SiteYou Ask, We Answer: Should I attend a writers’ conference?
Rachel asks: “I am wondering what your take is on writers conferences. I’ve been freelancing but am always looking for new work. I’m not in the position where I can spend tons of money on anything I want, but I would definitely consider going to a conference if I felt it could help me get new work.”
My take on writers’ conferences is that you get out of them what you put into them. For example, three years ago I attended a pricy conference where writers get to meet with editors for five minutes each — sort of a speed dating set-up. I went, I had a great time, I met editors — and then I went home and got so busy with other work that I never bothered pitching the editors I had met.
Last year I attended the same conference. This time, I did pitch one of the editors I met (at a magazine I had pitched unsuccessfully in the past), and within a few months he gave me two assignments worth $1,600 — well over the amount I had spent on the conference. He’s now considering a third idea from me.
If you’re thinking about attending a conference, also consider what you’ll get out of it and whether it’s worth what you’ll spend. Will you get to meet with and pitch editors? Will there be panels where you may learn some query trick that will boost your output (and acceptances)? Will there be workshops where you can hone your writing skills, which will help you sell more ideas? What are your writing goals, and will this conference help you meet them?
Also to consider: Conferences are great places to meet and network with other writers. It can be lonely typing away in your home office, and at a conference you’ll be surrounded with other freelancers who will share their experiences and advice.
Last July, after attending a conference, Diana wrote up a great post on what not to do at a conference. The short version: Don’t get wasted in front of editors, don’t crowd around editors like a street urchin begging for coins, don’t pitch to editors in the bathroom, and remember that you’re there to size up editors as much as they’re there to size you up. [lf]
8 Responses to “You Ask, We Answer: Should I attend a writers’ conference?”
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David Geer
Said this on February 9th, 2007 at 10:28am:There is a good writer conference local to me for beginners, but after a while I couldn’t find any workshops in it that were appealing. It’s held at Lakeland Community College in Mentor, OH, twice a year, if anyone is local and interested.
Liz
Said this on February 9th, 2007 at 6:32pm:I’m going to attend two conferences this year - the annual Australian Journalism Conference and the NZ Freelance Conference. I decided to spend the money to do this for a couple of reasons. One to learn more about the business of freelance writing. And two, because I wanted to meet other freelance writers - as you say, writing can be a lonely business. Plus it’s an excuse to travel. Cheers, Liz
Marilyn Terrell
Said this on February 9th, 2007 at 10:14pm:National Geographic Traveler magazine has two all-day travel writing seminars coming up, one in Boston (Feb. 25) and the other in L.A. ( March 18). They are taught by Traveler editors and writers who will tell you how to write the kinds of stories that convey a real sense of place. You can register onlne at:
http://ngtravelerseminars.com/
Holly Swanson
Said this on February 10th, 2007 at 1:41am:Does anyone know of one site that lists all the major writing conferences? I tend to only hear about the big ones in Chicago and LA. Although I don’t mind paying for a conference, I can’t justify flying to them at this point.
LindaFormichelli
Said this on February 10th, 2007 at 10:04am:Here’s a searchable one:
http://writing.shawguides.com/
Christina Katz
Said this on February 11th, 2007 at 12:22pm:Writing conferences are a great topic. And are a great place to go when you want to make the move from journalist to author. I can’t think of too many other places where you can attend, pay one price, experience all the benefits mentioned so far, plus run your book topic ideas by reputable agents and editors whose feedback can make all the difference between a proposal that tanks and a proposal that flies straight to a book offer. The only other strategy I know of that accomplishes this without the cost, is running those same ideas by recently published authors in your genre. However, even for the most shy or introverted writer, I think the education value of conference is always worth it.
Megan
Said this on February 12th, 2007 at 1:10pm:Sorry to get OT, but I wanted to say that this blog is great! I just discovered it today & I can already feel my day slipping away (b/c I’m certain to plant my butt in front of the computer, reading all the archives). LOL! Thumbs up, ladies! Keep it coming!
Cynthia Rosi
Said this on February 12th, 2007 at 3:45pm:I love writer’s conferences. Great place to meet other writers, hear their stories and techniques, and find out what the agents are looking for. I’ve blogged about my experience preparing for a conference on http://writethat.blogspot.com. If you’ve never been before, the first one can feel like ninth grade in a new High School. But it will always be worth it, in my experience.