It's that time of year to start thinking about writers' conferences and of what value they serve to help you make a decision. I'd like to share my experiences with you.
The very first conference I attended was sponsored by the Greater Lehigh Valley Writers in Allentown, Pa. last March. The keynote speaker was the well-known N.Y.C. agent, Donald Maass, who was so inspiring that I felt the urge to leave the conference and head back to Lynchburg, Va and start writing, but I didn't, of course. Prior to the conference, I had signed up for a one-on-one with an agent and just by luck of the draw, I was paired with the publisher of Echelon Press, who immediately upon hearaing my "pitch" requested my whole manuscript of "Marcel's Gift". She wanted no query, no synopsis. She accepted me as a client and my debut novel will be released in ebook form the middle of February 2012.
The second success I had at conferences was at the Hampton Roads Writers conference last Sept. Once again I pre-registered for a one-on-one with an agent, who after hearing my "pitch" asked to seek more of my work- in- progress novel, "Lady Mirielle's Flight". She made some suggestions, which I tried to incorporated into my storyline but they just weren't working, but it did give me some ideas for expanding my story.
Now I have some wonderful options: I can offer it to my first publisher, Echelon Press, who I loved working with, or to the agent from the HRW conference or put it out there simultaneously?
My point is, you can try contacting agents with queries, as I have, but I had much more success in face-to-face meetings at conferences.Try it you'll like it.
So far, I am considering the following conferences for 2012:
The Roanoke Regional Writing conf.at Hollins Univ. (end of Jan.).
The Greater Lehigh Valley Writers' conference (March).
The Hampton Roads Writers' conference (Sept).
