While my publishing experience has been very easy-going and straight-forward, it hasn’t always been unicorns and pixie dust. I’ve certainly had “teachable moments” when I’ve learned a lot about writing, publishing, and–most important–myself. Here are the top five lessons I learned from writing and publishing the DIY MFA book.

1) However long you think the writing will take, double it

I had a very generous deadline for writing the manuscript for this book. The contract was signed, sealed, and delivered in December 2014, and I had until August 2015 to send in the first half of the manuscript. I tend to be a very fast writer and can usually bang out around 1,000 words in an hour.

What I didn’t account for, though, was all of the “marinating” that had to happen during the process of writing the manuscript. As I wrote later chapters, I discovered new ideas that impacted the early chapters and required rejigging that material. So while my pace was still in the 1k/hr ballpark, the additional refinement that had to happen afterwards took about as long as drafting the manuscript in the first place.

I’m one of those paranoid writers who pads her schedule and assumes the worst-case-scenarios, so I had the wiggle room to take that extra time that I ended up needing. This is good because it turns out I had a LOT of refining to do with the manuscript. (See point 2.)

2) Editing with a scalpel is harder than cutting with a machete

When I signed the contract for this book, the agreed-upon word count was 60,000 words. When I finished the rough manuscript, however, it clocked in at more than 130,000 words. (I subsequently nick-named this book “The Beast.”) After talking things over with my editor, we agreed that I could extend the word count to 100,000 words, but that was as high as I could go. This meant cutting over 30,000 words out of the manuscript.

Worse yet, it wasn’t as though I could cut an entire chapter or section out of the book. I had to keep all the pieces in there, only tighten the language to fit within that word count. This meant that instead of hacking a huge chunk out of my book with a machete, I had to go into it at the sentence level, paring it down word for word.

The bad news, of course, is that cutting with a scalpel is much harder than chopping with a machete. The good news is I managed to do it (and make the deadlines) and I think I’ve become a stronger writer because of it.

3) Freaking out is part of my creative process

While I managed to keep my stress levels in check during most of the writing and editing process, there were a few less-than-glamorous moments and creative melt-downs. As lawyer-hubby oh-so-lovingly put it: “Aw, honey. It’s okay. Freaking out is just part of your creative process.”

If it weren’t so true, I might actually find this fact hilarious.

Honestly, though, I wish my writing process was more normal. I wish I didn’t have to freak out on occasion in order to make the necessary breakthroughs I need to finish a project. I’ve had to accept that I’m not like Stephen King, who cranks out 2,000 come hell or high water. Rather, my process is feast or famine: some days I hammer out 8,000 words, other days I barely squeak by with a few hundred or none at all.

But in the end, my process is what it is. And fighting against it only expends creative energy, energy that I could put to much better use by writing.

4) Working with a publisher is a partnership that only elevates your book

I’ll be honest, I’ve heard countless authors gushing about how amazing their publisher is and I’ve heard just as many horror stories. In my experience, though, I found that the more I brought to the table as the author, the more my publisher would do on my behalf.

Take, for example, the design of the printed book. Writer’s Digest definitely brought their A-game in the cover design and representing the DIY MFA branding. The two-color printing for the book’s interior made the graphic designer in me swoon with joy. And when you page through it, you’ll notice details like how the pen icon points at the page numbers and how the sidebars in the book emulate the sidebar on the website. Writer’s Digest took the DIY MFA brand and translated it impeccably from web to book.

But even before the book reached the design stage, editor Rachel Randall helped me take the monstrosity that was my manuscript and shape it into a finished book where not a single word is wasted. I don’t think I have ever produced anything this tight, this clean, or this polished, and it was thanks to an editor who has an even better eye for detail than I do.

5) Every author needs a Street Team

Perhaps the smartest decision I made in this whole process was assembling a team of readers and reviewers to help me get the word out about this book. Members of this Street Team are in the process of reading and reviewing the book, but many have gone above and beyond the call of duty. Some Street Team members have diligently blogging about the book every single week (or close to it) since the team assembled at the beginning of April. That’s almost ten weeks of continuous blog buzz around this book and it’s only picking up.

At the center of all this has been a mindset shift for me. I no longer think of the book as my book, but as “our book.” Yes, my name might be on the cover, but I have team of close to one hundred people helping me get the word out about this book. I cannot begin to express how grateful I am to these fearless teammates and how much of an honor it is to lead this group of intrepid writers.

