Writers Conference Survival Guide: Advice from Agents, Editors, & Writers
Well, kids. We did it. We survived.
This year’s PNWA Conference was, hands down, the best experience I’ve had in the three years I’ve attended. Granted, the last time I went, I was 20-something, insecure af, and wearing TERRIBLE shoes.
But there was something different about this year.
I could tell you about how I went in authentically, a parting gift from my therapist tucked in my pocket to remind me to be my most honest self, but I don’t want this post to be about me. This post exists to celebrate the people who make writing conferences amazing and to share their wisdom.
A bit of context: in the final few hours of the conference, between one workshop and another, I got... well, I got bored. Boredom and I don’t hang out, so I put on my marketing cap and started interviewing writers, agents, and editors from all genres and of all experience attending the PNWA 2023 Conference. We’d all come together with a shared love of storytelling, and I was dying to know what everyone was taking away.
Whether you’re gearing up for your first writing conference or a pitch-master extraordinaire, I’ve collected all the insights you’ll need to attend your next writers’ conference better prepared, more confident, and (as the kids say) with swagger. This is a frontline-take on one of the biggest steps most of us take in our writing careers, and I owe a MASSIVE THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HUMORED ME IN THIS!!! I’ve tried to link to all your sites or socials, but if I missed one, just drop me a line. You have my card ;-)
Read on to learn how to survive and thrive at a writing conference!
Don’t have time to read it all? Come back later, and use these quick links to jump where you need to go now:
From the Agents & Editors
Ali Fisher - Executive Editor @ Tor Publishing Group
Why Should Writers Come to a Writing Conference?
So many reasons! I’ll give only one, because I assume other people are also going to give great responses. One of the reasons I believe coming to a writers’ conference is extremely, not only important, but maybe vital, is finding other people to read your work and work with you, as well as to engage in that community.
Do You Have Any Pro Tips for Writers Who Want to Publish Their Work?
There’s A LOT of information out there, and there’s A LOT of rules, and publishing can be very confusing and feel very restrictive. I STRONGLY recommend that if you are considering breaking a rule you hear often, which can work great, tell five people about this extraordinarily strange or rule-breaking idea you have. Tell them in person and watch their face. See if they respond genuinely positively and you believe them, or if they seem unconvinced. If they’re unconvinced, rethink it. If they are all like “hell yeah!” then go for it.
Learn More @ Tor.
Sam Hiyate - President & CEO @ The Rights Factory
What Brings You to the PNWA?
This is my first ever PNWA conference! I’ve never been to Seattle before, but I really like it. I’m hoping to come back to future PNWAs whenever I get the chance. In terms of why I’m here, I’m scouting actively on behalf of all the new agents working for my agency, The Rights Factory. There’s a bunch of brilliant, young agents that are looking for new writers, and I’m a pretty good scout.
What Advice Do You Have for Anyone Pitching at a Writing Conference?
In terms of pitching anybody at The Rights Factory, we want to know where your book fits into the market. That really helps us, so tell us comps. I want to know that you’ve got a sympathetic character who’s going to go through something extraordinary, whether it’s a journey or a goal that they have that’s going to be almost impossible with a series of escalating obstacles. And I DON’T want to know the ending!
(Quick aside from Fitz here: Sam was one of the nicest people I met this weekend. He caught me in the hall between events on the first full day. I asked a question about wordcount during the agent panel that he wanted to follow up about, and we talked for a while about BIG books, where they fit, and cover art.)
Learn More @ The Rights Factory.
Samantha Keating - Editor & Social Media Manager @ Wild Rose Press
What Workshop Are You Leading This Weekend?
I’m co-presenting with another editor from Wild Rose, Morena Stramm, on romance. Why romance as a genre is misunderstood, what it is and what it is not.
(Fitz here. I went to this workshop, and it was awesome. Fav takeaway? If it’s a dick, call it a dick. Don’t use “engorged love muscle” or “trouser snake” or anything else you wouldn’t call a penis to its face.)
What Advice Do You Have for Writers Going to Their First Writing Conference?
#1: Know your story well, why you love it, and why you think readers will.
#2: Understand the tropes and the genre you’re writing in.
#3: Keep an open mind. You might come thinking you really want the traditional route or the agent route, but keep an open mind and listen to both. You might find one will work a little bit better for you and a different door will open for you.
Shameless Fitz Question: Do You Have a FAVORITE Romance Trope?
Forced proximity. I LOVE a good forced proximity.
Learn More @ Wild Rose Press.
Lizz Nagel - CEO & Senior Agent @ Victress Literary
Why Should People Come to Writers Conferences?
Because it’s a great place to get an education, hone their writing skills, connect with other authors, and get critique partners.
