Your First Writers Conference: What to Expect and How to Get the Most From It

The first writers conference I attended was both exciting and intimidating.

I remember wondering if I belonged there. Would everyone already be published? Would I know what to say? Would I somehow reveal that I was just making things up as I went along?

Here’s the secret: almost everyone feels that way at their first conference.

Whether you’re working on your first manuscript or publishing your twentieth book, writers’ conferences can be one of the most valuable investments you make in your career. They offer education, networking, inspiration, and something that’s often hard to find when you’re writing alone—a reminder that you’re part of a larger writing community.

If you’re considering attending your first conference, here’s what you can expect and how to make the most of the experience.

What Happens at a Writers Conference?

Every conference is a little different, but most include a combination of:

✍️ Craft workshops

📚 Publishing and industry education

🎤 Keynote speakers

🤝 Networking opportunities

☕ Informal gatherings and social events

📖 Vendor and author tables

💼 Agent and editor appointments

You’ll find sessions covering everything from character development and plotting to book marketing, advertising, newsletters, and publishing options.

No matter where you are in your writing journey, there’s usually something valuable to learn.

You Do NOT Need to Be Published

This is one of the biggest misconceptions new writers have.

You do not need:

❌ A finished manuscript

❌ An agent

❌ A publishing contract

❌ A published book

Many attendees are still working on their first draft. Others are preparing to self-publish. Some are traditionally published authors with dozens of books.

Everyone starts somewhere.

In fact, conferences can be especially helpful early in your journey because they allow you to learn from people who have already made the mistakes you’re trying to avoid.

Before the Conference

A little preparation can go a long way.

Review the Schedule

Most conferences publish their schedules in advance. Spend some time reviewing the sessions and highlighting those that interest you most.

It’s tempting to try to attend everything, but that’s impossible.

Choose sessions that address your biggest questions right now.

Set Realistic Goals

Ask yourself what you hope to gain from the event.

Maybe you want to:

• Learn more about publishing
• Improve your craft
• Meet other writers
• Find a critique group
• Learn marketing strategies
• Meet an agent or editor

You don’t have to accomplish everything in one weekend.

Bring Business Cards

Even in today’s digital world, business cards are still useful.

They don’t need to be fancy.

Include:

• Your name
• Author name (if different)
• Email address
• Website
• Social media information

You’ll be surprised how often people ask for a way to stay connected.

During the Conference

Go to the Meals and Social Events

This may be the most valuable advice in this entire article.

Many writers focus on the workshops and skip the social activities.

Don’t.

Some of the best conversations happen:

• Over breakfast
• During lunch
• Waiting in line for coffee
• At evening receptions
• In hotel lobbies after sessions end

The person sitting next to you may become a critique partner, writing friend, future collaborator, or lifelong member of your author tribe.

Talk to People

You don’t need a perfect elevator pitch.

Simply introduce yourself.

Try:

“Hi, I’m Tammy. I write cozy mysteries.”

Or:

“I’m working on my first romance novel.”

That’s enough.

Writers are generally welcoming because most of them remember exactly what it felt like to attend their first conference.

I should probably add that this is the hardest part for me.

I can be friendly. I can smile. I can carry on a conversation once someone starts talking to me. But getting myself there in the first place? That’s the challenge.

It’s forcing myself not to bury my head in a book, my phone, or my notes. It’s reminding myself that I do have something to contribute when everyone around me seems so accomplished and confident. As an introvert, putting myself out there doesn’t come naturally.

I’ll be honest—by the end of most conferences, I’m emotionally exhausted. Not because I spent the weekend running a marathon or writing thousands of words, but because I’ve spent days pushing myself outside my comfort zone. I’ve introduced myself to strangers, joined conversations, attended social events, and made myself engage when every instinct told me to quietly retreat to my hotel room.

But here’s the thing: every meaningful connection I’ve made in the writing world started with one of those uncomfortable moments. The friends I still talk to years later. The critique partner who helped improve my writing. The industry professional who offered advice. None of those relationships would have happened if I had stayed in the corner by myself.

So if you’re an introvert like me, know that you’re not alone. Take a deep breath, introduce yourself to one person, then another. You don’t have to work the entire room. You just have to be willing to start a conversation. You never know where it might lead.

Take Notes

You’ll hear a tremendous amount of information.

Take notes on:

• Session highlights
• Recommended books
• Useful resources
• Industry tips
• Names of people you meet

Trust me—you will not remember everything later.

Give Yourself Permission to Rest

Conferences can be overwhelming.

There is no rule that says you must attend every single session.

Sometimes the best thing you can do is step outside, grab a coffee, and recharge for an hour.

Meeting Agents and Editors

Many conferences offer pitch sessions or appointments with agents and editors.

If this opportunity is available and aligns with your goals, take advantage of it.

A few tips:

✔️ Follow the conference guidelines

✔️ Know your story

✔️ Be professional

✔️ Listen carefully

✔️ Remember they’re people too

Most importantly, don’t view a pitch appointment as a pass/fail test.

Even if the answer is no, you’ll gain valuable experience and feedback.

Oh, and huge tip here – NEVER approach an agent or editor while they are going to the bathroom. You will hear all the horror stories about an enthusiastic author trying to pitch something while the poor editor or agent just needs those few moments of peace.

Conferences Worth Considering

There are hundreds of excellent conferences around the country.

A few well-known options include:

⭐ Author Nation (Las Vegas)

A favorite among independent authors and publishers. The focus is often on business, marketing, publishing, and building a sustainable author career.

⭐ Romance Writers of America Annual Conference

Excellent for romance authors and anyone interested in learning more about the publishing industry. Check out their website for details on when and where these are happening.

⭐ Moonlight and Magnolias

Hosted by Georgia Romance Writers, this conference has earned a strong reputation for education, networking, and community. And GRW was my very first entry into this big, scary world. 😊

In addition, many local chapters of writing organizations host smaller conferences and workshops that can be more affordable and less intimidating for first-time attendees.

The Real Value of a Writers Conference

Yes, you’ll learn about writing.

Yes, you’ll learn about publishing.

Yes, you’ll probably leave with pages of notes.

But years later, what many writers remember most are the people.

The friend they met at lunch.

The critique partner they still talk to every week.

The author who encouraged them when they were ready to quit.

The editor who helped them see their story differently.

The conference where they finally realized they weren’t alone.

Writing can sometimes feel like a solitary pursuit, but conferences remind us that we’re part of a much larger community of storytellers.

So if you’ve been thinking about attending your first writers conference, consider this your sign.

Register.

Pack a notebook.

Say hello to the person sitting next to you.

You never know where a simple conversation might lead.