It’s been over a year since I attended my last literary conference. Which is hard to believe, because I love those kinds of events. They’re such fantastic opportunities to learn about writing and the publishing industry, discover authors whose books you haven’t read before, and network with other writers, bloggers, etc. And earlier this year, I decided that if I truly want to take my writing career seriously, I should invest my time and money wisely in conferences and other events I’m able to attend.
So, I’m thrilled about finally going to Muse and the Marketplace this year! Coordinated by the non-for-profit writing organization Grub Street, this three-day conference in Boston, MA offers lectures, guided writing sessions, and discussion forums about writing, publishing, book promotion, and networking with agents, editors, and other writers. It also offers the Manuscript Mart (where agents or editors review the beginning of your manuscript), Shop Talk Lunch (where you dine and socialize with your choice of Muse presenters and attendees), keynote addresses, book signings, open mics, and much more.
Muse and the Marketplace 2015 (also known as #Muse15, which you can follow on Twitter) will be held on Friday, May 1st through Sunday, May 3rd. I’m only planning to attend on Friday – but I’m fidgeting with excitement for it!
By the way, did you notice that I said #Muse15 is my first conference of the year? There’s a second one that I’m planning to attend over the summer. More on that at a later date. 😉
Anyone else planning to attend the Friday events for Muse and the Marketplace? If you’ve attended it in years past, what did you think of it? Let me know by commenting on this post.
Sara Letourneau 
Ooh, sounds like fun. I hope when you go you will have a great time. No conferences or conventions for me for a while! 🙂
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Thanks, Mogsy! I can imagine how busy you must be. How is the new baby doing, if you don’t mind me asking?
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Sounds exciting! I’ve never been before. Is it mostly for writers going the traditional publishing route, or would it also be helpful for someone who self publishes their work?
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It’s mostly for writers who traditionally publish… But I just did a search of this year’s schedule, and some of the events do touch on self-publishing. But the conference also covers writing in general, specific genres, marketing / promotion, etc. So, from what I see, it looks like it’s geared toward all kinds of writers, regardless of their publishing decisions. I’m pretty sure the other conference I’m planning to attend later this year has events that touch on self-publishing as well…
If it helps, here’s this year’s full #Muse15 schedule to give you an idea of what they’re offering: http://museandthemarketplace2015.com/full-schedule/
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It looks like a good learning experience! Some year I’ll have to go, even if for just the marketing/ promo tips.
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Awww, that sounds like an amazing conference. I hope I’ll be able to go to a conference once I get North America-bound! Nearly impossible to do so in Japan!
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You definitely should! When are you planning to move back to the States?
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Not the states. Vancouver, in April 2016. 🙂 hopefully for grad school (MFA in Publishing!!)
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Oops! Sorry. Somehow I thought you were from or moving back to the States. *blushes*
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No, no. It’s fine. I’m American, so it’s easy to assume that I’d be going back there. Half right! 🙂 But the gf is Canadian, and so is the school I want to attend!
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Gotcha. I’ve never been to Vancouver, but I’ve heard it’s lovely. Enjoy the rest of your time in Japan!! (I’m sure you will.)
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