Are you attending the Blue Lake Christian Writers Conference (BLCWC) this year? If so, you’ve made an incredible investment in your writing career. To ensure you get the most value from your time at the conference, it’s essential to prepare in advance. Here are some key steps to help you organize, plan, and maximize your experience before you arrive.
1. Choose Your Conference Classes Wisely
Before you arrive, review the class schedule on the BLCWC website and determine which sessions align best with your writing goals. The pre-conference courses require pre-registration, so be sure to sign up.
Make a list of the classes you plan to attend and keep it handy—whether in a notebook or your phone’s notes app—so you can stay on track during the event.
2. Prepare Your One-Sheet and Book Proposal
If you have a manuscript or book idea you want to pitch, be sure to create a one-sheet. This is a one-page overview of your book that includes:
✅ Title & Subtitle
✅ Brief Book Description
✅ Target Audience
✅ Your Bio & Credentials
✅ Contact Information
In addition to a one-sheet, writing a full book proposal is recommended. If a publisher or agent is interested in your idea, handing them a professionally prepared proposal (including the first three, professionally edited chapters) will demonstrate that you’re serious about publishing.
3. Schedule Faculty Appointments
Many conferences, including BLCWC, offer one-on-one appointments with faculty members, agents, and editors.
- Read through faculty bios before arriving to identify individuals you’d like to meet.
- Keep track of faculty you want to schedule an appointment with using your phone’s notes app or a written list.
- If you’re unable to schedule an appointment with someone you’d like to connect with, consider sitting at their table during a meal (the BLCWC assigns faculty to tables).
💡 Tip: Arrive on time for your faculty appointments and stand a short distance away so they see you when their previous appointment ends. This helps them stay on schedule and ensures you get your full appointment time.
4. Submit Your Work for a Paid Critique
The BLCWC offers the opportunity to submit your writing for a professional critique from faculty members.
📌 Why Consider a Paid Critique?
- You’ll automatically have a scheduled appointment with the person critiquing your work.
- This allows you to receive valuable feedback from industry professionals.
- It’s an extra opportunity to meet with faculty beyond the standard appointment limits.
Be sure to submit your work by the deadline of February 22 at https://bluelakecwr.com/paid-critiques/ so you don’t miss out on this valuable opportunity.
5. Enter Conference Contests
Conference contests are a fantastic way to gain recognition and credibility as a writer. If you place as a finalist or win, you can now call yourself an award-winning author—a powerful addition to your bio.
📖 Examples of conference contests:
- Living Water Awards (for unpublished and published work)
- Christian Indie Awards (for published books)
- CAN Excellence in Marketing Awards (for marketing campaigns)
💡 Personal Story: I found my literary agent through a paid critique appointment at Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference and later secured a third-place win in the conference contest. That contest placement gave me the credibility I needed to get noticed by the literary agent who performed the paid critique, and he approached me for representation.
Moral of the story? Contests open doors—so don’t overlook them!
6. Bring Business Cards & Network Intentionally
Networking is key at a writing conference! Bring business cards to exchange with other writers, faculty, and industry professionals.
- We’ll have a business card table where you can leave your card and take others to stay in touch after the event.
- After the conference, friend everyone you met on social media—this is how you grow your platform!
💡 Why This Matters: Publishers want authors who have a platform, and networking helps you expand your reach.
7. Pack Smart: Conference Essentials
To stay organized and comfortable during the conference, consider bringing:
✔ Notebook – Take notes during sessions.
✔ Printed One-Sheets & Book Proposals – Have copies ready for pitching.
✔ Comfortable Clothes & Shoes – You’ll be on your feet a lot! Bring a semi-formal or Sunday best outfit for the awards ceremony on Friday night and something warm to wear by the campfire on Thursday evening.
✔ Snacks & Water Bottle – Stay energized throughout the day.
✔ Business Cards – Essential for networking.
Summary: Your Pre-Conference Checklist
✔ Choose your classes (sign up early if needed).
✔ Create a one-sheet to pitch your book.
✔ Complete a book proposal.
✔ Make a faculty appointment list and plan to sit with key people at meals.
✔ Submit your work for a paid critique.
✔ Enter conference contests for recognition and credibility.
✔ Bring business cards and network intentionally.
✔ Review your lists during the conference to stay on track.
Final Thought
Attending a writers conference is a big investment, both financially and in your writing journey. The more prepared you are before you arrive, the more value you’ll get from the experience.
I hope these tips help you make the most out of BLCWC! See you soon.
Blessings,
Susan U. Neal
Director, Blue Lake Christian Writers Conference
https://bluelakecwr.com