Write to Publish:
There's No Place Like Home
by Lori Z Scott

When buyers go house hunting, they consider the builder's reputation, overall building structure, room layout, special features, and price of the property. That's because they want more than a place to live—they want something they can call home.

Finding the right conference takes the same type of discernment.

Built to Last

Earlier this month, I attended the Write to Publish conference held in Wheaton, Illinois. And I came away with a something good enough to call home.

First, the Write to Publish conference (WTP) has a reputable builder. Organized by Lin Johnson (editor of Advanced Christian Writer, Christian Communicator, and Church Library), WTP has successfully trained writers for over 30 years. WTP also attracts several book and magazine editors, authors, and agents to its faculty.

Second, as usual, the WTP itinerary showed its well-organized structure. Mornings started with panel discussions, followed by continuing classes. After lunch, attendees selected two electives from a tempting array of choices. The general session, which started after dinner, featured worship time and closed with inspirational speeches from bestselling author Cecil Murphey.

The panels and continuing classes served as the basic "room layout" for the WTP conference house. A moderator spearheaded each panel, asking probing questions to book editors and publishers, specialty market editors, and authors. These sessions provided an inside scoop on publishing needs, niche markets, writing tips, and more.

In addition, WTP offered seven continuing classes to meet the needs of beginning, intermediate, and advanced writers. Topics included: tips on how to get published; marketing; fiction, non-fiction, and children's writing techniques; and, the business side of writing.

For many, the 54 electives offered provided all the special features they were looking for in a conference. Workshop topics ranged from negotiating contracts to selling reprints; creating a web site to creating a speaking platform; writing query letters to writing novel proposals; and thinking like an editor to pitching to an editor.

Third, plenary speaker Cecil Murphey and keynote speaker Virelle Kidder also proved their worth as "special features." While Murphey reminded writers to learn the craft, Kidder encouraged everyone to dream. Together, they inspired and taught in a powerful way. As Murphey said, "The Lord shoveleth it in, and I shoveleth it out...and behold, the Lord hast the bigger shovel!"

The Right Price

As with buying a house, one must consider the price. For WTP, the full conference ran $440 and included all sessions, a Saturday night banquet, one manuscript evaluation, and break refreshments. Housing and meal tickets had to be purchased separately. WTP offered discounts, however, for conference alumni, writer groups, and early registration. In addition, scholarships were available.

For those intimidated by the price, consider weighing it against the intangible (and tangible) gains:

• meeting editors face-to-face;
   
• networking with other writers;
   
• developing writing and speaking skills, and,
   
• learning from the industry’s heavy hitters.

Those things are priceless!

Knowing writers—like house hunters—appreciate insights from peers. I asked some alumnus to share their thoughts about WTP.

Sandra Sunquist Stanton said, "After several months without publishing anything locally, I asked God for discernment concerning His plan for my work. Despite 28,000 hits on my website and three speaking commitments each month, I questioned my direction and focus within His will.

"Write to Publish consultants gave me exactly what I needed to move forward. The instruction, networking, and publishing information provided practical information, lifted my spirits, and renewed my commitment to write for Him. It was clearly a turning point for my work. I will certainly return, Lord willing."

Newcomer Jean Bansemer expressed similar sentiments. "What I gained from Write To Publish," she said, "was validation and God's nudging to continue. He knows the future. I just need to move my feet. Each workshop had its own gold nugget. I've made a deal with myself to return to Write to Publish if I've made the cash through writing to do so."

Bansemer also described how much she appreciated the encouragement and help she received from the WTP faculty. She found Cindy Kenney (Big Idea) "...easy going ...kindly, but honest" with the advice she provided, and Michelle Medlock Adams "brimming full of creative selling and marketing tips."

Joseph P. Gudel appreciated connecting with other writers.

"Perhaps the most meaningful WTP memory I have," Gudel said, "relates to the people who attended, both presenters and audience. It was wonderful to see so many multi-talented people there for a common purpose, to use their abilities for God's glory." He added, "There was a tremendous camaraderie and willingness to share and help each other. I believe the encouragement to begin using my talents was invaluable. I plan to return if my calendar permits it."

As for me, this was my third year attending WTP, and each year held its own magic. The first year, I went as green as spring grass, and learned the steps I needed to take to find publication. The second year, I landed a book series contract. This year, I learned about branching out. Brenda Nixon captivated me with lively presentations on book promotion and speaking.

The 2007 WTP is over, but start planning now to attend next year's conference. You can find out more details at www.writetopublish.com. I think you'll discover WTP has all the things you're looking for in a writing conference—a great reputation, organized structure, a sturdy layout, outstanding special features, and a conference home well worth its asking price.