I wasn’t planning to go to the 2020 San Francisco Writers Conference, because I thought it was only for people who are trying to get published. I have no project, no pitch, no BIG IDEA. However, after attending a preview event at the Mechanics’ Institute, I’m convinced that there is enough at the San Francisco Writers Conference (SFWC) for not-looking-to-schmooze-an-agent-right-now people like me. The panel gave an overview of the conference, answered questions and discussed several items of interest that aren’t on the website yet.
The panel representing the SFWC at the Mechanics’ Institute event were:
SFWC Director Laurie McLean
SFWC Marketing/Communications Director Barbara Santos
Registration Director Rich Santos
Operations Director Lissa Provost (she is also overseeing the new SFWC Poetry Summit)
Website/Volunteer Director Linda Lee
Just the facts, ma’am
Dates - February 13th - 16th 2020
Location - Hyatt Regency San Francisco - there are a few Hyatt hotels in San Francisco, this is the one right near the BART Embarcadero Station
Cost - full conference is $850 (the early bird rate has already flown the coop) until the end of January. Starting February 1st it will be the door price of $895.
Other numbers - about 350 attendees, 75 volunteers and 100 presenters (which includes 20 literary agents)
Tell me more, tell me more
Here is the schedule for the 2020 San Francisco Writers Conference.
There are two “mini” single day conference options for a lower cost. Both of these summits occur on Saturday, February 15th.
The Hollywood Summit is $249 and for those interested in learning about the entertainment industry
> 2020 Hollywood Summit Schedule
The Poetry Summit is $195 and focused on publishing for poets
Note: The full conference rate includes the Hollywood and Poetry Summits so you won’t miss out on either with the main conference pass.
Master Classes do not require a conference pass. There is separate registration for these and they are priced between $99 - $149 per class.
The pitching class, Master-pitch Theater, sounds like fun. From the description:
Pitchcraft™ is an invaluable tool—You will learn what to do–and what not to do–when summarizing your book: the description of your book in 200-250 words; — How to get an agent from the get-go; start in a logical place, yet from a compelling perch; how to encapsulate in clear core points; ways to create coming attractions that whet the reader’s appetite for more—and how to avoid “Querial Killers”: the easy-to-fix mistakes writers make when querying agents.
If you’re a writer trying to put together a author website, check out Linda Lee’s WordPress 101 Bootcamp:
Each student will be given a WordPress test website, set up with plugins, and ready to use, so the class will be able to learn at the same pace. You will have access to your WordPress test website for 90 days after the class to continue to practice and refresh what you have learned.
There are a couple of add-ons that are more on the “trying to get published” side of the fence. Speed Dating was mentioned a few times and for an additional charge of $75 you will get one hour to pitch as many agents as you can (wear comfortable shoes). Great news! If you are a member of the Mechanics’ Institute, you get Speed Dating for FREE with main conference registration.
There is another à la carte option, new this year, of purchasing 15 minutes of one-on-one time with an agent for $100. Director Laurie McLean told us, “A lot of time people write and don’t know the boundaries of a specific genre.” Meeting with an agent seems like a good way to begin to understand those boundaries.
Conference attendees can also sign up for free 8-minute consultations with an independent editor, a marketing consultant, and/or a book coach on Friday and Saturday.
There is going to be an Ask A Pro event on Saturday afternoon. If I understand correctly, it’s the opportunity to sit at a table with an industry professional from a particular aspect of publishing who is available for casual Q&A. Even if you don’t have a burning question, it sounds like a good passive learning experience.
Perhaps I’m most excited about the Find Your Tribe breakfast that was mentioned. I am forever looking for my tribe (here’s hoping that my tribe doesn’t start eating too early).
Need a place to stay? Rooms at the Hyatt are $259 for conference attendees before January 21st, based on availability. Book online or call to make a reservation and use code SFWR.
I have the impression that as we get closer to the conference there will be a list of free public events on the website, ones that don’t require a conference pass. Here’s the free events list from 2019 (which I found by Googling ‘san francisco writers conference free page’). I hear the free events list for 2020 is coming soon!
There will be audio recordings of different events for conference attendees, a bargain at $5 each. To get recordings go to: http://vwtapes.com/.
The presenters emphasized was the that SFWC is a friendly event. Director, Laurie McLean, an agent herself, carefully curates the list of invited agents. Willingness to interact with attendees is a prerequisite. So take heart! I was happy to hear that there are No-pitch/No-host happenings at the bar after hours. Also, every night there is a no-host dinner at a different San Francisco restaurant, because even if you love eating out on on your own, it can get tiring three nights in a row. Too much people stuff? It sounds like there are going to be designated quiet chill out spaces at the conference (every conference should have these).
Even more information
To sign up for the SFWC newsletter, scroll to the bottom of the home page on their site.
Laurie McLean’s 2020 Publishing Predictions
Fun blog post by Cathy Turney, “San Francisco Writers Conference 2018: How to Tap Into The Magic!”
Lightfoot, Robb P. Creating Community: The San Francisco Writers Conference – A Grounded Theory Study. MA Thesis, California State University, Chico, 2019. http://csuchicodspace.calstate.edu/bitstream/handle/10211.3/213385/2019_Spring_Lightfoot_thesis.pdf