We’ve come to the end of another calendar year. January seems to be the time when people evaluate their lives and set goals for the coming year. If you like to write and want to pursue publishing, why not make it a goal to attend a writers’ conference in 2016?

Writers conferences are a must for those who want to learn more about the world of publishing. Let me explain why. I often meet people who say, “I’ve written a story. Tell me how to get it published!” I’ve even had people ask me to give their stories to one of my editors. These are instant red flags for me, because it tells me the person has no idea what’s involved in the writing and publishing process. I might know CPR, but that doesn’t make me a paramedic. I like to sing in the shower, but that doesn’t mean I’m ready for a record contract. Just because someone can write a story, it doesn’t mean they can get it published by a traditional publishing house. Writing is a profession and it takes education and training to reach the goal of publication.

Most writers conferences offer the following: 

• Main sessions with key-note speakers who are successful published authors.
• Writing workshops to improve your writing skills.
• Workshops on how to write proposals and connect with publishers.
• One-on-one appointments with editors, agents, and authors.
• Opportunities to have your story or proposal critiqued by a professional.
• Opportunities to network with other writers.
• The pros and cons of self-publishing.

Writers conferences can be as long as a week and as short as a weekend. Yes, they are pricey, but well worth the investment. Some conferences offer scholarships which can help off-set the cost. The conferences all have websites that give details about the conferences as well as registration deadlines and information. Just type in the name of the conference and it will take you where you want to go!

Here is a list of some of the Christian writers conferences in the U.S. for 2016 (some dates are not yet available):

• Writer to Writer, Feb 5-7, Hershey, PA
• Florida Christian Writers Conference, Feb 24-28, FL
• Mt. Hermon Christian Writers Conference, March 16-22, CA
• Write 2 Ignite (writing for children and young adults), April 1-2, SC
• Colorado Christian Writers Conference, May 11-14, CO
• Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference, May 22-26, NC
• Write-to-Publish, Wheaton College, June 8-11, IL
• Southern Christian Writers Conference, June, Tuscaloosa, AL
• Montros Christian Writers Conference, July, PA
• American Christian Fiction Writers, Aug 25-28, TN
• Breathe Christian Writers Conference, Oct 7-8, MI
• Maranatha Christian Writers Conference, Oct, MI
• E Texas Christian Writers Conference, Oct, TX

So if you want to pursue publishing—2016 could be your year! What are you waiting for?

Crystal