Choosing a Conference

Types of Conferences
Unsure If You Should Attend a Conference?
Tips on Choosing a Conference
Resources on the Web to Find a Writers Conference

Types of Conferences

There are two main types of writers conferences - general and specialized. General conferences are those for writers of different genres. They may offer workshops on a variety of topics in different genres. Specialized conferences generally focus on one genre, i.e., children, fiction, nonfiction, etc.

Conferences are also different in what they offer. Large conferences commonly have editors, publishers, and agents on their faculty - often offering conferees the opportunity for one-on-one meetings and manuscript evaluations. They usually have major tracks on specific writing topics as well as a host of workshops covering all types of writing.

Conferences also differ in the speakers they use. Often, small conferences use local successful writers, with a well known writer providing the keynote address. If they are in a region with local editors. publishers, and agents, they use them if possible. National conferences often use well known authors for all their workshops. These conferences can be costly and the big names are a drawing card.

I have been to small, one-day conferences where there is one session at a time and everyone attends that session. If these conferences offer what you need, that's fine. However, if the majority of the sessions do not apply to what you write, you are probably better off choosing another conference.

Many conferences offer what I will call "features." These can be anything from one-on-one meetings with faculty, manuscript evaluation, critique services, bookstores, pre and/or post sessions, and meals with faculty. These are all positive aspects of a conference that, if taken advantage of, can advance your writing.

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Unsure If You Should Attend a Conference?

For those unsure whether they should go to a conference, B.J. Taylor comments, "Ah, that age-old question. For a writer - which comes first, attendance at conferences, which gives writers the tools needed to garner success, or success first, and then attendance at conferences?" B.J. shares her article in Taylor's Tips for a productive writing career… 

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Tips on Choosing a Conference

Here are 13 tips on choosing a conference:

1. Start by identifying the type of writing you do, and if appropriate, the type you want to learn.
2. If you have travel or financial restrictions, note them.
3. If you have time constraints, note them also.
4. Purchase one of the books or find websites that lists conferences.
5. Look in these resources for conferences. If divided by state, start locally and expand outward.
6. Make a list of conferences noting the type, dates and number of days, cost, location, and features.
7. If available, order or download a conference brochure.
8. Use a high lighter to mark sessions relevant to your writing.
9. Are there speakers that would help you with your writing, provide quality instruction, and motivate you?
10. Compare conferences if you have found several that interest you.
11. Make a decision based on speakers, workshops, features, costs, dates, and location.
12. Fill out the conference application and submit it well in advance of the deadline.
13. When accepted, go to Leveraging the Conference in this section to learn how to make the most of the conference.

Remember that many conferences offer financial aid. Investigate whether you quality and if so, submit an application.

Keep all your information. Often a conference is full, or something in your schedule changes, so a second choice is a good option.

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Resources on the Web to Find a Writers Conference

The Conference Links page on the site has more information on finding conferences.