San Fran Writer’s Conf. 2024

I can’t believe I went to a real writer’s conference! I mean, I can, but it was the most validating + insane experience.

I tell myself I’m a writer and an author, and I do, I really do, believe it. But…imposter syndrome doesn’t discriminate. Being surrounded by other writers, editors + agents, it was the happiest my little heart has been in a very long time.

Funny story: I signed up for a 5:30pm Pitch appointment with Alyssa Maltese of Root Literary. I was so excited to tell an agent about Elle, but also, super nervous. Anyway, I got out of a 2pm class and decided to check my appointment time one more time. You guys, it was for 3:30pm PST. When I signed up for 5:30pm it was CST. Whoops.

So, did I make my appointment? Yes.

Was I prepared? Absoltuely not.

Did I fake it ‘till I made it? Entirely, yes.

Did she ask me to query her because she was interested in my submission and Elle? YES YES YES!

Probably the most valuable thing I learned while at the conference was that yes, your book needs to be good, your query, etc. BUT, the most important thing is are you able to sell yourself. I had an authentic conversation with this agent, and I think because we connected, she wanted to give my debut novel a chance. Confidence really is the key.

Now, have I submitted yet? No.

I told her I was working through developmental edits, and she was surprised. She told me that to query, you do not have to pay an editor and do developmental edits - I was actually going the extra mile and didn’t even realize it. So, she reassured me she wasn’t going anywhere, and that I should finish my edits I started before submitting. I paid for them, so might as well make Unconventionally, Elle as strong as I can for my submission.

As of today, I’m 58% done with my developmental edits! I’ll be submitting hopefully in May when I got back to UGA for my writing retreat with my bestie, Madi <3

As always, I’ll keep you guys posted on these fun milestones.

xoxo

JW