Once the book comes out and the Writer’s Digest Conference book-event has come and gone, I will share more insider details about what the Street Team experience really looked like from the inside. Until then, all I can say is that every author needs to assemble a team of allies, to lend support and keep you focused as you near the finish line. It’s easy to lose focus and let impostor syndrome creep in, but whenever I check in at my Street Team Facebook group, I am reminded of why I created DIY MFA in the first place.

Want to see what all the buzz is about?
Click here, to pre-order your very own copy of the DIY MFA book!

The post #5OnFri: Five Things I Learned from Writing and Publishing the DIY MFA Book appeared first on DIY MFA.

Summer is over, and I’m not mourning. I’m a little too busy anticipating the first Chai Tea Latte of the season, sweaters, and cozy writing days. But boy, was this a busy and wonderful few months! Summer is high conference season, and as we prepared for our own writing conference this October, the DIY MFA team was out and about attending and speaking at some of the biggest conferences of the year. Here are five highlights from a summer to remember.

#1) Book Expo America

Gabriela and Bess were both at BEA this year, grabbing all kinds of swag and free books and networking our little hearts out! BEA is a fantastic conference for writers, book bloggers and librarians as well as publishing professionals. It’s also several frenzied days at the massive Javitz Center, and can be a little overwhelming. Luckily, Gabriela is a pro at navigating BEA, and on DIY MFA Radio, she shared her tips to make the most of BEA! She also recapped her 2015 experience. Check it out!

#2) Thrillerfest

This is one of Gabriela’s favorite conferences, and she outlined her reasons for that right here. This was also Emily Wenstrom’s first year attending Thrillerfest. She gave some fantastic recaps, including quotes from industry greats, an in-depth discussion of the industry experts’ opinions on author platforming, and a recap of what several famous authors, including Nelson Demille and Charlaine Harris had to say about the writer’s life.

#3) Romance Writers of America Conference

Robin Lovett attended the Romance Writers of America Conference here in New York City. It was her first major conference, and she was psyched about it! Using the advice of other attendees, she documented how she prepped to get the most out of the conference. She had a fantastic three days of networking and learning, and brought the scoop back to us. Check it out!

#4) Writers Digest

Sara Letourneau and Leanne Sowul both attended the Writers Digest Conference, and Gabriela and I both spoke at it. In fact, Gabriela gave three talks! This was Sara’s first major conference, and she loved it. Lucky for us, she also took good notes. Check out her list of quotes from the fantastic authors in attendance, including Jonathan Maberry and Jacqueline Woodson, and her wrap up of recurring themes that industry experts and writers touched on at the conference.

#5) Writer Igniter Con 2015

Okay, so, this conference hasn’t actually happened yet, but here at DIY MFA we’re already stoked about it! Emily Wenstrom will be teaching a class on social media, and she’s teased what’s in store right here. I’ll be teaching a workshop on one of my favorite topics–the first five pages of your manuscript. Read all about it right here. And look out in the next few weeks for some more info about all the great classes in store, and be sure to secure your spot!

Bess Cozby writes epic stories in expansive worlds from her tiny apartment in New York City. By day, she’s an Editor at Tor Books, and Web Editor for DIY MFA. Her work is represented by Brooks Sherman of the Bent Agency. Tweet her at @besscozby, contact her at bess@diymfa.com, or visit her website at www.besscozby.com.

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We’ve covered literary themes quite a bit here at DIY MFA. Maybe it’s no coincidence that themes would also arise from a literary conference like Writer’s Digest Conference. However, those common threads wove together in a way that the audience returned home with a clearer picture of our art and the industry that comes with it.

Here is a glimpse at some of the themes from WDC 2015, and what authors, agents, and other industry leaders had to say about them.

Don’t Be Afraid of Your Author Platform

Establishing an author platform is recommended for all writers, especially nonfiction writers. A number of presenters stated that if a nonfiction writer has no website, blog, or social media presence, agents and publishers will not consider his proposal.

How can nonfiction writers create an author platform? Author M.J. Rose recommended presenting themselves as subject matter experts and creating a blog focused on their chosen topics. Literary agent Dawn Michelle Hardy extended that concept to social media. She suggested writers to follow authors or other people who complement their area of expertise, and to share content that aligns with one’s interests and provides value to readers in hopes of forming a lasting writer-audience relationship.

