Writers’ Conferences: What’s in Them for YOU?

I recently led a workshop for Arizona Mystery Writers about choosing a writers’ conference that meets your needs. What fun! Learned about other great conferences from my co-presenter, Kelli Peacock, and audience members. I’m a mystery writer, so my focus here is on mystery conferences.

As an introduction, let’s be certain of the distinction between the kinds of conferences that exist out there. Conventions are for fans. Examples of conventions are Bouchercon, World Mystery Convention; Left Coast Crime; Malice Domestic; TusCon; and ComicCon.

Conferences are for writers. Examples are the Writers’ Police Academy (read my post on it here), and the Public Safety Writers Association Conference, and Colorado Gold (Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers).

There are also workshops and retreats, where writers get the chance to delve deeply into their writing, often with expert guidance from skilled writers and teachers. Some retreats offer the opportunity to escape into solitude and focus on your writing.

At a conference, you have the chance to learn new writing and marketing skills, to pitch to agents and editors, to present or teach, and to mingle with other writers. You can also learn more about the differences between traditional and indie publishing. Every conference is different and offers different opportunities. The trick is knowing before you register what you want from the conference.

What to look for in a writers’ conference:

If you’re looking for an agent or a publisher, research the scheduled agents/editors to verify that they’re seeking your kind of writing. If you’re hoping to meet some authors you admire, try to find a conference where the authors mingle and participate throughout the conference and are sprinkled throughout the dining tables at meals instead of those where they only swoop in for their speaking engagements.

Many conferences now offer workshops for intense writing instruction before the “real event” begins, which is a good way to give you some in-depth education along with the generally shorter presentations of the conference.

[bctt tweet=”“When considering a conference’s cost factor, calculate the cost per hour of instruction.” ” username=”kathymcwrite”]

Cost is of course a big consideration when choosing a conference, workshop, or retreat. Do take into account the cost per hour of instruction. Some of those costly week-long retreats offer full days (and evenings) of instruction plus feedback from several editors. Some conferences allow you to attend only part of the conference, which may make sense if you’re frugal, like me. Travel costs can add up, as well as hotel bills. Consider sharing a room with a compatible person. And don’t forget the local conferences: Arizona readers should check out Write Now! hosted by Desert Sleuths Sisters in Crimes in Phoenix this September.

A few other thoughts before I share some good conference strategies and a list of helpful sites.

Know thyself:

  • If you’re intimidated by huge crowds, consider a smaller conference, or one like Colorado Gold, known for its friendliness and welcoming of indie and traditional authors.
  • If you are traveling a long ways, and are exhausted by the journey (who isn’t these days?), plan to arrive a day early to recoup your energy and see some sights.

Success Strategies:

  • Stretch your comfort zone: go alone instead of with your best writing buddy
  • Mingle instead of hanging out with the first nice person you encounter.
  • Volunteer: a great way to meet people and learn about the conference.
  • Ask questions: Wear that “first-timer” button.
  • Hang out at the bar (no need to drink).
  • Seize every opportunity: do a “first-time author” presentation, participate in round robins and roundtables.
  • Don’t monopolize an agent or editor but remember they’re at the conference to find new talent.

Find out More:

Google writers’ conferences, look at the extensive list on Wikipedia, or check out:

What are your favorite conferences? What helps you get more out of the conferences you attend?

 

 

 

 

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