Should I Go or Should I Stay?

I’m talking about writers’ conferences, not relationships. Returning last week from Left Coast Crime in Bellevue, Washington, I found a flurry of comments in my inbox, addressing the question: Was it worth it?

It’s a good question to ask. I spent a lot of money on the registration, flights, transportation to and from the airport, my hotel room, and non-included meals and drinks. Did I sell enough books to justify the cost? No—not even close. Did I make connections that will lead to greater sales in the future? That remains to be seen. But there are other considerations as well. Deciding to attend a writers’ conference or convention requires information and self-reflection.

The first question to ask is what kind of event are you considering? Although the terms are often used interchangeably, conferences and conventions aren’t the same.

CONFERENCES like Killer Nashville, Crime Bake, Sleuthfest, California Crime Writers Conference, and Thrillerfest focus on craft and community. Workshops, panels, and Master Classes are geared toward helping authors improve their writing skills, pitch effectively, and develop sensible strategies for promotion and marketing. Writers will usually have opportunities to pitch to agents or editors, receive professional critiques of their work, hang out with published authors, and make connections with other writers on the same path. At Crime Bake, I learned how to pitch my book. At Killer Nashville, I was introduced to cinematic plotting. At Sleuthfest, I met my editor and was offered a two-book contract. At every conference I’ve attended, I’ve met wonderful writers, many of whom have become friends and colleagues.

CONVENTIONS like Malice Domestic, Left Coast Crime, and Bouchercon are also called “fan conventions” because they bring writers and readers together through special events and interesting panels. There will be a bookstore carrying your books (be sure to check the requirements in advance). and an opportunity to sign. Writers can hang out with other writers or they can intentionally look for occasions to chat with readers. Published authors will be given opportunities to participate in and/or moderate a panel and participate in Author Speed Dating (giving a two-minute pitch to a group of interested readers many times). At some conventions, you can host a social event with readers. Debut authors may be recognized and applauded.

So, are writers’ conferences and conventions worth it? Here are five questions that might help you decide:

1. What are you hoping to achieve?

Do you want to improve your craft, hire an agent, or attract a publishing contract? If so, a writers’ conference is for you. Are you hoping to expand your readership and potentially sell more books? You can do that most easily at a fan convention. Is networking important? A smaller event will give you more opportunities to meet people. Are you hoping to meet the author of your favorite NY Times bestseller? A large national convention like Bouchercon is your best bet. Do you write in a particular genre? Look for a conference like Thrillerfest or a convention like Malice Domestic that focuses on a certain genre. If you write cozies, you aren’t going to fit in at Thrillerfest. If you write thrillers, you probably won’t find your readers at Malice.

Once you’ve answered these basic questions, you can match your purpose and project to the right event for you. When you go, take advantage of every opportunity to achieve your goals. Some will require prior planning.

2. How much money are you willing to spend?

Flights are expensive. Driving and parking aren’t free either. And hotels are expensive, even at reduced conference rates. Trust me, unless you’re a top-tier author, you won’t sell enough books to cover the cost. That means you will have to weigh the costs against the rewards. Conferences and conventions that are close to where you live will make the most sense financially, and you can reduce your costs by sharing taxis and hotel rooms. Even so, it will be expensive. This year Bouchercon is being held in Nashville over the Labor Day Weekend, so the cost of flights will be higher than usual—and the airports busier with families heading home for school. But maybe you’ve always wanted to visit Nashville and can take a few extra days to see the sights. The question really isn’t “Is it worth it?” but “Is it worth it to me?”

3. Will you enjoy yourself?

Many writers are self-confessed introverts who find it difficult to put themselves out there in new situations. Introducing yourself to a stranger might cause you to break out in a sweat. Standing up in a ballroom and talking about your book may be your greatest fear. If this is true, ask yourself if you’re willing to change (just for the weekend). Can you join a breakfast table with folks you don’t know? Could you ask someone you’ve just met if they have plans for dinner? If you find yourself escaping to your hotel room every afternoon, you might be wasting your money—and your opportunities. Remember that the secret to small talk is not to be interesting but to be interested. Ask people about themselves—what they write, what they read, where they’re from. Can you do that? One consideration might be the size of the conference. Bouchercon is huge, and it’s easy to get lost, socially speaking, unless you intentionally reach out. Other conferences and conventions are smaller and friendlier. Find out which ones you will enjoy most by asking other writers about their experiences.

4. Do you have a new book out or are you up for an award?

Fan conventions are best, in my opinion, if you have a new book to present. I’m going to Bouchercon this year because the fifth book in my Kate Hamilton series comes out in June. Then there are the book awards—the Agathas (Malice Domestic); the Leftys (Left Coast Crime); the Anthonys (Bouchercon); the Edgars (Mystery Writers of America); and the Claymore and Silver Falchion (Killer Nashville). If you’re nominated for an award, you might just win! Wouldn’t it be nice to be there in person to get that trophy?

5. Are you willing to bet on the future?

We all know about delayed gratification and investing in the future. As writers we have to work hard for a long time, not only writing our books but also getting our name out there. If you’re an emerging writer, look for events that will help you grow in your craft and offer you advice from trusted professionals. If you’re a seasoned author, you might need inspiration. And we all need colleagues, people on the same journey. You might just meet a mentor, an accountability buddy, a beta reader, or a critique partner. You might run into an industry leader who will offer to look at your work or someone who can introduce you to a key person in the publishing business. You might meet your agent or editor. You will meet lifelong friends.

What are your favorite writers’ conferences or conventions? Are they worth it to you?