On October 25, I’ll be speaking on social networking for writers at the 2008 IWOC Writers Conference. I’m an IWOC [Independent Writers of Chicago] member. For me one of the benefits is being listed in their database as a professional writer and speaker who specializes in online PR and social media.

If you’re a Chicago writer who’s looking for ways to take your writing business to the next level, you’ll want to check this conference out. The full-day conference is appropriate for beginners as well as experienced writers. And while the program is top-notch, you’ll also have the opportunity to network with some of the most accomplished professional writers in Chicago.

Writers Conference Program

The Zen of Writing – Catherine Rategan, an IWOC founder and owner of Writer, Inc., Catherine will conduct a workshop that looks at the job of writing from inside the writer’s mind. You’ll learn how to do better work, take good care of your clients, and develop a real sense of pleasure in writing well.

How to Pitch Magazines – Jennifer Lyng will lead a panel of four magazine editors as they discuss how freelance writers can get article assignments. They’ll tell both what to do and what to avoid in dealing with editors.

The Freelance Life – IWOC past president Harry Karabel will lead a panel of four IWOC members in an open discussion of what can be knotty issues including how to get new clients, what’s the best workspace and equipment, should you incorporate, and how to handle late payers.

Social Networking – Barbara Rozgonyi, founder of CoryWest Media and publisher of Wired PR Works, will dig into social media sites to show how you can quickly build influential networks that position you as a recognized subject matter expert.

The Law of Communications – Attorney Daliah Saper of Saper Law Offices will present what every writer should know about copyrights and trademarks.

Practical Marketing for Strategic Business Development – Gary Glenn, a seasoned marketing executive and consultant, will show how basic marketing principles can be used to establish a simple and easy-to-follow marketing plan for your business. You’ll learn how to apply your plan to your customers, your industry, and your competition as well as to develop your strengths while offsetting weaknesses.

How PR Professionals Can Help Writers – Jeff Steele will lead a panel of five outstanding Chicago-area public relations specialists who will discuss how writers can best work with PR pros and what help those PR contacts can provide for freelance writers who are working with their respective organizations.

Cold Calling Boot Camp – IWOC past president Jim Leman will show how he has used cold calling as his most productive marketing tool to generate new business and sell his services. You’ll learn all his methods including the number-one technique for generating dollars.

Where: National Louis University, 122 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL
When: Saturday, October 25, 8:40 a.m. to 4:20 p.m.
Registration: $40 student, $99 IWOC member, $109 writing group member, $129 all others
Register online for the 2008 IWOC Writers Conference

About the Independent Writers of Chicago
One of the oldest and largest writing groups in the Midwest, IWOC is an association of professional writers based primarily throughout the Chicago metropolitan area. IWOC members serve large corporations, small businesses, and not-for-profit organizations; together they represent a broad range of writing talents and specialties. Looking for a writer? You can post your writing job with the IWOC Writers Line or find a writer by searching IWOC’s members database online. To learn more about IWOC, call 847-855-6670 or visit www.iwoc.org.