What Tips Do You Have for Writers Who Are Ready to Pitch Agents?
Practice your pitch! Just relax and be yourself.
Learn More @ Victress Literary.
Morena Stramm - Editor @ Wild Rose Press
What Advice Do You Have for Writers Going to Their First Writing Conference?
If it’s you’re first time to a conference, it’s always good to come in with an open mind. You might have half a manuscript ready or a whole manuscript ready, that’s fine, but wherever you’re at in your career, just come in with an open mind. Be ready to engage and meet new people. Sometimes it’s networking you get out of these things, more than anything. You find your people.
What is Wild Rose Looking for Right Now?
Right now we’re trying to get back to our roots with more romance. That doesn’t mean we’re not looking for sci-fi, fantasies, thrillers, crime, murder mysteries, and all that — but we really, really want to get back to romance.
Shameless Fitz Question: Do You Have a FAVORITE Romance Trope?
Grumpy sunshine <3
Learn More @ Wild Rose Press.
Alisha West - Junior Agent @ Victress Literary
Why Should Writers Go to a Writing Conference?
There’s so many reasons! First, the education piece of it. If you can go to workshops, you can learn a TON. I think you should come to network with other writers, too, and find good writing + critique groups. Sometimes you get a chance to pitch to agents, also a great opportunity to be face-to-face.
What Advice Do You Have for Writers Pitching Agents at Conferences?
Do your homework! Do a bunch of research on how to best write the query letter, how to best pitch your book, how to write a really good logline, and how to write a synopsis. Then, pass it all by a ton of people. Get a lot of feedback. Same thing with the draft, obviously that’s important, but sometimes people forget all the little pieces that go with it, and those are really important to learn about.
Are Agents Really as Scary as Writers Think They Are?
Not at all! We’re actually really nice people! We’re human beings who are doing a job, and we just happen to love books as much as you do.
Learn More @ Victress Literary.
From the Writers
Tony Ahn - Business Writer, 1st PNWA
What Are Your Takeaways So Far?
What I love about it is all the networking and getting to meet people. There’s so much great stuff to learn.
What Are You Pitching This Weekend?
I’m pitching a book called Evolutionary Marketing: Leverage Primordial Human Drives That Make Customers Buy. It explains how our Stone Age drives are still motivating us as we negotiate our modern lives, offering a fresh perspective on marketing, filtered through the lens of evolutionary psychology.
Follow Tony on Medium.
Jodie Anders - YA / MG Fantasy Writer, 2nd PNWA
Why Should People Come to a Writer’s Conference?
It’s funny, I’m actually from Los Angeles, and I came here because I joined a writers group through an author I found, and I find the people here to be super welcoming, sweet, and just really encouraging. I really enjoy the panels here, where you learn a lot, but the kicker for me is the people you meet — even the panelists, who are really just so kind and encouraging in helping get you further in your writing career.
Have You Published a Book Before?
Actually, my first book is coming out in May 2024! It’s called Queer Cheer. It’s funny, this isn’t what I normally write. I’m actually a YA / MG fantasy author as well as a TV writer, but this is a subject that’s really near and dear to my heart with everything that’s going on out there in the world with LGBTQ issues. My co-author and I wrote a book on positivity for queer teens. It addresses all kinds of issues that queer-identifying teens would come across, like inclusive school spaces, figuring out who you are, dealing with bullies, figuring out your future goals, and all that kind of stuff.
Learn More @ Jodie's Website.
John Baker - YA Author, 4th PNWA
What’s Your Favorite Part About Coming Here?
All the people I get to meet!
What Are You Pitching This Weekend?
An upmarket contemporary novel called The Laws of Vanity. It’s about a young woman named Courtney, who is a fashion model with a rare neurological disorder that makes her incapable of seeing beauty.
Learn More @ John’s Website.
Adam Foote - YA Sci-Fi Writer, 1st PNWA
What’s the Best Part of Attending a Writer’s Conference?
I’ve really enjoyed the PNWA conference so far! I love the diversity of genres here. People should come because it’s a great place to learn and grow as a writer, and to network and meet new people.
What Are You Pitching This Weekend?
I’m pitching a YA sci-fi novel where Earth is drawn into an intergalactic cold war when it’s invaded by aliens.
Learn More @ Adam’s Website.
Laura Heider - Fantasy Writer, 1st PNWA
What’s the Best Part of Attending a Writer’s Conference?
Meeting amazing people. Honestly, I’ve just met incredible folks.
What Are You Pitching This Weekend?
I write contemporary fantasy and a bit of romance, but what I’m pitching this weekend is contemporary fantasy. And it’s gone really great! I’m six for six. I’ve pitched six times and got six requests.
Connect @ Laura’s Goodreads.
