Are Conferences Worth the Effort?

Literary Agent Jenny Bent recently posted her opinion of writers' conferences, including how to make the most of pitches. Authors like Debra Webb wonder if such conferences are worth the effort to begin with, and Barbara D'Amato even ponders the question if mystery conferences are in decline. If after all is said and done, you decide to go anyway, then consider the thoughts of Katharine A. Russell on what you should do when you return from an event to keep the ball rolling and use your experiences to jump-start your career.

Of course, summer is the peak period for writers' conferences, as you can see from this blog's Upcoming Conferences listing, and fortunately most of them are soldiering on during the recession. Up next, this weekend:  the International Festival of the Roman Noir, and Deadly Ink.

Comments

[R. T.]

Martin Edwards and others had quite a bit to say about writer's conferences/conventions a few weeks ago. It's worth taking a look at that discussion: Conferences - For and Against

[R. T.]

Here is the URL for Edwards' comments:
http://doyouwriteunderyourownname.blogspot.com/2009/05/conventions-for-and-against.html

[BV Lawson]

Thanks, R.T.! Martin's posts are always enjoyable to read.