How to prep for writing conferences -

After being in the homeschooling realm for many years, I’ve picked up a lot of tips on how to prep for writing conferences. A conference is a conference, right?

But wait! There are specifics to each kind of conference, and that is what I want to share with you!

In February 2022, I attended my first writing conference at the Asheville Christian Writers Conference. Let me tell you, this was THE best intro to writing conferences. Not too many people, amazing location (the mountains of Asheville, NC – what else can I say!), and excellent speakers/mentors.

If you’re interested in seeing pictures from that trip, check out this post – Writing conferences and why you should go.

Prep for writing conferences – do these well before you go!

The link to my previous conference post has a list of practical tips, but in this post, I want to talk about how to choose the best conference for you. And how to decide who you want to talk to – agents, editors, mentors. There are plenty of variables – let’s dive in!

Choosing the best conference

In your prep for writing conferences, choosing the one that suits you is top priority. Here are some considerations:

What do you want to get out of the conference? Education, writing buddies, a mentor, the chance to pitch your work?
Does it fit your genre? There are specific conferences for specific genres. Check out this list!
Is traveling to it feasible? I went to one in central FL which is 2 days from my home, but I stayed with family on the way down. I know plenty of people who fly to conferences though.
Who is speaking? To add to that – what classes do they have?
How many people are attending? I have had to go back to my room a few times when it gets too “peopley” for me. 😉
Cost. This one can be a big part of your decision. Make sure what you’re paying for is worth the value.

Choosing who to talk to

Research is your friend here. Read the information about the speakers, editors, agents, and mentors. Find the ones that are interested/invested in what you’re writing and learning. Why spend your time (and waste theirs) speaking to an agent or editor who doesn’t rep or edit your genre?

Make the most of your time by researching beforehand.

I can’t stress that enough! I’ve been to plenty of conferences – which are quick, quick, quick with classes back-to-back – and people are walking around in a daze. I’ve been there!

Reading up on the classes, speakers, agents, and editors ahead of time gives you the advantage of not being so frazzled. Make notes, print schedules (know they’ll probably change), and pick workshops/times.

My experience with conference prep

Back in the day, I attended this HUGE homeschool conference in Memphis (just 45 minutes from me). To say it was overwhelming is an understatement. There were so many people in this extra large convention center. So many choices in the classes. I followed my sister around because I had no idea what I was doing.

Crazy story – One of the times I went to that convention, I had to bring a fetal pig back to a friend for her daughter to use in a biology lab. It stunk. Literally. Homeschoolers are weird (I can say that because I was one).

And that’s an experience you won’t get from a writing conference!!

Summing up prep for writing conferences

Research
Research
Research

Okay, you have the idea. 🙂

But seriously, do your pre-conference research, and then go and have fun! If you’ve never attended one, give yourself lots of grace. Make notes. Figure out what you will and won’t do the next time. And read my list of practical tips for writing conferences here!

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Hi, I’m Jen! I’ve been married for over 37 years, have 5 amazing kids, and have 3 adorable grandkids. I homeschooled our three youngest children and used to blog about homeschooling. I also taught Oral Communication as an adjunct instructor for over 5 years.

Jen Dodrill Writes is born of a passion of mine – to write a novel! My first cozy mystery – Birds Alive! – released Feb. 27, 2024!

When I’m not working, you’ll find me writing, spending time with my family, or curled up on the couch reading and drinking a mug of dark roast coffee. (Don’t forget to check out my mug shop – J DMugs!)

How to prep for writing conferences