- The people.
- The learning opportunities.
- The connections and ongoing relationships you can cultivate afterwards.
Not to “get discovered.”
In fact, I hope you don’t get discovered. I hope you discover yourself instead.
The problem with a conference full of folks who are hoping to “get discovered” is that very few of them will actually get discovered.
Of course, there is nothing wrong with attending a conference where you get to rub up against some of the top agents in NYC, including mine. This is an incredible learning opportunity, not to mention a chance for you to witness individuals up close and personal.
So, if you come to the Writer’s Digest Conference for no other reason, come so you can see that agents are mere mortals just like you and me. This will improve your chances of being able to speak to them without stuttering excessively.
There is also nothing wrong with attending a conference in New York City where you get to learn from and shake hands with some of the most knowledgeable teachers of writers around. I hope you won’t miss the opportunity to walk up to as many presenters as you can and stick out your hand. I still do this as often as I can.
Because here’s the deal: it’s not about us (the agents and other folks presenting and facilitating at the conference) being ready for you…it’s about you being ready for us.
And I don’t mean killing yourself with preparation. I mean showing up and being present and having a good time. This is what makes for a great conference. So…
Are you ready?
Are you game?
Are you willing?
Because these are attitudes that will help you get the most out of a conference.
If it’s not already apparent that this is one of the premier conferences in the North America, then please read the conference description again. Seriously. Did you see the lineup? It’s awesome and a half.
And please don’t come to cram your elevator speech down everybody’s throat. Unless you are in a pitching context, wait until you are politely asked about your work.
I know I always ask. It’s one of the first things I want to know when I meet a writer. And I don’t need to hear a rehearsed speech necessarily. I just want to know who you are and what your passionate about writing.
Let’s face it, folks, most writers are not yet ready for an agent and traditional book deal. They don’t have the experience (yet). They don’t have the confidence (yet). They have not written their way there or built the platform that they are going to need (yet).
“Yet” is the reason to come, not the reason not to come.
I always say that it’s important to invest in your writing career in order to take it to the next level. You guys have heard me say this a million times by now. This conference is a great way to do that.
I am honored to be presenting on…
Mailbox Full of Money: Micro-publish Your Way from Beginning to Book Deal
I’m also moderating a panel on…
Hardcore Author Marketing – What to Do to Rise Above in the Digital Age
I would go on and on about my fellow presenters, but I think their names speak for themselves. If they don’t, you might want to follow and friend them on social media.
Yes, I have a special speaker discount I can offer you. Just click on the conference badge below and then when you proceed through checkout use the code: WDCSPEAKER12 (this applies to new registrants and the full conference fee only):
And now, cue the New York, New York song!
I hope to see you there in a couple of weeks!