How Much Do You Want To Be Published?

Posted by Colin Harvey Oct 7, 2009

Some members of my crit group are debating attending WFC 2010, since it’s comparatively close to where they live. For those unpublished authors looking to break into publishing, only Worldcon provides more opportunities to network with agents and editors than WFC, and Columbus Ohio is a lot closer than Melbourne.

But if I have the money, I’ll be heading toward Melbourne, not Columbus. WFC has an attendance cap and limits participants to one panel each unless they’re on the guest list, and given that Damage Time is SF, it makes more sense for me to spend the extra money to attend Worldcon than WFC.

What actually prompted this blog is that one of the group asked –not unreasonably- whether people take their partners with them. For me, the answer is an unequivocal no.

Kate rarely accompanies me because she has no interest in SF or in looking around Heathrow, Bradford or Nottingham, and we have problems dumping a neurotic spaniel on a babysitter.

But even if she was an SF fan, there are practical objections beyond doubling transport costs. It’s hard enough to button-hole a pro editor or agent at a con without a lurking spouse in the background-- even if they’re out-going and happy to mingle, it’s an unnecessary distraction. When Kate isn’t with me, I can focus on the job – because that’s what it is.

Bristolcon was a rare exception and was about celebration than promotion; taking one’s partner can be comforting, but how much is comfort worth? Sometimes you have to take a deep breath, and go on your own.

Which leads to a deeper question – how much inconvenience are you and your family willing to put up with to achieve publication? When the kids are unwell but there’s a deadline looming, which takes priority? It’s something that every writer chasing publication needs to occasionally think about -- and if they’re serious about writing as a career, should discuss in depth and at length with their partner.

That leads to another question, which I’ll come to in another post.