You walk into the room. The door closes behind you. There’s no turning back. The agent is waiting for you. They are sitting at a table and look up to smile. They nod for you to come forward and say, “Hello.” You take one step, then another. It feels like you’re running the gauntlet. I know. I’ve run the gauntlet myself. And I’m here to tell you it’s not a gauntlet at all. It’s a writing conference. It’s a pitch session. You’ve written a book. That’s fantastic. And yet you’re nervous.

That’s perfectly natural, but perfectly unnecessary. If you’re nervous in that room, admit it. Agents won’t be surprised. In fact, if you admit it, most will take agents will take it as their cue to put you at ease.

This is not an antagonistic proposition. Most agents go to writing conferences because they want to be there. No one forces agents to attend. No one forces them to listen to you pitch your work. This is not jury duty for them. Agents attend conferences because they need to discover new writers in order to grow their business. Sure, some of them have horror stories to tell. But that’s because occasionally a monster shows up. You don’t want to be that monster.

Be tactful. Be prepared. Know your genre. Make sure you can describe your intended audience (succinctly). Know your comparative titles. Know what you bring fresh to the genre. What makes your book the same but also different? Know your word count. That might sound obvious, but don’t overlook anything. Stay on topic. Don’t ramble. Avoid tangents. Show that you’ve come prepared to answer questions, and answer them concisely. Stay focused. A focused author = a focused book.

Assuming you’ve done your research (and this is my not-so-subtle attempt to remind you to do your research), you will only be pitching agents who represent your genre. Don’t waste your time or their time pitching agents who don’t. You’re not going to twist their arm. You’re not going to prompt some sudden literary epiphany that transforms Ms. Nonfiction Agent to Ms. Fiction Agent.

It. Will. Not. Happen.

And. I. Never. Write. This. Way.

Besides, why waste your time and money pitching an agent who doesn’t represent what you write?

Remember, while you’re an authority on your story, and you should be, you are not an authority on publishing. Leave that to the agents and editors and trust that they know more than you about the business potential of your book. It is a business. And not an easy one. They’re experts at navigating the business. If they’re any good at what they do, they constantly study the market, and they should know how much potential your book has to sell to a publisher. Don’t expect them to mince words about that. They shouldn’t mince words. They should be brutally, but tactfully, honest.

As honest as you should expect agents to be, know that on the flip side (the flip side is just as important), this is all very subjective. Opinions vary. One agent might love your work; another agent might tell you that you’d have a great career selling light bulbs. The same agent who loves espionage one day might be sick of it two months later. You just never know. But consider this: When it comes to opinions, take what resonates with you and leave the rest. Be open and receptive. You’ve paid for this time. Get the most out of it. Really, really listen. You might just get some constructive advice that will turn your book into a blockbuster. Or you might get advice that’ll make your head spin. No advice should make your head spin. To that advice, simply let the voice in your head say, “Thanks, but no thanks.” But never, ever argue. When you hear something you don’t like, simply nod and reply with a neutral expression. Say something like, “I never thought of that.” Or, “That’s interesting. I’ll have to think of that.” If you think you have the time to have a constructive conversation about the negative feedback, do so. Begin with, “I’m sorry the book’s not working for you. Do you have any other suggestions? What do you think I should do next?”

Only a jerk will argue over negative feedback. Don’t be a jerk. Word gets around. Agents talk.

You want to stand out? Stand out with your writing and your professionalism. Don’t do stand-up comedy. Don’t dress as a cat if your book is about cats. Don’t arrive drunk. And if your novel takes place at a nudist colony, well, never mind; if you need advice about that, you should ask for your deposit back. Most agents don’t care how kooky you are. You may think you’re colorful; they may think you’re too much to handle. Be yourself, but be a grown-up. Be professional. Seriously. After all, you are pitching yourself as an author. There’s no time in the publishing world for unprofessional writers. Agents aren’t just assessing your book; they’re assessing you. They’re looking for clients who are easy to work with, open to feedback, amenable, serious, dedicated, and genuinely talented. They’re avoiding clients who are monsters. You might have written the next Gone Girl or Harry Potter, but if you’re a monster, chances are you’ve blown the audition.

Remember that icky part I mentioned about this being a business? Prepare for your pitch as if you’re going to a business meeting. Be ready to talk about what you can do to market and promote your book. Because unless you’ve been living under a rock, you probably know most publishers do little to promote your book for you. No one understands this. We wring our hands and shake our heads, but the reality is that writers today have to do more self-promotion than ever. It wouldn’t hurt to have a brief marketing plan ready to hand the agent. If nothing else, that will make him/her smile. It’s one less reality check they’ll have to do later if they sign you.

Stay on the fine side of the line. Be enthusiastic and passionate, but don’t oversell. Be warm and personable, but don’t be too chummy. Be confident, but not cocky. Don’t tell jokes or talk politics. You’re not in the position to understand an agent’s sense of humor or know his/her politics. And even if you do know an agent’s politics, why waste your time and money talking about something other than your book?

“Don’t kiss ass,” my agent warns. “The ego agents aside, it makes most of us cringe.”

