With literary agent Kristin Nelson and writers Frances Julia Kemp and Del Landis

From left: Kristin Nelson, Frances Julia Kemp, Del Landis.

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Writers' conferences can be expensive. Are they worth it? Get the lowdown from an agent and two veteran conference attendees.

Kristin Nelson learned the ropes from another literary agent before opening her own Nelson Literary Agency. She has been a college English teacher, freelance writer, and corporate trainer. She studied creative writing with National Book Award Nominee Patricia Henley at Purdue University, where she earned her M.A. This experience made her particularly interested in representing fiction.

Frances Kemp's short story "Black Infinity" won the Australian Sisters in Crime Scarlet Stiletto Young Writer's Award; this year she placed third in The Writing Show's own First-Chapter-of-a-Novel Contest. Originally from Australia, she lives in Peoria, Illinois.  

Del Landis has written five unpublished novels in the romantic suspense genre.  Affaire de Coeur magazine published his short story, "Unasked Prayers." A career in aerospace engineering has allowed Del to travel and collect experiences to use in his fiction. He studies history and different cultures. His writing training is self-directed and includes conferences, workshops, and personal training by industry pros.

Please join agent Kristin Nelson, writers Frances Julia Kemp and Del Landis, and host Paula B. as they tour the conference landscape, including:

• What to expect from a conference
• How much writers' conferences cost
• What agents who go to conferences are looking for
• How to pitch agents and publishers at conferences
• What to wear
• How best to enjoy a tipple at a conference.

Interviewees: Kristin Nelson, Frances Julia Kemp, Del Landis
Host: Paula B.
Date: November 23, 2008
Running time: 01:09:35
File size: 33 megabytes
Rating: G
Kristin Nelson's Web site: NelsonAgency.com
Frances Julia Kemp's Web site: FJKLiterary.com