by Lilka Raphael @Lilka_Raphael
Conference season is upon us. Investing in writing conferences is by far the smartest thing I have done to refine my writing. Publishing trends and challenges evolve. Appointments with editors, informative classes, and connecting with other writers yield an invaluable return on the time and money spent attending.
Here are my top ten tips to make the most of any writing conference.
1. Choose wisely. I attended a large conference for years. Though I learned much, I would be farther along in my writing career if I had first researched various conferences. The editors and agents interested in the devotions I write are most likely attending a Christian conference rather than a broader one soliciting the next thriller or sci-fi fantasy. There are conferences available for practically every genre. Select a conference that has editors, publishers, and classes that specialize in what you write.
2. Dress the part. Most conferences encourage comfort. However, a tidy appearance demonstrates that you value the time of the people you meet. You can even dress in a theme if it ties into the project you are pitching. But don’t be outlandish. You want recognition for all the right reasons.
3. Invest in business cards. This goes back to recognition. Your business cards don’t have to be expensive. Your name, photo, and email will suffice. If you have a novel to promote or accolades to note, add those as well. But keep it simple. The card should be easy to read and uncluttered.
4. Enter a contest. Most conferences will have at least one. The deadlines are usually a month or more prior to the conference. Writing to compete made me scrutinize word choices I would otherwise overlook. It also forced me to work toward a deadline. This straightforward exercise can generate valuable feedback. Recognition for your work will also motivate you to write more.
5. Pay for a critique or mentoring. For the price of dinner, you can gain access to a professional. If you have an appointment, do your research. Not only will you feel prepared, but you may identify important questions to ask. Pinpoint professionals that work with your genre. You can find their preferences on their individual sites. Do not pitch your historical thriller to someone seeking nonfiction unless requested to do so. The advice and continued mentoring I have received was well worth the nominal fees.
6. Take the pressure off. It is possible to walk away from a conference with a book contract, but it is highly unlikely. Instead, prioritize the classes and meeting people. Make note of any comments or ideas that you can apply in your work. Conferences should be educational and enjoyable. Allow time to laugh and relax.
7. Mingle. The best advice I received at my last conference came from a seasoned devotional writer. She suggested that I meet as many professionals as possible. You may not have lunch with the rock star agent everyone is anxious to pitch. However, you can learn a great deal from publishers and agents with available appointments and extensive knowledge. I have found that they are eager to help new authors. Networking might allow you to supersede a backlog of submissions and get your work in front of a publisher. You can never anticipate how these connections will benefit you later. A conference is a safe environment to meet people in the industry.
8. Pace yourself. My favorite conference is also the largest one I attend. The opportunities are endless. However, I manage my activities, so I’m not overwhelmed. Carefully, select the classes and speakers that will benefit you. Do not overschedule. Exercising restraint allows you to leave the conference revitalized instead of exhausted.
9. Be yourself. You don’t have to emulate a best-selling author to succeed. If you start off exuberant but you are actually laid back, it will prove impossible to maintain that façade. Industry professionals want to meet your authentic self. Your words are valuable and so are you.
10. Give thanks. Words of gratitude are rare even among writers. One publisher continued to mentor me long after the conference was over. Acknowledging their time and comments may help you develop a professional relationship. Writing is a solitary endeavor, yet it takes a village to get our words out among the masses. Gratitude goes a long way toward building a community that we can learn from and contribute to in return.If you cannot attend a conference this year, prepare now for 2025. Identify the conferences that provide the best opportunities for your genre. In the interim, take a class or attend a workshop. Consider entering an online contest or two. We should continually strive to hone our skills. The best investments we can make to improve our writing is investing in ourselves.
TWEETABLE
Lilka’s greatest achievements are her two adult sons who have flown the nest. Happily married for thirty-two years, she lives east of Atlanta with her husband, Rod. They now share their home with two German Shepherds—Holly and Ivy—and one naughty kitty, Moxie.
What wonderful suggestions, Lilka! Thank you for sharing them. Blessings as you write for King Jesus!
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