I pitched my agent at a writing conference. She’s seen the best and the worst. She’s seen it all. And she had some very good advice about keeping it real:

“If I hear a writer say ‘This is going to be bigger than War and Peace’ or ‘This book is going to make you a millionaire’ or ‘My mother/spouse/best friend/gardener loved it,’ that is agent code for ‘This book sucks.’ And never say, ‘fiction novel.’ I will get up from the table and not come back.”

Finally, let’s talk self-care. Get a good night’s sleep before your pitch. That might feel unlikely, but keep in mind that, when tomorrow comes, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. It’s all just part of the process and there will be plenty of opportunities to pitch agents regardless of what happens tomorrow. Take a walk in the morning. Have a good breakfast. Sing in the shower. Dance while you towel off. Look at yourself in the mirror. You’re a writer. You’ve finished your book. You believe in your book. You’re stronger than you know. You’ve got this.

In WD University’s 12 Weeks to a First Draft, you will tackle the steps to writing a book, learn effective writing techniques along the way, and of course, begin writing your first draft. Register today!

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Later this week, the WD team will be in New York City for the 2019 Annual Writer’s Digest Conference. In addition to the Writer’s Digest staff, there will be many other familiar faces, including artist Bob Eckstein, who will be covering the event for LitHub.com.

Bob Eckstein is an award-winning bestselling author and illustrator and New Yorker cartoonist. In addition to covering the event, he will be signing copies of his new book, The Ultimate Cartoon Book of Book Cartoons by the World’s Greatest Cartoonists.

Here’s a quick Q&A with Eckstein about his previous experience with the conference, what his goals are this year, and how first timers can get the most out of their experience.

You’ll be returning to the Writer’s Digest Annual Conference in 2019. How many times will this be for you?

This will be only my second one. The first time I didn’t know what to expect and, besides, I was just focused on my job of live-drawing and reporting the event. But starting on the first day, a writing class with Jacob Kruger, I was so captivated I forgot why I was there and just soaked it in. I walked away thinking I want to rewrite everything I ever wrote up until that point. The conference, literally, pun intended, recharged my career.

I began a whole new aspect to my career, screenwriting, and it got me very excited about writing again. That’s why I begged to come back. I’m sorry I haven’t been coming for years. But I’m a very late bloomer.

(Click here to read the confessions of a late bloomer.)

What are you anticipating the most for the 2019 WD Conference?

In all honesty, my own book signing. I know that answer will sound bad but I am so flattered that my book is in the conference bookstore that this is a big deal for me and I don’t know what to expect yet from the classes. I know when it is all said and done one of the classes will be the highlight of the conference and set me off on new goals for my writing.

How do you plan to spend your time at the 2019 conference?

It will be a frantic conference for me, because I hop from class to class and try to capture the vibe everywhere and then tweet about it (follow hashtag #WDC19 and @WritersDigest), take notes and illustrate what I see.

I’m going to be drawing portraits of the speakers and the attendees and tweet quotes and jokes. I will try to mingle with people and use some of that, too. I have live-drawn ABAs, book fair, and other events and, on rare occasion, someone will get mad at me. This conference is as warm and supportive as any I’ve been to.

I will be signing books, enjoy the reception and observe Pitch Slam. Last year, I participated in Pitch Slam so I could really experience it. This year, I will not waste a spot realizing how important this is to others.

(Click here to see the editors and agents who will be at Pitch Slam.)

What’s your best advice for a first-time Writer’s Digest Conference attendee?

As for the Pitch Slam, let me add this is not the end all but a learning experience. Everyone at the conference is going to ask you, “What’s your book about?” Use that opening with complete strangers to practice the 10-second elevator pitch that you’ll need for Pitch Slam. Take a deep breath and start your exchange with the agents with a friendly greeting instead of diving in like a salesman. People want to work with people they like. There are people in this business who I know like me, and that’s that, in the same way I know there are some who don’t like me, and that happens. So make eye contact and a warm greeting is always smart.

Finally, enjoy the fact you are going to be part of a select group of people that are passionate about books and writing. Other than that no other advice is needed. Just soak it in. As I’ve told my writing friends, this is a conference I encourage all in this business to attend.

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The 2019 Writer’s Digest Annual Conference is right around the corner so we asked some of our speakers to share their favorite writing tips. Some of their advice come from their experience as writers or agents, and for others, it might be some favorite words of wisdom they received from someone else. Either way, what you read here is the very tip of the iceberg of what you’ll learn from them at the conference.

Never stop writing at the end of a scene or chapter. Stop midway through even though you know you know what comes next and could finish. It makes it that much easier to start again tomorrow and get into the flow of writing again. – Christine Conradt

Tosca Lee once told me to write the first draft like nobody will read it. That really takes the pressure off. Some of my favorite fighting advice also applies to writing. As my Brazilian coach said in his hard accent, “Nobody care you a tired! You keep a da fighting!” And, that’s true. Nobody cares how hard the writing process is. Nobody cares that your family has eaten Cheerios for dinner three nights in a row and that your house looks like it threw up because you are locked in a room writing for who knows how many hours a day. No. Body. Do it. Get it done. Don’t make excuses. Don’t wait for inspiration. “Keep a da fighting!” – Carla Hoch

Persist. Talent is no guarantee of success; persistence is. You can learn to be a better writer. You can write more drafts, take more classes, query more agents. If you persist at what you need to do to become a published author, you will succeed. – Jordan Rosenfeld

