Welcome to the third part of my series on how to get the most out of attending a writers’ conference. Today we move on to the conference itself.
A writers’ conference can be a bit overwhelming, especially if you’ve chosen to attend one of the larger ones. The best approach is to make note of workshops and other sessions that you don’t want to miss, then fill in the rest of your time with more flexible scheduling that allows you some leeway for networking or catching a bit of quiet time if you feel the need to regroup.
When you first arrive at the conference, you will check in and receive your attendees’ packet. This will include your name badge and an assortment of other materials, generally including a list of presenters with their bios; a full schedule of sessions, meals, entertainment and so on; your pitch appointment information if that was assigned ahead; and various flyers from any conference sponsors. It’s a good idea to head to your room or a fairly empty corner and go through everything as soon as you are able. Make a list of your must-see events and decide what else you might like to check out. Workshops and other presentations often follow tracks, with sessions focusing on writing craft, finding an agent, marketing skills, self-publishing, and so on. Even a writer just starting out can get great information in all of these areas, so don’t limit yourself to just one track unless you have very specific goals in mind.
Most conferences have some sort of mixer or opening presentation or both. Make a point to attend these sorts of events, because they will help you get an overview of the conference. Announcements often include information regarding contests, raffles, and/or auctions that are being held. These can be a great way to discover new writers, get autographed books, pick up some new writing aids, or in some cases even win free or reduced registration for a future conference. They’re also a nice opportunity to meet some new people. Even if you’re attending with friends, make an effort to broaden your acquaintances. Conference attendees are always more than happy to share their previous conference experiences or to compare notes as fellow first-timers.
If you have any sort of appointment during the conference, whether for a pitch or a blue pencil session or another type of meeting with an agent, editor, or author, be sure that you are clear as to when it is and where you need to be. If your pitch falls in the middle or toward the end of a set of workshops, feel free to attend one of the sessions if you like; simply sit or stand at the back of the room and slip out early to make your appointment. Just make sure you keep an eye on the clock and allow yourself sufficient time to get wherever you’re going. If your phone has an alarm feature that you can set to vibrate, consider setting yourself a reminder. However, if you’re concerned that you might lose track of time and miss your meeting, skip attending a workshop during that time slot.
Be prompt for your pitch/blue pencil appointment, and don’t forget to take your pad and pen, your pitch notes, and the folder with your opening chapters from your story. The first you will use to jot down information you get during your meeting, including what the agent or editor has asked to see if they request material, and answers to any questions you might ask. Remember that you will only offer your sample pages if the agent or editor asks if you have anything on hand. Otherwise, just take them with you when you finish your appointment. Try to keep in mind that the person you are meeting with is there to help, that they are a fellow booklover, and that they want to fall in love with what you’ve written. That is why they are there.
A writers’ conference can be a pretty high energy endeavor and you should go prepared to burn the candle at both ends. Evenings, following the formal workshops, are often filled with less structured events. Some will appear on the conference schedule, while others you will hear about through word of mouth. People will gather in the bar or lounge, sometimes there will be small parties in hotel suites, and attendees often arrange to go sightseeing or out to eat beyond the confines of the conference venue. Keep your ears open, chat with your fellow writers, and take advantage of these fun opportunities to mingle. They can make for a long day, but you can sleep when the conference is over.
A few things to keep in mind:
- You will hear lots of advice from writers at all stages of their careers. Listen and filter. Everyone’s experience is different, so what works for one writer might not be appropriate for you. Keep an open mind, but also use your own best judgment.
- Remember that the professionals attending the conference are there to help. They are agents and editors looking for new material, and published writers looking to give back to the writing community. But they are also people. No doubt they will be happy to chat, to give advice, to listen to your pitch, but remember to be polite and use common sense when approaching them. Don’t interrupt anyone mid-conversation. Don’t chase someone down the hall when they are obviously trying to get to the next workshop/pitch session, etc. Don’t try to pitch anyone in the restroom or when they have a mouthful of their lunch.
- Plenty of socializing takes place over drinks. Keep your limits in mind and be moderate in your alcohol intake. No one wants to be remembered as the writer who got so tipsy they slid off their bar stool and cracked their head open.
- Don’t be shy. These are your people.
Next week I’ll be back with the final installment in my series on writers’ conferences, discussing what to do after the conference is over. In the meantime, happy writing!
~Nephele Tempest
5/16/2012