Wednesday, June 18, 2014

A Question About Writing Conferences

This summer, I have the fabulous opportunity to attend my first writer's conference, which is very exciting as well as incredibly anxiety-inducing.

I get to submit 20 pages of a manuscript that I will presumably work on during the afternoon sessions as well as 20 different pages for a one-on-one critique by an instructor.

The deadline to submit the pages is this weekend. My question is about the strategy you experienced conference-goers would recommend for the pages I need to send in. Would you submit pages that need work or the most polished chapters?

Tonja





10 comments:

  1. I've never done that, but from what others have said, submit your best, most polished stuff.
    Great opportunity - good luck!

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  2. Oh, fun. I love going to conferences, though the first few are nerve-wracking, yes. And I've submitted pages for these kinds of things. Generally, you'd provide the first twenty of the story. I suppose it doesn't have to be that way, but that's what I would imagine they want you to bring. Those tend to be the most important pages, since it's all about hooking the reader and getting them to read on. Yeah, those pages get workshopped a lot. :)

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  3. Take your most polished sample. The time is usually short and concise is good. I took a synopsis too, short version. Have fun, you're lucky to have such an opportunity and hope you'll share your experience.

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  4. I suggest submitting your most polished pages. The ones you know need work -- well, you already know what work they need. It's the ones you think are pretty good that need to be taken to the next step. They need the eyes of someone with some professional experience, to see what you can't see for yourself.

    When I submit a manuscript to my agent or my editor, I don't send them anything less than a fourth or fifth draft. Only when I think it's looking pretty darn good am I ready to find out what's still wrong with it.

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  5. I hope you have a wonderful time at the writer's conference! I wish I was an experienced conference-goer and could give some advice :)

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  6. I don't have any advice as I've never been to a conference but just want to say good luck! I hope you have an amazing time and a great experience.

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  7. I'm sure the conference will be an amazing experience.
    I've never been to one.
    Have fun!

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  8. Have fun. I'd take my best chapters and have those looked at, so I'd know how much more work needs to be one them after that.

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  9. I'd send the most polished chapters....I realize this advice might come too late. My rational is I want to take my best work at any given moment and figure out how to make it even better.

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  10. Thanks, everyone. I sent in the first 20 pages (also the most polished) and an a different 20 pages that were also well-polished.

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