Never fall in love with your first draft. Too many people with great ideas end up settling on an early draft when they really need to keep revising their story. I remember revising the first chapter to one of my books more than 50 times. It was brutal, but essential. That opening chapter remains one of the most powerful I’ve ever written. – Steven James

Make time for your art because no one will. Even if you have to steal ten minutes a day, make sure you help grow your gift. – Lilliam Rivera

Elmore Leonard’s brilliant “Try to leave out the part that readers tend to skip.” I always rework that into “Skip the boring parts.” It’s so easy to implement, too: If you find yourself struggling, if writing a scene feels like lifting a heavy object over your head, ask yourself if you’re bored, if you’re writing it just because you think you have to. If the answer is yes, skip it. – Jeff Somers

It depends on what day you ask me! But in the thick of a draft or a revision, I think my favorite advice comes from Patricia Cornwell: To treat your writing like a relationship, not a job. – Jessica Strawser

Here are the three that guide my writing process: 1. Keep the reader reading. 2. Don’t get it right, get it written. 3. Writing is rewriting. – Paula Munier

“Anyone who keeps writing is not a failure.” Ray Bradbury said that. And I usually have that on a wall somewhere. I’m lucky in that I’ve always just kept at it, and over time, it all keeps adding up. The longer I work, the harder I work, the more luck I seem to have. – Tobias Buckell

The best writing advice I ever read came from Ann Patchett. In her essay “The Getaway Car,” she talks about how what you envision your story being in your head will always be different once it touches the page. Being able to make peace with that simple truth has been crucial to my ability to sit down and write without judgment. – Ran Walker

Read as much as you write. – Barbara Poelle

It comes from the writer George Singleton: “Keep a small can of WD-40 on your desk—away from any open flames—to remind yourself that if you don’t write daily, you will get rusty.” – Zac Petit

For first person essays or memoirs, my favorite rules are: Mine your obsessions. Lead the least secretive life you can. The first piece you write that your family hates means that you’ve found your voice. The first assignment I give my students is: write 3 pages on your most humiliating secrets. That has led to many clips, books, and even a few movies. – Susan Shapiro

Write better. Get published. Build your network.

Writer’s Digest Annual Conference | New York City

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I encourage both novice writers and veteran ones to attend writer’s conferences. I have learned so much, connected to some great people, and connected to literary agents and publishers by attending. For many writers, the experience can be both exciting and overwhelming. They find themselves surrounded by so many people who love reading, and most importantly, writing. It can make you feel small and insignificant, but read on and I will reveal a secret.

Writers are not always good with large crowds or stepping out to introduce themselves. Our work is a solitary one, with just you and the page. And of course, the occasional furry friend as a companion. It is my belief the we need to connect with other writers to provide a network of support, friendship, context to our work, and mutual understanding. Who knows better what a writer goes through daily than another writer?

In May of this year, I presented a session on the 20 rules of effective networking. It was during the lunch break, so I figured that a few people would grab a quick bite to listen. To my surprise and delight, the room was full of people wanting to know how to network better. Below are my top 10 tips of effective networking at writing conferences.

Find your group.

There are all types of writer’s conferences that you can attend year-round. Some are general, while others focus on a genre such as romance or sci-fi. Find your group and take a chance. They are just like you!

Step out of your comfort zone and be the best version of yourself.

It is tough being a social butterfly if that is not your nature. Sometimes you must step out beyond self-imposed boundaries. Here is the little secret I alluded to earlier: Everyone else in the room feels the same as you do. If you step out a little, so will everyone else, because you are making it a safe to do so. You have a story to tell; you are a writer. Just let that story come out in a natural way, and people will be drawn to you and want to know more. Take a risk. It’s worth it.

Invest in relationships and get paid for your business.

This is such an important to understand. It has been the secret sauce in my success as a writer. When I meet someone, I listen to them. I think about ways I can help them. But I never sell to them. I never try to get them to buy a service, or publish my book, or hire me as a writer. I ask instead how I might help them. Often it is matchmaking- connecting authors to other people in the industry that may help them. I invest time in relationships. I get paid for writing. I don’t do referral fees or charge people for mentoring them- I just provide what I can. It always comes back to me as work one way or another, and in the process, I have made another friend for life.

Smile, shake, eye contact.

Engaging with someone for the first time seems like a lost art. Smile, not in a creepy homicidal maniac kind of way, but in a natural way. People’s natural response is to smile back, and it opens up the opportunity to introduce yourself. Maintain good eye contact; just try not to panic people by staring into their soul. Shake their hand firmly but not crushingly. You can use two hands if you wish, but be sure to let go. There is nothing more awkward than a person who is talking to you but won’t let go of your hand.

Have a business card.

This seems obvious in a networking situation, but I have found that many writers don’t see themselves as the entrepreneurs that they are. Your book is your business, even if it is a work-in-progress. You are the marketing department of your own business and therefore you need a card for people to be able to find you after an event. They don’t have to be fancy or expensive, but I do recommend you have one. Try not to use your business card for your day job. You are a writer and an entrepreneur; embrace it.

Listen up and shut up.

