If You’re Looking for a Writers’ Conference

writers conference meeting-83519_640Guest post
by Marian D. Schwartz

If you’re looking for a writers’ conference and you’re an indie, there are more conferences focusing on your interests today than there were when I last posted about conferences on Indies Unlimited in 2013. Well over 200 writers’ conferences will be held in the United States in 2019.

Your choices are broader if you want to attend workshops and lectures on the craft of writing than they are if you’re a self-published author who is specifically looking for ideas that will help you successfully market your books. There is no reason why a writers’ conference can’t offer workshops in craft and in self-publishing. Some offer a good balance in both, but many of them are tilted more toward one choice than the other. Continue reading “If You’re Looking for a Writers’ Conference”

And I Did it All in My Pajamas

The stereotypical story of a fledgling or wannabe author from ten or more years ago had several consistent elements. Besides the countless queries, submissions, and rejections virtually all of them experienced, many would mention attending writing conferences. It was a great way to network, socialize, and learn from those more experienced on issues of importance to writers, both writing craft and other skills to help them succeed. But these conferences were also money pits. The cost of plane tickets, restaurant meals, and hotel rooms add up fast. There ought to be a better way.

Several weeks ago I was approached by an IU reader (thanks Tasha) who was looking for people willing to act as moderators for WanaCon, an online writing conference put on by WANA International, Kristen Lamb’s organization with which many of you are probably familiar. The quid pro quo was free “admittance” to the conference. Continue reading “And I Did it All in My Pajamas”

Western Maryland Independent Lit Festival

The Sixth Annual Western Maryland Independent Lit Festival will be hosted at various venues around downtown Frostburg, Maryland. Editors, publishers, writers, and educators of the local literary community will be participating. Journals and presses will display books, submission guidelines, and other promotional materials inside the Lyric Theater. Panel discussions and roundtable sessions include topics on writing and getting published, teachers and students, blogging and new media publishing, using social media for promotion, and craft discussions. The Press Festival is an excellent opportunity for members of the local literary community to meet directly with editors and publishers and learn about writing and publishing.

Dates: Saturday, October 13th from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm

Entry Fee: Free Admission

For more information, please visit their website.

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Indies Unlimited is pleased to provide this conference information for the convenience of our readers. We do not, however, endorse this or any contest/competition/conference. Participants should always research a conference prior to attending.