Pro Tips Series: Route Your Writers’ Conference Success

 

Happy Monday, Rockstars! I haven’t posted a writing feature in a while—not since my humorous plunge into the topic of NaNoWriMo. Since you can find just about anything here at The Nerd Garden, I thought it might be time to revisit this branch of our blog.

As a writer, I often attend writers’ conferences. Some are amazing. others so-so. I’ve come across a million and one different features on how to prepare for them. Yet, I still get asked by writers of all levels of experience: “How do I prepare for a conference? What do I need to do have the best conference experience?”

Believe it or not, whether or not your conference experience is successful has little to do with the content—although that does play a part in it. Heck, it isn’t even about the version of your manuscript you’re pitching—be it version 2 or 45. No, it’s the version of yourself that you bring to a conference that matters. How you prepare beforehand, present yourself during the event, and maintain momentum afterward, play a tremendous role in the value you’ll take from any event. How will this journey end? That’s up to you.

Create Your Conference “Trip Tik”

If you’ve ever walked into a AAA, you know that one of the services offered is the creation of “Trip Tiks.” These are maps for drivers which highlight a specific route. With that in mind, I think it’s important that we all have a sort of Conference Trip Tik. You can create your own with some basic information.

Research Tracks To Determine the Best Fit.

Not all writers’ conferences are created equal. Are you interested in finding time to write and an escape for your normal routine? Or is mingling socially with other writers more your style? What about honing your craft? Are you on a budget or is money not an issue? Use our conference planner worksheet below to keep the details in one place.

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Here are some resources to help you get started:

Shaw Guides | New Pages | The Write Life | The Winner Circle (Paid)

Choose The Right Destination.

There’s nothing worse than joining a session at a conference and discovering you already know everything the instructor is going to say. The idea of these sessions is that you learn something new. If the conference is not merely a retreat, but also focused on craft, read the course descriptions carefully.Want to write Fantasy? Choose the session with the editor that’s worked on the latest epic blockbuster.

Make a note of what sessions you’re attending and what you hope to get out of each. You can also use our handy printable (below) to track your conference details. If you still aren’t sure, reach out to the conference organizer for clarification.

Align Your Mindset For the Journey.

Have you ever built something up in your mind to such an extent that when it finally arrives it’s a let down? We all do this to some extent. Before you go to the event, set realistic expectations for the conference. For example, outlining 1-3 achievable goals is a great start. Make sure your goals are efficient and attainable.

Here are some examples.

 

Take Directions.

Print everything related to the conference. Insert it into an envelope with a clasp. I like these type, so contents can’t slip out. Be sure to include your selected courses for the event, as well. You’d be amazed how often this isn’t provided at the event.

Get In Gear

Pick out what you’re going to wear. Conferences usually have dress codes. Pick your clothes ahead of time so you aren’t scrounging through your closet before the birds are up.

Map the conference location. How long will it take to get there? Is it a high-traffic area? Are there special events happen that could delay the commute?

Find out if food will be provided. Many conferences encourage attendees to explore the area and food is not provided. I’ve been to many events where coffee isn’t provided. *Shudder!*

Take cash. Now, I’m not going super-old school on you. ATMs in hotels and conference centers are usually third-party ATMs that the hotel has purchased. They’re normally not part of a specific bank. That means that if the ATM goes down and there’s a cash bar at the end of the day, you could be out of luck. Not interested in socializing? Not all parking lots take credit or debit cards. Plan ahead!

Know the Rules of the Road

Before you get behind the wheel of your car, there are rules you need to know. The same applies to conferences. When you arrive at the event,

• Give the Right-of-Way. You won’t be the only writer with dreams at this conference. Everyone at the event has manuscript that they are dreaming about, writing, editing, hoping to sell, desperate to sell, about to sell, in pre-publication mode, or published. As important as your project is to you, everyone around you has a “baby” they’d like to send out into the world and discover shelved in a place of honor within their favorite bookstore. It’s okay to share your project, but also remember to listen and encourage.
• Ask Smart Directions. You will be in the unique position of being able to interface directly with publishing professionals. Use this time to ask questions that you can’t find on the pages of Writer’s Digest. Agents and editors get tired of answering the same questions over and over. Plus, nothing says “NEWBIE” like asking the question: “How do I get an agent?”

• 

  Don’t Get Off Track. There’s nothing worse than the awkward moment when a conference attendee raises their hand and begins with: “In my manuscript…” You can almost visualize internal groans from everyone in the room. Why? The group, as well as the recipient of the question, are most likely not familiar with your project. Asking them in this format puts everyone in an uncomfortable position. Specific manuscript discussions should only occur during manuscript critiques or if you’re in a group critique and your project is the topic.

• Don’t Force the Guest Speaker Down a Side Road. I once heard about someone pitching to an editor from one bathroom stall over. Although you’re probably a lovely person, there will be many wonderful people at this conference. Don’t expect the faculty to treat you any differently. There are guidelines for when you can pitch at conferences. Follow them to the letter. That’s being a professional. It also shows whomever your pitching that you might be nice to work with.
• Avoid Telling Off Sunday Drivers. When we’re driving, we often to take offense when other’s tell us how to drive. At a writers’ conference, we’re hoping for this sort of guidance. Embrace the event with a fun attitude and open mind. Avoid becoming defensive when you’re on the receiving end of feedback. After all, the majority of writers at the event will be supportive of one another. Don’t get defensive—instead focus on being receptive.
• Stay In the Driver’s Seat. Writers go to conferences dreaming of walking out with book deals. Even if they won’t admit that dream to themselves, it’s there. If your sole focus is your manuscript, however, you’re missing out. Interact with other writers in your sessions, at lunch, during book sales. Exchange business cards. These are the people who might be candidates for a great support system. If there’s a social event, take part. You have this one moment—grasp it.

Don’t Run Out of Gas

You’ll be exhausted after the conference ends, but don’t lose momentum! You have experience under your belt. Plan some follow-up activities while everything is still fresh in your mind.

• Update Your Contacts. Add the names of writers you’ve meant to your contacts. Many apps, like Gmail, allow you to create labels, tags, or groups that you can use to associate people with certain events.
• Don’t Rush to Submit. Usually, when you attend conferences, you’ll have the opportunity to submit to the attending faculty after the event. Many newer writers plan to hit the send button first thing Monday morning. Don’t! Take your time, review your manuscript, and think about what you’ve learned. If the submission window for these folks isn’t listed in your agenda, contact the conference coordinator for specifics.
• Follow Up With Other Writers. Reach out to those writers you met at the event. Follow them on social media or drop them a quick “nice-to-meet-you” email. You spent time building those contacts keep them alive. This rule applies to writers only—not conference faculty.

Download our free Conference Trip Tik to help you with your next conference!

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