Sometimes we are so excited about what we are working on that we tend to babble, or convince someone that a) it will be the next bestseller and b) it will become a movie. Both could be true, but in a networking situation, it is about getting know the other person. You cannot possibly do that if you are dominating the conversation. Be a great listener. People will think you are wise beyond your years. Give others a chance to open up, and eventually they will come around and ask about you. Then you will have their full attention.

Turn off the devices.

I worked as a child protective services social worker for many years before becoming a writer. I was constantly on call. When my pager or phone rang, it meant a child needed my help. Those were true emergencies that could not wait. As a writer, there are fewer true emergencies. If your manuscript is on fire, then call the fire department, but when you are talking to someone DO NOT look at your phone or tablet. There is nothing more disengaging then someone looking at their phone every 10 seconds. The message is that the phone is way more important than talking to them. I often just move on when this happens to me. Spend the time to really engage one on one with someone. That is how relationships are built.

Don’t act desperate.

When approaching people in the industry such as publishers, editors, and agents, don’t act desperate. Don’t follow them around and pester them. Don’t make your move to introduce yourself in the bathroom if you happen to see them there. Just be patient, and when you see they are not busy, approach them politely, say something nice, and then move on. If you are nice and engaging, they will remember you for that.

Follow up.

You will more than likely return home from an event with a stack of cards and numbers. Wait a day or two and send each person a personalized message. If you really connected, follow it up with a phone call. Write down their special dates and send them something in the mail. People love real mail! Be active with them on social media. Promote them and congratulate them publicly for their accomplishments.

Pre-emptive strike: Let everyone know you are coming on social media.

I like to begin sending out messages on social media that I am coming and try to include hashtags and organizations in those messages. I usually wear a hat to conferences and I encourage people to say hello to me when they see me. It gives them permission and a reason to introduce themselves.

One bonus tip is that much of the best networking is done after hours. Find out what is going on and where people are going. Have fun and mingle. These are where many of the deals are done, so take a chance and step out in order to stand out.

Write better. Get published. Build your network.

Writer’s Digest Annual Conference | New York City

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During the time between each Writer’s Digest Annual Conference I get the opportunity to work with and learn from our great WD authors on a daily basis, mostly through email and manuscripts. But, seeing them share their knowledge in person is an entirely different—and invigorating—experience.

Here are 7 reasons why I can’t wait for you to meet and learn from some of our favorite WD authors live later this summer in New York City.

1. Steven James is the perfect person to teach a class about public storytelling for authors, and once you see what he throws at you (literally!) you’ll understand why.
2. While editing Carla Hoch’s brand new book, Fight Write, I couldn’t help but envision fight scenes in my head and in her sessions you won’t have to imagine—you can watch, and even participate!
3. Jane Cleland, who just won her second Agatha Award for Best Nonfiction for Mastering Plot Twists (Congrats, Jane!), has sessions that build on two topics from that very book.
4. Zac Petit, once a full-time WD magazine editor, successfully made the switch to full-time freelance work after writing the book on it and he’ll share his secrets from both vantage points.
5. In addition to two regular sessions, Jordan Rosenfeld will host a day-long intensive built around her new book, How to Write a Page-Turner (the brilliant book that single-handedly made me blow my personal book-buying budget for the year—best research I’ve ever done!).
6. If you flip to pages 57-60 of The Byline Bible (which recently won an award from the American Society of Journalists and Authors), you’ll see an astounding list of 3-page essays from Susan Shapiro’s students that led to bigger opportunities and you can learn how to do the same in her session.
7. If you’ve read Writing Without Rules, you know Jeff Somers is both funny and likes to talk about things he’s done to make his agent, the incomparable Query Shark Janet Reid, shake her head. Join them for what I imagine will be the most informative stand-up session Writer’s Digest has ever seen.

Keep in mind, these are 7 of my reasons for you to attend. Check out our full schedule and I’m sure you’ll find at least 7 more of your own.

Write better. Get published. Build your network.

Writer’s Digest Annual Conference | August 22-25 | New York City

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If you’ve already registered, we look forward to seeing you there! If not, check out some of the highlights we’re looking forward to at the conference, and register today.

The early-bird deadline is March 26! Register now to get your best price.

1. Keynotes by Min Jin Lee and N.K. Jemisin

The incredible three-time Hugo-winning and groundbreaking (no pun intended) N.K. Jemisin will present the opening keynote at the conference. We look forward to learning from her what it takes to change the landscape (OK, pun sort of intended) of genre fiction and craft her world-building-rich Broken Earth trilogy—among her wealth of excellent short fiction.

On top of that, we were so endlessly charmed by Min Jin Lee after our recent WD Interview with her that we couldn’t help but ask her to join us at the annual conference. The multiple award-winning Pachinko author will present the closing keynote of the conference, gracing us with her clever advice and smooth wit.

2. Pre-Conference Workshop with Jordan Rosenfeld

In her pre-conference add-on session on Thursday, August 22, How to Write a Page-Turner: Mastering the Art of Tension, Jordan Rosenfeld, author of How to Write a Page-Turner (Writer’s Digest Books, 2019) and five other books on writing craft, will demonstrate the secrets of page-turning tension, strategies for building character tension and the essentials of creating plot tension. In addition, you’ll learn how to balance scene elements for maximum tension and how to build powerful images that layer in subconscious tension. Register for this special preconference workshop here.

