Looking For a Big Break

Several individuals in my critique group attended a writer's conference last weekend. They're a great way to peek through the window of the industry.

Since we had the wedding, unfortunately I could not attend. My conference attendance has been spotty at best, but as my son gets older I plan to make some notable writer's conferences a yearly priority. Think I've said that for the past three, but next year I really mean it.

Conferences usually have contest entry requests in several various genres such as fantasy, horror, thrillers, mysteries, poetry, screenplays, etc. The more you enter the better your odds of winning. Having awards on your resume is a great way to gain some respectability when preparing to query agents and editors.

Speaking of which, there are usually a vast number of agents and editors at these conferences where you can pitch your novel(s). The KWA conference has many big-name NY agents, as does the OWFI conference every spring. That's your opportunity as a writer to get some face time with several in one easy setting. It's also a good way to hone your selling skills - remember, you have a book to sell and they're there to buy that next breakout novel.

The conferences also offer workshops in practically any category, that is unless it is a targeted conference for say screenplays or a specified genre. At KWA's "Scene of the Crime" conference they'll bring in speakers who are ballistics experts, fire investigators, forensics, someone from the DA's office, you name it. These people hold a vast array of real-time information that they willingly share. Even a murder scene can be interesting (sick, maybe, but interesting all the same).

Several in my critique group have won prizes from entering contests and attending conferences. We even received great news from one critiquor (who shall remain anonymous for now) that an agent at the conference asked him to submit his entire manuscript - a rare achievement indeed!

Now all we have to do is sit on our laurels for the next two or three months and see if they like what he has to offer. This just might be his big break. I'm so excited!