At the same time, presenters cautioned against the dangers of relying too heavily on social media statistics. “Twitter followers don’t always translate into book sales,” said literary agent Alec Shane. In other words, just because someone follows you via social media doesn’t mean he or she will buy your book. Shane added that such figures on Twitter, Facebook, and other sites are rarely a deciding factor in book deals for fiction writers.

The most resonant advice on author platforms, however, came from Jessica Strawser, Editor of Writer’s Digest Magazine: “Everything we do online should come from a place of authenticity.” Ultimately, readers are interested in learning more about writers themselves, not only the books. Remember to share bits about your process and non-writing interests, and to show interest in your followers and their feedback.

Be Part of a Writing Community

Other presenters talked about the impacts of a writing community, which is one of the DIY MFA’s core values. DIY MFA Creative Director Gabriela Pereira discussed this at length, emphasizing the importance of networking with writers, finding reliable critique partners, and connecting with readers. Her final reminder was, “You are not alone.” It sounds so simple, but it’s so true. Writers must reach out to others so their writing processes can be a less solitary and more rewarding activity.

Panelists from the popular blog Writer Unboxed also talked about their site’s community. Porter Anderson highlighted the respectful exchange of ideas with blog readers, while Donald Maass credited Writer Unboxed with giving him and other agents a better understanding of writers and their process. Vaughn Roycroft said that Writers Unboxed “kept me from quitting” writing altogether after being disappointed by other, more hostile online groups. All of these points – healthy discussions, the sharing of advice, motivation – are only a pinchful of the benefits of joining a writing community.

No one summed up the need for a writing community better than author Jonathan Maberry during his keynote speech. “Writers should help other writers,” he said. “If more writers help one another, more good books will be written, more good books will be sold, and the publishing industry as a whole will prosper.” If we practice honesty and positivity when interacting with readers and other writers, it can only help make the writing community at large a better place.

Advocate for Your Work – and Yourself

Changes in the publishing industry have placed more responsibility on writers for their books’ marketing. Authors and agents alike shared successful strategies, from getting readers in on the act to finding avenues outside of bookstores for selling your books. And as author Kristen Harnisch revealed, writers never know who they’ll meet or when new promotional opportunities will come along. “You are your best advertiser,” she said. “Always have your elevator pitch ready.”

Besides being their work’s strongest advertiser, writers also need to advocate for themselves. Phil Sexton, Publisher of Writer’s Digest, encouraged attendees to ask as many specific questions as possible once they have a book deal, and to volunteer time to help their publishers with marketing and other efforts. He also cautioned attendees on how to approach publishers during that time. “Be patient and persistent,” he said. “Have an open dialogue with them, but never antagonize them.”

Focus on Your Writing

Above all, presenters at WDC 2015 agreed on one activity that writers should focus on most: writing. And why not? Despite all of the responsibilities that come with the career, writers can only be writers if they make time for their craft.

Two authors in particular reminded attendees to prioritize writing over social media and marketing. “Write more books,” said M.J. Rose. “It’s the hardest thing to do, but it’s going to sell you more books in the end.” Therese Walsh echoed this idea during the Writer Unboxed panel: “Be protective of your time so you can focus on writing. Only give yourself to other efforts if they’re worthy.”

All three keynote speeches also concentrated the trials and triumphs of writing. Jonathan Maberry talked about practicing versatility in writing to learn new things and break out of “pigeonholes,” while Jacqueline Woodson shared some of the inspirations behind her award-winning novels. Tim Johnston offered a humorous, eye-opening view at how he built houses for a living while building his career as an author – a long road that taught him persistence and patience. One of his final points was, “Don’t be in a hurry to publish. Take the time you need to become the writer you want to be.”

If anything, the greatest takeaway from the 2015 Writer’s Digest Conference is that today’s writing career is a balancing act. Not only do writers need to write, but they need to be a jack-of-all-trades in order to navigate the publishing industry with confidence and success. It may sound intimidating, but if writers take a deep breath and learn how to strike the right balance, they can achieve the career they’ve always wanted.

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Sara 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 blog, Facebook, and Twitter.