3. Pitch Slam!

If you’ve attended before, you know that the Pitch Slam is your rare opportunity to pitch your book directly to professional agents and editors actively looking for new voices. Advocate for your book in a high-energy environment, and you might just become another Pitch Slam success story. Register for Pitch Slam here.

4. Tactical and Practical Fight Scene Workshops with Carla Hoch

Take it from someone who spent our 2018 Novel Writing Conference in rapt awe of Carla Hoch: You cannot. Miss. These. Sessions.

Carla’s workshops on writing fight scenes—which include physical demonstrations, practical explanations and gruesome discussions of how different wounds work in real life—are an unforgettable blend of experiential and informative learning, with value for writers in any medium.

5. Agent-Author Adventures with Jeff and Janet

In what may be the most staff-anticipated session on the roster, author Jeff Somers will join forces to present together on the agent-author relationship.

Jeff will discuss the role of agents in an author’s life: offering sage career advice, buying him drinks, telling him how smart he is, bailing him out of jail, telling him his writing is brilliant, helping him choose projects, mailing him checks, all while tormenting him on a near-daily basis. Meanwhile Janet Reid, who is Jeff’s agent, will reveal for the first time ever what feats of strength and magic rituals Jeff had to perform to secure representation, what she does when Jeff digs in his heels about plot twists, contract language, or wearing pants to this writing conference. You’ll get insight into her perverse pleasure in tormenting Jeff about publicity, promotion, and living in New Jersey.

6. Screenwriting and Adaptations with Jeanne Veillette Bowerman

If you caught screenwriter and ScriptMag editor Jeanne’s sessions last year, you know her insights and stage presence are unparalleled. Discover what Hollywood is looking for in a story and writer, how this complicated industry works, as well as essential techniques that grab a producer’s attention and make the execution of your story as good as the hook, all while taking the audience on an emotional ride. Plus, she’ll reveal what it takes to get your book adapted for the screen.

7. Engaging Wisdom from Steven James

Get twisted with the masterful Steven James, who presented last year’s enthralling and hilarious preconference workshops. He’ll present two sessions: one full of craft wisdom about plot twists, covering how to develop endings that leave your readers stunned, thrilled, and panting for more; and the other on how to actually become more like Steven himself! In a unique and all-new session, he’ll teach you how to shape talks and speeches that are gripping, attention-getting, and make an impact, and help you develop storytelling skills such as voice, gesture, and pacing while you learn how to sharpen the skills you already have.

Register for WDC19 today! We can’t wait to see you there.

The post 7 Experiences to Look Forward to at the 2019 Writer’s Digest Conference appeared first on Writer's Digest.

Still, the majority of writers who attend writers’ conferences tend to be straight, white, cis-gendered, and able-bodied. Those who don’t fall into this dominant group might find themselves having to explain their race or religion to fellow conference attendees, or having to be the voice for all those who share their gender identity. That is, writers’ conferences sometimes inadvertently “other” the very people they genuinely want to include.

Fortunately, there are writers’ conferences specifically geared toward marginalized writers, some of which are open exclusively to them. Here is a list of diversity-focused writers’ conferences, book fairs and festivals, summits and symposiums, retreats and intensives, expos and other events scheduled for 2019. It is by no means a complete list, and it doesn’t cover classes and workshops. If you know of a diversity-focused writers’ event taking place in 2019 that is at least one day long and isn’t mentioned below, please make a note of it in the comments section!

FEBRUARY

BAM Black Comix Expo

Website description: “Comic book nerds, graphic novel aficionados, fantasy lovers, and all-around fans of the art form are invited to the BAM Black Comix Expo. This fun-filled day—co-presented by BAM and the Black Comics Collective—is back for year two, celebrating comic writers, illustrators, and creators of color.”

Location: Multiple locations at the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) in Brooklyn, NY

Date: February 10, 2019

Registration information: Admittance is on a first-come, first-served basis until capacity is reached. With the exception of the “VR Experience,” all events are free and open to all ages.

MARCH

The Native American Literature Symposium

Website description: “The Native American Literature Symposium is organized by an independent group of Indigenous scholars committed to making a place where Native voices can be heard. Since 2001, we have brought together some of the most influential voices in Native America to share our stories—in art, prose, poetry, film, religion, history, politics, music, philosophy, and science—from our worldview.”

Location: Mystic Lake Hotel & Casino in Prior Lake, MN

Date: March 7-9, 2019

Registration information: Registration forms are available both online and in print, and cancellations must be made by February 15, 2019.

National Black Writers Conference Biennial Symposium

Website description: “The 2019 National Black Writers Conference Biennial Symposium, ‘Playwrights and Screenwriters at the Crossroads,’ is a public gathering of writers, scholars, literary professionals, performers, students and the general public.”

Location: Medgar Evers College, CUNY in Brooklyn, NY

Date: March 23, 2019

Registration information: Registration is available online prior to the conference and on-site on a first come, first served basis.

Publishing in Color: A Publishing Conference for Under-Represented Spiritual Writers

Website description: “The conference is particularly focused on serving under-represented groups such as African Americans, Latinx Americans, Asian Americans, and Native Americans, however it is open to any prospective spiritual writer.”

Location: University of Southern California (USC) campus in Los Angeles, CA

Dates: March 25-26, 2019

Registration information: Early bird tuition runs until February 28, and regular price registration begins March 1, 2019.

