By: Joel
Quevillon
A writing
conference is one of the greatest places to advance your writing career. For
more than 20 years the Pikes Peak Writers Conference has put together a slate
that will strengthen your skills in the craft of writing and expand your
knowledge of the publishing industry. And that’s just the sessions.
One of the
greatest benefits of a conference, such as PPWC, is something you will not find
on the schedule or listed in the brochure. Networking.
It’s all about
that old saying, “It’s not what you know, but who you know.”
This is why
networking at a conference matters…
Writers
There will be
hundreds of writers in attendance at this year’s conference, just like you.
Your backgrounds may be similar or different, but we’re all putting words on
paper, creating worlds, and telling stories. Some have more experience, some
have less. But this writing journey is one you can’t go solo. You need critique
partners, beta readers and people, who understand, to provide encouragement.
Take the time to meet others who are writing in your genre or live in the same
area. You don’t have to become best friends to make your relationship
beneficial to both of you. We need people we can trust in our writing corner. A
conference is a great place to build your team.
Published
Authors
These creative
minds have experience and firsthand knowledge they can share with you on your
journey toward publication. Traditional, Indie or Hybrid all have unique twists
and turns. Take the time to talk to these authors about their path to
publication. You might be debating the pros and cons of a publication contract
right now or still waiting to finish that novel. By making an author connection
at conference you’ll have a person who can provide the advice you need at the
moment you need it.
Acquiring
Editors and Agents
For those of
you looking at traditional publishing these special attendees could hold the
key to your future. They are not gods or superheroes; they’re people with
really cool jobs. Don’t be scared to discuss the industry and your projects. Talk
to them, not at them. If you want to lower your anxiety, go introduce yourself
to an editor or agent who doesn’t represent what you write (just for practice).
You’ll find out they’re just normal people… well, as normal as anyone in this
business. And guess what, when you see that same editor/agent later in the day
talking to an editor/agent in your genre…it makes the introductions so much
smoother.
Keynote Speakers
Guess what?
They’re people too. They’ve just sold more books than you. Which means they
have an amazing amount of knowledge they can share. And some pretty cools
stories about their writing careers. Try to keep your fan geek calm and enjoy
the conversation.
PPW
Staff/Volunteers
Most of our
staff and several of our volunteers have been attending conferences for years.
If you have questions or concerns just grab one of them. Need to know where a
specific room is? Need to find that pitch session? Where’s the hidden bathroom?
Or maybe you’d like a little assistance with an introduction with that certain
agent? The PPW staff and volunteers are
there to help you enjoy your conference.
Networking is a
business term
It really is.
And this is a business. It’s entertainment. It’s educational. It’s artistic.
The publishing industry is many things, including a billion-dollar business. In
all your interactions with people (aka networking) remember to act accordingly.
Be courteous. Don’t be pushy. Be gracious. Don’t be all about yourself. Be
friendly. There are times to talk about your work. And there are times not to
talk about your work. Be aware of your surroundings and the flow of
conversation. You’ll get the chance to promote yourself and your novel when the
timing is right. And remember… people might be trying to network with you, yeah
you. If all you do is talk about yourself, you’ll be missing out on the
opportunities to engage with some great people.
Network Timing
There are
several great times to meet people at conference. What is one of the most
social things people do? Break bread together. You’ll have plenty of time to
meet and talk to people during the meals. Grab a seat at the table of your
choice. Introduce yourself and get ready for the question…“what do you write?”
People also
drink together. Otherwise known as BarCon. Whether you like wine, beer or a
martini—or prefer non-alcoholic beverages, hanging out at the hotel bar and
lobby after dinner is a great place to connect with people in a casual
atmosphere. The stress of the day is washing away. Your mind isn’t trying to
take in every word of the guest speaker. Sit back, relax, be yourself.
Conference Prep
If you have
trouble starting conversations or are a bit shy…make a list of four to six
questions or topics you can bring up when meeting new people—your personal “ice
breaker” if you will. For us introverts,
remember to set time aside to recharge, we can’t be “on” every minute of every
day. Conference can be a whirlwind of fun and people. Get ready for some prime
networking.
Networking
Benefits
The person you
meet at lunch on Friday, might be the person who introduces you to your future
spouse… wait, wrong blog… introduces you to your next critique partner.
Networking isn’t about one-to-one connections, but about placing yourself in
the interconnections of your writing tribe. That friend-of-a-friend really
could be the person you need on your writing journey. One thing to remember,
networking doesn’t always show its value immediately. What if in the end the editor/agent you meet doesn’t
want your current novel? It could be the next book she wants, and you have an
“in” because she’ll remember you from conference. Or there could be a magical
referral to another agent.
Get connected
and engage with others at conference. You never know how many doors may open. It
could be the greatest benefit to your writing career.
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