Tomorrow afternoon I will be nervously on my way to my very first writers conference which is jammed packed with author talks, writing workshops, book launches and pitching opportunities for 4 days. It is the 4th International SCBWI Australia & New Zealand Conference, and you can read lots about it at their very useful blog here: The SCBWI Australia & New Zealand Conference Blog. The great thing about this conference is that it is combined with the 7th Children’s and Young Adult Literature Festival on Saturday. I went to this last year and it was great!
In preparation I searched the internet for any useful advice and tips about attending writers conferences. Here are a few a found that helped answer a feww questions, worries and concerns I had floating around my head.
Over at kidlit.com:
Talking to Agents and Editors at Conferences
Adjusting Expectations for Conferences and Critiques
Over at Cheryl Reif Writes:
Things to Love in the Writing Life: Conferences
Ten Keys to Your Best-Ever Writing Conference!
Over at La Vie En Prose:
Conference 101: Know Before You Go
Over at Picture This:
So, my checklist is as follows:
- Don’t be shy – agents and editors expect to be approached in a friendly fashion – just don’t pitch to them unless asked (save your pitches for the organised pitch sessions)
- Know your needs – Do know what I need to get from the conference – what are my current needs as a writer?
- Be prepared – practice your ( 2 min) pitch,
- Research – check out the editors, agents, authors, and other speakers who are attending
But most importantly of all the resounding advice is to have a good time – get to know the agents and editors and other writers – put a face to a name – make connections and have fun!
