Networking is so key to a writer’s career and conferences are a great way to combine networking with craft. Whether you choose to attend more craft-based programming like Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) nationals and regionals, Association of Writers & Writing Programs (AWP), and Midwestern Writers Workshop (MWW) or more industry focused conferences like BookExpo America (BEA) and American Library Association (ALA)–most of attendees include publishing professionals and writers for anywhere from […]
Tag Archives | Conferences
PubCrawl Podcast: Author Career – The Business of Being an Author
After the… Series, Industry Life, PubCrawl Podcast
This week JJ and Kelly tackle the BUSINESS of being an Author, how being an Author (business person) differs from being a Writer (the artist). Creatives notoriously don’t like to talk about money, but we’re gonna to talk about money. Prepare thyselves!
How To Be A Model Moderator
Industry Life, Writing Life
1. Read the panelists’ books. The best panels in my opinion are the ones in which the moderator asks questions tailored to the author’s works. Obviously, this isn’t always possible, but at least be familiar with the book’s main ideas and stand out points. Don’t be afraid to ask your panelists’ publicists for books. It’s in the publishers’ interests for you to be informed about their author’s works. My secret weapon is to listen to […]
The Conference Report: SCBWI LA, and Why You Should Go
Beginner Resources, Inspiration, Writers Toolbox, Writing Life
Stephanie: I’m not normally a shy person. Most people would probably say I’m pretty outgoing, but when I first started writing the idea of attending any type of conference terrified me. I thought of the SCBWI LA conference the way some people might think of the dentist. I imagined it would be good for my writing health, but not for my mental health. Stacey: In contrast to Stephanie, I am a shy person, which means […]
How and When to Catch the Elusive Publicity Department — Part 2 of 2
After the… Series, Industry Life
Swag—Fact #1: people like free stuff. Fact #2: it doesn’t really help to give people free stuff that they won’t use and that people won’t see. So even if your book is about, say, bird watching, are you really going to get sales of your book by handing out expensive swag like binoculars with your book’s title on it? (Hint: no.) The best swag is simple. Bookmarks, pins/buttons, postcards, tote bags, and posters. If you […]