A Post Conference Checklist: Five Things to Do After a Writing Conference

by Lilka Raphael @Lilka_Raphael 

Writing is both intuition and trial and error, but mostly it’s very hard work—Cheryl Strayed

The exhilaration of a writing conference can quickly morph into mental chaos. The onslaught of information, ideas, and prospective leads drain even accomplished attendees. Once the conference has ended, now what? 

Do These 5 Things After a Writing Conference

Get Some Rest

You don’t want to follow up with the people you’ve met while you are delirious. Allow your mind to settle. Allocate time to reflect on and pray about what you learned. Then you can thoughtfully evaluate newfound opportunities and determine if they will work for you.

Follow Up

Send appropriate thank you notes to the editors, agents, or publishers you met within a week. Thank them for their time, ideas, or direction. It doesn’t have to be long but do make it personal and sincere. A succinct note or email will do. Your professionalism may elevate you above the crowd. 

An “it was nice meeting you” via email, social media, or shared contact information is suitable for other people you met. This is a wonderful way to make new friends, stay connected, and build your writing community.

Organize Your Thoughts

Once your mind is clear, prioritize the information you gained. Review and rewrite any notes while they are legible. Analyze the critiques or feedback you received. Outline a list accordingly. Your now section may dictate that you immediately update your social media accounts. Tasks designated for later may feature investigating online writing sites or submission guidelines. Contacting book launch teams may be relegated for next year after your manuscript is complete. A visual timeline for ideas and tasks keeps everything you learned in the forefront and inspires you to stay on track. 

Submit It

If an agent or editor requested an excerpt or proposal, send it. But only after you have edited your work as best you can. If possible, have someone proof the draft before you hit send. Direct access to agents and publishers drives attendance at most conferences. Set a realistic but prompt deadline to complete this task. 

Procrastination smothers opportunity. Don’t allow doubt to discourage you. Even rejection letters provide helpful insight that can improve your work. Remember to include the name of the conference where you met for a quicker response. Place this information in the subject line of your email. This is how many professional relationships begin. 

Plan It

Finally, make plans for next year. If the conference was especially helpful, mark your calendar to attend again. Alternatively, if the conference didn’t provide everything you need, begin researching those that will. All conferences have their pros and cons. A romance author may not find much value in a Thrillers and Killers venue. Diligently scrutinizing the faculty, courses, and attendee feedback of several options can make your next conference your best conference.

Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. Proverbs 16:3 NIV

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A Post Conference Checklist: Five Things to Do After a Writing Conference from @Lilka_Raphael on @edieMelson (Click to Tweet)

A Florida native, Lilka Finley Raphael has been a licensed pharmacist for over thirty years. Her passions for writing, gardening, and photography prompted her to share her experiences and life lessons on her blogs B Is for Blessed and God, autism, & me. You can learn more about her at lilkaraphael.com

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.