Introduction
Writing is a solitary activity.
Well, it can be…
At least the typing words into the computer part… (Oh, um… There can be other people involved in that too? @#$@%@##!!! Internet and shared document technology!)
Though many times we may think that writing is a solitary activity, successfully publishing a book, a story, a song(insert your project here…) is never a solitary activity. At a minimum, there’s the creator and a receiver (reader, viewer, listener, etc.). More often, there are several other people involved. And finding the right people can be the key to success.
But how do we find those people? (“I mean, I’m an introvert.” “I hate talking to people.” “I don’t know anyone else who does what I do.” (The list of “why I can’t” excuses is much longer, but we don’t really have time for them all…))
You could try cold calls and email. But those aren’t a lot of fun.
You could go to a creative conference. There are lots of them and lots of reasons to go. But sometimes you get there and you still don’t want to reach out, or don’t know who to reach out to. (Hey, I said they’re the “Why I can’t” excuses, but I didn’t say they’re completely wrong!)
What if there were a way to go to a conference and have a reason to interact with people, even some of those big name people that occasionally show up? Well, there’s a way to do that. Actually, there’s more than one. You’ve done the first by being a creative person (writer, editor, visual artist, musician…) and going to the conference.
A second, a booster, is being a volunteer at the conference.
General benefits of volunteering at a conference
In full disclosure, I’m a volunteer with the Latter-day Saints in Publishing, Media, and the Arts (LDSPMA). I’ve been doing this stuff for a few years. So, I know what I’m talking about. I’m also looking for a few good volunteers to help with this year’s conference.
But why would we do that? How does it help us?
Those are good questions.
Why you’d volunteer with the conference (or a conference) has several answers:
- It gives you a reason to talk to people at the conference. (I might have mentioned that)
- You often get free or reduced admission to the conference. (That can be a real cost saver)
- You make connections and get experience.
- You discover information you need and might not get in some other way.
- Because volunteering with a conference helps you.
Ok smart guy, how does it do that?
More specific examples
Well, I just mentioned a few reasons: the cost savings, connections, information… But here are some specific examples.
- (At least with LDSPMA) In every breakout session, there’s a session host volunteer. That person has a built in excuse to talk to the presenter. A friend of mine got to interact with Brandon Mull for four hours last year. (I’ve got a couple nieces that would kill for that opportunity)
- We learn things: over the last three years, I’ve been part of at least three marketing/branding projects. I’ve had the chance to experience professional consultations and guidance that normally costs $1,000 plus at no cost to me. I’ve learned about book and story marketing directly from folks who really know.
- We make connections. When I started attending LDSPMA, I was just a guy with a book. Because I’ve worked at LDSPMA, I know and have talked directly to the head of three publishing companies; I’ve met a fourth; and meet once a month with the founder of a fifth! And that’s saying nothing about the editors and other specialists I’ve met. (Including two of the three editors who worked on Januaries issue of Sally Port Magazine, a regular contributor (who’s also an intern coordinator at a university who helped me find our third editor for last issue…), and the president of a law school)
- Working at a conference allows us to break out of our routine, but still be working on our craft. Sometimes that mental break leads to new progress.
- You can (and should) pitch a project at the conference. Seriously, skip the slush pile and talk to an editor or producer. Going to a conference lets you do that. Volunteering at the conference adds to your credibility (you’re connected (at least a little…))
Is there more to say? Yeah, there is.
Is this the time? Maybe. (In which case you can check out the conference listings and other information in the resource section of the FMP website for conferences) Maybe not. (In which case, think about it and come back when the time is right)
Either way, dear reader, seriously consider a conference, and volunteering at that conference.
I’ll see you next post.
Relevant Resources
