Writing, rewriting, editing . . .
It's not easy to refine an idea into a publishable manuscript. And that is just the beginning! Then you need to determine where to submit your writing and to persist in submitting again and again. It may become evident through this process that independent publishing is your best option. But how can you be certain? Going to a writers’ conference will not only help you to gain critical knowledge about writing and publishing, it will also give you the opportunity to meet one-on-one with editors, agents, authors, and other professionals. With FOUR free 15-minute appointments (FIVE for the first 50 who register for Friday and Saturday), no conference (except for the May 15-18 Colorado Christian Writers Conference) provides more opportunities. But with a faculty of over 42 at the Philly conference (60 at the Colorado conference), how can you be certain you're making the best choices? The helpful steps below will equip you for your conference experience, wherever that might be.
1. PRAY!
If you want to know what God wants you to do, ask him, and he will gladly tell you, for he is always ready to give a bountiful supply of wisdom to all who ask him; he will not resent it. James 1: 5 TLB
2. Review the Editorial Needs Chart that our amazing Appointments Coordinator, Barb Haley, is compiling based on responses from our faculty. I’ll post as soon as it is available.
3. Study the bios of the editors and the agents and other professionals who are interested in what you are writing and study any additional info about their editorial needs that accompanies their bio. (I will post this info after the May 15-18 Colorado conference.)
4. Visit their website and carefully review their guidelines for writers.
5. Keep in mind that your best option may be to meet with an author. If you do not have a manuscript or concrete idea to discuss, we recommend that you request appointments with Authors. An author can help you evaluate the readiness of your manuscript for publication. See Barb’s Areas of Expertise chart you’ll find on the Authors page.
6. Consider the option of a 30-minute paid critique. Along with their bios (be sure to check the Authors too), you’ll find the genres for those willing to do paid critiques. Be sure to check the length parameters on the Paid Critiques page.
My paid manuscript review gave me the most thorough and helpful manuscript review I've had to date.
Dr. Clement Hanson
7. Prepare for your appointments using the tips you'll find by clicking here.
Finally, pray some more – but not desperate “please, God” prayers. Instead surrender your work – your words – to the Lord and trust that He knows the plans He has for you and for your writing.
Trust GOD from the bottom of your heart don't try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for GOD's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;
he's the one who will keep you on track.
Don't assume that you know it all.
Proverbs 3:5-7 MSG
