PREPARING FOR YOUR WRITER’S CONFERENCE

A writer’s conference is the best way to meet others in the writing world and learn techniques to improve your craft. Whether you are a first-timer or a seasoned veteran there is always something new to learn at a conference. The following is a common-sense list of tips that will be helpful to the first time attendee.

BEFORE YOU REGISTER:

DO YOUR HOMEWORK.
Go online or research the conference brochure to determine:
      Who will be the faculty?
      What are their areas of expertise/business?
      Where does your work best fit?
      How can you make an appointment to meet with your selections at the conference?

Decide beforehand which workshops address your areas of weakness.
      Learn something new.

BEFORE YOU LEAVE:

Enter your work in contests if offered. These offer a great way to get valuable feedback on your work. And you might win!
 
Send in work to be critiqued if possible.
     This is wonderful way to make a connection in the writing world and receive valuable feedback about your work.

Prepare professional looking proposals for your book ideas and have copies available if an editor requests it. More than likely they'll want you to mail it to them later. But having one already prepared puts you a step ahead.
      An excellent book to help you prepare your nonfiction book proposal:
      Book Proposals that Sell 21 Secrets to Speed Your SUCCESS by W. Terry Whalin. www.right-writing.com

Compile a list of questions you may have for editors, agents, and writers.
 Create your 30 second pitch for your book idea.
      Be able to tell what your book is about in 30 seconds. Practice. Write your book idea in 20 words or less.
Remember your time will be limited during your meeting.

TAKE WITH YOU:

Your Bible

Laptop
    This is a judgement call. It's not a necessity and will add considerable weight to your luggage. If you’re the type who would scurry back to your room and spend the rest of the evening checking e-mail instead of mingling with other attendees then leave the laptop. Although, I have heard where editors have requested materials and the conference attendee was able to email the information from their laptop to an editor or agent.
 

Brief case or bag to carry to sessions
   Women can use a small wallet-style purse which fits inside.

Pens and paper

Business Cards
   Resist the urge to make your own. Be professional. Cards can be purchased in a variety of places and are resonably priced. Check out: www.vistaprint.com for their offer of 250 free business cards. Consider paying a little more to personalize your card with your photo.

Tape recorder or small digital recorder
    Most classes are professionally taped so I wouldn't recommend trying to tape the session. The recorder is to enable you to capture all the wonderful ideas you will have during the conference.

Credit Card/Money to purchase items. Most conferences will have a book store.
Pack a larger-than-needed suitcase with wheels or pack an extra bag to carry home all the new material you receive or purchase. Consider mailing the items from the conference to your home.

Folders/envelopes labeled as follows:

CONTACTS:

For business cards/brochures of people you meet.
               Write something memorable about each contact on their material.

EXPENSES:

For receipts. Tapes and books purchased to improve your craft, meal expenses, transportation, lodging, and cost of the conference are tax deductible items.

WORKSHOP NOTES:

An expandable folder may work best here or have a separate folder for each workshop you plan to attend.

Organizing this way will allow quick retrieval upon your return. You will have a volume of paper so finding the specific thing you’re looking for will be easier if you spend a little time organizing beforehand.

Outdoor walking may be required to get to different workshops or the dining hall. There will be extended periods of sitting and standing so take the following:


Umbrella/Poncho
Comfortable shoes.
Comfortable Professional Clothing
Sunday-Best for the ending banquet
Dress in layers. Room temperatures vary

DURING THE CONFERENCE:

Prepare for very little sleep.
Your creative energy will be high.

Wear your name badge at all times with your name visible and legible.
Meet as many people as possible.
Everyone has something to share.
Meet with as many agents, writers, and editors as possible.
     Ask questions.
Sit with people you haven’t met at meals and listen to their stories.
Practice talking more or less, depending on which is a problem for you.
     Don’t monopolize the conversation or not be noticed because you didn’t speak.
If desired classes are offered simultaneously, purchase tapes/cds of the classes you’re unable to attend.
Collect all available handouts and organize in your folders by topic.


WHEN YOU RETURN:


Send handwitten thank you notes to each person you had an appointment with.
Read through the material again and find what benefits you most.
Take the information you’ve learned and apply it to your work.
WRITE, RE-WRITE, AND SUBMIT.



You’ll return physically tired and spiritually uplifted to answer the call placed on your heart.