Attend Conferences

​One of the best activities an aspiring author can do is attend conferences. Conferences can vary significantly. Some are huge, and some are intimate. Many are geared towards writing whereas others are focused on literacy.  
 
Below, I have listed what I consider to be some of conference’s greatest benefits:
 
Increase Skills
Most conferences have lectures or working sessions designed to improve skills. These skills could run the gamut from structuring your novel to developing your social media platform.
 
Pitch Sessions
Some conferences offer pitch sessions where you can meet several prospective agents or editors in a short period of time and present your manuscript’s pitch. Many authors have found great success taking this route rather than the traditional query approach.
 
Network
Conferences are an excellent way to meet authors, agents, and editors. You may get to mingle with authors you have admired for years and get a book signed. You can also meet people who may become your future beta readers or a likeminded person to reach out to when you need encouragement.
 
Inspiration
It is hard to leave a conference without feeling inspired to keep writing and feel that you are part of a great industry.
 
Two weeks ago, I attended my first conference, the Children’s Literacy Conference in Bellingham, WA. Although it was geared to a broader audience than just authors—I was seated between a librarian and a teacher—I listened to four established authors speak. I heard their stories, their struggles, and advice. I left motivated to get back to my computer to keep working.
 
I look forward to the Pacific Northwest Writers Conference in July, which will have a different focus.
 
I encourage you to research the conferences coming to your area. Or if you have the time and money, make a trip of it.
 
Thank you for reading this post. I hope you found it helpful.