Roman Hunt - YA Epic Fantasy Writer, 1st PNWA
Why Did You Come to This Writing Conference?
I came here looking for networking and a writing community. Honestly, it’s exceeded all my expectations. The authors, publishers, editors - everybody is super welcoming. It’s been fantastic, and it’s blown my mind how much more my writing has grown just by brainstorming with other authors and editors.
What Are You Pitching This Weekend?
A YA epic fantasy romance. Kind of Dark Crystal meets Game of Thrones meets Demon Slayer. It follows a young girl and her quest to heal herself, asking the question: where can you run when you are the darkness?
Keith Lawson - Thriller Writer, 2nd PNWA
How’s Your Conference Going So Far?
I’m so excited to be here. I’ve met some great people. I think my favorite part is making new friends. It’s all about making connections.
What Are You Pitching This Weekend?
I’m pitching a psychological thriller called My Name is Max, which is about a CIA officer with a split personality who goes rogue to take on a child trafficking right. It’s a modern-day Jekyll and Hyde.
Kate Ota - Epic Fantasy Writer, 1st PNWA
What Brings You to the PNWA Conference?
I’m part of a writing group called Kitsap Writers Critique Group, and I sort of found them through PNWA, so I thought I should check out the conference because I’ve been wanting to come for a year, but last year it was on my sister’s wedding day.
Why Should People Come to a Writer’s Conference?
Not only to meet agents and editors, but to meet fellow writers. (Kate gestures to a group she’s sitting with) I hadn’t met these ladies before coming here, and now I know other young fantasy writers in my area!
Learn More @ Kate’s Website.
SE Reynolds - Romance Author, 1st PNWA
What Are Your Takeaways from This Conference?
You think you have a great idea and a great book when you leave the house, but until you get here and pitch it, you really don’t know. It’s great to get that solid feedback from agents, editors, and publishers. Plus, I love seeing all these senior people here not giving up on their dreams and still writing. I think that’s so cool, and I hope I will be one of those one day!
What Are You Pitching This Weekend?
I’m pitching a psychological paranormal suspense novel called Cicada Eyes.
Learn More @ SE’s Website.
Kaitlin Schmidt - Editor & Fantasy Writer, 1st PNWA
What’s the Best Part of Attending a Writer’s Conference?
Connecting with people. I love the classes — I’m learning TONS — but I’m also connecting with the types of writers that I want to work with. I’m also an editor, so I’m getting to connect with people who are looking for an editor. And, of course, the pitching was a really cool opportunity.
What Are You Pitching This Weekend?
A queernorm fantasy romance — and it’s spicy. It’s about a young woman named Luddy forgiving herself. Actually, a lot of characters need to forgive themselves. They all have to get past shame so they can actually connect with each other. It’s also about protectiveness between sisters.
Learn More @ Kaitlin’s Website.
Emily Smiley - Fantasy Writer, 1st PNWA
Why Should People Come to a Writer’s Conference?
The talks are good, but the people are better. It’s really hard to meet other writers in your genre. Like, you can join a lot of local critique groups where you meet a lot of wide-ranging genres, but it’s really nice to meet other people who write, edit, and pitch your stuff.
What Are You Pitching This Weekend?
I’m pitching an epic fantasy trilogy.
Learn More @ Emily's Website.
Andrew Sweet - Sci-Fi Author, 1st PNWA
What’s the Best Part of Attending a Writer’s Conference?
It’s been a positive experience in introducing me to other writers in the area and agents as well. One takeaway this week is that we’re all in this together. It’s been fun meeting and intermingling with other writers and learning about their backgrounds and experiences.
What Do You Write?
Science fiction, generally. I have a series out now called Reality Gradient, which is kind of like Blade Runner.
Learn More @ Andrew’s Website.
Molly Talon - Feminist Dystopian Writer, 1st PNWA
What Brings You to the PNWA Conference?
I’m part of this writers’ group on Bainbridge Island through BARN, and we meet a couple of times a week to just write. It’s more of a community than a critique group. I joined last year, and I working on this BIG book that’s now turned into a trilogy. All the writers in my group encouraged me to join PNWA. They were so pumped on it, and I was like “alright, fine,” and then they were like “you’re going to the conference, you’re going to pitch your book.” To which I was like “I’m not ready to pitch my book. I can’t pitch my book. Nobody wants to read this creepy sci-fi.” But they encouraged me to come, even if it wasn’t all the way done because it’s good practice and I’d meet some people — and they were right!
What Are You Pitching This Weekend?
I’m writing a 3-part trilogy that’s feminist dystopian fiction.
Follow Molly (and her awesome bus adventures) @ Tallon Bus IG.
