Introducing The 2022 Omega Writers Conference, and The Hub

Omega Writers is delighted to announce that bookings for the 2022 Omega Writers Conference are now open. The conference will take place at Peppers Salt Resort & Spa, Bells Boulevard, Kingscliff, New South Wales from 7 to 9 October 2022.  

Whether you are brand new Christian writer or an established author, a non-fiction writer or a creator of kids’ lit, the 2022 Omega Writers Conference is for you. This year’s line-up of speakers has been deliberately curated to encourage, resource and inspire you on your writing journey. With ample opportunities to network with other likeminded and supportive writers, you will leave with new ideas, new connections, and a renewed excitement for your writing project.

This is a not-to-miss conference for Christian writers!

The keynote speaker will be Steven James, author of Synapse and several books for writers. Others speakers include:

• Collett Smart will present a plenary session on Self-Compassion, Resilience, and Well-being for Writers, as well as a practical non-fiction workshop.
• Lystra Rose, winner of the Black&Write Writing Fellowship will present on The unspoken rules of Indigenous protocols every writer should know.
• Hands-On Workshop Streams for Writers of Fiction and Non-Fiction
• A Marketing Intensive with Lisa Renee
• Tips and Advice on writing for the US Market
• Writing for Children and YA

Click here to find out more, and book before 18 June to save $50.

We will also be offering participants the opportunity to book an appointment in The Hub.

What is The Hub?

The Hub is an opportunity for conference delegates to book appointments with agents, publishers, editors and industry experts to discuss their work in progress, or to pitch a manuscript ready for submission. Writers will gather valuable feedback, suggestions and guidance, as well as increase their understanding of the publishing process. This year, the Hub will include Zoom appointments for the first time. This will give delegates the opportunity to meet with agents and editors from the UK and USA, as well as around Australia.

Appointments are on a first-in, first-served basis and can be made on registration, and are $70 each, or $50 for Omega members.

If you’ve already booked to go to conference, you can book Hub appointments separately. The Omega discount code will be in the same email as your conference discount code. Alternatively, log in to the members section of the website to find the discount code.

Why Should I Book a Hub Appointment?

If you’re newer to the writing world, then an appointment with a Hub professional will give you valuable advice and tips on how to improve your writing. This can save you literally years of editing and revision, because they will give you advice based on current market trends and practices.

Should you meet with an agent, publisher, freelance editor, or publishing professional?

That will depend on what you want to get out of the appointment:

If you want to pitch a specific project, I suggest booking an appointment with an agent or publisher. If you want to be published with a major Christian publisher like Bethany House, book a meeting with one of the literary agents. If you’re looking for a smaller publisher, you could meet Donna Harris (UK), Rochelle Stephens (Australia) and Rowena Beresford (Australia). If you want general information on traditional vs. self-publishing, book an appointment with me or with an author like Meredith Resce or Lisa Renee who has self-published and worked with a small traditional publisher. If you want advice about your writing, marketing, or general publishing advice, then book an appointment with an editor or author offering that kind of advice. Click here to find the professionals you can meeting The Hub, and what they each offer. 

How do I Prepare for a Hub Appointment?

Some professionals will give you the opportunity to submit material ahead of time, so they can review your manuscript and consider their response. This could be a synopsis, your first few pages or chapters, or a one-sheet. Click here for tips on how to write a synopsis.  Click here for how to write a one-sheet. 

If the professional doesn’t require material ahead of time, then how you prepare will depend on the kind of information you’re seeking:

If you want editorial feedback on your writing, come prepared with a printed sample of your writing e.g. a one-page synopsis and your first chapter or two (I suggest one copy for each appointment, and at least one spare copy). If you want to pitch your manuscript to an agent or publisher, prepare your verbal elevator pitch (one to two sentences that give your hook and describe your manuscript). Again, take a paper synopsis and sample chapter for a novel or nonfiction work, or the full manuscript for a picture book. If you want marketing advice, do some advance research and consider exactly what you want to know. Then book an appointment with the expert who will be able to answer those questions. For example:

• I (Iola Goulton) can give you good advice on how to set up an author platform as an unpublished author.
• Cecily Paterson has some great tips on copywriting and blogging.
• Lisa Renee is the excerpt on author newsletters, paid advertising, and book launch strategies.

Our Hub participants are all professionals with years of experience, and we’d all love to share that experience with you. To get the most out of your Hub appointment, know what you want to find out, and ask as many questions as you want. Take advantage of the opportunity.

Leave a comment if you have any questions, and we’ll find the expert to answer you.