A good place to begin this quest is to establish your needs as a writer. What are your goals? What is your vision for the future? Are you looking for advice on writing? Do you need information in a special area such as writing for children or young adults? Perhaps you want a chance to need with a particular editor. Maybe you just want and need to network and socialize with other writers.
Writing workshops are great if you are interested in a low cost and short time investment. One day workshops often give you an opportunity to have your writing critiqued along with meeting others in the writing field. Many times a one day workshop meets the needs of those just getting their feet wet in this profession.
Conferences offer a much broader range of activities and varying time frames. The costs also vary greatly and do not include air fare if you intend to travel. There are many ways to find conferences. The "Writer's Market" publishes many reputable conferences. "The Children's Writer Guide" also has valuable information on conferences. Writing magazines such as "Writer's Digest" and "The Writer" keep writers abreast of the latest conferences going on. These magazines are well worth the investment.
Another excellent resource is to do your own search on the Internet. Ask colleagues for advice and recommendations, this method is often a very valuable way to find the right conference for you.
Long before the conference, you must do some research. Plan ahead, save money for expenses. If you can find a writing friend to share expenses both of you will benefit. Study the literature sent to you by your conference representative. Know the speakers, decide ahead of time which editors you want to meet with. Plan your questions wisely and have a perfect clean manuscript to share with them. Remember, conferences are a meeting place for writers, editors, agents and teachers. They are all there to share and learn from each other.
Agents attend conferences to speak and offer expertise on many chosen topics. An agent may meet with you one on one to critique you manuscript, so be prepared with one.
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