These timeless conference tips first ran several years ago. If you’re planning to go the Catholic Writers Conference this year, here’s what you need to know.
1. Make a list of goals or needs. Why are you attending this conference? Have some specific things you want to get out of it. Some ideas:
* meet publishers
* find a critique partner or group
* get more marketing ideas
* meet illustrators
* specific things you want to learn
2. Have a business card. Give one to everyone you talk to. In fact, have a pen handy always and write on the back: “Enjoyed talking to you about…” so they know why they have your card.
3. Take notes: Either on the back of their business cards or in a notebook or on your smart phone or… Get the person’s contact info and write down what you talked to them about and why you want to follow up. It will be very handy when you get home!
4. Talk to authors: find out their stories, their issues, how you can help each other. What’s working for them? What are their challenges?
5. See a radio station or podcaster? Ask them if they have an open slot! You could get some free advertising! If not, get their info and contact them after the convention.
6. Talk to the booksellers at the expo. Some might take a copy or two of your book on commission. Others might be run by the publisher themselves.
7. Go to the con suite if there is one. Meet people. Network. Have fun. Get free snacks. Can it get any better than that?
8. Bring advertising stuff for the freebie table. Bookmarks, etc. It doesn’t cost anything to put them there–jsut be sure to gather the extras before you leave!
9. Know anyone getting a booth? In a group that might pitch in for a booth together? Make it happen.
10. Have fun! It’s not all learning and networking. Relax and enjoy yourself. Wear a costume (if it’s that kind of convention) or a funny hat or vest. Some of the best stories come from conventions after hours.
Karina Fabian
Karina Fabian writes everything from devotionals to serious sci-fi to comedic horror. Her latest novel, Live and Let Fly, stars a Catholic dragon and his magic-slinging partner, Sister Grace, as they save the worlds from maniacal middle managers and Norse goddesses. (Coming April from MuseItUp) Karina also teaches writing and marketing online. Learn more at http://fabianspace.com
Mary, go. Meet people. Find out they are wonderful and approachable. Believe me, it will be worth your time and effort. You may not see why for some time – or you might see why in a few months. But, yes. Go. Be gracious. Ask people what they do or what they write. Practice an answer for when they ask the same thing back – and practice saying it without a question in your voice. Make eye contact and smile. Many writers are introverts or inexperienced; we’ve all been there or still are. I wish I’d had the courage to step out into the writing world when I was your age. It would likely have made a difference in the direction my life took – but then God’s in charge of the grand plan anyway, and that’s apparently not where He wanted me at the time.
Go. Enjoy yourself. It’s a great adventure!
Thank you for the encouragement. I know it will be a different experience, but I know it will be really good for me. I only pray that God will help me make the most of it!
“Wear a costume (if it’s that kind of convention) or a funny hat or vest. ”
Can we MAKE CWG that kind of convention? 😀
Hi, Karina! These are all great tips, but what would you suggest specifically for an almost-17-year-old writer who’s just beginning to explore the world of publishing? I am hoping to attend part of the conference this year, but admittedly I’m a little apprehensive. It would be my very first writing conference. I’m especially wondering about networking since I know it’s really important but people skills are not my forte. Or do I even need to be concerned at this early point in my career? Should I just go and soak in as much as possible?