#182 The A–Z of AWP: Insider Tips for Writers Attending the Conference

Thinking about attending the AWP Conference and wondering how to prepare for it?

With thousands of writers, panels, book fairs, and networking opportunities, AWP can feel both exciting, inspiring and a little overwhelming. That's why it helps to have a strategy.

In this solo episode of Freelance Writing Direct, host Estelle Erasmus shares how she prepared for AWP, what it was like moderating her standing-room-only panel, and the simple strategies that helped her navigate the conference with aplomb.

Estelle talks through everything from packing light and bringing snacks to creating meaningful connections with other writers. She also shares highlights from her panel discussion on publishing in both literary journals and mainstream outlets, along with a few insights from other sessions she attended.

Whether you're attending AWP for the first time or looking for ways to approach it more thoughtfully, this episode offers practical tips to help you prepare, connect, and get more out of the experience.

In this episode:

• How to prepare for the AWP Conference [1:10]

• Networking strategies for writers who prefer smaller conversations [6:42]

• What to bring to make long conference days easier [8:13]

• Lessons from other panels on writing and the publishing journey [22:00]

• Behind the scenes of Estelle's panel on literary vs. mainstream publishing [25:27]

• Why following up after conferences matters [26:46]

AWP 2026 Writing and Publishing Resources: https://estelleserasmus.com/teaching-speaking/awp-2026-writing-and-publishing-resources/

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/oziyWtYTZfI

Get More From Estelle Erasmus

• Free NYU "Editor on Call" Event Join Estelle Erasmus and the editor-in-chief of PROVOKED on April 22 from 12:30–1:30 PM EDT to learn how to pitch and publish your work. Register here: https://events.nyu.edu/event/384509-editor-on-call-ready-to-pitch-publish-and-g

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• Watch Estelle's TEDx Talk: How to Get Noticed in Your Writing and Beyond https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SpcWmjpzSIQ

• Book Writing That Gets Noticed — named a Poets & Writers "Best Book for Writers." https://www.amazon.com/Writing-That-Gets-Noticed-Storyteller/dp/1608688364

• Listen Freelance Writing Direct Podcast — 2026 and 2025 Podcast of the Year (American Writing Awards) https://estelleserasmus.com/podcast/

About Estelle

Estelle Erasmus is an award-winning journalist,TEDx Speaker, author of Writing That Gets Noticed, and host of Freelance Writing Direct. An adjunct professor at NYU, her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, WIRED, PBS/Next Avenue, The Independent, and AARP The Magazine. She has served as editor-in-chief of five national magazines.

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