About this time last year, I signed up for a writer’s conference, the She Speaks Conference hosted by Proverbs 31 Ministries. I thought, “This is going to be fun!! Can’t wait till I get there!”
But reality confronted me when I joined a Facebook group with other attendees.
There was actual WORK to do before the conference! For real?? It seemed a million things were added to my to-do list. Business cards, networking events, workshop options … and I wasn’t even planning to meet with an acquisitions editor or participate in a critique group. I watched my friends completely stress out, scrambling to write book proposals and polish up one sheets.
But this year, I’m prepared. I have a game plan. And if you are attending one of the dozens of writing conferences being held around the country, you need a game plan too.
Here are three ways you can make the most of a writer’s conference before it even starts.
1. Devour the Conference Website
I mean, read every single word on it. You will find a wealth of information there. A few specific things you should look for:
- payment deadline
- hotel and travel accommodations
- workshop descriptions and sign-up
- editor/agent appointment details
- speaker bios
- dress code
All of that information will go into your preparation over the next few months. Speaking of which…
2. Make a Preparation Plan
Reviewing that website may generate a mile-long to-do list for you, and it can be overwhelming at best, paralyzing at worst.
Truth: It takes a lot of time to prepare for a writing conference.
Truth: It is doable if you break it down in chunks and spread it over time.
Truth: It is worth it to maximize your experience.
Make a plan to do certain tasks each month to prepare. Get your travel and logistical arrangements settled first, then start focusing on your book proposal if you are meeting with editors or agents.
The book proposal is probably the single most time-consuming task and you’ll want to allow plenty of time to do it right. It’s your first-impression handshake with a publisher and needs to be your very best work.
Seriously, I saw people last year spend hours agonizing over just the right fonts and flourishes to put on business cards and then slap together a book proposal at the last minute. They probably had their priorities out of order. #understatement
3. Connect with Other Conference Goers
Networking (and making friends) is one of the best parts of going to a conference. People who understand your craft and your passion for words surround you. If that kind of affirmation is not part of your everyday life, it is water for your soul and fuel for your fire.
To maximize your networking time at the conference, connect with others before the conference. Check to see if your conference has any official forums, chat rooms, or Facebook groups where you can connect. Visit the conference Facebook page often and use the conference hashtag on social media to help others find you.
You can also search Facebook for unofficial groups, usually run by past participants with a passion for that particular conference.
These groups are a wealth of information on what to expect and how to prepare. Many of them organize networking opportunities around the conference — helpful especially if you are attending the conference by yourself. You’ll arrive to a room full of familiar faces, now with flesh and bones attached to those floating profile pictures.
Yes, there is a lot of activity leading up to a conference. But most importantly, be prepared with an open heart and open mind for whatever comes your way.
Free Resources to Make Your Next Conference a Success
Thanks for taking the time to read this post. I hope it’s been helpful to you. I couldn’t do a guest post for Chad’s blog without offering his readers something special.
I’d like to send you these resources for free:
- Conference Prep Worksheet – Record all the important information about your conference and create a month-by-month plan to make it your best conference ever.
- 65 Christian Blog Post Ideas – For those days when the words just won’t flow. Plus 5 extra ideas just for fun!
Simply click here, enter your email address, and I’ll send them to you!
Question: Are you attending a writing conference this year? What part of the preparation is most daunting to you? You can leave a comment by clicking here.
” …To maximize your networking time at the conference, connect with others before the conference. Check to see if your conference has any official forums …”
Your # 3 probably the most NB – networking.
Before and during the conference.
Otherwise, we end up with lost opportunities.
Thanks, Christa!
I’m going to The Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writer’s Conference next month. I went last year and learned so much! I’m going to be working on my preparations this weekend. I would love to attend a writer’s conference with you one day!
Oh, yes, Kim, we should make that a PLAN!!
yay!
Hi Kim, I’m a newbie, and will be attending the BRMCWC in May also. I really have no idea what I’m getting into, but am excited to be starting on a new adventure! Hopefully I’ll meet you in person while there. Any specific pointers that I should know beforehand? Thanks!
I’ll look for you! Bring business cards because you will be meeting a lot of people! Study the class offerings beforehand and have a good idea of which ones you want to attend. Talk to everyone. I found this to be a very friendly group last year. One of the things I enjoyed the most was talking to the various leaders and conference attendees. During lunch and dinner everyone on faculty will sit at a different table and you are welcome to join them. It was fascinating hearing them talk about their craft. See you soon!
Thank you, Kim. I don’t even have a business yet, let alone a business card! Maybe I jumped into this too soon?
OK…Wow! Eye opener! I’m a new writer and signed up in March for my first ever writer’s conference which is in May. (The Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writer’s Conference in North Carolina). This post is extremely helpful to me, because I would not have thought to try to connect with anyone beforehand. Also, I’ve never done any hashtags. I have a whole lot to learn. I started writing on CaringBridge in April of 2012 and then switched to a blog in November of the same year to keep friends and family updated on my husband’s condition following a terrible accident that left him with TBI (traumatic brain injury). As the years progressed, it was not only an update, but also my spiritual journey and how the Lord Jesus has and is carrying us through the pain and trial. Now I feel led to branch out into a new blog which is currently in process. I’m so thankful that God has led me to folks like Chad and now you, Christa. Thank you for sharing your gifts!
Jennifer, I am so glad it was helpful to you! Do you know Kim whose comment is just above your’s? Y’all are going to the same conference and should hook up! I’m sorry for the difficulties you have faced with your husband’s accident, but God is going to use it to speak to others. Blessings on your new blog!
Thank you, Christa. I hope to be used of God, but feel stuck and out of my realm right now. Thought the conference would be a help, but now wondering if I should have waited til I had written for a while…business cards, costume night…..yikes!
Business cards are easy. Just go to Vistaprint or Office Depot online and order some simple ones. You don’t need anything fancy … just something so it is easy to share your contact info with people you meet. Go and have fun and hear from God about where He is leading you. But for costume night … you are on your own there, friend! Ha ha!
LOL! Thanks! 🙂
Love this Christa, and feel so fortunate to have seen you live this out at SheSpeaks last year!
What a wild year it has been! Thanks for all of your support for me, my friend!
Thanks, Christa. I couldn’t agree more, especially about making connections. My first conference (ACFW) I found someone on the loop who was staying in the same hotel as I was. We arranged to walk over to the conference together every morning. Best. Move. Ever. That year we both signed our debut contracts and have been critique partners and conference roomies ever since. And yes, all that paperwork needs to be done, too. 😉
A good conference roomie is worth her weight in gold!! Some people like to stay up and talk through what they’ve learned during the day. Others want a quiet place to process alone. Me, I want a room full of people in my room every night to hear all of their amazing stories. But it’s important to find someone who “matches” you. Thanks for reading, Regina. I’m a fan!
I enjoyed the article, and thanks for the kind words!