5 Questions to Ask When Choosing a Writers Conference

I recently returned from the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) Annual Conference. Close to 600 attended this year, beginning writers all the way up to multi-published, best-selling authors. As far as writers conferences go, this had to be one of my all-time best experiences, partially because it was an opportunity to celebrate the release of my debut novel, Mistaken, with the writing community. 

Thrilling as it is to rub shoulders with Robin Jones Gunn and Frank Peretti, it’s even better to spend time with many of your closest writing friends. You know the ones. The people who don’t look at you funny when you mention arguing with your characters.

Conferences are expensive, there’s no getting around that fact. They’re also one of the best ways you can invest in your career. If your dream is to be published, you NEED to get yourself to one.

But how do you choose? There are hundreds of conferences offered around the country, everything from tiny regional meetings to the whoppers like ACFW. Which one will best fit your needs?

I’ve posted before about some of my favorites (Mount Hermon, OregonChristian Writers, and ACFW) and why I like them, but you may have different needs and preferences, so today I’m just going to provide you with some questions to ask when you are doing your research.

Here are five things to think about.

1. Location

Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference in the Redwoods.

Is it in a big city or hidden away in the mountains? An elegant hotel or a rustic retreat center? Which type of location do you prefer? The setting often determines the ambience of the conference. Those held in hotels and convention centers tend to be more professional, whereas retreat centers might be more cozy. Do you recharge your batteries by getting outside for a few minutes of solitude or by surrounding yourself with energized people?

How much will your travel cost? Local conferences will be less expensive, but offer fewer faculty. These are items you have to weigh. And since many have asked me–it doesn’t matter where your literary agency or publishing house is located. Pretty much all business is done on-line and by telephone. I live in Oregon, my agent in California, and my publisher is in Nashville. I met both of them at conferences. So, if you decide to travel to the opposite side of the nation, it won’t affect your ability to “do business.” 

Coaching class with agent Karen Ball  at Oregon Christian Writers Photo courtesy of OCW.

2. Faculty

Look over the faculty lists. Are the classes taught by your favorite authors? Which editors and agents will be attending? Do they accept appointments? How are appointments arranged?

3. Focus

Genre Dinner at ACFW

If you are focused on a particular genre, you might benefit from going to a conference specifically geared for writers who share the same passion. I’ve heard of conferences that focus specifically on romance (RWA–for all romance, not just inspirational), speculative fiction (Realm Makers), or children’s (SCBWI–secular). Others will be broad–offering classes for both fiction and non-fiction.

4. Pre-Submit or Pitch?

Many (but not all) conferences allow you to send writing samples to the faculty you wish to meet. These pre-conference submissions are helpful if you have a bad habit of stumbling over your words when you are nervous (like me). If you submit ahead, the editor/agent already has a good feel for your writing abilities before you sit down to the appointment. Read the guidelines and make sure to follow them with care.

5. Hosted Meals?

ACFW 2012

This idea terrified me at my first conference, but now I view it as one of the best features of a good writing conference. At mealtimes, faculty will be scattered out to separate tables. As you enter the room, you watch for the placards announcing where they will be sitting. If you’d like to meet someone–and possibly pitch your book idea–you find a seat at his or her table. During the meal, the table host will direct the conversation, often asking each person to describe their writing. This is a golden opportunity to pitch. Keep it short and sweet–a few sentences at most. If the editor or agent is interested, they might ask to follow up with you later.

This is one of the advantages of smaller conferences. Larger gatherings might attract more faculty, but the size could make it impossible to offer hosted meals. Without these occasions, you’re reduced to stalking faculty members in the elevators. And I don’t know about you–but this is FAR out of my comfort zone.

***** 

So which conferences do YOU prefer, and why? 

Which conferences do you think are better for beginners? For experienced writers? For published authors? 

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