Writer’s Digest Conference 2015: Top Quotes from Authors, Agents, and Industry Leaders

by Sara Letourneau
published in Writing

It’s impossible to sum up the 2015 Writer’s Digest Conference in a few words. This three-day event in New York City was jam-packed with presentations, panels, networking opportunities, and the sold-out Pitch Slam. The range of topics was staggering as well: character development, genre literature, query letters, publishing industry insights… In short, you’re guaranteed an invaluable learning experience when you attend Writer’s Digest Conference.

In the coming weeks, we’ll have a full recap of WDC 2015, including a glimpse at some of the conference’s recurring themes and a #5onFri with reasons why writers should attend next year. For now, here are some of this year’s most memorable quotes, from the authors, agents, and other industry leaders who spoke there:

“Writing is an art. It’s an intimate conversation between you and the reader.”

Jonathan Maberry, author of the Joe Ledger series

“Let the passion for your book shine through in your pitch.”

Alec Shane, literary agent

“The fear of worldbuilding is why we see so many similar worlds done to death. Worldbuilding is really what makes speculative fiction unique. Embrace it.”

N.K. Jemisin, author of The Inheritance Trilogy

“‘Black or white’ advice – do this, or don’t do that – isn’t good advice. Trust your voice. Learn what’s best for you.”

Therese Walsh, author of The Moon Sisters

“By creating comic books and reading as a kid, I learned how to tell the stories I wanted to read.”

Tim Johnston, author of Descent

“It’s necessary to use our imagination and think creatively when it comes to selling books.”

April Eberhardt, literary agent

“Writers don’t have control over their own stories. The stories often know where they’re going better than we do.”

Jacqueline Woodson, author of Brown Girl Dreaming

“You are your best advocate.”

Phil Sexton, Publisher of Writer’s Digest

“Write more. Worry less.”

M.J. Rose, author of The Witch of Painted Sorrows

Did you also attend this year’s Writer’s Digest Conference? What were some of your favorite quotes from the event?

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Sara Letourneau 1 croppedSara Letourneau is a Massachusetts-based writer who practices joy and versatility in her work. In addition to writing a fantasy novel, she reviews tea at A Bibliophile’s Reverie and is a guest contributor for Grub Street Daily. She’s also a published poet whose works have appeared in The Curry Arts Journal, Soul-Lit, The Eunoia Review, Underground Voices, and two anthologies. Learn more about Sara at her personal blogFacebook, and Twitter.

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