Writing Conference Checklist Part 1: How to Prepare and Maximize Your Conference Experience

From Edie: Get ready for your next writing conference with this practical checklist. Learn how to prepare, plan, and position yourself to make the most of every opportunity.

Writing Conference Checklist Part 1: How to Prepare and Maximize Your Conference Experience

by Lilka Raphael @Lilka_Raphael

“Develop a passion for learning. If you do, you will never cease to grow.” - Anthony J. D’Angelo

Writers Conference Season is underway. It’s that most wonderful time of year where opportunities knock and aspiring dreams can come true. Attending conferences is an enjoyable approach to learn more about the craft, hang out with other authors, and make meaningful connections. Attending conferences requires a substantial investment of time and money. That said, these tips can make your next conference your best conference.

Prepare

Is your One Sheet completed? Have you memorized your pitch? If so, that’s great. Yet two of the most important things authors neglect are neither of those. 

Attendees often show up without business cards. Yes, old-fashioned paper cards that are easily obtainable online. It’s vital that the business card is up to date with correct contact information and a recent photo. Industry professionals want to put a face to a name. These cards also remind them of the people they’ve met and any submissions requested. A business card can help you jump ahead of the slush pile and get your work noticed. Just as important, business cards help you connect with the other writers you meet.

The second thing authors neglect is updating their online presence. If someone wants to learn about you, one of the first things they will do is check out your social media. Your author page or latest post should display fresh content. If your media accounts are dormant, revive them before the conference. Ideally, have at least three or four posts available that adequately reflect your writing. 

Plan

Don’t arrive at the conference without a plan. Doing so will put you at a disadvantage. Most conferences post their faculty well in advance. Deliberate on who can offer you the most insight regarding your work. If you write devotionals, prioritize meeting faculty members that want devotional submissions. If you can’t obtain an appointment with your preferred faculty, sit with them at dinner or lunch. Prioritizing who to meet before you arrive saves precious time as appointments fill up.

Even better, pay for a manuscript critique. This typically involves submitting pages of your work to a faculty member prior to the conference. The cost for this one-on-one time is low considering the value provided. For the price of a meal, you can meet with a professional who will identify the pros and cons of your submission. This is also a guaranteed way to meet with faculty without the stress of obtaining an appointment.

Pivot

Can’t get an appointment with the rock star agent everyone is clamoring to meet? A class you want conflicts with the one you need? Take it in stride. Devise a plan but remain flexible. This will alleviate frustration and potentially expose opportunities you never imagined.

A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps. Proverbs: 16:9 NKJV

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Writing Conference Checklist Part 1: How to Prepare and Maximize Your Conference Experience 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.