Three Top Tips for Preparing for a Christian Writers Conference

Today, Inspire’s President, Robynne Miller, continues our series on conference-going with her advice for those of you preparing to attend a writers’ conference for the first time . . . or maybe even the second, or third!


The Christian writer’s conference season is upon us … such as Vision Christian Writers in March and Oregon Christian Writers’ Cascade Conference in June, we have several solid writing conferences to choose from on the west coast.

If you’ve yet to go to a writers’ conference or have attended one in a state resembling a deer caught in the headlights, here are three tips for making the most of your Christian writers’ conference experience.

Be Realistic

If all you have is an idea for the Great American Novel, you shouldn’t worry too much about landing an agent or identifying a publisher at your first (or second, or third) conference. Use the many wonderful resources of each conference to take you to the next level, no matter what level you’re currently at. And that starts with a realistic assessment of where you are in the writing journey.

Brand new? Focus on learning craft. Already on your way to finishing a manuscript? Focus on making connections and learning about platform. Have a polished project nearly in hand? Learn all you can about proposals, one-sheets, and pitching. Ready to go? Identify appropriate agents, editors, and publishers … and make a point of connecting with them.

Do Your Research

No matter where you are on the journey, don’t assume every conference will meet your needs. Make sure the topics covered in workshops and tracks are appropriate, that attending editors, agents, and publishers represent the kind of projects you’re working on, and that the level of teaching is commensurate with your abilities.

For example, going to a conference targeting intermediate or advanced writers isn’t the right place if you’re just starting out as a writer. Likewise, choosing a conference that caters to beginning authors probably isn’t the ideal place for established career writers. And if you’re a straight nonfiction author, going to a conference exclusively focused on fiction might be fun, but also probably a waste of time.

Don’t Try to Do Everything

It’s easy to burn out at a writer’s conference by trying to do everything and be everywhere. After all, you’re paying good money to attend, so surely you should squeeze out every possible drop of value, right? Not exactly. Many conferences have jam-packed days full of multiple options, starting before breakfast and ending late at night. If you do everything possible, you will exhaust yourself before the first day ends.

Instead, make sure you know what is available well before you arrive and prayerfully consider your priority workshops/events/gatherings. Thoughtfully build a schedule based around those priorities, making sure to build in time for rest, time for the relationships you will inevitably form, and, especially, time for appointments with agents, editors, and publishers. Remember: we take in and remember much more when we’re rested and focused than when we’re exhausted and overwhelmed.

If you follow these three tips, your conference experience will be far more beneficial and FAR more enjoyable!

About Robynne Elizabeth Miller 9 Articles
Prior to becoming President of Inspire, Robynne has served on the board as Communications Director and Director of Leadership and as a critique group leader. She has written eight books, is a freelance editor and writing coach, and speaks and teaches at workshops, conferences, and events throughout the country . . . and is director of the Vision Christian Writers Conference at Mount Hermon. Robynne was awarded her MFA in Creative Nonfiction and Fiction in August 2018 and lives in northwest Oregon with her wonderful British husband and the youngest of their four children.

6 Comments

    • Hi Zachery,

      The best advice I can give is to get involved with a critique or writing group, attend every writing workshop and conference you can, read great books on -craft, and keep writing. If you are serious and want to fast-track things, working one on one with a writing coach is also a great way to quickly hone your skillset and level up your writing.

      Blessings!

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