By Moira K. Wiley
Keywords: writers' conference, network
You might be surprised at the number of contacts you can make at a good writers' conference, despite the cost involved in attending such an event. I came away from my first conference with my mind in a whirl over everything I had to assimilate and put into practice. For example, I learned simple bits of advice like the fact that I really needed to order business cards as they are an essential tool for a writer. Yes, they are practical and professional, but I never dreamed a writer would use business cards like people in other professions do.
Everyone you meet at a writers' conference can be an important contact. Whether it's another writer, an editor or an agent, the networking you do can provide you with much needed writing advice. And you can cultivate many friendships in the process.
Start with other writers. Even an unpublished writer can offer valuable advice, especially if she has been in the game longer than you have. Most experienced writers are more than happy to tell you how they got started, and thus provide you with insight into what has worked for them . and what hasn't. In addition, look to published writers who may be speaking at the event and try to spend some time in their company, soaking up their knowledge.
Editors or publishers of magazines or books are usually a popular draw, especially at larger writers' conferences. Some of them may be giving lectures where you can ask questions about different aspects of publication. Others may offer a critique service in which they willingly look at part of a manuscript and give you their opinion of the piece.
If you've already been writing for a while or have completed book manuscripts you'd like to publish, seek out any agents that might be present at the event. Even if you're not currently in the market for an agent, networking with agents can still provide useful information about the publishing world from their perspective.
The ultimate bonus of attending conferences is being in a roomful of people just as obsessed about writing as you are. It's nice to meet peers who understand the obstacles and fears writers face, and can pass out encouragement and be able to laugh with you over writing agonies to help you realize you're not alone in the world of writing.
You can find a list of upcoming writers' conferences at Shaw Guides.
Moira K. Wiley has been a freelance writer and editor since 1999. She has 400-plus published articles to her credit appearing in various magazines, trade journals, newspapers and online publications. Mostly writing nonfiction, she also enjoys writing poetry and short stories and had both included in the cozy crime anthology, Almostly Murder.with pets published by Padlock Mystery Press. She's a former president of Oklahoma Writers' Federation, Inc. and currently resides in Stillwater with her big, lovable pit bull, Achilles.
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