Writer's Digest Conference: To Attend or Not To Attend? http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/48781 lyrwriter Looking for a bit of advice... So the Writer's Digest Conference in NYC is coming up near the end of this month, and I am semi-seriously considering attending. I've never been to a writer's conference before, and I think it would be a good experience. That said, I have some doubts too: PROS - Workshops and seminars and critique sessions abound, and I think I could learn a lot of useful insider industry information that I might not have access to otherwise. This is of particular interest to me because I'd like to work in publishing some day (and hopefully get a publishing-related internship this summer). - One of the biggest parts of the conference is the Pitch Slam, which gives you the chance to pitch your novel to agents and get real-time feedback. - Getting to meet and connect with industry professionals and other writers would be awesome. - I'd also like being in a place where everyone is as interested in (and passionate about) books as I am. - Chris Baty is going to be there and is giving the final address!! CONS - The cost. The conference is $275 for me as a student. I live a couple of hours from NYC (by train) and would have to to crash at a friend's apartment. Then there's the subway fare and meals. It's doable, but given that I'm a student, it's rather a lot. And as I'm hoping to work in NYC this summer, I can use the extra cash. - To be honest, I'm not sure that my novel is ready for pitching. Don't worry, I'm not considering pitching a rough draft---this is my 2009 NaNovel, and it's completed and fairly well proofread and all that. That said, there are still things I think can be changed/improved about it, and in the same way that I don't think I'm ready to query, I feel like pitching it at the conference might be premature, even though the chances that an agent will want to look at it are tiny. And on a related note, the idea of pitching aloud to someone frankly terrifies me; it gives me a jittery feeling just thinking about it. - Speaking of nervousness, I'm not exactly the most outgoing person around people I don't know (though I suspect this is true of many writers). I worry that if I were to go to the conference, I'd just be tongue-tied and shy around everyone and miss out on the whole meeting-people aspect of it. But that's a comparatively minor worry and one that I could probably overcome if I really put my mind to it. This is all made a bit more complicated by one of my New Year's Resolutions for 2012 in which I plan to find some personal valor and just DO stuff that I might be otherwise hesitant/afraid to do. In this instance, it's hard to know whether I'm being prudent or cowardly---perhaps a bit of both. Maybe I should just throw caution to the wind and go and have a grand old time. Or maybe I ought to stay home and keep working on my novel and content myself with querying later this year (another 2012 resolution, and definitely one requiring courage). Anyhow, just need a fresh perspective. Any advice would be much appreciated! Wed, 04 Jan 2012 06:25:00 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/48781?page=1#forum_thread_comment_1028897 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/48781?page=1#forum_thread_comment_1028897 Hepatica If you can cover the costs, to be honest - I don't think your cons are cons. You're not objective when it comes to your novel - it's your baby &amp; you're always going to be a bit precious about it - that's in the nature of the thing. If you keep working on it without professional input, it's possible you may overwork it &amp; spoil its readability. If you pitch it to an agent who doesn't like it, they'll tell you because they are in the unenviable position of being objective. On the other hand, you might find an agent who loves it &amp; you would have missed that chance if you don't go. Nervousness can be overcome with practice. You need the practice so go to the conference. You know you need the practice because you've recognised that in your 2012 New Year Resolutions. The other thing that strikes me is that you may well meet some contacts who could help you with your internship. Presumably, reps from publishing houses will be there, as well as agents &amp; other writers. So go along &amp; pitch yourself as a potential internee to the publishing houses you like the look of. Even if you don't end up with one of them, you can say on your letter of introduction that you went to such-and-such Writers' Conference &amp; was very interested in ... a, b, c. That'll give your application for internship a whole new dimension because you'll be showing how determined you are to secure a place in the career of your choice. Determination says a lot to potential employees. And make sure you put NaNo on that letter, too, &amp; liberally sprinkle Chris Baty's name - particularly if you go to the conference &amp; meet him - connexions with big names impress, too. :-) Wed, 04 Jan 2012 11:05:58 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/48781?page=1#forum_thread_comment_1029307 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/48781?page=1#forum_thread_comment_1029307 thomlina I wanted to go to this conference but thanks to annoying money issues I will not be able to secure a plane ticket...I say go for it and let us all know how it went! Good luck if you do and if you find an agent [Please let me know how I can get one of those] or find a internship [I want an internship but it's so hard when most magazines and newspapers in my area are not looking for interns]. Have fun to...If you go... Wed, 04 Jan 2012 15:05:53 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/48781?page=1#forum_thread_comment_1029818 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/48781?page=1#forum_thread_comment_1029818 Bicicletta Lye writer, I am more than twice your age. I regret things I did, but my biggest regrets are reserved for all the things I DIDN'T do. The dates I turned down because I was too busy moping over Mr. Wrong, the job lead that sounded perfect but I never followed-up on, because I was sure I wouldn't get it (you never get what you don't try for, so I was right), the unpaid gig as a movie extra that I turned down because it was unpaid-- but which would have been so much more fun to remember than whatever the heck I did end up doing that week -- all the times something interesting or different or challenging beckoned, but I looked away, because I was not ready, or too broke, too tired, too shy, too angry, too whatever the excuse du jour might have been. I wish I had gone to Mexico for Spring Break my senior year, instead of pleading poverty -- it would have been tight, but I could have managed. I wish I had tried out for that part in the play instead of crossing my name off the auditions list. I was too scared to major in what I wanted, because I thought OTHER PEOPLE WOULD BE DISAPPOINTED IN ME; you know, all those people who did not have to live my life? This is what I have learned since then: your life is happening right now. The person you are this minute is who you allowed yourself to become years ago. Do you want the future to be different? Then choose it now! Yes, the