How and Why to Pitch Agents at Pitching Events

APRIL

Kweli Color of Children’s Literature Conference

Website description: “Kweli’s spring conference is an excellent opportunity for Indigenous and POC writers and illustrators to learn, get inspired and network with others in the industry.” Note: This conference is open exclusively to children’s book writers and illustrators who meet this criteria.

Location: CUNY Graduate Center in New York, NY

Date: April 6, 2019

Registration information: Registration is open until March 31, 2019.

MAY

Festival of Literary Diversity (FOLD)

Website description: “The Festival of Literary Diversity includes over 20 authors and presenters and attracts more than 500 people to downtown Brampton to celebrate diverse Canadian authors, poets, and storytellers. We are passionate about celebrating established and emerging writers while creating new and exciting opportunities for aspiring writers and marginalized voices.”

Location: Various spaces in Brampton, Ontario, Canada

Date: May 2, 2019

Registration information: Registration information is not yet available on the FOLD website, but according to the organization’s Twitter handle, it opens on March 7, 2019.

Native Creators Summer Retreat

Website description: “With a focus on mentorship and polishing a manuscript for submission, this four-day retreat includes one-on-one critiques, roundtable feedback, and lectures.” Note: This retreat is open to “Native American book creators writing for and about children.”

Location: The Highlights Foundation’s Retreat Center in Boyds Mills, 10 miles from Honesdale, PA

Dates: June 27-30, 2019

Registration information: Registration is open, and a deadline is not indicated.

JUNE

Bronx Book Festival/Festival de Libros del Bronx

Website description: “The Bronx Book Festival aims to promote literacy and foster a love of reading among children, teens, and adults./ El Festival de Libros del Bronx tiene como objetivo promover él alfabetismo y fomentar el amor por la lectura entre niños, adolescentes y adultos.”

Location: Fordham Plaza in Bronx, NY

Date: June 7-8, 2019

Notes: Registration information is not yet available on the festival’s website, but this event was free and open to the public in 2018.

JULY

Harlem Book Fair

Website description: “The Harlem Book Fair is the United States’ largest African-American book fair and the nation’s flagship Black literary event. Held annually in Harlem, NY, the Harlem Book Fair features exhibition booths, panel discussions, book sales, and workshops.”

Location: West 135th Street between Malcolm X Boulevard & Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Boulevard in Harlem, NY

Date: July 20, 2019

Registration information: Registration information is not yet available on the website, but admission to the exhibitor area has been free and open to the public in past years.

Golden Crown Literary Society Conference

Website description: “The Golden Crown Literary Society’s annual conference is the premier lesbian literary event for both authors andreaders. In a different city each year, the event brings together readers, fans, writers, editors and publishers to celebrate the best in lesbian literature.”

Location: Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown in Pittsburgh, PA

Dates: July 10-14, 2019

Registration information: Online registration is open until June 30, 2019.

AUGUST

Lambda Literary: The 2019 Writers Retreat for Emerging LGBTQ Voices

Website description: “The Writers Retreat for Emerging LGBTQ Voices offers intensive and sophisticated instruction to selected writers over a carefully designed one-week period. The Retreat provides writers access to industry professionals and the opportunity to advance in their craft and careers.”

Location: Otis College of Art & Design in Los Angeles, CA

Dates: August 4-11, 2019

Registration information: The application period closes on February 1, 2019.

SEPTEMBER

Jaipur Literature Festival

Website description: “Every year, the Festival brings together a diverse mix of the world’s greatest writers, thinkers, humanitarians, politicians, business leaders, sports people and entertainers on one stage to champion the freedom to express and engage in thoughtful debate and dialogue.”

Location: The main Zee Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF) takes place every January in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India, but JLF International is held in Boulder, Houston, and New York, among other locations.

Dates: September 20-22, 2019 for the Boulder location

Registration information: Registration information is not yet available on the JLF website, but please check back for updates.

OCTOBER

National Black Book Festival

Website description: “The National Black Book Festival (NBBF) is an annual event, sponsored by Cushcity.com, one of the largest online sources for African-American literature. The event attracts a wide array of authors, publishers, book clubs, libraries and individual readers from the Southwest U.S. and nationwide.”

Location: Fallbrook Church Brook Sports Facility in Houston, TX

Dates: October 24-26, 2019

Registration information: Admission to author exhibits and seminars is free and open to the public. Admission to special events is also open to the public, but advance ticket purchase is required. A small number of tickets may be available at the door.

Jack Jones Literary Arts Retreat

Website description: “As part of the retreat experience, Jack Jones is featuring daily Skype master classes with agents, editors and acclaimed women in publishing to promote networking, learning and engagement.” Note: This two-week retreat is open exclusively to women of color.

Location: Immaculate Heart of Mary Retreat Center in Santa Fe, NM

Dates: October 26-November 8, 2019

Registration information: Registration information is not yet available on the website, but in 2018, Jack Jones offered seventeen fully-funded fellowships and scholarships for which applications were due on April 1, 2018.

Also look out for:

Leimert Park Book Fair

Website description: “The Leimert Park Village Book Fair was inspired by a project…to present a ‘Festival of African American Authors’ at Los Angeles Southwest College. Its success in drawing 10 authors participating for an audience of 40 inspired the idea of creating an annual literary event.”

