How Nonfiction Authors Can Make the Most of a Conference

Conferences are great places for current and aspiring nonfiction authors to not only market their books and themselves, but also to network and learn about industry trends. With so many opportunities, it can be hard to know where to begin. 

Keep reading to learn how nonfiction authors can make the most out of attending a conference. 

Research Which Conference Is Right for You

Nonfiction authors have lots of options when it comes to conferences—making research a crucial step in the conference attending process. Narrow down your options by answering these questions: Are the attendees the right audience for my book? Do the events and speakers align with my book’s subject matter? Do the exhibitors include nonfiction publishers? For example, exhibitors at the 2024 Association of Writers and Writing Programs Conference included nonfiction publishers such as W.W. Norton & Company and Feminist Press. 

The cost of attending a conference might also be a factor—the fee for entry is typically around several hundred dollars (not including travel, food, and lodging)—so research is paramount to make sure you are getting the most out of your conference attendance. To minimize travel costs, research local conferences in your area by utilizing search engines and social media.  Regional conferences are also a great way to forge relationships within your field and local community. Virtual conferences, which popped up during the pandemic, require no travel and provide attendees with a great, low-cost way to network. Most conferences typically offer early-bird discounts and may even provide need-based scholarships. 

Make Sure to Network with Publishers 

Whether your nonfiction book has already been published or you are shopping around for a publisher, a writing conference is a great place for nonfiction authors at any point in their  career journey to network. 

If your publisher is exhibiting at a conference you are attending, be sure to set a meeting with them. Oftentimes, publishers will send their marketing team to conferences so it can be a great time to touch base. Request a meeting with them in advance to discuss marketing strategy and the performance of your book. If your publisher is not attending, share any sales leads or marketing insights with them after the event in case they can use them for book promotion.

Alternatively, as an aspiring nonfiction author, a conference is a place to shop for publishers. Acquisitions editors also are in attendance, so bring your business card and be prepared to pitch your book to them.

Speak Up

Most conferences open up submissions for speaker proposals six months to a year ahead of the conference—maximize the opportunity and submit a pitch to speak on the subject matter in your book. 

This can be a way to seamlessly raise awareness about your book among attendees. Depending on the conference rules around promotion, you may be able to hand out flyers about your book at your speaking engagement or include a promotional slide in your PowerPoint presentation.

Writing conferences are also a great place to meet future collaborators or cowriters and engage with leaders in your field. So be sure to make the most of any opportunity for casual conversation, as well– whether at panels, the exhibit hall, or off-site events hosted in coordination with the conference.

After attending a conference, be sure to follow up and keep in touch with the connections you made there via email, phone, or social media. 

Maximize Marketing 

Publishers know that conferences are great places to market their line of books, and authors should, too. If you know ahead of time that your publisher will be at a conference that you are attending, reach out to discuss the possibility of holding either a book signing or “Meet the Author” event. Ask ahead of time if they will be displaying and selling your book at the conference or offering any promotional discounts. 

Conferences are also an opportune place to capture content for social media. Take photos and videos, share posts using the conference hashtag, and follow the professionals you meet and companies you engage with. Keep up the conversations after the event, too–this can be a great way to develop meaningful relationships with professionals in your field that last long after the event itself.

Conclusion 

Attending a conference can be a rewarding and professionally enriching experience. Maximize your conference attendance by networking, marketing yourself and your book, and meeting with potential publishers or members of your publishing team.

A conference is absolutely what you make of it. If you are looking to raise awareness about your nonfiction book, then a conference offers a plethora of opportunities to do so. And with the right planning—whether you’re a new or established nonfiction author—you can seize these opportunities with ease.