Some thoughts…
What does a writer’s convention need?
Well, speakers. You should have a publisher or someone from a publisher to speak.
Now, I do mean a publisher, and not a print shop. If your business sells “Services” or “packages” to writers, you’re really not a publisher.
By a publisher, I mean someone who requires an agent. And the Publisher should be prepared to speak for 3 minutes on why you need an agent, and why they don’t accept non-represented authors (one word – reputation).
Then you should have an agent speak on why you should be represented (two words – quality control).
An editor should speak on self editing processes, so that the agent, publisher and editor are the LAST steps in the chain, not the first.
And then you should have someone like me, who will take the writers in a step by step process of how to structure and write a novel.
And lastly, there should be a few 15 minute breaks, and explain those are for authors to talk to each other. Five minutes to talk about your book project to each other, then trade. Let the other writer talk about their book!
A writers convention should be informative, and fun. Writers are scared that everyone there will find out they’re a fraud. Once you realize everyone is just like you, you can relax!
And enjoy yourself, and learn.
What do you think a writer’s convention should have?
