Encouraging News

Get the Most from a Conference
by Patricia S. Baker

Conference season is in full-bloom.

Each year, thousands of aspiring writers flock to writers conferences bearing suitcases, manuscripts, and high hopes for enhancing their writing careers. One of them might be you! Given that a considerable emotional and financial investment has been put into this endeavor, how can you optimize your chances for a successful experience? Here are ten tips for making the most of this year's season...or next year's.

1. Find the Right Fit

Carefully research and prayerfully consider which of the many available conferences is a fit for your particular writing genre. Network with writers from your writers' group who have attended conferences, or visit ShawGuides.com for a list of conferences nationwide. Try to choose a conference that schedules critique appointments with editors or agents who are interested in the type of writing you do. Writers often overlook the opportunity to meet with authors who are also on faculty. Appointments with authors are often most beneficial for beginning writers, or writers whose manuscripts are not ready for review by an editor or agent.

2. Register Early

Some conferences schedule appointments based on registration number. Attendees who register early are likely to get their first choice of editors, agents, or authors to meet with. The past two years I have been the first registrant simply by visiting a conference Web site early and printing off the registration form, rather than waiting for it to arrive in the mail.

3. Visit the Conference Web Site

Not only is browsing the conference Web site helpful in getting a jump on the registration process, but you can glean valuable information to prepare for the conference. Many times the site will have links to market needs or overworked topics. These can influence your decision as to what you'll present during your appointments. It is also helpful if the site has pictures of faculty members, in case you want to familiarize yourself with them before attending.

4. Polish your Manuscripts

Polish your best work to take to the conference. Whether you are writing articles, stories, poetry, or book proposals, use the weeks before the conference to make your work shine. Have your writers' group critique your work, or meet with another writer for feedback. Be sure it is typed neatly, free from spelling errors, and double-spaced; pack it carefully in a folder or manuscript box for travel. Also prepare orally. Memorize a hook of no more than three sentences that describes what makes your work unique, and be prepared to share it with editors or agents you meet at the conference.

5. Design and Print Business Cards

Business cards can add a professional touch to your presentation during appointments and be a networking tool during the conference. Be sure to include your email address and Web address if applicable. These cards are also handy for staying in touch with new friends and acquaintances after the conference. Design and print your cards using your computer software and printer, or consider low-cost options such as cards purchased from VistaPrint.

6. Confirm Reservations

You will have enough excitement during the trip without having to deal with last minute surprises in lodging and transportation. Try to make your reservations as early as possible, too; sometimes airport shuttles fill up even before the flights do. And when you make reservations for lodging, see if you can get ground floor accommodations if there are no elevators. Wheels on your suitcase aren't much help on three flights of stairs.

7. Pack for Contingencies

I'll never forget one year's May conference in Colorado, which greeted our sandaled feet with six inches of snow. We huddled in our thin windbreakers against a three-day blizzard—beautiful to behold but not convenient, considering our wardrobes. The Boy Scout motto says it best: "Be prepared." And be sure to pack your business cards, notebook, comfortable shoes, and a sweater for notoriously cold conference rooms. A camera is a good option, too.

8. Travel light

Don't take more than you need, but do pack an extra suitcase or tote for all the free samples and purchases from the bookstore. (Keep in mind that many airlines now charge extra for checked bags, while others have limited the number of carry-on bags.) Who knows, you may even win a contest or door prize. Don't pack multiple copies of manuscripts or book proposals. If you are fortunate enough to have editors request your work, they will most likely want you to mail it to them after you return home. (They don't want to lug heavy manuscripts at the conference any more than you do.)

9. Plan to Arrive Early

Arriving early can take some of the pressure off during the registration process, and give you time to unpack and get oriented. Many conferences have their appointment sign-ups at registration, and the spots can fill up quickly. Arriving early may also give you the advantage of attending any early-bird sessions. If nothing else, it will afford you a brief period of rest that can energize you for the nonstop schedule of the next few days.

10. Pray

Pray, then pray some more. "A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps" (Proverbs 16:9, NKJV). Despite your best intentions, things may not go as planned. You may not get the appointments you'd hoped for, or be able to attend a certain workshop. But if you've committed the conference to the Lord in prayer, you can have the assurance that a sovereign and good God is working out His purposes for you and your writing in His own way. That editor you didn't get a chance to make an appointment with may be the one to stand behind you in the lunch line, or sit at your table at dinner, giving you more time with him or her. You never know how God wants to answer your prayers or direct your steps!