Reasons to Attend a Writing Day Workshop Conference
Today, October 14, 2024, is a very special anniversary. One year ago, I last-minute attended a Writing Day Workshop and pitched my book to the lovely Andie Smith, who is now my literary agent.
The day before, my friend stumbled across an X post from Andie advertising that she would be taking pitches at the virtual Seattle Writing Day Workshop (WDW) conference the next day. Something about her profile and MSWL just felt right, so I emailed the coordinator for the conference and asked if I could still sign up. I attended the WDW conference that day and the next, and pitched Andie via Zoom. We hit it off. I sent in my query the next week. She requested my full manuscript three days later. I signed with her in March 2024.
I would not be where I am today as a writer without WDW. Since 2017, I’ve attended several conferences (both in-person and online) and each had a huge impact on my journey.
I’m a tremendous supporter of these conferences, for various reasons. If you can attend, I highly recommend it. Here’s why.
Reasons to Attend a WDW Conference
Pitch agents. I first met my agent through a virtual WDW pitch, but that’s not the only end goal. Even if a pitch doesn’t work out, you can still gain immensely valuable insight and feedback about your story that you simply wouldn’t get from a cold query. Plus, if you have extra time, you can ask the agents other questions!
Improve your writing. Whether you’re querying or drafting a novel for the first time, there’s so much to learn at the craft sessions.
Discover unexpected opportunities. In spring 2017, as an undergraduate student at the University of Washington in Seattle, I heard about the in-person WDW workshop in Seattle and wanted to try pitching an agent live. I found an agent on the attendee list that I was excited about, and decided to attend. I saved up my money for the conference and pitching fee, sorted through my closet for a blazer, and then rode the bus across town to the event hotel. While my pitch to the agent didn’t stick, she was impressed with my passion and determination and asked if I’d be interested in an internship with her. I eagerly accepted. At that time, the agency didn’t have interns or an intern program. Though disappointed about a closed door for my manuscript, I was thrilled that my courage to pitch led to an open window. As I interned, I saw the slush pile for myself and learned so much about the industry.
Make writing friends. Writing is lonely. These in-person conferences are a great way to make new writing friends—and ones that are likely to live in your area!
Learn how to market yourself and your books. WDW conferences also include tips and tricks about marketing for every stage of the writing journey.
Demystify the publishing industry. It’s no secret that the publishing industry is confusing and secretive, until you’re in the process yourself. WDW conferences have great sessions and panels where agents help demystify the process and give you an opportunity to ask questions.
Tips If You Attend
Ask questions. Don’t be afraid to ask questions during panels. Having Q&A time with agents is such a rare chance not to be wasted!
Submit your work to included contests. I know it’s scary, but submit to Writer’s Got Talent if you feel up to it. The first page of a story is so important. Getting yours reviewed by a panel of agent judges is an incredible opportunity.
Take notes. This may seem obvious, but don’t forget to take good notes. I still refer to the query structure I learned from a conference.
Sign up for extras, if you are able. If possible, pitch agents or get your query, first ten-pages, etc., reviewed by the team. It’s a great opportunity to get feedback from professionals you can trust.
Tips for Attending In-Person
Bring a business card. This doesn’t have to be anything fancy. Print business cards at your local printing store, or you can simply write out your email or social media handles on sticky notes and have those ready to give out! Regardless, come with something prepared to quickly distribute when you make friends.
Wear what makes you feel comfortable. I stressed about finding my most business professional clothes—you don’t need to do that! Wear what makes you feel comfortable and confident (though for me that’s a blazer haha).
Be brave—make friends! Don’t be afraid to walk up to strangers and introduce yourself. Ask to join folks at lunch or on breaks. You already know you have something in common (a love of writing!) so you might as well make a new friend. Many people attend alone and would love the company.
Pack lunch. Lunch can sometimes be hard to get at the venue, so bringing your own food helps save time and money while giving you more opportunity to connect with attendees and staff.
THANK YOU’S
This post would not be complete without thanking the wonderful folks mentioned in this journey. Thank you Chuck and Brian for organizing incredible conferences. Thank you to Adria Goetz, Sharlene Martin, and everyone at Martin Literary Management who gave me the opportunity of a lifetime in taking me on as an intern in 2017-2018. Thank you to the agents I pitched this spring, both in-person and virtually—thank you for your compassion and kindness. Thank you to the friends I made at these conferences and to the folks who let me sit with them so I wasn’t alone. And finally, thank you Andie, for taking a chance on me and for turning that pitch into a dream come true.
