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 75 who register for all three days), no conference provides more opportunities than the May 11-14 Colorado Christian Writers Conference and the August 3-6 Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference. But with a faculty of over 50 at each 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 79 genres/topics on the Editorial Needs Charts that our amazing Appointments Coordinator, Barb Haley, has painstakingly compiled based on responses from our Colorado faculty.
Sample page. Click here for a PDF of the entire 9 pages that is readable.
3. Study the bios of the editors and agents who are interested in what you are writing and study any additional info about their editorial needs that accompanies their bio. (Note: Bios of the agents and other professionals will be added to the website soon.)
4. Visit their website and carefully read 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. Barb has also prepared a 9-page chart of “Areas of Expertise.” 1-14. Author bios will be added to the conference website soon.
6. Consider the option of a 30-minute paid critique. Yes, Barb has also created a 9-page chart (click here) for paid critiques. For even more info, including length parameters, that there is room on the chart to provide, click here.
My paid manuscript review gave me the most thorough
and helpful manuscript review I’ve had to date.
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
Stay tuned for exciting updates about the August 3-6 Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference as the details fall into place.
Write His Answer 
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