Why Writer's Conferences are so Important

 

As a writer you owe it to yourself to attend at least one writer's conference this year. My conference of choice? Write! Canada, held in lovely Guelph, Ontario from June 13 - 15 this year. I know they can be expensive, but look  at all the benefits you receive by attending:

• You get to network with real agents, editors and writers.
• You can have your work critiqued by some of those agents, editors and writers.
• You will be able to attend some of the best courses on writing, publishing, etc. you will ever find.
• You learn the current state of the industry.
• You might meet your favourite author!
• You learn the craft of writing from the pros.
• You have the chance to pitch your work - which could lead to a contract.
• You have the opportunity to promote yourself.
• You will make lifelong friends.
• It's an investment in your future.
• You go home feeling motivated.

How you feel after a conference all depends on your expectations going into one. If you expect to go to a conference, pitch your book and walk out with a signed contract - you are dreaming! You will go home feeling miserable. Good expectations are:

• Meeting editors, agents and other writers.
• No expectations - just go and enjoy the weekend, you might be surprised at what happens!
• Getting the chance for critiques of your work.
• Pitching your work to an editor or agent.
• Marketing yourself. Do you have a book out? By all means bring copies with you! You can sell them on consignment at most conferences. Or, if you are fortunate, an editor will ask to read it. I had that happen to me at my first conference! Of course, don't forget your one-sheets, business cards, etc.
• Making contacts. I can't count how many one-sheets and business cards I gave away and received in return.
• Delicious meals.
• No sleep (how can anyone sleep when there is so much going on? It also doesn't help when your roommate wants to talk all night - or she snores. *Hint* - bring earplugs).

Of course, there are so many other wonderful things that can happen that I can't fit them all here.  At my first conference I went to, I was feeling rather down. I kept comparing myself to other writers and thinking I was horrible and should just give up. I was so depressed that I didn't even submit anything for critique, thinking - what's the point? But, God moves in mysterious ways. After the deadline passed for submissions, I breathed a sigh of relief, until they extended the deadline. Then I felt such an urgency to submit something that I knew God was nudging me. Good thing I listened. My work was critiqued by an editor of a publishing house who wanted to see the rest when it was completed. I was so excited after that weekend, that I literally haven't stopped writing since! I came home motivated to continue writing. More importantly, the Lord confirmed for me (again) that this was what He wanted me to do. I went in expecting nothing and came out with so much more.

This year I will be unable to attend Write! Canada, but I look forward to attending next year. If you are interested I suggest you visit this link and get your reservation in as soon as possible. This is a popular conference and you don't want to miss it!

 

Until Next Time,

 

 

 

 

Visit me @ www.laurajdavis.com