Publishing News Roundup Series: How to Know Which Writing Conference is Best for You
by Maureen Crisp • September 26, 2016 • Follow
Published in News • No comments
Attending writing conferences is the best way to self promote.
However, its important to find the one that is best for your self image. Make sure you do your research to find that conference that will really boost your author image. Self promotion is essential to get your writing noticed, so make sure you take the proper steps to create the image you want.
Successful Writing
As I write this I am watching through my mobile office window someone assembling conference bags. It brings back memories of doing the same thing (several times) and hope that the people attending your conference will be supercharged with excitement and learning.
Attending a writing conference is one of those great things you can do to give yourself a boost. To get the most out of it you do need to choose your conference carefully. I always look at conference blogs to get ideas and latest information. Sara Letourneau has a great run down on the latest Writers Digest conference– all the best bits and learning.
Angela Ackerman writes about what it is like on the presenting side and what she learned as best practice in a recent conference.(100% agree with her from my experience of programming 2 national conferences.)
Roz Morris has a great article on how you should approach your writing – Is it a hobby… a vocation… a job…
Once you have decided what your writing means to you figure out what you need to focus on and then look for a conference to suit. Research the speakers. Sue Coletta was interviewed by Larry Brooks about her writing success story and how she did it.
Joanna Penn looks at the lessons she has learned in five years.
Publishers Weekly looks at Indie authors and why they have to spend money to make money.
David Gaughran has found another Bait and Switch vanity publisher that appears at all the big conferences and is predatory. (Forewarned people!)
Conferences can get really expensive so I always look for best bang for my buck or what is available online. An excellent conference is coming up from the Alli folks. And it’s free. The speakers are amazing. It’s worth hiring a hotel room and treating yourself.
In the Craft Section
10 simple keys for plot structure– Bookmark
Two great posts from Now Novel –How to create a fantasy world and Don’t lose the plot
Layering your way through the book – Martina Boone- Bookmark
5 ingredients you need for Story Subtext– K M Weiland-Bookmark
Outlining scenes – Blood Red pencil- Bookmark
Extra
Tom Bonnick from Nosy Crow is having an auction for a MS critique – all proceeds going to feed hungry refugee kids in Calais (It is part of the authors for refugees action group.)
In the Marketing Section
Joanna Penn has an interview with PR expert Janet Murray on Book Marketing- Bookmark
Rachel Straub writes about how to tackle Amazon’s top reviewers.– Bookmark
Anne R Allen has the 5 things you shouldn’t do in email marketing– Bookmark
Jane Friedman on the 5 questions to answer before your book launch.
To Finish
John Green has been struggling with the problem of Writer Success. He talks about the emotional toll of this as well as the toll on his writing. A must watch video.
Merritt Tierce has written an article about the Dark Side Of Literary Fame. It is a sobering read.
Know what you are getting into… and cultivate your writing friends. They know the journey and will celebrate with you and commiserate with you. If it’s throw the manuscript against the wall time… then read some advice from Chuck.
Maureen
@craicer
Note: mobile office = car
About Maureen Crisp
Maureen Crisp has been writing her weekly publishing roundups for over seven years. She is a traditionally published children's author as well as indie-published. She lives in New Zealand and is heading the team organising the 4th National Conference of Children's Writers and Illustrators. She is currently trying her hand at writing a children’s book series if she can drag herself away from forever tweaking her Mars novel or obsessing over space.