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What is the
purpose of each conference?
West Coast Writers Conferences (WC2)
produces several major conferences annually, as well as several retreats, workshops
and events for writers. The purpose of each conference is different.
Between them, you learn all aspects of the craft and business
of writing, creative writing, how to write and market to different
genres, and gain insight into the new paradigms for digital media,
as well as how to Indie publish your work, should you chose to
follow that path.
 Attendees
will find every event informative, educational and inspirational
from (what we call the Triple-A's: Aspiring writers just
getting started, to Active writers with works in progress,
and through Accomplished writers (both traditionally and
Indie published ) who are looking to improve their skills and
broaden their horizons. We
suggest you consult the main page of each conference for details
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Admission is always reasonable compared to other similar events. You can attend for even less if you are a
member of an approved writer's club/group, such as the Greater Los Angeles Writers Society, or attend
Los Angeles Valley College, thanks to the IDEAS
program. We also have a program with no money
down and no interest if paid as follows: The Keynote Address (with complimentary
lunch) is also a bargain if you register early. Rates
will rise by the month. If you are serious about the craft and
business of your writing, you can't afford not to attend these
informative workshops.
Why are your events often less expensive
than others?
WC2 holds events at easy-to-access
locations that are more cost-effective for attendees. We also negotiate hard with hotels and facilities who offer great service and want our quality of event and clientele. We save
hard money with this philosophy, so you save, too. We are writers -- like you --
who understand that everyone is on a budget. And we have a philosophy
to "under promise and over deliver" so you always feel that you have received good value.
Who are the speaker/instructors?
The
faculty is composed of industry experts, well-known educators,
award-winning authors, respected literary agents, and publishers
of many genres, all veterans in one or more aspects of
the publishing industry. They are professionals in the mainstream
and on the forefront of the publishing world.
While we invite perennial favorites
back(selected by attendees surveys from previous events) we also
include fresh faces and viewpoints at every opportunity. Consult
individual conferences for a faculty list. You'll be impressed.
Can I meet and talk with them?
Absolutely. Each session include
a Q&A segment, and we encourage networking opportunities
between sessions, during lunch, and afterwards. We encourage
guest speakers to join the audience of other sessions, as many
are friends and enjoy sharing the experience.
What should I bring with me?
Beyond
a notebook, spare pens ( we often have extras for free), a
laptop, and comfortable shoes, we suggest you bring business
cards, a synopsis of your current project, perhaps the first
ten pages or three chapters on CDs or a thumb drive, and an open mind.
We also suggest business-casual attire, depending
on the season. And of course, a PMA - Positive Mental Attitude.
It helps keep you open to learn and grow as a writer.
Are literary agents required to take
manuscripts to keep attendees satisfied, or are they really interested?
Literary agents are invited for their expertise
as industry experts, and to have a venue to find talented, new
clients. They are under no obligation to take any attendees
material, but many do. Subsequently, some agents have signed
new authors for book deals and reached publication. We can't
imagine an agent that would honor a stipulation from a promoter
requiring them to take material from attendees. Remember, agents
don't make money until they sell your
book or screenplay. Our roster is genuinely interested if
they say so.
How much time will I have with an agent
/ editor / publisher during the 1-on-1 Sessions?
WC2 schedules
appointment blocks with each professional based on the average
time they want to spend. We do NOT endorse "speed dating" where
someone rings a bell after three to five minutes and you are forced to move
on. Editors have been know to spend an hour with a client, though
that's not usually necessary -- they do their work ahead
of time, so you get the best feedback in a timely fashion.
Sometimes an agent will say "thanks,
but no thanks" within a few minutes. Hopefully they will
explain why. If that happens, please be gracious, accept their
input, and move on. If an agent is interested in your project,
and the next appointment has arrived, they have the option to
schedule extra time to meet with you either at a later hour or
date. We want to speed you to success, but not any faster than
works for both parties.
Why should I chose your conferences over
another?
This answer may surprise you – try
to attend as many educational events for writers as you can afford.
Most have something to contribute to your career as a writer.
Some are too expensive, or offer an unfocused theme.
That said, is it our goal to offer the most informative sessions,
current topics and learned voices in the industry. We want to
inspire and motivate you to improve your writing and chances
for success. Therefore, if you can only afford to attend one
conference, we hope you will chose this one, with our humble
thanks.
How do I find the location?
We post a bevy of maps, details and
directions on the main page of each event.
Where should I stay - do you have a
hotel deal?
We
have a terrific bargain with freebies and bonuses posted on the location page of each event.
Is there a code of conduct?
Exercise
common civil courtesy and be respectful of all speakers and attendees at all times -- whether or not you agree with their point of view. Bullying
and disrespectful behavior will earn the offender an instant
exit from the conference with no refund.
We also ask that you avoid political and
religious arguments. WC2 events offer an educational and inspirational
experience for writers of all genres and disciplines, not a
platform for political or religious commentary. Violators will
not be welcome back.
WC2 strives to have a diversity of opinion,
so that you hear all sides of an issue. Expect to receive
a variety of answers to your questions and advice for success.
Retain what works for you while respecting the opinion of others.
Everyone asks: Why do different sections
of your website have different background colors?
Because WC2 produces multiple
events annually, and the color coordination helps differentiate
and give each a personality within the common theme. As of 2020, we use these color palates for the backgrounds:
Main
WC2 site: a Vintage Earth-tone
Genre-LA™ Creative Writing Conference: Blue
The Greater Los
Angeles Writers Conference: Brown
California Creative Writers Conference: Sand
The Digital
Author & Indie Publishing Conference: Green
The Masters Workshops: Silver/platinum
Sections common to all events
are also in a vintage brown.
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