Conference Recap & Materials

Adirondack Writers Conference provides help, inspiration, and information for regional writers

Saranac Lake, NY 6/12/2019 — Writers, publishers, literary presses and magazines, bookstores, and libraries came together for a full day of advice and presentations on the world of publishing at View Arts Center in Old Forge. Writers both brand new to publishing and well-established met for the first time and hugged long-time writing companions throughout the presentations, panel talks, and book fair.

Literary editors and agents Amanda Annis (Trident Media Group), Carrie Howland (Howland Literary), and Christina Morgan (Serendipity Literature) discussed topics specifically tailored for regional needs, including writing query letters, landing an agent, pitch contests, marketing, promotion, assessing personal goals in publishing, and establishing an audience and readership. The honest and clear presentation style was enjoyed most by attendees like this one,

“The candid openness of the presentations by the agents was the most memorable part of this program.” – Elaine F., Albany resident, writer

During a family-style lunch, attendees participated in “speed dating” to get to know one another and converse about the hopes, plans, and hurdles they were facing with old friends and total strangers. Some attendees chose to partake in personalized manuscript critiques to get instruction and support in taking their work to the next level. For this attendee, it made all the difference,

“The conference was truly awesome – I got great information from the presenters and excellent feedback from Carrie [during my personalized manuscript critique]…this event was so valuable to all writers.” – Eudora W., Canton resident, writer

Regional presses, magazines, libraries, and bookstores including Adirondack Explorer, Adirondack Life, Bloated Toe Publishing, Blueline, North Country Books, Old Forge Hardware Bookstore, Old Forge Library, Ra Press, Saranac Review, SUNY Press, and Syracuse University Press shared the kind of content they were seeking and how to best connect as future contributors.

Joseph Bruchac, storyteller and author, gave the keynote speech on “The Importance of Persistence: Suggestions from a Life in Publishing” and reminded audience members of the essential impact of building personal connections in their communities and what can come from simply reaching out.

In a warm evening glow, conference attendees and members of the public chatted and explored titles from local authors with food and drink. They also cast votes for the 2019 People’s Choice Award and selected the winner Tony Holtzman’s novel, “The Bethune Murals”.

Adirondack Writers Conference

The event for all your publishing wonderings, needs, and dreams. The publishing world changes all the time, stay ahead of the game. Talks with literary agents and editors, and panel discussions with experts. Make important connections with local literary presses, magazines, libraries, bookstores. Personalized manuscript critiques with legendary agents and editors, all of whom are on the hunt for the next great book. Perfect for every writer looking for new tips and readership.

Keynote speaker: Joseph Bruchac, highly acclaimed children’s book author, poet, novelist, and storyteller.

2019 ADK writers conference

Registration

Registration: $105, ACW Member Registration: $85.

Register online or by phone at 518-354-1261 by Monday, June 3

Personalized Manuscript Critiques. Get ahead of the rest! Our literary agents and editors, Amanda Annis, Carrie Howland, and Christina Morgan will provide 15-minute personalized manuscript critique sessions throughout the day. Registration and materials required by May 20. $30.

The Local’s Book Fair. $10 to showcase your recently published books, free for ACW members to showcase. Save your spot now, contact us via email.

Personalized manuscript critiques info
After registering for the Adirondack Writers Conference, attach the following in a one page document in an email: (1) One page summary of your book (2) First 10 pages of your manuscript

Note: We will not accept multiple page documents, so copy/paste all your materials into one Word or PDF document. All materials are due by May 20th. Any materials sent after that date will not be able to be reviewed by editors and no refund will be available.

Schedule

About the Presenters