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Now, I admit that WDC isn’t my first literary conference, and I had an idea of what to expect when I signed up. However, there was something truly magical about this event that I haven’t experienced with others. Here are my five reasons why WDC 2015 was awesome – and why I’m already planning to go back for next year’s edition.

1) Personalizing Your “Track” Through the Conference

This year, Writer’s Digest Conference offered five “tracks” with distinct concentrations:

1. Getting Published, from the various routes of publishing your books (traditional, self-publishing, partner publishing) to e-books and submitting articles for online / print publication
2. Platform & Promotion, covering all aspects of an author platform (social media, blogging) as well as promotion / marketing
3. Craft, with individual classes on character development, story outlines, setting, revisions, and much more
4. The Business of Being an Author, including agent and editor Q&As, author career plans, and writing communities
5. Genre Studies, with each session focusing on a specific genre such as fantasy / science fiction, historical fiction, YA / middle grade, and memoir

With each track represented during each time slot (for a total of five sessions an hour), it was easy for writers to pick a specific track to follow, or try classes from each one. I was one of the “dabblers,” and I’m grateful I took that route. It allowed me to learn more about book marketing, author platforms, and other business aspects without feeling overwhelmed. And, it gave me permission to geek out over my unique interests. I mean, a world-building session by fantasy author N.K. Jemisin? I couldn’t miss that!

2) Applying What I Learned to My Own Career

I keep calling Writer’s Digest Conference a “learning experience” for a good reason: It truly is a learning experience. Many of the sessions inspired the gears to start turning in my head regarding social media, blogging, marketing strategies, and the questions I should ask if and when I’m offered a book deal. Even if you’re still in the drafting or revising stages, it never hurts to discover as much as you can about the publishing industry. Some of those tips and tricks may come in handy down the road.

3) Discovering New Authors to Read and Admire

You can’t go to a literary conference and not buy books, especially if certain presenters floor you. My purchases from Writer’s Digest Conference not only reflect the sessions I enjoyed most, but are also by authors whose works I haven’t read before. Even better, most of WDC 2015’s authors were available for book signings throughout the weekend. That fueled my enthusiasm even more, and made me feel like I carried a treasure trove in my suitcase when I went home.

4) Networking with and Pitching Your Story to Industry Professionals

The word “networking” normally induces chills and cringes for writers. However, it’s a crucial part of literary conferences, and it’s less intimidating that you might think. At Writer’s Digest Conference, attendees could chat with presenters between sessions, during book signings, and at Saturday night’s networking reception. The most coveted networking event, however, was the sold-out Pitch Slam. Here, writers had one hour to pitch their novel to agents and editors who might be interested in reading – and publishing – their work. I didn’t pitch this year, but I spoke to several other attendees who did. Each was encouraged by the feedback they received, and several were elated about hearing the best possible answer (“Yes! Send it to me!”).

Equally as amazing were the moments that might not seem like networking but still open doors of opportunity. One writer spoke with author Jonathan Maberry, who gave the conference’s opening keynote address. Maberry asked the writer to pitch her story to him on the fly. His response? “Here’s my card. Send me your contact information. I know some people who would be interested in your story.” It’s a fantastic example of never knowing what good might come out of unexpected surprises.

5) Meeting Friends New and Old

My decision to attend Writer’s Digest Conference was sealed when Gabriella Pereira, Creative Instigator here at DIY MFA, announced she would be a presenter. Our web editor Bess Cozby and fellow columnist Leanne Sowul were there as well, and it was so rewarding to meet them in person and get to know them better. They weren’t the only attendees I met. I befriended a “line buddy” while waiting to register, exchanged contact cards, and made impromptu plans for meals. For an introvert like myself, it was the closest I’d ever been to being a social butterfly.

Then again, the idea of meeting fellow writers thrills me. Literary events are the perfect places to do just that. Even if you start with a simple “Hello,” it can lead to questions about each other’s projects, personal writing journeys, and then other topics unrelated to our craft. Thanks to WDC, I have new blogging friends and Twitter pals – writers I can now cheer on and maybe see again next year.

I could go on with other reasons why I loved Writer’s Digest Conference 2015. But my point is, if you didn’t go this year, don’t put off signing up for next year’s. It could be one of the best investments you’ll ever make in your writing career. Keep an eye out at the conference’s website for information about 2016’s edition. And who knows? Maybe I’ll see you there!

