The thing that kinda "lit my fire" to finish my manuscript
was a conference that I really, really, wanted to go to in Dallas, TX. It was pretty pricey, $345 for just the entrence fee, but I knew that the only way I was going to get my published was through networking. Did I get an agent at this conference? No. But I did learn a lot about the business and I met so many awesome people who just furthered my love of writing. I attended another conference in July of that same year, only $75 for this one, and again, I met some pretty awesome people. So, this leads me to tip #4.
Tip #4- Network like crazy!!
If you have not googled "writing conferences in 2013," then stop reading this post and do so now!! But don't forget to come back and finish reading this post....it has some pretty good information!! Why should you attend a conference? Well, they offer classes that help you with your craft. Maybe you can't figure out how to fix your plot or one of your characters is a little flat and could use a boost. These classes are taught by people in the business who know where you are coming from. They are there to help you!! Why do you think you have to pay some big bucks?? Also, conferences are a great way to network with other newbie writers. Exchange cards (yes, you need cards) and go out to dinner. Talk about what you see for the future of your book and listen to them in turn. Talk with the vendors they have set up, you never know when they might have your book in their store. Mix and mingle at these conferences and get to know the people. Don't forget to talk to the head of the conference. You aren't brown nosing, you're networking!! But Laura, I just don't have the money to attend a big conference! That's okay!! Check your local library or things offered around your own city. That way you don't have to pay for a hotel!!
Now go sign up for a conference or workshop!!
was a conference that I really, really, wanted to go to in Dallas, TX. It was pretty pricey, $345 for just the entrence fee, but I knew that the only way I was going to get my published was through networking. Did I get an agent at this conference? No. But I did learn a lot about the business and I met so many awesome people who just furthered my love of writing. I attended another conference in July of that same year, only $75 for this one, and again, I met some pretty awesome people. So, this leads me to tip #4.
Tip #4- Network like crazy!!
If you have not googled "writing conferences in 2013," then stop reading this post and do so now!! But don't forget to come back and finish reading this post....it has some pretty good information!! Why should you attend a conference? Well, they offer classes that help you with your craft. Maybe you can't figure out how to fix your plot or one of your characters is a little flat and could use a boost. These classes are taught by people in the business who know where you are coming from. They are there to help you!! Why do you think you have to pay some big bucks?? Also, conferences are a great way to network with other newbie writers. Exchange cards (yes, you need cards) and go out to dinner. Talk about what you see for the future of your book and listen to them in turn. Talk with the vendors they have set up, you never know when they might have your book in their store. Mix and mingle at these conferences and get to know the people. Don't forget to talk to the head of the conference. You aren't brown nosing, you're networking!! But Laura, I just don't have the money to attend a big conference! That's okay!! Check your local library or things offered around your own city. That way you don't have to pay for a hotel!!
Now go sign up for a conference or workshop!!