Algonkian Conferences - Frequently Asked Questions

INTERVIEW
OBSERVATIONS

"Any first time author can be made to look "fabulous" -- it's all about how an agent, author and publisher present the author. Every author has a background and a story, which can be told to the book- sellers and public in a boring way or a way that is spectacular."
  Barbara Zitwer

"If an author is a terrific writer and has a voice or perspective or style that's not been seen before, there is a far greater chance it will have a place in the literary market. Though it's true that it can be tough to get a first book published, agents and editors are always looking for the next voice or story."
  Elise Capron

"Whatever you're doing in this business, whether you're an agent, editor, or writer, it's crucially important to keep on top of what's happening in the industry. Agents and editors are much more likely to take writers seriously if they can name other writers in their genre whose work they admire ..."
  W. Gottlieb

"The truth is that most publishing professionals needn't read further than that ... Judging a book in five sentences might sound like an outrageous idea. But it's really not."
  Noah Lukeman

Frequently Asked Questions About Algonkian

		If I Wish to Attend, Will I Automatically Be Accepted? No. We have an application process designed to separate serious writers from the hobbyists. Nothing will harm a workshop faster than someone who doesn't belong. Other factors in the selection process include event size and type. Regardless, we work with new writers as well as advanced writers and even published authors. Writers of all genres benefit not only from our unique program and method, but from being exposed to fellow writers, many of whom have valuable experience. We want attendees who are willing to shelve the ego and acquire the craft and market knowledge they need to realistically approach the creation or completion of a competitive novel manuscript.
		How is Algonkian Different From Other Conferences? Extensive pitch prep session before meeting agents. The only writer conference on this planet with a syllabus. No mobs - small groups that facilitate interaction and growth. MS/prose reviewed by pro editors, not attendees. Comprehensive 86-page novel-and-fiction study guide. Unique and challenging pre-conference assignments that focus on all major novel elements. Superior in-shop writing assignments and story dissection. Less fluff and more work - seven hours per day of workshops as well as evening assignments (we do give breaks). Emphasis on pragmatism and truth telling even if it hurts (the market is tougher). No bells or lines - relaxed dialogues with faculty. No boring lectures or panels. Faculty chosen for wisdom as well as compassion - no snobs.
		How Did Algonkian Get Started? We held the first group workshop at Algonkian Park in Virginia, back in 2001. The name stuck. Then we began holding larger events, improving the method while adding on more faculty and network.
		What is The Purpose of Algonkian? To enable writers in all genres a chance at becoming published authors by providing them with the craft skills, professional connections, and savvy they need to succeed in today's fiercely competitive market. Every writer leaves an Algonkian event with a detailed plan for working towards the publication of their novel.
		What Genres Are You Willing to Work With? Mystery/thriller/crime, historical fiction, SF/F, and literary mainstream (literary, general commercial fiction, and women's fiction). The agencies and editors we interact with handle all genres.
		Do You Have a Syllabus? Yes, a complete syllabus and a list of authors studied can be found here. We believe that in order to stand a realistic chance of getting a novel manuscript published, the writer must first learn the fundamentals and complexities of craft employed by the best authors. Secondly, and just as important, the writer must understand the publishing market.
		Does Algonkian Run Workshops, or Conferences, or Both? We schedule specific workshops during our conferences--daily interactive sessions with faculty wherein students study successive levels of craft and apply it to their novel manuscript (and short fiction, if appropriate).
		How Does Algonkian Differ From An MFA Approach? Algonkian emphasizes writing-to-get-published, creation in the context of market. We teach writers to think pragmatically about the development of their ms while retaining their core values for the work. Our motto is "From the Heart, but Smart." College MFA programs typically do not prep a writer for the cold reality of the current publishing climate. Many of our most grateful students are graduates of MFA programs.
		How Do Students Interact With Agents? Each student pitches his or her novel to the agent. The model for the pitch is a "book jacket" the student creates with the help of the workshop leader prior to the pitch session. The process is part of a longer evolution the student begins even before arriving at the conference. Once the pitch is accomplished, the agent interacts with the student in a Q&A session. The workshop leader then follows up with the student to create a plan for publication, i.e., a step-by-step post-conference process the writer must undertake in order to stand a realistic chance of getting his or her manuscript published.
		Any Pre-Conference Work Involved? Yes, and lots of it. Students are given written exercises, a pitch exercise, and several books to read. They are also required to conduct "protagonist sympathy analysis" on current literary sellers. All of this prepares the student before arrival.
		What is a Typical Conference Schedule Like? The first four days and nights of the conference are devoted to readings, discussions, and written exercises, as well as interactive meetings with faculty. Students have homework each night that must be complete by the following morning. The fifth day is dedicated to one-on-one ms consults and finalizing each student's publication plan. The conference begins the night of arrival, and then each day by 8:00 A.M. and on to 5 P.M. (or as necessary).

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WRITERS AND AUTHORS
TALK ABOUT
ALGONKIAN CONFERENCES

Interview with Algonkian attendee, Candy Somoza: "The preparation work got us thinking about the book in the store, how it got there, what makes it sell. While we read works and studied the writing, we also focused on the outside, so to speak, the marketing, and that was essential to prepare us."

Interview with Algonkian attendee, author Julie Kaewert: "Because I was changing agents, I knew it was important to learn how to package the MS effectively ... When I saw the Seven Mountains Writers Conference on the website, it looked like just the thing. In fact, it far exceeded my expectations in every way."

Interview with Algonkian attendee, author Kate Gallison: "One way to lengthen your life is to stretch it backwards, and so I read a lot of history. Early movies fascinate me. They were both like and unlike stage plays of the time, borrowing actors and melodramatic plots, but developing entirely new techniques for portraying dramatic action. "

Interview with Algonkian attendee, Greg Haas: "I could tell a story about how the process works. Fiction gave me a chance to go where non-fiction wouldn't let me�inside people at both ends of the political food chains heads. The final inspiration came from a strange place Karl Rove spent a great deal of time."

Interview with Algonkian attendee, Barbara Marquart: I also wanted to tell a story that celebrates the deep bond between mothers and daughters - the struggles we all face to transcend our circumstances, forgive each other's failures and accept each other's limitations in order to find peace.

Interview with Algonkian attendee, author Thierry Sagnier: "I was stuck, hadn't done any serious writing for months, and a friend of mine�also a writer�suggested I attend a workshop to kickstart me. So I looked on the net and found that there were quite a few places that offered what I wanted, but when I researched the Algonkian conference, I recognized the name of a reporter I really respect. He'd been there and was highly complimentary, so that sealed it for me."

Interview with Algonkian attendee, Alex Keto: "I've been to handful of other conferences and decided that if you find yourself in a large room with someone almost out of eyesight in the front talking at you, the results are what you would expect: generic advice that doesn't really help."