Magazine Writer's Conference

What a weekend it's been. I went to the Magazine Writer's Conference, sponsored by Women's Adventure, a magazine based here in Boulder.


Editors from a variety of magazines presented talks on a variety of topics. The topics ranged from general, such as how to make successful pitches to editors, to more specific, such as tips on travel writing and writing gear reports. The magazines represented? Adventure Women, Outside, Entertainment Weekly, Shape, Alternative Medicine, Delicious Living, National Geographic, and Best Life.

Today, on the last day, there was "Speed Dating" with editors. Participants got to meet with some editors of their choice in one-on-one 10-minute meetings to ask any questions they had, or even pitch article ideas. I met with editors from Shape, Best Life, Adventure Women, and Alternative Medicine, and received some helpful feedback on my ideas.

While my head is still basically spinning from all the information, I think I've come away from the weekend with a more solid idea of some of the things I can do to become successful at freelancing. It's definitely going to be a challenge, but the editors shared great insight and encouragement, and balanced that with a healthy dose of reality.

These are a few of the editors at a panel on Saturday.

I met a lot of other successful and aspiring freelancers, and a group of us went to dinner together at the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse on Saturday night.

This is Michelle Theall, the founder and editor of Adventure Women, and the creator of the conference. She is very inspiring, and I'd encourage you to look for the magazine -- it's a great read. If all goes well, you'll see my byline in it some day.