by David Hollenstein

I attended the BRMCWC last year. It turned out to be one of the five best weeks of my life. I am an industry professional from Switzerland. I treated myself to the conference for my 25th anniversary at a publishing house. But it turned out to be much more than a vacation.

I took a book by a faculty member back to Switzerland that will soon be published in German. I met editors and proofreaders with whom I now work on my English books. Received critiques on two books from industry professionals. I implemented all the tips from those critiques. I learned so much about publishing and marketing my first book in the U.S.-marked.

I also met new friends and much more.

There is a reason I got so much out of the conference. I got some good advice beforehand. I am happy to share this with first-time attendees. You too should come away from the conference richly rewarded.

1. Bring a business card

Many business cards are exchanged over meals. I wrote on the back what I talked to that person about. After the conference, I contacted them. In this business, contacts are worth their weight in gold. https://www.blueridgeconference.com/business-cards-for-writers-6/

2. Bring a one-sheet

Make a one-sheet of your book project. I had the opportunity to speak with faculty members. I used the One Sheet to explain my project. I have profited from each of them. https://www.blueridgeconference.com/what-is-a-one-sheet-why-do-i-need-one-7/

3. Pick beforehand 3-4 faculty members you would like to meet with for 15 minutes

On the first night, everyone can sign up for a 15-minute meeting with two faculty members. Study the list of faculty members on the website in advance and choose three or four people you would like to speak with. Depending on the person, you may have to be quick as the appointments fill fast. These 15-minute interviews are so valuable. Over the next few days, you can make more appointments with other faculty. Bring a question for them and you will benefit. https://www.blueridgeconference.com/2025-faculty/

5. Study the classes

I studied the classes in advance and marked the ones I wanted to attend. Unlike podcasts, which are public, faculty members share private stories and talk about what really worked for them. I got to see behind the curtain of authors, agents, and editors. https://www.blueridgeconference.com/2025-classes/

David Hollenstein is a Swiss writer with over 20 traditionally published books and over 40 published radio dramas, each over an hour. His first books in English will be published soon. He is married andhas four children. They live in Switzerland. He attended the BRMCWC in