Notes: There is no information available yet for 2019, but last year’s festival was held on August 25 at the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza in Los Angeles, CA, and it was free and open to the public.

Well-Read Black Girl Festival

Website description: “A celebration of Black women readers and writers that seeks to initiate meaningful conversations within the literary arts.”

Notes: An announcement has not yet been made about a 2019 Well Read Black Girl Festival, but last year’s festival was held on November 18 at Pioneer Works in Brooklyn, NY. General admission and premium admission tickets were available online.

And it’s not too early to plan for 2020! Consider these events:

The Writing Barn Rainbow Weekend Intensive

Website description: “This event will be a weekend of lectures, connection and workshop designed for LGBTQIAP+ writers of young adult and middle grade.” Note: This intensive is open to exclusively to children’s book writers who are pre-published, published and/or agented identifying in the LGBTQIAP+ spectrum.

Notes: Rainbow Weekend 2019 is scheduled for April 11-April 14, 2019 in Austin, Texas. It has sold out, but the Writing Barn encourages anyone interested in the Rainbow Weekend 2020 to sign up for their email list to receive updates.

Kundiman Retreat

Website description: “Through this Retreat, Kundiman hopes to provide a safe and instructive environment that identifies and addresses the unique challenges faced by emerging Asian American writers.”

Notes: The 2019 retreat is being held June 19-23 at Fordham University’s Rose Hill Campus in Bronx, NY. The application period closed on January 15, and the application period for the 2020 retreat will likely open in December 2019 and close in mid-January 2020.

The Disability Intersectionality Summit

Website description: “The Disability & Intersectionality Summit (DIS) is a biennial one-day national conference that centers the multiple oppressions that shape the lived experiences of disabled individuals, as told by disabled people, in a setting organized by disabled activists.”

Notes: The 2018 national Disability Intersectionality Summit took place on October 13, 2018 in Cambridge, MA. A sister affiliate event was held on the same day in the Berkeley, CA. No information is available yet for 2020, but according to the DIS website, more information is forthcoming.

Click to continue.

The post 19 Diversity-Focused Writing Conferences & Events in 2019 appeared first on Writer's Digest.

Then, if you choose, participants can pitch your novel via a query letter to a literary agent. he agent will provide you with a personalized critique of your query—and maybe ask to see more.

Here’s a sneak peek at a few of the things you can expect to learn from this year’s presenters—plus a little bit about each of them:

3 Key Novel Writing Tips

David Corbett on Character Development

In David Corbett’s presentation “The Character of Plot,” writers will learn the key elements of internal need and conflict necessary to generate complex characters who can generate a compelling story.

Corbettis the award-winning author of six novels, including 2015’s The Mercy of the Night and the upcoming The Long-Lost Love Letters of Doc Holliday, as well as the novella The Devil Prayed and Darkness Fell, the story collection Thirteen Confessions, and the writing guide The Art of Character. 

Check out some of his Writer’s Digest articles here:

• Changing the Face of Crime Fiction: 6 Writers of Color on Writing Mysteries, Crime Novels and Thrillers
• No More Mr. Nice Guys: How to Write Flawed Characters & Antiheroes
• The Differences Between a Crime Novel, Mystery Novel and Thriller Novel
• Emotion vs. Feeling: How to Evoke More From Readers

Erica Wright on Setting

In Erica Wright’s presentation, “Setting the Scene: Using Place to Advance Your Story,” writers will learn how to seamlessly incorporate setting in a way that advances their stories.

Erica is the author of Instructions for Killing the Jackal (Black Lawrence Press) and the poetry chapbook Silt (Dancing Girl Press). Her poems have appeared in Blackbird, Crazyhorse, Denver Quarterly, Drunken Boat, From the Fishouse, New Orleans Review, and elsewhere. She is the Poetry Editor at Guernica Magazine and teaches creative writing at Marymount Manhattan College. Check out an interview with her here.

Tee Morris on Writing Effective Dialogue

In Tee Morris’ presentation, “Talk to Me: Writing Effective Dialogue,” writers will learn how to write compelling dialogue that keeps the action moving and readers reading.

Morris has been writing science fiction, fantasy, horror, and nonfiction for over a decade. His first novel, MOREVI: The Chronciles of Rafe & Askana, became the first novel to be podcast in its entirety, ushering in a the podcasting age for authors. He authored the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences series, penned with his wife, Pip Ballantine (who will also speak in the virtual conference). The series and its short fiction podcast, Tales From the Archives, has won several awards, including the 2014 Parsec Award for Best Science Fiction Anthology Podcast, the 2011 Airship Award for Best Steampunk Literature, and RT Reviews’ Choice Awards for Best Steampunk of 2014.

In addition to these three presenters, the 2019 Virtual Conference for novelists will include:

• Handling Conflict in Fiction By Jeffrey Wilson
• Crafting Characters Your Readers Will Love By Philippa Ballantine
• and Supercharge Your Plot by Elizabeth Sims

Don’t miss this exciting virtual event! Learn more and register here.

The post 3 Key Novel Writing Tips: Wisdom from the Authors Speaking in the 2019 Virtual Conference for Novelists appeared first on Writer's Digest.

