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Why Attend a Writing Conference?<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n What are a Few Considerations in Choosing a Conference?<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Types of Conferences<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n 1. Face-to-face conferences can be large or small. This involves travel, lodging, meals, and time away from home. But the interaction and meeting professionals face to face can mean a potential contract. Writers find critique partners and forge new relationships with those who share the same desire for learning the craft and seeking publication. One-on-one critiques are valuable for relationships and learning. The length of a conference can be from two days to nearly a week. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Large conferences are designed for writers who prefer a variety of agents, editors, and workshops. This setting allows writers to mingle with more of the successful names in the industry. The larger conferences often include a preconference and\/or post-conference at an additional charge. The buzz and excitement are contagious.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Smaller conferences are for writers who are embarking on an adventure with writing. New writers may prefer a smaller number of people until they feel more comfortable in larger settings. A local or smaller conference may appeal to a writer\u2019s budget. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n 2. Retreats are shorter, and registration is limited to a smaller number of writers. The format is a lecture and hands-on learning, and often includes time for writers to practice what has been taught. Retreats create an atmosphere of mentoring and personal attention.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Some instructors will travel to a writer\u2019s home for a personal retreat and work with that writer for a day or weekend.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n 3. Virtual conferences and retreats are exactly what the name implies. Presenters are streamed live or prerecorded and scheduled through various platforms. Presenters are mindful of convenient viewing times for live presentations, offer recordings for on-demand viewing, or both.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Writers can attend in the privacy of their own homes or with a small group. Some virtual conferences allow writers to pose questions and have them answered immediately. The online model is less costly\u2014travel expenses, lodging, and meals are eliminated from the budget. Appointments with professionals may be included in the virtual setting.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Virtual conferences are popular for specific niches in developing a writer\u2019s craft, platform, social media, branding, marketing, and promotion. They can also be instructional in demonstrating software applications that benefit from show and tell. In short, a virtual conference can be a valuable alternative to the busy writer, but the writer needs to be disciplined and not easily distracted. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Many conferences are choosing to have in-person and virtual options.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Reputation is Everything<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n What do agents, editors, publicists, and writers say about the event? Who\u2019s attended in the past? Are there endorsements? What classes are being offered? If the event is new, who is directing the conference? What is the caliber of the instructors? How is the event promoted? How will it benefit you?<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Where Can I Learn About Conferences?<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n\n
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