked what my book is about at every pitch session, I've been able to ask questions, and I've even eaten lunch with an agent and gotten a referral. Now, all the returning agents know exactly who I am, even if they haven't been to the conference for a couple of years. That's the kind of good impression you want to make with them.

Good points, Linda. Our conference has Blue Pencil mentors...some of them agents. They go over the first few pages of your manuscript...offer feedback, etc. In a way, they are like pitch sessions. Last year one of the writers was asked for a full from her mentor. Being on the organizing side of things, I also get to talk to the agents about casual things. I enjoy that...not being someone trying to push a novel on them, but just chatting with them. And I agree with your networking comments too. Writers have a good chance to make a good impression...but they don't always pull that off. The ones who showcase good work and a good impression have a great chance of opening doors at conferences. I've seen it happen at ours.

It costs a little more, but one way to turn any conference into a good one is to combine a vacation with the conference. Find a conference in a place you'd love to visit, and even if the conference bombs, you'll still have fun.

Jamesaritchie said:

It costs a little more, but one way to turn any conference into a good one is to combine a vacation with the conference. Find a conference in a place you'd love to visit, and even if the conference bombs, you'll still have fun.

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This is a terrific idea!
(Hmmm - Crimebake in New England, LCC in Santa Fe - I see some great vacations in my future!)


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Do your research. Some conferences focus on improving the *writing* and don't even invite agents. These can be fantastic for developing writers. Other conferences focus on pitching and have agents and editors at the ready.

I love conferences. Thus far I've stuck to ones close to home, because that's what I can easily afford (and get to). But there are some not-close ones I'd LOVE to attend. Backspace tops my list....

Linda Adams said:

Where it's worth it: You get an opportunity to see agents in person and see that they're people. You also may be able to get referrals to other agents.

Where it's NOT worth it: Networking is not a magic solution to getting the manuscript in front of the agent. If your book is "there," you'll get picked up by an agent either by query or in person. If your book "is not quite there," you'll get a rejection letter. Meeting them in person is not going to make a difference. You might get a personalized rejection, but you could also get a non-response.

Where it's really not going to help: If you lead a bad impression. I run the pitch sessions for my local conference and have done it for 6-7 years. Every year, we get at least one writer who leaves a bad impression: Desperate and tries to crash the pitch room; lying to try to get into the agents; not pitching what the agent reps; pitching short stories; (and the agents DO remember this--we get complaints afterward from them); etc.

When I started doing the pitch sessions, I had simple goal: Good customer service. I wasn't pitching a novel at the time, so I could really focus on making sure the pitch sessions worked. So I was easily able to walk up and chat with the agents ("How was your trip up here? Did you get caught in the rain?"; "They just put out coffee upstairs. Do you want any?"; "Do you need to be reminded about your breaks?"). And I've gotten asked what my book is about at every pitch session, I've been able to ask questions, and I've even eaten lunch with an agent and gotten a referral. Now, all the returning agents know exactly who I am, even if they haven't been to the conference for a couple of years. That's the kind of good impression you want to make with them.

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This. Engrave this on your mind and bronze it. This past year at the RT convention, I became smoking buddies with the lady who ran the pitch sessions. I witnessed so much bad behavior on the part of aspiring authors that it really made me angry. The lady who ran the sessions was very nice, very professional and managed to keep her temper--which was amazing in my point of view considering that there were authors there SCREAMING at her, or crying in a corner because she couldn't just 'slip them in to meet the agent they wanted. Some of these writers were so rude that I was ashamed for them.

Any convention or conference you go to, you need to keep in mind that you're there for BUSINESS. Present a professional front. Be prepared for anything--the nice fellow sitting next to you at the bar might just ask you about your work. Attend the workshops you're interested in. Try not to get too flaming drunk if you can help it. But above all, make sure that the money and effort you've invested in your career by attending the con in the first place is well spent. Agents do remember you. One agent at RT recognized my name because of a rejection he'd sent a few months earlier--and asked to see the revised version as soon as it was done.

If you want to cut the expense, you might see if they're taking on volunteers. I volunteered at a regional conference this past summer and only had to pay a fee for the meals. Sure, I didn't get to go to a couple of sessions because I was on duty somewhere else, but it was a lot better than missing the whole conference because I couldn't afford it. And you get to chat with agents etc. or the speakers if you're working in their area.

I don't think it's a good idea to go to any conference based on cost. Not all conferences are anything like equal, anything like good, and going to the cheapest often means just that, you get the cheapest.

This may be fine, or it may not, but the way to judge a conference is to see who's going to be there, what's scheduled, how close it matches your needs, etc. If this means going to a close, cheaper conference, that's fine, but if it means going to a distant, much more expensive conference, then start saving your pennies.

I went to the Las Vegas Writer's conference in April. I combined it with a vacation. It was my first, so I wasn't sure what to expect. I felt It was worth the $500 + hotel, etc.

I also attended Killer Nashville in August. I pitched my novel to two agents and a publisher. They requested a partial and two fulls. combining those results with the sessions, I felt that conference was well worth it.

Worth it.

JamieFord said:

Worth it.

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Jamie should know! I still get a flutter when I think of all the great writers who are on this board with us.



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