A large amount of information is presented here and on the other pages of this website. Please check the other pages of this site for answers, and you can also use the search field to the right in the sidebar. If you still have questions, contact us at info@avondalewritersconference.org.
Q: What is the Avondale Writers Conference?
It’s a great way for writers, at all stages of their careers, to hone their craft, network with fellow writers, and meet literary agents, published authors, and other industry professionals, such as editors.
Q: Who sponsors the Avondale Writers Conference?
The Friends of the Avondale Library, in conjunction with the City of Avondale, hosts the conference each year. Helping to make the conference a reality is a group of individuals who are part of the West Valley Writers Workshop, founded in 2009. Many of its members are published authors as well as accomplished lecturers and speakers. The Workshop meets the first Saturday of the month in the Avondale Library.
Q: How much does the conference cost?
The conference fee is $99. We offer an early-bird discounted rate ($89) each year before October 1st. The fee includes all lectures, panels, and speakers. It does not include lodging or other meals.
Q: How do I register?
Click the link to the online registration server and fill out the required information. You will need a credit card to charge the conference fee.
Q: When is the deadline for registration?
You may register for the conference at any time up until November 1st, although space is limited to 200 attendees. We accept registration on a first-come, first-served basis.
Q: Does my registration payment cover everything?
All conference events – workshops, panels, lectures, and speakers – are included; lodging, if required, is not included. Meetings with the agents are also not included. Registration for the Agent Pitch Slam is separate, but those reservations are done at the same time as the conference registration.
Q: How can I confirm my registration was received and processed?
As soon as you complete your registration and payment, you will receive a confirmation by email.
Q: I registered for the Writers Conference but I can no longer attend. Can I get a refund?
Requests for refunds must be made in writing by email (info@avondalewritersconference.org). No refunds will be given after October 31, 2012.
Q: I am attending the Writers Conference and want to bring a friend to hear a speaker. Can I?
Unregistered guests may not attend daily workshops. Space is limited.
Q: My child wishes to attend the conference. Can he attend alone?
Children 16 and over may attend alone (and pay full admission price). Children under 16 are welcome when accompanied by an adult (and both pay full price).
Q: What are the important deadlines I need to know about?
August 1 - Early registration begins – $89
September 30 - Early registration ends
October 1 - Regular registration begins – $99
October 31 - Last day to request a refund
November 3 - AWC at the Civic Center!
Q: I’m from out of town and will attend the conference. Where should I stay?
The Hilton Garden Inn is close to the Civic Center. We are working with them to have a special rate for AWC attendees. Reservations may be made with the hotel by calling: (623) 882-3351 / (800) 992-2694, or visiting: http://hiltongardeninn3.hilton.com/en/hotels/arizona/hilton-garden-inn-phoenix-avondale-PHXAVGI/index.html.
A number of other hotels/motels are just a short ride away. We recommend making hotel reservations as soon as you can.
Q: Is there transportation to the Hilton Garden Inn from the airport?
No. The hotel is about 20 minutes from the airport and easily accessible by taxi and rental car.
Directions from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX): Head west and make a slight left to merge onto I-10 W toward Downtown/AZ-51/Phoenix. Take exit 131 for Avondale Blvd. Turn left onto W Roosevelt St. Take the 1st left onto W Hilton Way. Destination will be on the right.
Q: I’m driving. How do I get to the Avondale Civic Center?
From the West: Take I-10 E toward Phoenix. Take exit 131 for Avondale Blvd. Turn right onto N 115th Ave/Avondale Blvd. Turn left onto Jefferson St. Turn left onto Civic Center Dr.
From the East: Take I-10 W toward Phoenix/Los Angeles. Take exit 131 for Avondale Blvd. Turn left onto N 115th Ave/Avondale Blvd. Turn left onto Jefferson St. Turn left onto Civic Center Dr.
From the North: Take I-17 S toward Phoenix. Take exit 214C to merge onto AZ-101 Loop W. Take exit 1A to merge onto I-10 W toward Los Angeles. Take exit 131 for Avondale Blvd. Turn left onto N 115th Ave/Avondale Blvd. Turn left onto Jefferson St. Turn left onto Civic Center Dr.
Q: Where can I park during the Writers Conference?
Parking lots (free) are available around the civic center.
Q: Will there be food provided?
Several “gourmet” food trucks will be providing lunch. Tickets can be purchased during conference registration. Coffee and bagels will be provided during the registration period.
Q: Will there be book signings?
Books written by the authors speaking at the conference will be available for purchase at a table in the lobby throughout the conference. A book signing session will occur in the lobby after the last keynote is complete (from 5:00 to 5:45 p.m.), but you are welcome to seek out authors for book signings any time you wish (other than when they are delivering a workshop or session.
Q: Will I be able to buy books at the Writers Conference?
We will be providing an onsite bookstore, which will be open from approximately 9:00 a.m. to 5:45 p.m..
SESSION INFORMATION
Q: Do I need to sign up in advance for the sessions?
During the registration process, you will be asked to choose which sessions you would like to attend. Since attendance is determined on a first-come/first-served basis, this is important because some of the more popular sessions attract larger numbers, but they are limited by the size of the rooms. If you discover, after registration, that you would prefer a different session, check with one of the conference staff about changing. We will always accommodate your wishes if we can.
Q: Who are the speakers and lecturers?
Sessions are taught by industry professionals, many of whom have years of experience in their subject matter. They are published authors, literary agents, publicists, editors, or specialists in their field. Details on each session leader are available on the Speakers page.
Q: What do I need to bring to the conference?
Enthusiasm, an open mind, a pen, paper, and laptop, if you prefer. We also recommend bringing copies of any stories, poems, and/or manuscripts if you are pitching to an agent.
AGENT PITCH SLAM INFORMATION
Q: Do I need to have a completed novel if I intend to schedule a session with an agent?
Generally speaking, yes. Many agents consider it amateurish to pitch an incomplete novel. For nonfiction, a completed manuscript is not necessary, but you must have your platform and proposal ready.
Q: How much time will I have with the agent?
Ten minutes.
AVONDALE INFORMATION
Q: What will the weather be like?
In early November, Avondale is usually cool in the morning (52°) and sunny in the afternoon (80°).
Q: What should I bring to wear?
The dress at the conference, as in much of Arizona, is casual. Many attendees wear shorts or jeans to sessions.