Every year, I speak at writers’ conferences. I’m a conference proponent, as I’ve blogged about before. The information is almost always useful, and the networking, a huge boon.
But as the publishing world changes, so too do writers’ conferences.
Yes, they still offer sessions on the nuts-and-bolts of writing, author panels that address experiences, expert sessions on technical issues such as police procedures or poison deaths in mysteries, research for historical novels, and literary-agent sessions detailing working with an agent, etc. The focus is still on writing great and believable books.
But a seismic shift has occurred in the “business” angle these days. Because before, the focus regarding that was on agents and publishing-house editors. And now, given equal billing (and sometimes more), that focus is on self-publishing—addressing book printers and book covers and e-book conversions and marketing the finished product.
Today, as we’ve seen the e-book revolution turn traditional publishing on its head, writers come looking not only for writing tips, but also entrepreneurial skills and business acumen.
Wow, what a brave new world it really is! We’ve all watched our “revolution” spin publishing in a 180-degree different orbit, in such a very short time. And now many conferences where I speak have changed direction with the shift.
So many writers plan to self-publish from the get-go.
We are in a new world. And as has happened since time immemorial, those who adapt progress.
I spoke last year at the NETWO conference, which before has pretty much focused on traditional publishing. But changing with the times, at least equal billing (if not more) was given to marketing in a self-publishing world.
One thing that was in stark contrast with this conference was the camaraderie.
At so many in the past, writers entered wide-eyed with terror at having to convince agents and editors of their books’ worth. Because, those folks spelled life or death for any writer’s dream. And while I always work with my writers about letting go of that fear (agents and editors are just normal folks, trying to make a living as well), it’s an uphill battle.
The thing in most stark contrast for me, however, was that at conferences of old, you could feel the competition between writers, as if there were only a precious few seats at the table (which in reality, there were), and one had to “best” another writer to grab that spot. This isn’t true, of course, as agents and editors just look for something they can sell! But writers felt the pressure nonetheless, and often left feeling jaded and unappreciated.
At NETWO, the attitude was 180 degrees opposite. The feeling was that everyone was in this insanity together, and I can’t even list all the times I saw folks helping one another, making connections, touting each other. “You’re selling how many books? How’d you do that?” Response, “Let me show you!”
I’ll confess to being a true Pollyanna; I like for us to all get along. But you have to remember I’m a pretty danged jaded editor myself, so when the converse happens, I’m not surprised. However, when the true spirit of cooperation and support occurs, it makes my heart sing.
Writing and publishing have always been such difficult endeavors.
And that remains—getting a truly publishable book out there requires copious amounts of blood, sweat, and tears. No way around that. But how fabulous to watch writers finally be on the same team, cheering and helping one another along.
Now, that’s a brave new world I’m proud to be a part of!
Jean Lauzier says
I’ve been to a lot of conferences where the agents and editors were put on a pedestal, were unapproachable and almost scary. And it was almost writer eat writer.
Lexicon turned that notion upside down. I’ll definitely be back next year. Not only to network, but to see the friends I made this year.
admin says
That really was the difference here, Jean! I enjoyed meeting you as well, and visiting about all the great things you’re doing. Next year will be fun!
Rita Mills says
I hate people who can write beautifully like this………you just said everything I have been trying to say only 100 times better………..
I have been in this crazy business for 20 years……..when I first got in it was very welcoming and open………..I can’t tell you how many wonderful people helped me learn the ropes as there is no definitive book out there……..
My take on the 4-5 conferences I have been to this year isn’t good……….I saw elitists who thought if you didn’t write literary fiction and wasn’t with one of the Big 6, you were nothing……….and you were right…….their numbers were way down and they were overpriced………probably because overblown egos demanded a lot of money to attend………..
I come from a newspaper background, and it is good to see the 1st amendment is fully in play……….Rita
admin says
LOL, Rita! But I do think this is the wave of the future, and the old-school folks will disappear . . .
I’m from a newspaper background as well, and love your last line about the 1st amendment being fully in play! Just wonderful.
Angela Noel says
Having not yet attended my first writer’s conference, I’m all ears about experiences. This post not only made me feel better about wading in to the fray, but excited about the publishing world. I spent 2016 learning more about the industry and the business of writing. I had no idea of the complexities! I’m delighted to read that camaraderie and support are more present than before, but being a newbie in this world, I’ve never known any different. This just increases my gratitude to be a part of storytelling with so many other artists and creatives. I’m looking forward to following your editorial blog! (Now I’ve got my comment under the right post! 🙂 )
Susan Mary Malone says
Writers’ conferences are really great, Angela! Not only nuts-and-bolts stuff, but all the networking and camaraderie. I highly recommend them!