Tip: A Word About Writers' Conferences

You've seen my guarded cautions about contests - some are reputable and perfectly fine, but you want to guard against scams and rackets. Some pals of mine have been going to writer's conferences lately, and it makes me feel that these cautions bear repeating about conferences, too.

It may be that you just want to go to a conference to workshop a story, novel, or poem, and that's fine. Many people, however, go to meet agents and editors. Here's what I would advise: check out the writer's conference you are applying or going to. See how many actual agents and/or editors will really be attending. Find out what your access to them is - do you actually get some one-on-one or small group time with them, will they merely be speakers? If there is a panel, how many questions will they be taking? Many conferences advertise the agents and editors who will attend. Check them out on the Web or on Publishers Marketplace. Do they sell/buy in the field you are writing in? (One thing I will say is that LOTS of agents seem to go to the yearly writer's conference in Maui - well, wouldn't you?)

Even if you are only going for workshops, check those out too. How big will they be? What is the prevailing "tone"? (Take no prisoners, encouraging, bloodfest?) Will they include some sort of moderator or guide, such as a published writer or writing teacher?

Some writer's conferences sound very alluring because they take place in lovely, exotic locales - and some of those may be great. But ask these questions first, and don't be seduced. You want to go to a conference that will really do you some good.

Good luck, always!