conference may be too much, to soon, or not enough of what you need, or--Goldilocks--it may be just right. You won't know if you stay home. Thu, 05 Jan 2012 03:18:49 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/48781?page=1#forum_thread_comment_1032538 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/48781?page=1#forum_thread_comment_1032538 Mel Walker Great post. I attended the conference last year for the first time and it is pricey (i'm not a student so the price is almost double) - however, having said that if you can afford it you should definitely go. A huge YES!. The sessions are amazing, the speakers very engaging and available throughout the weekend. Also, as you mentioned, being in the presence of so many other writers with a shared passion will stay with you for months and months. The information you collect and the contacts you make are invaluable. As for the Pitch Slam, there is a session on how to prepare your slam and there are dozens of participants willing to practice with you prior to the session. Even if you don't feel you are ready, participate just for the experience. You will learn what works, what doesn't work, and how to adjust. You will not regret going. There are more than enough tracks to cover all interests from the craft of writing to the business of writing and publishing. I vote a big yes. Feel free to ping me via nanomail if you want any additional information about the experience. Thu, 05 Jan 2012 14:19:07 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/48781?page=1#forum_thread_comment_1033600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/48781?page=1#forum_thread_comment_1033600 lyrwriter Thank you so much (belatedly) for the advice, guys! I decided to bite the bullet and go for it, and I paid for my registration this afternoon. Excited and terrified, but too late to back out now, so here goes...! Thu, 12 Jan 2012 22:46:32 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/48781?page=1#forum_thread_comment_1054688 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/48781?page=1#forum_thread_comment_1054688 Bicicletta Oh, I'm so happy for you! I hoped you would decide to go. Have you picked your sessions yet? Make the most of it -- talk to everyone and anyone. You won't be the only newbie there; just think about what would make you feel welcome and be open to meeting people, whether in a seminar, at lunch, or roaming the hallways. I wish you the best of luck, and hope you make at least one good friend or professional contact, but even if all you do is listen and take notes, what a great way to start your writing year! Keep us posted, please. We will want to hear all about it when you get back. Fri, 13 Jan 2012 03:04:11 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/48781?page=1#forum_thread_comment_1055338 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/48781?page=1#forum_thread_comment_1055338 Mel Walker Congrats for taking the plunge. Here is an article from Writer's Digest on what not to do at a writer's conference. Most of it is common sense but still entertaining. http://www.writersdigest.com/whats-new/how-to-avoid-10-common-conference-mistakes-that-writers-make good luck and make the most of the experience. Sat, 14 Jan 2012 08:56:46 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/48781?page=1#forum_thread_comment_1058904 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/48781?page=1#forum_thread_comment_1058904 allwritemel I couldn't agree more! This year, despite the fact that I lack in confidence, I have decided to stop saying NO when opportunity knocks (and it's surprising, sometimes, where it knock - opportunities are like presents in that sometimes they are wrapped up and hidden well but by saying yes please to receiving this "present" you may reveal the key to your dreams). Sorry, what I'm trying to say is that I too have turned down so many chances because of a crippling lack of confidence and low self esteem, but that chapter of my life is closed now. Because of my background I will always suffer from self-doubt but I'm going to reach for the stars in future - which is what you should do Lyrwriter. You will never be entirely happy with your books (I'm published several times and each time i look back on a book I think, "I wish I'd changed that ... I don't like that ..." and so on). But you have to get to the point where your book is "good enough" - and 3 of mine are being turned into films (we start preproduction this year on 2 of them) - I'm sure even JK Rowling would like to change huge chunks of Harry Potter! You should definitely go - can you practice your pitch with a friend? Or even in front of the mirror (I've done that before now!)? Rehearse it untl you know exactly what you want to say, put on a power suit (or wear whatever makes you feel comfortable) and walk in there oozing confidence (even if you don't feel it! I'll be honest, whenever I do anything like this I never feel confident - in fact I'm usually shaking inside, but I've learned techniques to hide it). I actually had to ghostwrite a book about "How to Have a Strong Presence" which included chunks of tips on how to appear confident, from body language, clothes you wear, etc, to the words you use and how you use them. If it would help I'd be happy to email it to you (naughty of me but I wrote the thing!) I look forward to hearing how you get on. I'm in a similar situation. I am debating whether to go to the London Book Fair but part of me is saying I won't come back with anything ... but of course I won't! That's not the time or the place to sell the book, but I will (as you will) get to meet some really influential people in the industry who may be willing to take a look at your book. Good luck and let us know how you get on. Hope something in there helps! REMEMBER: It's the things you DON'T do in life that you regret, not what you do, do! Fri, 27 Jan 2012 11:22:39 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/48781?page=1#forum_thread_comment_1095078 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/48781?page=1#forum_thread_comment_1095078 lyrwriter Guys, I'm so glad I went---the conference turned out to be AWESOME! I'm too lazy to type up the entire experience right here, but if you'd like to read more about it, you can <a href="http://fuzzymango.wordpress.com/2012/01/27/writers-digest-conference-2012-part-i-or-little-mango-goes-to-the-big-city/" rel="nofollow">do so here.</a> Thanks again to everyone who encouraged me to attend! Fri, 27 Jan 2012 18:25:44 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/48781?page=1#forum_thread_comment_1095922 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/48781?page=1#forum_thread_comment_1095922 orcanosandyi nice post Wed, 08 Feb 2012 09:13:29 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/48781?page=1#forum_thread_comment_1123954 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/48781?page=1#forum_thread_comment_1123954 orcanosandyi [quote=orcanosandyi] nice post http://vlondonescorts.co.uk/ [/quote] Wed, 08 Feb 2012 09:14:28 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/48781?page=1#forum_thread_comment_1123955 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/48781?page=1#forum_thread_comment_1123955