I’m beyond delighted to make three exciting announcements about our 2019 Writer’s Digest Annual Conference.

WDC19 Open for Registration

Join us at our exciting annual conference! This inspiring event will give you the tools, resources and knowledge you need to improve your writing, get published, get an agent or self-publish your work, be more productive and manage your career. Gain invaluable tips to improve your craft, explore publishing options and learn how to establish a sustainable career—all while being inspired by successful authors and your fellow attendees.

Plus, don’t miss our annual Pitch Slam, which gives you the opportunity to pitch to literary agents face-to-face.

N.K. Jemisin to Present Opening Keynote at WDC19

We’re thrilled to announce that author N.K. Jemisin will present the opening keynote at the conference! As you may be aware, Jemisin is the first and only author to win three Hugos in a row for her Broken Earth trilogy, one of many speculative fiction stories and novels she has penned. This prolific career has also earned her a Nebula Award, two Locus Awards, and many other honors.You can explore her short fiction online (like this quick but impactful read from Popular Science) and in an anthology from Orbit Books.

In addition to writing, she has been a counseling psychologist and educator (specializing in career counseling and student development), a hiker and biker, and a political/feminist/anti-racist blogger. Although she no longer pens the New York Times Book Review science fiction column called “Otherworldly” (which she covered for 3 years), she still writes occasional long-form reviews for the NY Times.

WDC19 Now Accepting Proposals

In addition to this exciting news, we’re now accepting proposals for speakers and sessions for our 2019 Annual Conference. The conference will held at the the Hilton Midtown in New York City from August 23-25, 2019.

Diversity is important to us and we are looking to develop an inclusive program that represents all genres and publishing preferences, and invites participation from people of all races, ethnicities, genders, ages, abilities, religions and sexual orientation. All are encouraged to submit proposals, and please feel free to share this opportunity within your own networks to help expand our reach.

We cover travel costs and hotel stay during the conference for our presenters, as well as the opportunity to promote relevant books and services to attendees through a variety of channels, including an on-site bookstore.

Learn more at writersdigestconference.com.

The post N.K. Jemisin to Present Opening Keynote at Writer’s Digest Conference 2019 appeared first on Writer's Digest.

We had the pleasure of talking with Tobias ahead of his keynote atindieLAB. Read on to discover his thoughts on what it takes to write powerful sci-fi, the process of writing with a co-author, and what’s next for his career.

What are the top three elements of powerful science fiction, if your opinion?

Powerful science fiction to me has always meant a work that challenges me to reexamine the world currently around me. When I can finish a work and come back to my own reality, but see it a little differently, then I find the work powerful.

I also think powerful SF takes us away to a different setting, and that by doing so we often tend to let go of some of our assumptions in that journey, which can make us more susceptible to the moment where it challenges us.

And lastly, like any other genre, I think there has to be a great story embedded in that, with memorable characters. In that sense, I think powerful SF is universal to what makes all great fiction important to us.

What are you tired of seeing in your genre?

The moment I’d say I was tired of something, someone will point out a great example of it. I think we’re in the middle of a great explosion of genre work right now, so I’m not tired of anything. I’m not able to keep up!

That being said, the field is not nearly as diverse as I’d like it to be. I really want more work from more diverse folk hitting the shelves. There’s been growth in that area, but we’re still far, far from reflecting the actual diversity of actual demographics.

How have the various places you’ve lived influenced your work?

I grew up in the Caribbean, and the islands and their history have had a big impact on me. From the rhythm of how I write at times to the fact that I am always interested in power on a cross-national scale, I think you can take me out of the Caribbean (I now live in the US) but never the Caribbean out of me!

Writing Science Fiction: How to Approach Exposition in Sci-Fi Novels

What’s the best piece of writing advice you’ve ever heard?

Don’t stop!

If you could choose one author from history to talk with, who would it be, and what would you ask them?

I’d want to talk to Alexandre Dumas. He was prolific and is still often ignored by academia, but was mixed race at a time when that blocked so many opportunities. And yet he’s still read today for fun. His father was a black officer in the Napoleonic army. There’s a fascinating book about that called The Black Count. It inspired The Count of Monte Cristo.

What has collaborative writing with other authors taught you?

You really figure out what you care about in your own writing when you have to justify it out loud to someone else constantly throughout a story. I have also learned to flesh out a story do a depth I wouldn’t have done on my own, because if I am flying by the seat of my pants and writing something by instinct and a collaborator asks ‘why,’ I want to have a good answer. That has forced me to become a more thoughtful writer on many different levels.

Which story or novel are you most proud of, and why? Which was the most difficult to finish?

My second novel, Ragamuffin, was the most difficult to finish, and I’m proud of it because of that. I rewrote the first third over five times. I was hung up with fear about trying to match the first book, and struggling to grind through. It was a challenge. But by finishing it, I learned a lot about how to work on future books when the passion and enthusiasm weren’t there.

What are you working on right now?

A fantasy novel where dead gods are mined for their magic.

Can you give us a brief preview of what you’ll discuss at indieLAB?

I am going to talk about perseverance and how special the act of writing is. As well as tell some funny stories about the ups and downs of being a hybrid author in an ever-changing world.

Learn more about Tobias at TobiasBuckell.com, and don’t miss his keynote at the all-new indieLAB conference, September 29-30, 2018!

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