Did you also attend Writer’s Digest Conference? What did you enjoy most about your experience? Leave a comment below, or tweet us at @DIYMFA and @SaraL_Writer using the hashtags #5onFri and #WDC15.

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Sara 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 blog, Facebook, and Twitter.

The post #5onFri: Five Reasons Why Writer’s Digest Conference 2015 Was Awesome appeared first on DIY MFA.

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 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 blog, Facebook, and Twitter.

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This morning, I’d like to talk about a common feature at writing conferences–pitch sessions. These are a fantastic way to get face to face time with an agent or editor, pitch your book and get immediate feedback. It may be a request for pages or a rejection, but either way, it’s valuable information that will help you hone your book and your pitch. I’m such a big fan of pitch sessions that I didn’t think I could cover the full scope of it in one post, so I’ve broken it down into two. This week, I’m going to highlight the top five reasons you should take advantage of pitch sessions, and in a few weeks, I’ll be talking through five tips to make sure your pitch is perfect.

Five Reasons to Attend a Pitch Session

1) Creating a Pitch is Valuable to Your Writing Process

Kent Bridgeman has discussed this at some length in his marketing column, and I can’t agree enough: crafting a pitch is an important part of the writing process. In his seminal structure book, Save the Cat, Blake Snyder argues that you should develop a logline before you write a word. Not every writer likes to craft a pitch that early, but I do think it’s a valuable exercise at some point, whether it’s before you’ve begun, when you’re in the trenches or after you finish. I actually like to do all three, because I find that it helps me stay focused on the core of my story.  A pitch boils your plot down to its essence: In V world, X character wants Y, and is thwarted by Z.

In a tyrannical future America, Katniss wants to protect her family, but to do so must survive a televised fight to the death. 

Being able to boil your story down to these three points will help you as a writer to stay on track. It’s something you can refer back to if you ever feel like you’re getting off course.

2) It’s Also Valuable to Your Marketing Strategy

A fiction writer’s marketing strategy is rather straight-forward: you’re trying to sell your story. But doing that can be a lot harder than it seems. We’ve all been faced with the dreaded question: What’s your book about? Having a well-honed pitch gives you a ready answer, no matter who’s asking the question. The rest of a book’s marketing comes out of this, from the query letter to the copy on the back of the book. It starts with a pitch, so having one that’s strong is an absolute necessity.

3) Face Time With Editors and Agents is Priceless

Here’s the problem: there’s just no way to know if your pitch works until you try it out on people. You can practice on your family and friends, and often get good feedback. That’s doubly true with writing friends. But what could possibly be of more value than a real-time, face-to-face reaction from an expert in the industry? Agents and editors hear pitches all the time. Seeing what their reaction is to yours can be . . . well, terrifying, but also incredibly useful. Often, at pitch sessions, editors and agents will give feedback, letting you know what worked and what didn’t. And you can use that to make your pitch even stronger.

4) You Could Just Score a Book Deal

At most pitch conferences writers receive either feedback, a rejection, or a request for pages from an agent or editor. All three are valuable. Of course, the third is the outcome we’re all looking for. If an agent likes the pages, he might request more. This could lead to an offer of representation and a book deal. It truly does happen. The thing is, though, that the same is true of simply querying. You could “pitch” an agent through a query letter and end up on the same path. So while a book deal might be the end-goal, pitch fests aren’t the only path to it. I personally think the real value in a pitch session is in how it helps you to hone one of the most valuable tools in a writer’s arsenal: the pitch itself.

5) Pitch-Crafting is a Process

Jumping off that last point, no matter what the outcome of a pitch session, whether you’re getting a bajillion requests or none at all, being open and responsive to feedback will ultimately help you, your writing and your book. You’ll leave the pitch fest with a plan to make your pitch stronger. As writers, we are all going to be faced with the question: what are you writing about? The first questioner will be the book itself, asking “What the hell am I?” A writer has to be able to answer that question to craft a good story. And once the story is crafted (and usually while the writing is happening!), people will be asking the same question. Then agents. Then editors. Then the sales force at your publishing company. The marketers. The publicists. The book sellers. Then, ultimately, the readers. A pitch makes the journey from pitch session to the back cover of your book. Pitch sessions are another way that you can make yours as perfect as possible.

Have you ever done a pitch session? What did you find valuable about it? Let us know in the comment, or tweet us using the hashtag #5OnFri!