From the PNWA Board
& Those Who Made It All Happen
David Beaumier - Marketing Manager, Chanticleer Book Reviews & Media
Why Should People Come to the PNWA?
It provides a really wonderful springboard for new authors or authors who are just getting their start. This place helps them really launch and find the connections they’re looking for in terms of how to get their book published and how to begin marketing. One of the things that I love about coming here is just being able to give people a face to put with the name of the company that so many folks here work with. It’s also wonderful to meet new people and have that exchange of ideas, speakers, and authors, and see all those overlaps between PNWA and Chanticleer and have that great connection and synergy between us.
(David and Fitz, marketers quietly snickering as David grumbles: I said synergy. Aggh. The corporations. They got me. They got me.)
Learn More @ Chanticleer’s Website.
Pam Binder - President of the PNWA
Which Workshops Are You Most Excited About This Year?
What I’m excited about is a new thing, which we call Movable Book Feast. For 20 minutes, you have an author assigned to a table, and they get to talk on any topic - anything from the craft of writing to wine tasting. We didn’t have “how to use the right poison in a mystery,” we thought we’d stay away from that topic.
Fitz, muttering in the recording: I could’ve done that!
Pam, laughing: Next year we’ll have you come and do that one for us!
At the end of the 20 minutes, a buzzer goes off and people move to the next table. It’s like musical chairs, and it’s really fun. The whole idea is it’s a sampling of different workshops. The workshops that people are more inclined to like, the following year, we’ll turn into 60 or 90-minute workshops. People are loving it.
Why Should Writers Come to the PNWA?
Writers tend to be very much hermits, and sometimes, they really feel that they can’t write. When they come to a conference like ours, we show them that, yes, it’s possible, and they don’t have to write their book in a weekend, or a month, or even a year. It’s a project. It’s a long-term project, and it’s actually not as difficult as people think.
Learn More @ Pam’s Website.
Chris CC Humphreys - Historical Fiction Author & Presenter
What Are You Teaching This Weekend?
All aspects of writing, really! From travel writing to historical fiction writing, as well as how to write your actual novel. How to write action scenes, too, including sex and violence.
What’s Your New Novel Called?
Someday I’ll Find You — it’s a WWII epic romance between a fighter pilot and a Norwegian spy loosely based on my parents’ story.
Learn More @ CC’s Website.
Bryan Mercer - Treasurer of the PNWA
Why Should Writers Come to the PNWA?
Well, I came to one of the monthly meetings initially just to meet fellow writers, and I happened to sit by a board member, and they said “You’ve GOT to come to the conference! You HAVE to come!” And at that very first conference, I met writers and friends that I still have today. I also had the opportunity to meet and pitch to agents who were previously only on paper or screen - and, of course, that was terrifying. However, it kind of demystifies the mystique that they create. They’re people, too!
What Advice Do You Have for Writers Pitching Agents at Conferences?
Hone your pitch. I went to PitchFest in New York, which is ~60 agents in different rooms. You stand in line and you have X amount of time to pitch to them, which meant you had to hone your pitch. When I took that honed, 25-word essence of my book and put it into my query letter, that’s how I got my agent. Not through pitching to someone in person, but through a query letter, because of that 25-word essence
Learn More @ Brian's Website.
JA Nielsen - YA Author & Pitchfest Coach, 4th PNWA
What’s Your Debut Novel?
The Claiming, book one in the Fractured Kingdom series. Later this year, you’ll see book two in the series — The Winter Heir — where the fairies’ magic and mischief get darker, deeper, and more mysterious.
Why Should Writers Come to the PNWA Conference?
This place is a wealth of fantastic information, knowledge, and experience. Most importantly, though, there are a lot of really great cheerleaders with a lot of good experience who will cheer you on and help you get to the next level.
Did You Get Your Agent Here?
In a roundabout way! One of my fellow authors got her agent through the conference about five years ago, and eventually, she ended up becoming my agent, too. I did get my publisher, The Wild Rose Press, here!
Learn More @ JA’s Website.
Judy Taylor - PNWA Staff
What PNWA Number Are You On?
I think this is my sixth. The first couple I just went to, then I started volunteering because I really like the organization. Eventually, I started working for them, and I love it. I love what I’m doing. Every job that they give me to do is a delight. That sounds like I’m exaggerating, but no, I seriously look forward to coming to work. They’re great, and they’re very supportive of all our endeavors.
Are You Pitching This Weekend?
It’s a historical mystery set in Seattle, 1937. It’s about… well, it’s too long to explain!
(Fitz here. I want to go on record as saying Judy Taylor is amazing. She helped me sort out pitch block issues before the conference, was literally EVERYWHERE at the conference helping as many people as she could, and made me laugh more than once. Thank you, Judy.)
Learn More @ Judy’s Website.