Following are answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.

Where does this event take place?
The Nonfiction Writers Conference is a VIRTUAL event. All participants attend via Zoom video, or by phone if you prefer.

Why is it virtual?
When we hosted our first event in 2010, our goal was to take the traditional writers’ conference event and deliver it entirely online. This allows attendees to participate from around the globe without the expense and time involved in traveling to an in-person event.

I’ve never attended a virtual event before and I’m not sure it’s for me. What will the experience be like?
This is one of the most common hesitations we hear from potential attendees. They think that it will be boring or they just won’t like sitting alone in a room watching Zoom for five hours. However, each year we take pride in converting skeptics into fans who return again and again each year!

We work really hard to select dynamic speakers who deliver content-rich learning experiences. Each lecture lasts around 35 minutes and then the speakers take live audience questions. You might be surprised by how quickly time goes by!

Will I need to be at my computer to watch the sessions?
It’s ideal if you can tune in to the video feed on Zoom, but it’s not required. You can watch on a computer or mobile device. If watching isn’t an option, you can also dial in by phone and listen. Or, choose a registration option that includes event recordings so you can listen later.

Will I be on camera?
NFWC attendees are not on camera during conference sessions, except we do encourage you to join us on camera for the virtual networking session. Participants in the pitch-the-agents session are also on camera.

What if my schedule doesn’t allow me to attend all sessions?
Depending on the registration level you choose, recordings and transcripts are available for all sessions. Gold attendees receive recordings and Platinum attendees receive both recordings and typed transcripts. Recordings are delivered at the end of each event day and transcripts are typically delivered the week following the event.

Are the sessions conducted live or pre-recorded?
All sessions are delivered live, unless otherwise noted.

What if I have questions for one of the speakers?
We leave time at the end of each session for audience Q&A, which can often be as valuable and interesting as the speaker’s presentation.  

Part of what I like about attending in-person conferences is that I get to network with other writers. Won’t I miss that experience with an online event?
We understand this and it’s one of the reasons we feature a virtual networking event. This unique event invites all attendees to join by video on Zoom and then be randomly placed into small groups using Zoom breakout rooms. Next, each participant will get two minutes to share an introduction and then another 8 minutes to brainstorm a question or challenge. Attendees rave about these events (yes, even introverts!).

We also invite all attendees and speakers to participate in a private Facebook group where you can network, ask questions and get to know each other. Facebook group invitations are typically sent out a week or two prior to the event.

When will I receive Zoom access instructions for the event?
Zoom links are typically shared about ten days prior to the event. Watch your email for details!

Is this one of those “summits” where the speakers only give a little bit of information and then try to up-sell you on their programs?
Yuck, definitely not. We specifically ask our speakers to deliver a content-rich presentation without any kind of cheesy sales pitch. Though we can’t control the outcome with every speaker, we do carefully select our speakers with this goal in mind and the vast majority have adhered to our requests.

Will there be PowerPoint slides or handouts?
Many speakers will use slides and will share a copy with attendees on the day of their event. We also encourage our speakers to provide bonus handouts for attendees, which can be downloaded. Tip: You can access handouts from the “Handouts” link in the main navigation menu on this site.

What is the Ask-a-Pro program?
Ask-a-Pro invites Gold, Platinum, and VIP attendees to schedule up to three FREE 15-minute consultation calls with our panel of publishing professionals.

These experts include speakers from current and past events, writing coaches, and marketing and publicity experts. It’s a chance to get your burning questions answered, brainstorm with professionals, and acquire valuable advice. Consultations are delivered by phone or Zoom.

We typically announce the panel of professionals a few weeks prior to the conference date. These sessions fill up fast and are available on a first come, first served basis. Be sure to register for NFWC early so you can be among the first to be notified with registration opens.

What if I register, but then decide this event isn’t for me?
Satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. If you decide by the end of the first day of the conference that it’s not for you, simply send us an email and we’ll issue a full refund.

How does the live Pitch-the-Agents session work?
Gold, Platinum, and VIP attendees are invited to submit applications to participate in this unique event. Twenty participants will be randomly selected to join us live on Zoom, Brady Bunch-style!

Each participant gets up to five minutes to share a pitch and receive constructive feedback from the agents. Participating agents are actively seeking nonfiction books to represent. If an agent likes your pitch, he/she/they will request a proposal AFTER the session. (You will be notified by email the following week.)

The agent pitch sessions are a rich learning experience for all, whether you’re giving a pitch or watching from the sidelines.

I’m still not sure about this. Can I watch a session from a previous NFWC event?
Absolutely! Here is a replay on how to attract lifelong fans from Stephanie Chandler’s session at the 2022 Nonfiction Writers Conference covering how to attract lifelong fans.

Still have questions? Send us an email and we’ll be happy to help!