Imagine being able to getaway for a weekend to a place specifically for writers. You could meet other writers, perhaps get someone to critique your manuscript in a beta reading session, take a master class or two with a prominent author, and rub elbow with publishers and literary agents. It may surprise you that this actually exists! The writing community hosts a myriad of events including conventions, conferences, and festivals that happen every year.
What Are Writers' Conferences?
A writers’ conference is an event where literary professionals can mingle. This can include publishers, literary agents, bookstore owners, and both unpublished and published writers. These events usually take place over the course of a weekend like other conventions. Events can include lectures, workshops, panels, meet-and-greets. Some even have mixers where you can party it up with your new literary friends! Many of these conferences also have an exhibit hall where attendees can browse exhibitor tables and buy books, stationery, and other writer goodies.
How Can A Writers' Conference Benefit Me?
Writer conferences are much like college classes: how much they benefit you is up to you. If you’re expecting to have publishers flocking to you with the intent of publishing your manuscript, you may be disappointed. It’s best to see conferences as a tool to hone your craft and get published rather than a one way ticket to success.
Networking
One of the main aspects of writer conferences is the ability to network with many different types of people in the industry. You may find a critique group who wants you as their final member, an accountability partner to push you to rewrite that pesky chapter, a mentor, or even a literary agent interested in your idea. Whatever the case, writer conferences are the perfect place to step out of your shell and mingle.
Learn from experienced writers
There will be hundreds of writers at conferences from novices to bestselling authors. Talking to those above your skill level may provide useful and meaningful tips and conversations. You may even find someone who is willing to mentor you— or vice versa! Finding someone to help can be just as fruitful as being helped. Furthermore, some successful writers will host panels about specific topics in storytelling or crafting. Attending these could be beneficial as you learn more tools to incorporate into your own writing.
Learn from editors
Writer conferences are a great way to meet editors face-to-face. Sometimes these editors will host panels, giving insight on the industry or a workshop where you and other writers can work on your projects in a classroom-like setting. Other times, they may host a mini-feedback session where you’ll be able to get direct feedback on a sample of your writing. It’s important to note, however, that these more intimate sessions usually cost money.
Pitch your manuscript to literary agents
Writer conferences are the place to rub elbows with literary agents. While many will be hosting panels, you may have the opportunity to pitch your idea to these agents whether by running into them at the conference or in planned pitch sessions. At these events, you’ll have a couple of minutes to pitch your idea to a table of literary agents. Who knows? Maybe your pitch will hook them! If you don’t have a chance to do this, attend their panels and learn more about what they are looking for or how to draft a query letter and send one to them when you get home.
Please note that pestering literary agents while they are trying to enjoy the conference is probably not the best way to get your idea noticed. Always remember that etiquette and manners still apply at these events and not to crowd, stalk, or harass agents.
Fun
In the end, the best benefit of writer conferences is being able to meet and talk to likeminded people. It’s fun to be surrounded by people with the same passions and dreams as you. You can make new friends, find new groups to join, and discuss your struggles and achievements with people who share the same goals as you. Writer conferences are a weekend getaway for writers filled with events related to your passion.
Interested in attending the next writers' conference? We've found the next events coming up and listed them below.
Upcoming Events
Dates: September 2-5, 2022
Location: Oklahoma City, OK Price: $349
Writer Con is more of a convention with a conference inside it. With over 2,000 attendees and 50 speakers, this convention certainly has a lot to offer. There will be speakers, workshops, contests, pitch sessions, and over 100 topics discussed!
Dates: March 8–11, 2023
Location: Seattle, WA
The AWP Conference & Bookfair is the annual destination for writers, teachers, students, editors, and publishers of contemporary creative writing. It includes thousands of attendees, hundreds of events and bookfair exhibitors, and four days of essential literary conversation and celebration. The AWP Conference & Bookfair has always been a place of connection, reunion, and joy, and we are excited to see the writing community come together again in Seattle, Washington in 2023. (Source: website)
Dates: March 25-26, 2023
Location: Chicago, IL Price: $365
Two days, twenty-plus presenters, workshops, sessions, panels...and more. Your registration fee includes breakfast both days, one lunch, and banquet dinner on Saturday night at the hotel. (Source: website)
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