Have you considered attending a writers conference this year? If not, perhaps you should. I’m a proponent of conferences because I believe if I had not started attending conferences (and joining writers organizations) I would not be published today.
Why attend a conference? First and foremost it gives you an opportunity to familiarize yourself with the industry. You get to spend time with writers, agents, and editors. Ahh, heaven.
A great benefit to attending conferences is making friends with other writers. The best support group for writers is other writers. They understand your dreams and your frustrations. It’s wonderful to hang out with people who share your passion and understand your goals. Often, you might find critique partners by attending a conference.
Writing is not rocket science, but there are methods and protocols that will make the process easier. Attending conferences will give you an education in the craft of writing and you will also learn how to work within the industry.
Most conferences give attendees the opportunity to have one-on-one appointments with agents, editors, and established writers. In the current market, it’s difficult to stand out from the slush pile with agents and editors. However, if you go to a conference and meet with one of these professionals, they may invite you to send them a proposal. Some conferences even have agents, editors, and authors host tables during meals.
You may also have the opportunity to have a paid critique of your work at a conference. This is great because you’ll have someone experienced in the industry give you advice on your writing.
I know that the cost of a conference is a concern. It was difficult for me to bite the bullet and start attending conferences, especially when I was not making money as a writer. My thoughts were that I was going into business for myself, and attending a conference was a business expense. I don’t know of any business that doesn’t start-up expenses.
Good news—there are several great conferences within driving distance of Denver.
The next local conference is the Pikes Peak Writers Conference. It will be held April 24 - 26 in Colorado Springs.
Other upcoming conferences are:
Colorado Christian Writers Conference, Estes Park May 13th - 16th
The Glen Eyrie Writers Summit, Colorado Springs, June 14th - 17th
Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers, Denver, September 11th - 13th
If you’re not ready to commit to a multi-day conference, the Castle Rock Writers Conference, sponsored by the Douglas County Library District will be held October 10th.
The American Christian Fiction Writers Conference, which is a national conference that’s held in different US cities each year, will be coming to Denver this September 17th - 20th. If you’re a fan of Christian fiction, make sure to leave Saturday free to attend the amazing book signing, over 120 authors are expected to participate
Start planning now on which conference best suits you. Check out their offerings online, and start saving your pennies to attend. If you want to be a published author, believe in yourself, and become active in the publishing industry.
Comments
Another great entry.
I look forward to attending my first writers conference (CCWC) next month.
I wouldn't have an agent now if I hadn't gone to CCWC or ACFW. It's a huge $$ committment, but worth it.
Hope to see you at the CCWC!
My big question at the ACFW conference is where do I get the money and the time to get autographed books from all 120+ authors - and then how long will it take me to read them all.
Excellent article Megan. Thanks for mentioning CCWC.
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