Why Networking at a Writing Conference is SO Important

by Bruce Brady @BDBrady007

For years, I’ve been saying the most important reason to attend writing conferences is networking. Today, I’ll give you a real-world example that supports my stance.

Unlike the business world, I define networking as establishing new friendships, and renewing old ones—regardless of any potential monetary benefit. It’s taking a genuine interest in others, simply for the joy of getting to know them.

Keeping this definition in mind, I’ve attended many conferences. Yes, I’ve learned a lot from the seasoned professionals that comprised the faculties. Yes, I’ve had opportunities to pitch my ideas to agents, editors, and publishers.

However, I’ve most enjoyed and benefited from getting to know these professionals as wonderful people. We’ve had long conversations where writing and publishing were never mentioned. Instead, we talked about our families, food, and other interests outside of writing. And because God is our Father, we’re family.

So, what’s the real-world example I promised? I’m glad you asked.

This year, the Lord blessed me with a week-long family reunion at the Florida Christian Writers Conference. I was overwhelmed by the pure joy of being surrounded by loved ones. And, like any family reunion, I had the pleasure of meeting many new family members.

One of those family members, a publisher friend, and I were chatting while walking to our rooms. We talked about what we’d been up to since we last saw each other. As we neared our rooms, he asked what I was working on. Completely unprepared to pitch my work in progress (WIP), I stumbled through a brief synopsis.

He then asked if I had it access to it. I did. He asked me to send him a few pages to look at, promising to “rip it up.” Or was it “rip it to bits.” I said I’d appreciate his feedback—and meant just that. I expected nothing more than good advice.

Whenever a more experienced writer offers to critique your work, be thankful. Even if their criticism hurts, it’s always helpful.

Circumstances prevented us from getting together again for a couple of days. And then, our conversation had to take place amid a small group. Never mentioning whether he liked my writing, he said he’d like to see an older, more arrogant, almost hostile protagonist, whose attitude stemmed from a terminal illness.

I told him I’d consider it. Then, we continued talking about our personal lives. He didn’t ask me to submit any chapters. And I didn’t ask. I was simply grateful that he took the time to read and critique my few pages.

This all took place in February. On May 22, he sent me an email that read, “Bruce, here is your book contract.” I was so surprised, I was sure he sent it to me by mistake. I emailed him back saying, “If I didn't receive this contract in error, I have a couple of questions.” Then asked for clarification as to which story he wanted.

When I clearly understood what he wanted, I printed and signed the contract.

God and I don’t have an exclusive contract. I’m not the only one who may receive a publishing offer months after a casual conversation.

This can happen to you as well. If you remember one of the most important, if not the most important, reasons for attending writers’ conferences is networking—growing your circle of friends, old and new, seeing them not only as colleagues, but as spiritual family members. And, yes, that circle includes members of the faculty.

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Bruce Brady

Bruce Brady is an author, writer and playwright. His work has appeared in Focus on the Family’s Thriving Family, www.ChristianDevotions.us, and on stage. Currently, Bruce is working on a Young Adult Novel about a boy who must deal with the death of his dad, being bullied, and helping his mom through her grief. His first five pages took third place in the ACFW South Carolina Chapter’s “First Five Pages” contest.When he’s not writing, Bruce spends time learning from and helping other writers. He serves as Mentor of Word Weavers International’s Online Chapter, and as a member of Cross ‘N’ Pens, The Writer’s Plot, ACFW’s National and South Carolina Chapters.