Making the Most of A Writers' Conference
post by Michelle Griep
It's that conference time of year. The big daddy of the Christian writing market is this week (the ACFW Conference), and I'm wearing my mopey face because I'm not there. Lots of my writerly buddies are attending, like the hooligans in the picture, and they promised they'd wreak a little havoc for me. I have, however, been around the conference block or two, and if you happen to be going to one, here's a handy dandy list you might want to consider . . .
3 Tips for Making the Most of Your Conference Experience
1. Lighten Up
Yeah, I know. You spent some cold hard cash to attend. You ate nothing but edamame for the past month to lose ten pounds. You sweat like a pig in the August sun over your keyboard to prepare a proposal to pitch. Read my lips . . . I get it! Really. But here's something you must get, a conference is just that. A conference. Your next breath doesn't hinge on whether you meet with Mr. Agent or make Miss Editor laugh. Remind yourself that these publishing professionals are just people. Don't put too much seriousness into the event or you'll end up crying in your hotel room. Trust me. I speak from experience.
2. Network
There will likely be some big name authors or publishers on the grounds. Talk to them. Not like all up in their business, burst into an established conversation, or or stalk them into the bathroom. I'm talking notice if there's some faculty hanging out, and if they appear to be non-engaged, be the engager. Don't go all Rambo-hard-sell on them. Instead, ask questions. You're there to learn, right? Maybe ask them for one piece of advice, or one of the most common mistakes they see, or even who their favorite authors are.
3. Downtime is Essential
Newsflash: You are not the Energizer Bunny. Sure it's a hoot to hang with friends until the wee hours of the morning, but you'll pay for it the next afternoon when you can't keep your eyes open at a session. You'll be cramming a lot of information to the nooks and crannies of your grey matter. Go ahead and take a long lunch, or even slip out of the hotel and take a walk.
Conferences aren't just about selling your book. They're about relationships and education. Keep that in mind and you will get the most out of your conference experience.
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| Authors Elizabeth Ludwig and Ane Mulligan |
3 Tips for Making the Most of Your Conference Experience
1. Lighten Up
Yeah, I know. You spent some cold hard cash to attend. You ate nothing but edamame for the past month to lose ten pounds. You sweat like a pig in the August sun over your keyboard to prepare a proposal to pitch. Read my lips . . . I get it! Really. But here's something you must get, a conference is just that. A conference. Your next breath doesn't hinge on whether you meet with Mr. Agent or make Miss Editor laugh. Remind yourself that these publishing professionals are just people. Don't put too much seriousness into the event or you'll end up crying in your hotel room. Trust me. I speak from experience.
2. Network
There will likely be some big name authors or publishers on the grounds. Talk to them. Not like all up in their business, burst into an established conversation, or or stalk them into the bathroom. I'm talking notice if there's some faculty hanging out, and if they appear to be non-engaged, be the engager. Don't go all Rambo-hard-sell on them. Instead, ask questions. You're there to learn, right? Maybe ask them for one piece of advice, or one of the most common mistakes they see, or even who their favorite authors are.
3. Downtime is Essential
Newsflash: You are not the Energizer Bunny. Sure it's a hoot to hang with friends until the wee hours of the morning, but you'll pay for it the next afternoon when you can't keep your eyes open at a session. You'll be cramming a lot of information to the nooks and crannies of your grey matter. Go ahead and take a long lunch, or even slip out of the hotel and take a walk.
Conferences aren't just about selling your book. They're about relationships and education. Keep that in mind and you will get the most out of your conference experience.