Before, I used to think that all I needed as a writer was a well-crafted manuscript. I was shocked to find out that writer = entrepreneur + small business owner + marketer. With all these new expectations that accompany traditional publishing and writing, it is vital to join a writing community and attend writers’ conferences to stay updated on the latest trends and changes in the publishing industry. However, conferences do have a cost, so are they worth the expense?
Here are five reasons why I encourage you to go to a writers’ conference.
1. Writers’ conferences help you hone your craft.
Prior to attending a conference for children’s book writers, I didn’t even know that most picture books were 32 pages and 500 words or less. I learned how to edit my writing of redundant descriptions that didn’t leave room for the illustrator. I enjoyed workshops that focused specifically on researching and writing different kinds of nonfiction children’s books, how a graphic novel manuscript should be formatted, and even how to write a historic graphic novel combining the two genres.
Learning from experienced authors, editors, agents, and publishers refined my writing and gave me training on how to write an elevator pitch, a query, and a book proposal, while considering their manuscript wish list. I learned how to write more specifically for my target audience. A writers’ conference is worthwhile because although I cannot control a publisher’s response to my manuscript, I can take active steps to improve my craft.
2. Writers’ conferences are excellent places to connect with other writers locally and outside of your region.
Go virtual.
One silver lining of the COVID-19 pandemic was the increased accessibility of writers’ conferences when many switched to a virtual format. I would not have been able to attend some children’s literature conferences in New York due to the cost of a hotel, airfare, and childcare. Virtual conferences have allowed international writers to participate and have opened doors so more BIPOC writers can share their stories and perspectives. This is critical to amplifying the voices of underrepresented groups in children’s literature.
Learn from well-known authors.
I am inspired when authors authentically share their journey to publication and vulnerably show that they are human like the rest of us. They remind me to persevere through the hard work of writing and rejection. Most authors I have met at these conferences are humble, friendly, and enjoy interacting with and encouraging other writers. I was amazed at how many actually wrote back to me personally when I reached out to them through their websites after the conference.
3. Writers’ conferences offer opportunities to submit manuscripts, pitch your idea to editors and agents, and receive valuable feedback.
Furthermore, conferences often allow attendees to submit a manuscript to specific editors. This is helpful, especially if you do not have an agent yet, to get your work before an editor, especially if they work for a publisher that does not accept unagented manuscripts. This is how one of my manuscripts got the attention of an editor at a major publishing house.
Having a conference deadline can motivate you to complete your manuscript before the submission window closes. Make sure you research the recent titles these editors have worked on before you submit to see if your manuscript might be a good fit for the types of books they publish.
Sign up for conference add-ons, such as coaching and critiques.
Although this is different from having an appointment with an editor or an agent, getting a professional critique of your work can bring your writing up to a whole other level and lead to unexpected networking opportunities.
For example, at one conference, I signed up to have Marilyn Hilton critique my manuscript. Marilyn is the author of Full Cicada Moon, a middle grade novel in verse about a girl struggling with her multiracial identity when she moves to a new town. I chose to have her critique my work because my children’s book addressed issues of racial discrimination against Chinese Americans. Her critique was thorough and she answered many questions beyond my manuscript to ones about my writing career. I appreciated how she emailed me answers to my questions even after our meeting.
Also, Marilyn introduced me to her friend, award-winning author, Stacey Lee, and recommended that I ask her my questions because she had written several YA historical fiction novels about Chinese Americans. Stacey suggested that I post my questions on the Asian Author Alliance Facebook group.
Within a day, I received a response from Julie Leung, author of the much-acclaimed picture book, Paper Son, about the artist Tyrus Wong. I truly appreciate Julie’s willingness to meet with me and share her approach to writing about Asian American hidden figures. Her suggestions helped me move forward in my manuscript.
All these new connections never would have happened if I hadn’t met Marilyn at the conference and signed up for a critique. Thankfully, the writing community can be a collaborative place when we focus on building connections and not viewing fellow writers as competition.
4. Writers’ conferences often include training in the business aspects of writing.
Perceive platform positively.
Before I attended a writers’ conference, I didn’t realize how important a platform was and that authors were responsible for marketing their books. It can seem overwhelming and daunting to keep up with all the new aspects of social media, especially for those who are more technically challenged like me. The emphasis on service, instead of self-promotion, at these conferences reframed my perspective of platform. When the focus shifted to reaching readers and sharing stories that could change lives, I began to think of the platform as a positive tool.
Count the cost.
Listening to publishers share about the high cost of producing a physical book and their struggles with profit and loss margins helped me understand why rejection rates are high. This reiterated to me the importance of being diligent in producing quality work and to submit only the best draft of my manuscript. Experienced writers also delineated the pros and cons of self-publishing and what to consider before investing a large quantity of time and money into publishing a book yourself.
5. If you are a BIPOC writer, your presence at a writers’ conference encourages other BIPOC writers, continues to build awareness of the need to diversify publishing, and increases momentum for more diverse books.
As a BIPOC writer, I find conferences give me opportunities to encourage, form community, and share unique insights with other BIPOC writers. Representation matters and our presence in a conference can raise important questions about the omission of underrepresented groups and create opportunities for mentoring and collaboration.
At one conference, I asked specifically about suggestions for mentor texts of AAPI picture book biographies. The answer was that there really is a paucity of these types of books being published. Helen Hope Kimbrough of AK Classics responded to my question by offering to work with me to address this issue and coaching me through the completion of my picture book biography about a Chinese American hidden figure. I appreciate the long-term relationship that was formed and the wisdom I gained from my writing coach, Helen, that started with just asking a question at a conference.
Therefore, I encourage you to participate in a writers’ conference and I hope to meet you at the next one!
Here are a few conferences that I recommend. Some offer scholarships as well.
For BIPOC Writers
- Kweli Color of Children’s Literature Conference
- Publishing in Color
- Someday is Here (AAPI Women’s Leadership Conference, but has a wonderful Writing/Publishing Workshop and many speakers are AAPI authors)
Christian
- West Coast Christian Writers’ Conference
- Writing for Your Life Christian Children’s Book Conference
What writers’ conferences have you attended? What have you found helpful at a writers’ conference? Comment below.