Conference season is gearing up, and writers’ conferences are one of the best ways to make connections in the publishing world. Many publishers accept only manuscripts pitched at conferences. Many accept only those that come through agents, and a conference is the place to connect with both publishing house acquisition editors and literary agents.
I realize attending a conference can get pricey, but good affordable conferences can be found. If the one you want to attend is beyond your budget this year, then start right now setting aside the money needed to attend next year.
Costs and Other Considerations
There’s more to consider than just the actual cost of the conference. Add in:
- Lodging
- Meals
- Airfare or gasoline to get there and back
- Incidentals like purchasing books sold at the conference
Hotel expenses can often be shared and reasonable airfare purchased in advance.
Know what you want to learn about and then spend time researching. Are they offering workshops on topics you want to learn?
If you are seeking a literary agent, what agents will be in attendance? Research these agents and their companies prior to the conference and decide if any of them are agents you want to pitch to.
Do they offer a scholarship (a great way to help with expenses)?
Do they have a conference contest? There is less competition to a conference contest because it’s limited to attendees, and contest wins are a good addition to your book proposal.
Finding a Conference
- I recommend searching through the Christian Writers Market Guide (affiliate link). If you don’t own this book, check your local library reference section.
- Do an internet search. If you are looking for one close to home include your state in your search terms.
- Ask writer friends. There are a lot of writers out there in the social network realm. Just reach out with a post and ask for recommendations.
Writers Conferences I Recommend
Florida Christian Writers Conference
Leesburg, FL
March 6-10
Mid-South Christian
Collierville, TN
March 16
Mount Hermon (celebrating their 50th year)
Mount Hermon, CA
April 12-16
Wordsowers
Omaha, NE
April 26-27
Colorado Christian (Write His Answer)
Estes Park, CO
May 15-18
Blue Ridge Mountains
Black Mountain, NC
May 19-26
Write to Publish
Wheaton, IL
June 20-22
Successful Writers
Broken Arrow, OK
September, final dates TBD
Heart of America Christian Writers
Kansas City, KS
2019 dates TBD, usually in October
Have you attended a writers conference? If so, let us know what one, where it was, and if you’d recommend it to other writers. Comment below.
Conferences I’m Speaking At
Mid-South Christian Writers Conference
Collierville, TN
Wordsowers Christian Writers Conference
Omaha, NE
Write to Publish Writers Conference
Wheaton, IL
Thanks for this post Deb! I am now considering a conference – writing for several years but have never attended a conference. I live close to Black Mountain, NC so will definitely look at that one as an option!
Teresa, so glad I’ve encouraged you to attend a conference. Blue Ridge is a big conference, but those who have attended say it’s amazing. My biz partner really liked it. I’ve never attended this one, but it is one of the primo writers conferences in the industry.