Ever marvel the way to stand out at a writers convention?
Right here’s what most writers do…
- Signal as much as attend a writers convention weeks upfront
- Make journey preparations
- Scour the agenda on the lookout for the lectures, workshops, and shows that sound essentially the most enjoyable, attention-grabbing, or useful
- And that’s it
You present up. There’s a zillion writers, editors and publishers, and also you roam from one lecture to the following.
If “that’s it,” you’re lacking out on an enormous good thing about going to a writers convention—making connections.
Happily, somewhat pre-planning might help you get extra from a writers convention than a bag of goodies and a frenzy of concepts.
Wish to discover ways to stand out from the group at a writers convention? Hold studying
The Make a Dwelling Writing crew is worked up for Creator Benefit Stay 2024! It is a convention about serving to authors take the following step of their book-writing journey by studying what it takes to construct a enterprise out of your e-book.
Tips on how to jumpstart your profession at a writers convention
When you’re attending a writers convention for the primary time, you could be tempted to be a silent observers and soak all of it in. You’ll positively get some worth out of it to sharpen your abilities and construct confidence.
However in case you actually wish to give your freelance profession a lift, making connections could make an enormous distinction.
Once you determine to attend a convention for freelance writers, put together to be taught lots. But additionally present up anticipating to community, pitch concepts, and meet different writers, editors, and advertising professionals.
Planning to attend an upcoming writers convention? Right here’s what we suggest that will help you stand out
1. Do your homework
Earlier than you go to a writers convention, take a while to be taught extra in regards to the presenters and the organizations that shall be represented. Right here’s how:
- Examine web sites
- Learn blogs
- Go to social media channels
- Spend a couple of well-planned minutes on search engines like google
Once you get to the writers convention and meet the presenters, or editors in individual, it’s simpler to strike up a dialog and ask a couple of latest weblog publish, article, or product launch, in case you’ve regarded up that data earlier.
You would possibly even attain out forward of time to schedule a gathering, or use Twitter to live-tweet on the convention. Each are nice methods to make trade connections.
2. Put together an elevator speech
Let’s face it. A whole lot of freelance writing occurs in isolation. Possibly you might have cellphone calls or video chats with purchasers and sources, however the remainder of the time, you’re most likely working alone. So you should be ready for face-to-face, in-person conversations at a writers convention.
- Get snug introducing your self. Provide you with an elevator speech like this, “Hello, my title is Lyne, and I write about journey, trend, and life-style for blogs, magazines and companies.”
- Hold it temporary. Comply with up your elevator speech with a query like, What do you do?
Once you introduce your self, it’s additionally a straightforward alternative handy somebody your companies card, and get one in return, so you possibly can keep in contact after the convention.
3. Ask questions, pay attention
When you might have an opportunity to speak with one of many presenters, an editor, advertising director, and even others freelancers at a writers convention, spend extra time asking questions and listening than speaking about your self. For instance,
- Inform me about your corporation or publication
- What sort of content material do you publish?
- What’s occurring in your area of interest/trade?
- What do you want assist with?
- What do you consider this story concept, weblog publish?
Get to know individuals. At each writers convention, there’s designated occasions for networking. However you too can make connections throughout breaks, meal occasions, and after hours. Use these alternatives to get to know individuals.
Join others. When you meet a author who has a particular ability set, and an editor on the lookout for that form of area of interest author, make introductions. And also you’ll make connections to develop your community.
4. Comply with up
It’s most likely essentially the most missed networking technique after a writers convention. But it surely’s most likely essentially the most highly effective for constructing relationships, touchdown an project, or getting referrals. Listed below are some methods to observe up:
- Use LinkedIn to attach with the individuals you meet on the convention
- Ship thanks playing cards to the presenters. Point out one thing particular they shared that was useful
- Comply with up with an editor in regards to the weblog publish concept or question you mentioned
- Use social media to share suggestions, and concepts from the convention and tag individuals you met
- Keep in contact with individuals by sending alongside useful articles, hyperlinks to sources, or referrals
Tips on how to shine at your subsequent writers convention
You’ll be able to be taught lots at a writers convention in regards to the enterprise and craft of freelance writing, advertising, and trade traits. It’s one purpose to attend. However each writers convention can be wealthy with alternatives to make connections with individuals who could wish to rent you or ship referral work your means.
And it’s not that tough to do. Plan forward. Get snug introducing your self. Ask questions, and pay attention. Then observe up. That’s the way to stand out from the group and shine on the subsequent writers convention you attend.
What are your suggestions for making connections at a writers convention? Let’s talk about on Fb.
Lyne Carolynah is a freelancer author with a ardour for performing, tradition, trend, journey, and philanthropy. She is deeply devoted to empowering younger women and girls of colour.
