After several years enjoying all the Maryland Writers’ Association has to offer, I decided to give back in a more specific way in FY 2009-2010. I ran for and was elected to the Vice President’s seat on the Board under President Sonia Linebaugh. We were lucky to have Diane Booth volunteer again as Conference Coordinator, and she delivered yet another successful conference for MidAtlantic writers. I was honored to return for a repeat performance of my presentation, Revisions: Polishing Your Work for Submission.

Gone are the days when writers could expect substantial editorial support from their agents and editors. Most publishing professionals want clean, print-ready manuscripts. Every writer knows—or soon learns—that it takes multiple revisions to create a piece ready for publication. But where do you start? This talk will introduce you to the most common problems that plague written works and offer simple ways to identify and resolve them in your own novel, short story, or memoir. You’ll receive tips on keeping readers’ attention, polishing your manuscript at the technical level, properly formatting your submission, and getting objective feedback before you start sending your work out.

Attendees said:

This was the best session of the conference! Ally was very engaging and informative.—Cathy Wiley, Severn, MD

The energy and expertise with which Ally presented both inspired and challenged me as an artist and student.—Jason Greenberg, Owings Mills, MD

I really enjoyed hearing keynote speaker Roxanna Robinson tell us about the writer’s life, it’s complexities and rewards, and what inspires her fiction. In addition to a day full of engaging sessions on timely topics, this year’s conference culminated with an awards banquet for winners of the MWA’s annual writing contests. Charles Jensen, Director of the Bethesda Writers’ Center, entertained diners with his talk, “Technology and Our Future: A Guide to What’s Next for Writers.”

Thank you to Conference Coordinator Diane Booth and her committee of volunteers for having me back. If you live in the MidAtlantic area I encourage you to consider joining the MWA, which offers many benefits to its members beyond the annual conference and writing contests. Learn more at www.marylandwriters.org.

Founder of The Writer’s Ally, Ally E. Machate is a bestselling book collaborator, award-winning editor, and expert publishing consultant who loves using her insider knowledge and experience with the publishing industry to lead serious authors toward success. She and her team live to help make great books happen, whether that means showing a writer how to improve a manuscript, get an agent, or self-publish; or coaching an author on growing her platform to sell more books. Since 1999, she has supported hundreds of authors on their publishing journey and takes pride in serving as their books’ best ally.

I’ve been an active member of the Maryland Writers’ Association for several years now, and so it’s with great pleasure that I was able to participate as a speaker at this year’s conference. The theme “Writing Your Success Story” was apt: writers from all over the MidAtlantic came to learn new skills and find inspiration to help them along the path to publication. I gave my popular presentation, Revisions: Polishing Your Work for Submission.

Gone are the days when writers could expect substantial editorial support from their agents and editors. Most publishing professionals want clean, print-ready manuscripts. Every writer knows—or soon learns—that it takes multiple revisions to create a piece ready for publication. But where do you start? This talk will introduce you to the most common problems that plague written works and offer simple ways to identify and resolve them in your own novel, short story, or memoir. You’ll receive tips on keeping readers’ attention, polishing your manuscript at the technical level, properly formatting your submission, and getting objective feedback before you start sending your work out.

Attendees said:

Ally is a seasoned pro who knows what it takes to get out of the slush pile. She’s full of great tips.—Eric D. Goodman, author of Tracks, Towson, MD

Ally is a fun speaker who knows her topic. Great presentation!—Angela Render, author of Marketing for Writers, Ellicott City, MD

I was in good company with editors and agents who traveled from New York City and Washington, DC to meet one-on-one with writers and with presenters who gave such interesting and useful talks as Angela Render’s “Introduction to Marketing Platforms,” Ann Crispin and Rich White’s “Writing Scams,” and Linda Shertzer’s “Creating Romantic Tension.” Participants also enjoyed a continental breakfast, hot lunch, and post-conference social.

Cheers to Conference Coordinators Diane Booth and Bryan England, who put on a fun, info-packed event. If you live in the MidAtlantic area I encourage you to consider joining the MWA, which offers many benefits to its members beyond the annual conference and writing contests. Learn more at www.marylandwriters.org.

Founder of The Writer’s Ally, Ally E. Machate is a bestselling book collaborator, award-winning editor, and expert publishing consultant who loves using her insider knowledge and experience with the publishing industry to lead serious authors toward success. She and her team live to help make great books happen, whether that means showing a writer how to improve a manuscript, get an agent, or self-publish; or coaching an author on growing her platform to sell more books. Since 1999, she has supported hundreds of authors on their publishing journey and takes pride in serving as their books’ best ally.