An Overview of the Big Apple Conference

Just as many things happen in life I stumbled in The International Women's Writers Guild (IWWG) by sheer coincidence. I had freshly moved to New Jersey from Europe and had started working on a novel. I knew I had a story to tell, and I was determined to work hard on being successful, but I didn't know where to start with the publishing process.

I joined the Guild because I was intrigued by the Big Apple Conference. I wanted the opportunity to meet professional literary agents face to face and IWWG was offering a writers conference where agents would be present. At the height of my inexperience I had no idea how tough a newbie novelist's journey is, and I was truly excited (and positively terrified) about the opportunity to discuss my work with real professionals in the field.

What to expect if you attend the Big Apple Conference

The first time I attended this conference was in 2007. For some reason I was expecting a group of cold, business minded writers in tailored suits and snobbish expressions, who would look down on a newcomer with a foreign accent and the crazy ambition of writing a book, even though I had no writing experience and absolutely no connections in the Big Apple.

What I found was an eclectic mix of women writers with an incredibly varied background. Far from being excluded I felt immediately at home. It was strange, but every woman in that huge hall seemed to share my passion for writing and the energy was palpable.

The line to speak to the agents was long and by the time the conference was over, the poor souls looked truly exhausted, yet the agents I spoke with, were far from cold and aloof. During the brief introductory speech they gave before "The Meet the Agents" activity began, they gave a clear indication of what type of material they were looking for, and what particular genres they were interested in.

I think I learned more about the publishing world in that half hour introductory speech than in the six months I had spent doing research about publishing!

When I did speak with the agents I was surprised by their interest in my work and the practical tips they gave me in order to polish my idea and reach a level where my novel would be marketable. Rather than knocking me down, my idea was described as creative and interesting and some agents even asked for a synopsis and the first chapter of my work. That was the biggest boost a newbie writer could receive.

How the Big Apple Conference works

The Big Apple Conference usually takes place on a consecutive Saturday and Sunday in mid April. (April 17-18 in 2010). On the first day of this conference there is usually a day long writer's workshop by a published writer or an experienced tutor.

This year 's workshop will be conducted by Susan Tiberghien an experienced memoirist and lecturer. The morning session will cover memoir writing. Ms Tiberghien will be joined by other guest speakers during the afternoon session when the topic of memoir publishing will be discussed.

The following day is also divided into two sessions that last all day. During the morning session "Meet the Authors", a panel of published authors speak about their experience about publishing their work.

If you are an author looking for an agent or a publisher, this will be a great opportunity to get an insight about what happens in the publishing world, plus you will be given the chance to directly interact with the authors at the end of the session.

During the afternoon session "Meet the Agents", the audience can meet a group of reputable literary agents looking for writers.

If you plan to attend this session wear comfortable shoes because the lines are long, but the wait is far from tedious as your neighbors in this long line are usually a friendly and energetic group of women writers who will make the time fly by!

For more information about The Big Apple Conference or to join the International Women Writer's Guild click here.