The 2009 conference will offer great seminars and individual opportunities to work with editors, established writers, and other experts to help you sharpen your writing, marketing and technological skills.
Workshops and panel discussions will vary in length. Some will offer a quick burst of information from an insightful panel of editors and writers. Other, longer sessions will give you the chance to ask questions and talk through ideas with an agent, editor or fellow writers.
Need a new agent? Wondering how to make the best choice for your next book, your personality, your ideas? The Sunday session "Make your next book a really big deal" is for you! Writers send in the first few pages of a book proposal. Notable New York agents look them over in advance, then offer comments and advice during the session. Reservations for this event will go fast. Watch this space!
Personal Pitch returns again on members-only day, offering members the opportunity to present a story idea to editors.
Story ideas and research contacts will be abundant at our Idea Marketplace, the ASJA trade show for professional writers. A nifty mix of associations, public relations agencies, government groups and corporations will be there to call attention to potential stories. We limit the number of exhibitors, so you will be intrigued and inspired -- not exhausted or bored.
Click here for video statements about the 2007 conference.
Other comments about recent conferences:
"I learned a ton from this Conference! Not only the importance of networking, but also how to go after lucrative markets."
--Lindsay Martell, New Mexico
"I had a great, great time at the conference. This particular one was the best conference for nonfiction writers that I've ever attended."
--Kristin Ohlson, Ohio
"If you are writing your first book, or even if you are thinking about it, the ASJA conference is the place to be. It's content-rich and user-friendly."
—Deborah White, MD
"This was the best conference ever! As a veteran ASJA member and conference attendee, I expected I'd pick up a new tip or two. But no! Every session gave me new, practical information I can put into practice immediately, and contacts that are likely to change the course of next year."
—Joan Price, CA
"The conference jumpstarts and revitalizes seasoned writers. It's a great opportunity to learn."
— Marcia Schonberg, OH
"I felt an attitude of respect and collegiality from all the panelists and attendees. Thanks!"
—Deborah Lyons, PA
"This was my first ASJA conference. I'm always skeptical when organizations claim that endless opportunities exist for networking and meeting agents. I was surprised and pleased with the ease of networking and the friendliness of so many writers, editors, and agents. Before noon, my book proposal was in the hands of a very interested agent!"
— Tom DeWolfe, OR
Saturday Keynote Speaker
The 2009 keynote speaker is to be announced. Our 2008 keynote speaker was Melissa Fay Greene. Melissa has contributed to The New York Times Magazine, The New Yorker, LIFE, Good Housekeeping, Newsweek, The Atlantic, Readers Digest, Ms., The Wilson Quarterly, and Redbook, among others.