Writing can feel like a solo expedition—just you, your ideas, and an ever-growing pile of coffee cups. Hours spent crafting stories, refining ideas, or perfecting a book proposal often happen in quiet spaces, away from the world. But success as a writer isn’t just about what happens at your desk—it’s also about the relationships you build along the way.
That’s where conferences come in.
Attending an authors’ conference isn’t just about learning (though the educational value is immense). It’s about connection—meeting fellow authors, industry professionals, media folks, and people who can open doors you didn’t even know existed.
I can’t tell you how often I suggest attending a conference, only to be met with one of the following responses:
- “I don’t need it.”
- “I can find everything I need online.”
- “It’s too expensive.”
- “Sounds like I’m being sold to.”
I get it. Investing time and money into an event can feel like a leap, especially when there’s so much information available at your fingertips. But here’s the truth: the people who show up are the ones who move forward faster. And, information you get online isn’t always specifically for you. Discernment is critical.
Sure, you can learn a lot from the internet. But what you can’t replicate is the magic of face-to-face connections, the kind that lead to book deals, media opportunities, and collaborations you never saw coming.
No matter where you are in your author journey, there’s always more to learn. Conferences give you access to seasoned authors, agents, editors, publicists, and marketers who’ve already navigated the tricky terrain of publishing.
Workshops and panels cover everything from honing your craft to mastering book promotion and publicity. Imagine sitting in a session with a bestselling author, hearing how they broke through the noise. Or learning directly from an agent what makes a query letter impossible to ignore. Or getting media training tips from a publicist who’s helped authors land big interviews. These insights? Gold.
One of the biggest mistakes authors make is thinking they can—or should—go it alone. Writing is personal, yes. But the business of being an author? That’s a team sport.
Conferences put you in the room with fellow writers and authors who understand your challenges. More importantly, they connect you with people who can help—publishers, literary agents, book marketers, and potential collaborators.
Many writers have found their agent, publisher, or first big media opportunity simply by striking up a conversation over coffee at a conference. You never know who you’ll meet or how a casual chat might turn into a game-changing opportunity.
And let’s be real—where else can you talk about your book without people looking for an exit? At a conference, everyone wants to talk about books. It’s the one place where your elevator pitch won’t be met with polite nodding and a hasty subject change.
“But It’s Expensive…”
Yes, conferences cost money. But what’s the cost of not attending?
- The book deal you never landed because you didn’t make the right connection.
- If self publishing, not knowing the best strategies for making your book happen.
- The marketing strategy you never learned, resulting in poor book sales.
- The valuable insight you missed that could have saved you time and frustration.
Investing in yourself is essential. Until you truly see that, your writing career might feel like an uphill climb.
And if budget is a concern? Many conferences offer early bird rates, scholarships, and even virtual attendance options. If you’re serious about your author career, this is a necessary investment—just like a doctor, lawyer, or entrepreneur wouldn’t skip industry events, why should authors?
One of the best (and most overlooked) benefits of conferences is about what you give as much as what you receive. Networking isn’t just about finding people who can help you—it’s about building genuine connections where you can also be of service to others.
Maybe you meet an author looking for a beta reader, and your insights help shape their next bestseller. Or perhaps someone needs a recommendation for a podcast guest, and you introduce them to someone in your network. These small acts of generosity create long-term professional relationships built on trust.
Writing can feel lonely, but it doesn’t have to be. Conferences remind you that you’re part of a larger creative community. The energy of being surrounded by other writers, all passionate about their work, is enough to reignite motivation, spark new ideas, and keep you moving forward.
If you’ve never attended a conference, or if it’s been a while, now is the time to start researching upcoming events. Look for one that aligns with your goals—whether it’s craft-focused, industry-oriented, or centered on book marketing and publicity.
And when you go, don’t just sit on the sidelines. Ask questions, introduce yourself, and be open to new conversations. You never know where they might lead.
One of the things I love most about conferences? You get to talk about your book. And it’s completely expected. That’s why everyone is there! In the everyday world, you might get a “That’s nice…” before the topic changes. But at a conference? People actually want to hear about it.
Bottom line
If you’re considering attending a writers’ conference, the Author Alchemy Summit in Portland, Oregon, is an excellent opportunity. Scheduled for February 14–16, 2025, this event focuses on community, education, and networking for authors.
Bonus: I have a special discount code for anyone interested. Just message me.
To your success!
Joanne
#highhopes
#bookmarketing
#bookpublicity
#authoralchemysummit
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