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To Conference or Not to Conference
3
Mar
09
Debra Webb Icon

I remember when I first joined an RWA chapter and heard about the conferences–there would be editors there!  Imagine, getting to talk to the actual people who had the power to buy your work and publish it! This was a dream come true. My very first conference was an RWA national conference in Orlando. I was so excited! I signed up for every editor appointment allowed. During the conference I even showed up at the appointment desk to take any leftovers that no one else needed. All total I believe I met with 7 editors during that conference. The workshops were amazing. I got to hear the authors I idolized speak about the business. It was truly an awesome time. And my seven-year-old got to do Disney World with her dad.

Over the years I’ve attended many, many conferences. RWA national many times. The Romantic Times convention which is coming up next month. And lots of great chapter conferences like Georgia Romance Writers Moonlight & Magnolias and the spring conference hosted by the Smoky Mountain Romance Writers. More recently I joined the International Thriller Writers and attended Thrillerfest. And there are so many others I want to attend! There is no end to the marvelous things to do and the phenomenal learning opportunities at these professional gatherings.

First and foremost, for me, the conferences are an opportunity to learn what’s going on in the publishing industry. Particularly at RWA’s national conference since most publishers host a “highlights” session which is a tremendous opportunity to get information straight from the horse’s mouth–so to speak. RT also has a similar offering at their convention.  Secondly, it provides the time and venue for catching up with dear friends from all over the country. Most of us spend the day-to-day grind tucked away in our offices pounding the keys. We don’t get that daily or even weekly interaction between co-workers and the whole pat on the back thing almost never happens. Then once or twice a year we go to conferences and–if we’re lucky–someone representing our publishing house is there. Then, during a nice lunch or dinner she/he will tell us how wonderful we are. Thirdly, we learn from our friends and many of the workshop speakers what’s going on in their careers.  Obstacles and problems they’ve run into and had to overcome. The sharing of experiences can be helpful in preparing yourself for what to expect as you move into a similar situation. Or what to avoid if possible. Finally, conferences are an opportunity to dress up and feel like we’re actually a part of a business world. It’s all very good.

Another thing I enjoy is meeting new people. Many times they’ve read my work for the first time. Particularly at the Romantic Times convention I have the pleasure of meeting lots and lots of readers.  With all that in mind, you might ask, then why not go to as many conferences as possible? What’s to decide? Two things: time and money. Far more often than not, it’s the latter. Conferences can be expensive. Last year we had just moved into this ancient house and were overwhelmed with “stuff” that absolutely had to be done and there was just no money to go to conferences. And I suffered withdrawals! I also wonder if it hurt my career–just a little. That might seem silly, but think about it. At the larger conferences there are many hundreds, sometimes a couple or so thousand people. As published authors part of our job is to keep our names out there to the extent possible. Maintain a presence. So I kind of felt like I’d fallen down on the job last year. And although I interact with my agent and editor through email and the occasional phone call, it’s not like sitting down face-to-face and having a talk. I very much missed that part. Did ignoring that opportunity put me on a back burner in their minds? I don’t know about that, but I can tell you that the no-conference thing is not happening this year. I’m going to RT and RWA and a couple other smaller conferences and I’m excited!

With all that said, let’s discuss whether or not you feel conferences are worth the cost. Do you learn from the experience or feel like your career gets a boost from being “present”?

This entry was posted on Tuesday, March 3rd, 2009 at 6:03 am and is filed under Debra Webb. Tags: . You can feed this entry. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

Debra Webb, born in Alabama, wrote her first story at age nine and her first romance at thirteen. It wasn’t until she spent three years working for the military behind the Iron Curtain—and a five-year stint with NASA—that she realized her true calling. A collision course between suspense and romance was set.

35 comments to “To Conference or Not to Conference”

  1. 1

    I love conferences and found some of my best friends at these events–people I never would’ve been brave enough to approach if we hadn’t all been sitting around a table or (like in the first Thrillerfest), huddled together in a crowded cocktail party. Some of the best advice I’ve ever learned came as a direct result of conferences, and I know I’ve ended up having very positive career things happen every single time I’ve gone to one. (RWA, RT, and Thrillerfest.)

    That said, they’re very expensive, like you said, so what a conference can do for a person has to be weighed and balanced against what it will take away — that money and time. Timing makes a big difference, too, I think. There are some conferences which are great for brand new writers, but there are some conferences that are more reader-based, and so having a couple of books under one’s belt can help.

    by Toni McGee Causey March 3rd, 2009 at 7:49 am
  2. 2

    The one must go to conference for me each year is RWA National. I would sell a body part to attend. At the last four conferences, I have gone to a combined 4 workshops, one i gave, one my agent and allison gave, and two others were to support friend presenters. i go to see my agent, editor, freinds and hang out. I meet new folks all of the time, and renew other relationships. Like my stories, it’s all about the characters. so where else could I meet so many unique ones?

    by Karin Tabke March 3rd, 2009 at 10:49 am
  3. 3

    Deb,
    How timely your post is. I haven’t missed a conference in years but am thinking of skipping this year. Time and money issues are part of it. Of course you reminded me of what I miss.
    i will be at RT though and am considering flying to LA for the 2nd part in a screenwriting class!
    If I do decide not to go though, I plan to fly to NY to see my editor and agent sometime!
    Am enjoying FIND ME!
    Rita

    by Rita Herron March 3rd, 2009 at 11:40 am
    • 3.1

      Thanks, Rita! I look forward to seeing you at RT! I sure hope you’ll make RWA, I know how I regretted not being able to attend last year!

      by Debra Webb March 5th, 2009 at 7:19 am
  4. 4

    I’ve met some of my best friends at conferences (you, included, Deb). As the TV ads would say: Priceless.

