It’s that time of year again.
Time for sending in applications for the Rutgers One-on-One Plus Conference. This conference is geared to “aspiring writers and illustrators of children’s and young adult books to grow in craft and professionalism.”
It’s also a GREAT opportunity to network with agents, editors, and other writers.
The 2010 conference will be held Saturday, October 16th. Applications must be postmarked by June 15th to be considered.
When I first heard about this conference, I had no idea that it existed. How could this have been under the radar for me? But if you write for kids and/or teens and can afford to go to this conference then I highly recommend you apply. Since Rutgers University is just a train ride away from NYC, many editors and agents love to participate.
I attended this conference in 2006 and it was FABULOUS. I felt like a geek fan the entire time seeing all those agents, editors, and writers in the same place.
So I’m going to pull out my old application and give a few quick tips:
First Pages. There may be some who think you should send in the 3 strongest pages. But guess what? Your three strongest pages should be the first three pages in your novel. Print out the pages and then read them aloud to hear the tone and rhythm. Definitely have someone else proofread it. You want these pages to shine without any typos or grammatical errors, but most of all you want these three pages to be as compelling as they can be.
Submission History/Pub Credits. List any publishing credits and submission history of any manuscripts. This helps the committee successfully match you with a mentor. But if you don’t have any publishing credits or submission history, focus on WHY you write for your audience and what you hope to gain from attending the conference.
If any of you do decide to apply for the conference, I wish you the BEST of luck. I’m planning to apply this year as well. So who knows? We may get a chance to meet in person.
You have about 30+ days to get your application in tip-top shape. And now that the word is getting out about this conference, expect the open slots to have tough competition. So present your strongest work.
Have a great weekend everyone!
Sounds wonderful!
Hey Karen! I attended the conference in 2008 and yes, it was and is a FABULOUS experience! And I’ve been thinking about applying for it this year, too! Can’t wait to see who the mentors are this year. Best of luck to you, too! :)
Sounds absolutely fabulous!! It’s so far outside my budget and time availability at the moment, but one of these days… :) Enjoy it!
“There may be some who think you should send in the 3 strongest pages. But guess what? Your three strongest pages should be the first three pages in your novel.”
Wow. So simple, but so absolutely true. Outstanding.
I’ve considered this conference, and some day I’d like to go. I tend to go to conferences closer to home during the school year. It’s easier to travel farther during the summer when school is out. Good luck to you!
Ugh, just getting to my comments — it’s been a crazy weekend!
Caroline: It really is a great conference. I highly recommend it to anyone who can afford to go.
Crystal: You went in 2008? I didn’t know that. :) I know that you had a blast there with your personality.
Jemi: So glad that I hear your laptop is back and working. Yes, maybe one day you can make it to the conference. It’s a good one.
Writer’s Studio: Ah, a Twitter friend! Yes, some people don’t agree with me — but I really do think when you are asked for “sample” pages — that it really should be your *first* pages. I mean, prospective readers won’t know that your strongest pages are on uh, pg. 76. Why are you waiting until page 76? LOL.
Nora: Yes, summer conferences are definitely better to travel b/c school is out. You should really look into the Highlights conferences — they have some great ones in the summer months.
This sounds like such a wonderful learning opportunity! I wish I budget allowed me to apply, but I am definitely keeping it for consideration for the future years!
I’m working on my application now. Thanks for the tips. Hope we both get in!!