"What New Authors Should Know About AWP (Through Megan Atwood)" by Samantha Szumloz

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In a convention center in Los Angeles, California, Megan Atwood, Editor-in-Chief of Singularity Press, and a few interns on our staff had the privilege of experiencing AWP, promoting our services to up-and-coming authors across the country. I, Samantha Szumloz, asked a series of questions to Atwood about the event, as I have not heard of AWP before interning at Singularity Press.

Q: In your own words, describe to me what the AWP conferences do for writers? How do they boost the prestige and/or careers of writers? How have they benefited you personally and professionally?  

Atwood: AWP is a great way to connect with other writers, network in various ways, showcase your creative work and your scholarship, and to find a program that may benefit you. The conference has a book fair with many different publishing companies and universities that can benefit writers in several ways. But also, there are panels that deal with cutting edge issues in writing that cover a wide range of writing, pedagogy, and current affairs. I have been a panelist and attended panels and I can say that every AWP, I learn something new, get more ideas for the classroom, and make fantastic writing friends. 

Q: As someone who has attended a couple AWP conferences over the years, describe the atmosphere. How many people do you think attend the conferences each year? Is it typically held in large venues? Were there any differences between this year’s AWP conference and last year’s? 

Atwood: AWP has grown every year. Thousands of people descend on whatever city it is held in and participate. Not only is it typically held in large conference centers, but also there are events that happen offsite throughout the entire conference. Each AWP is unique because the panels change and the exhibitors change–and each city brings its own particular flavor. This year AWP was in Los Angeles and next year it will be in Baltimore. Each different city contributes different feelings. 

Q: What was offered at this year’s AWP conference? Any particular events or sales? What were some things that caught your eye? 

Atwood: There is way too much to answer this question. The events number in the thousands. What was fun this year was watching an MA in Writing alum from Rowan, Jackie Domenus, read from her new book, NO OFFENSE. 

Q: In your own words, what makes the AWP conferences special? What makes AWP special as an organization in general? 

Atwood: Having a space where the art of writing is celebrated and explored is priceless. Not only that, being around people going through the same things as you as a writer and meeting others is something that cannot be replicated anywhere else. 

Q: Describe to me the progress that Singularity Press made at this year’s AWP conference. What strides did the company make? 

Atwood: Singularity’s presence grows a little each year! This year we almost ran out of all our SWAG and I believe our name and services got out there just a little bit more. Of course, none of that can happen without the amazing interns who prep for the conference and then those  who attend the conference–really, the best thing about this whole endeavor is all the experience the students get!

Q: What are your hopes for next year’s AWP conference? What would you like the Singularity Press team to experience and accomplish next year? 

Atwood: I’d like to get a bunch more SWAG made and I would love for a whole bunch more interns to be able to go. There’s really nothing like it. 

Q: What do you hope for the future of Singularity Press? 

Atwood: I simply hope to be able to continue running Singularity for the sake of the students and to continue giving writers awesome service!

For more information about this year's AWP conference, please go to https://awpwriter.org/AWP/AWP/Conference-Bookfair/Overview.aspx?hkey=319c6222-ba95-4f5b-b513-edaf4822a726!