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This is one of the best conferences around, and I’ve been to A LOT of conferences so that’s saying something. To give you an idea of how much I love this event, in 2012 I braved the January snow to go to this conference while *ahem* 9 months pregnant. In all fairness I live in NYC so all it meant was taking a cab crosstown, but still that’s how badly I wanted to go.

What I love about Writer’s Digest is that it inspires action. Every time I leave this conference I’m pumped and motivated to get to work on my writing. I always get tons of practical advice and actionable tips, but also just enough inspiration to push me to follow through. In a way, you could say I’m the poster child of what a writer can achieve through this event. After all, it was at Writer’s Digest 2011 where I met one of my mentors and got that first push I needed to start DIY MFA.

Why Attend a Conference?

Time and money are invaluable to everyone, but most especially to writers. So many of us struggle to fit writing around day-jobs as well as family, friends and other obligations. Even full-time writers find it’s a tug-of-war to get words on the page. This is one of the reasons I founded DIY MFA–as a way to make writing work on your time and budget, because not everyone can take out two years to attend an MFA program.

Still, there’s one thing that MFA programs still have going for them and that’s the community aspect. As writers on the do-it-yourself track, it can be hard to find like-minded friends who understand what this writing life is all about. It’s also a challenge to meet people in the book industry like agents, editors and industry pros who can help you make that publishing dream a reality.

Conferences are a great way to supplement your writing life and help you make those important connections. Here’s a few reasons why:

1. Meet other writers — Conferences usually draw people from all over the United States and, indeed, the world. You’ll find other writers in your genre, at your level, and from your area. It’s a great way to swap stories, exchange advice and maybe meet your next critique partner! I myself have met several writers at the Writer’s Digest Conference who have become trusted colleagues and close friends.
2. Meet professionals — At writing conferences, agents, editors and writing experts teach the classes so you can hear straight from the experts. The speakers also mingle with writers at lunch and in-between sessions. Conferences are a great way to meet the speakers and make connections, whether you’re just starting out, looking for an agent or marketing your published book.
3. Learn — Conferences have so many classes to choose from and Writer’s Digest is no exception! Many conferences have different tracks, for fiction writers, non-fiction writers, new writers, experienced authors and everyone in-between. You can craft the perfect learning experience and focus on only the topics that apply to you.
4. Be Inspired — We are often toiling alone at our desks. Writing conferences are a great way to step away, draw inspiration from other writers, and refuel. You’ll leave bursting with new ideas and a new drive to write.

Why the Writer’s Digest Conference?

Writer’s Digest is a particularly fabulous conference for many reasons. Here’s three particular to this year:

1. Eight New York Times Bestselling authors — Harlan Coben, Kimberla Lawson Robey, Jacquelyn Mitchard, Dani Shapiro, Cheryl St. John, Dan Hampton, Barry Lyga and Hugh Howey will be speaking at the conference this year.
2. Four Different Tracks — There’s something for every writer. Getting Published, Platform and Promotion, Craft and Self-Publishing. You can plan your schedule to best suit your needs and only attend sessions that are relevant to you. At the same time, I strongly recommend going to one session in each track, to give yourself a well-rounded conference experience.
3. The Pitch Slam — This is Writer’s Digest’s signature event. More than 50 agents and editors are slated to be on hand scouting for new talent. This is chance for you to get face-time with an industry professional and talk about your book. Even if you’re not ready to be published, it’s a great chance to practice and hone your pitch.

On a personal note: I pitched the DIY MFA book concept at this conference in 2012 and it was the overwhelming response that gave me the confidence to approach my current agent with the proposal. Even if you don’t find your agent during the Pitch Slam, it’s a fantastic way to get fast feedback on your concept and get a sense of whether you’re going in the right direction.  It’s also great practice for talking about your book, which is something you’ll have to do a lot once you’re published.

If you’re going to the Writer’s Digest Conference, don’t miss my session on the Seven Steps to Stronger Middle Grade and YA Novels. Even if you don’t write children’s books or YA, the 7 Steps will totally apply. Also, leave a comment below letting me know you’ll be there so I can look for you. I LOVE meeting other writers!

Also, as a special bonus for DIY MFA readers, if you sign up using my code, WDSPEAKER when you register, you can save an extra $50.

Hope to see you there!

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