For answers to attendees’ recent questions, see: Questions Answered.
Q. What is the DFW Writers’ Conference?
A. It’s a great way for writers, at all stages of their careers, to hone their craft, network with fellow writers, and meet literary agents, published authors, and other industry professionals such as editors.
Q. Who sponsors the DFW Writers’ Conference?
A. The DFW Writers’ Workshop hosts the conference each year. This group has 33 years of experience in helping writers succeed. Its members have written more than 300 traditionally published books. The Workshop meets every Wednesday night at 7 p.m. in Euless, Texas, in the heart of the DFW Metroplex.
Q. What does my registration fee cover?
A. The fee entitles you to:
- Entrance into the conference
- The opportunity to make an appointment with an agent to discuss your novel, or nonfiction book proposal (available on a first-come, first-served basis)
- Quality lunches on Saturday and Sunday
- Access to more than 40 classes on the art and business of writing
- Networking opportunities with fellow authors and the agents
Q. Are there any other costs?
A. Our goal is to provide an exceptional value for your registration dollars. Whereas other conferences might charge you, we include at no additional fee:
- Two lunches; one on Saturday, one on Sunday
- Free parking (between $7 – $10 per day elsewhere)
- Agent appointments (many conferences charge $50)
- Access to all workshops and classes (a $25 to $50 extra fee, depending on the conference)
We do recommend you bring some cash. Both the vendors and many of the guest speakers will have services, books, etc. to sell. Not all of them will accept credit cards.
Q. Do I get any special discounts on lodging or travel?
A. We’ll announce the special hotel rate for the conference’s official hotel when that information becomes available.
Q. Do I need to have a completed novel if I intend to schedule a session with an agent or editor?
A. Generally speaking, yes. Many agents consider it amateurish to pitch an incomplete novel. For nonfiction, a completed manuscript is not necessary, but you must have your platform and proposal ready.
Q. I’ve already registered but I want to change or update my agent selections. How do I do that?
A. See this blog entry for instructions: How to Change Your DFWcon Agent Selections.
Q. I don’t want an appointment with an agent or editor. Do I need to have a completed novel to attend the conference?
A. No. The conference offers many classes and workshops designed to help all writers. Plus, it’s a great chance to network with published authors and learn about the industry.
Q. Are there any age limits?
A. Registration is open to anyone 16 and older. Teens aged 13-15 may attend but must be accompanied by a parent, and both the teen and parent will be required to pay the attendance fee.
For any attendee under the age of 18, a parent will be required to sign a waiver.
Q. If I register, then discover I can’t attend the conference, what is your refund policy?
A. Full refunds will be given if we are notified by March 18, 2012. For notifications between March 19 and April 18, 2012, 50 percent refunds will be given. For notifications after April 18, 2012, 25 percent refunds will be given.
Q. Who teaches your classes and workshops?
A. All of the classes are taught by industry professionals, many of whom have years of experience in their subject matter. They are published authors, literary agents, publicists, editors, or specialists in their field, such as criminology, medicine, or law.