    To me, the freindships are the biggest reason to go. This spring I’ll get to chat with long-time pals at RT and meet wonderful new people at Malice Domestic (conference for writers of cozy mysteries).

    Do fans miss us when we don’t attend? Maybe. Several years ago, I dropped out for a while to take care of my sick mother. When I returned to the conference circuit, I heard a rumor that I was dead.” At least they noticed my absence!

    by Peggy Webb March 3rd, 2009 at 11:40 am
  5. 5

    I love the RWA National Conference! The first years, I went to workshops. Now I only attend a few selected workshops. I go now to network, put faces to names, meet with my editor, agent and other publishing professinals, and just hang out. I do think it’s worth it if you enjoy it!

    That said, I’m probably not going this year which really bums me out.

    by Jen Lyon March 3rd, 2009 at 1:29 pm
  6. 6

    My career doesn’t get a boost, but my writing enthusiasim gets a kick in the pants.

    Love conferences. Love putting faces to people I’ve met online. I love it when people look at you and then look at your name tag, and you see the recognition click in their expression.

    I’m cramming Thrillerfest in NY and RWA in DC back to back this year. Like Karin said, it’s going to cost me a body part, but I can’t wait! I’ve never been to NY and it’s been forever for DC.

    by Kendra March 3rd, 2009 at 2:34 pm
  7. 7

    This will be my first RWA. l have to admit that I’m excited and scared spitless, too. I’m looking forward to meeting people face-to-face and I hope to do some serious networking while I’m there, and pick up a few classes that will help a new-to-being-published but agentless noob. I’d considered going to RT but that will probably wait until next year when I actually have a book or two to hawk.

    Someday, I’d love to go to New Orleans for Heather’s conference, too! It’s on the wish list. :)

    Ask this question again after Nationals, Deb, when I have a better idea of things.

    by Silver James March 3rd, 2009 at 3:13 pm
  8. 8

    I’m late checking in today — but does the fact that I’m catching up after returning from a conference make it OK? I was at SleuthFest, and I’ve been attending that one for 5 years now. It’s a smaller, more intimate conference and I love it because everyone there is so willing to help. The Big Names never seem to mind helping those who are still learning the ropes. I still look over my shoulder when someone asks me a question – they can’t be asking me for advice, can they?

    I’ll be going to my first RT (hard to stay away since it’s 3 miles from my house). If I could afford the time and money, I’d try to get to a whole lot more. The networking is fantastic, and the energy is palpable. And now, when times are tough, the support is uplifting.

    by Terry Odell March 3rd, 2009 at 5:42 pm
    • 8.1

      How was Sleuthfest?? I would love to go to that sometime. I look forward to seeing you at RT, Terry!

      by Debra Webb March 3rd, 2009 at 7:11 pm
      • 8.1.1

        It was fantastic. The organizers really go the extra mile to try to make sure everything runs smoothly. I’ll be posting recaps on my blog. Publisher Neil Nyren had some interesting things to say about the industry and branding (I posted that one Monday.)

        On the down side, I have to stop eating for about a week because I ate so much. Look forward to seeing you at RT too.

        by Terry Odell March 4th, 2009 at 3:58 am
  9. 9

    I love RWA Nationals. The amount of energy that gets mainlined to my veins during that one July week is staggering. Plus, I get to see my agent, editor, online friends, editor friends–it’s a must. I love to hear all the buzz about what books are coming out, trends rising and falling, etc. Let’s hope this year isn’t all doom and gloom! Publishing in general may be in trouble, but romance/mass market is what’s keeping it afloat. We should all be proud and excited!

    by Louisa Edwards March 4th, 2009 at 6:03 am
  10. 10

    For me, conference is all about networking and hearing what the editors are currently looking for. I’ve met published and unpublished authors who have become great friends. It’s also the chance to see friends who live miles away and the only communication is through email.

    Meeting editors and agents who at this time might not represent what I write is still to me crucial. You never know when one day you may write for their line and having already met them can be great for your career. Besides, they enjoy meeting people who simply just want to say hi, are you enjoying yourself. Sometimes that makes the biggest impression.

    Yes, there are great workshops as well, and I do attend some of them (not a lot of them though), my local chapter has amazing author’s who give great workshops so unless it’s someone who’s writing style I really want to hear about I choose other things to attend.

    by Vicki March 4th, 2009 at 1:25 pm