I know the SCBWI LA conference is targeted to children’s book writers and illustrators, but do you think it would be beneficial for nonfiction writers of grown-up books (like me), as well?
I’m leaning toward going (at least for a day or two), but I haven’t decided yet. If I do register, I’d love to meet some LJ friends there!
From what I can gather
From what I can gather, the LA conference is beneficial for everyone. I wondered if I was too new and wasn’t sure if it would be a good conference because it’s too big and you can’t often make that one-on-one connection with the editors and agents. One super-cool-published-writer told me that what’s important is to listen to that person’s talk and refer to it in the cover/query. “I attended your workshop at the XXX conference and was so inspired by XXXX (that really smart thing you said)…” It shows you were there and paying attention.
I’m not going. It’s just not possible this year. I think next year will be the year I go.
Anyway, not sure that info helps at all, but good luck with your decision!
Forgot to add
I forgot to add…I’m sure whatever genre you’re writing in, the basic story-telling rules apply. Hey, you live closeby…if the registration is affordable, why not give it a try?
There are other non-fiction (children’s writers) who go to the conference. And besides – you’ve got to come so we can meet!!!
I am an SCBWI poster child – I first heard my editor speak at the NY conference right before I’d finished (or so I thought) the MS for “Confessions”. I put SCBWI conference attendee on the envelope when I sent the MS to the slush pile, and she called me 3 1/2 weeks later with an offer.
There are also so many great workshops about craft, and for published authors there’s a track which deals with issues like promotion and royalty statements and stuff like that. The business end of being a writer.
I think it’s well worth it. And it’s FUN!!!
A lot of it is just about learning how the publishing world works. It’s both smaller and larger than people often think it is… The first year, i learned a ridiculous amount about how to write and think in general. If there are workshops in the lineup that are catching your eye, or if you think you might keep going with your YA that you’re doing for class, then i think it is worth your time. Of course, i am biased because i want you to come. 🙂
If I were you, I would definitely go. It seems that a lot of people who write/edit/represent children’s books also work in adult fiction and nonfiction. And, like you said, it’s a great way to meet other writers.
I would love to go, but it’s not in the budget. 🙁 Maybe next year…