Just Take A Breath...And Go!

I always encourage people to go to writer's conferences because I believe they are the best way to gain the interest of an agent or an editor. There's nothing like sitting face to face with a person to really show how passionate and excited you are about a project.


Its also a time for you to judge whether or not this is the type of person you want to work with. Book Ends Literary Blog has a great post on what you need to know about an agent before signing with them.

Ask them questions about how hands on they are, what level of communication with clients they maintain, if there is a specific genre they feel they have strong contacts in...all these are important for you, the client, to know before pursuing a working relationship with the agent.


That being said...you need to GO in order to actually meet anyone. It amazes me how many writers don't go to conferences at all.  Not only is it a great place to learn -- they have wonderful workshops by agents, editors, and other authors -- it helps you to learn the business side of writing.


That's right...the BUSINESS side of writing. Because there is one.  You need to understand that although its an art, a craft, and something dear to your heart, it is also an industry.


A good conference will publish updates of what's going on in the publishing world, have keynote speakers that address the changes and upcoming trends, and a faculty that is knowledgeable and professional.

I encourage you to sign up for a pitch session with an agent. It is scary...like, spit less, sweaty-hands, scary...but so worth it in terms of growth as a writer.  


They have always had great advice, direction, and encouragement for me at those sessions.


A good conference has a submission process like the one for OC Christian Writer's conference to get you ready for meeting with those agents. 


The San Diego Christian Writer's Guild conference has you submit your intended proposal before the conference. This is really helpful because you get valuable feedback on how to fine tune your pitch. Something that will help long after the conference.


Shaw Guides has a list of conferences for every state and every focus. From horror to inspirational to non-fiction there's a place for you to learn, network, and maybe even...land an agent. 


I hope you take a chance and take trip to one of them. Until next time...Go Write!
Photograph by Chispita . Photograph by Beneath Blue Skies. Photograph by Bill Kuffrey.

Conference Jitters - Survival Wednesday

You're standing in the the main hall, your welcome packet clutched in your sweaty palms as you scan the tables and booths for a glimpse of your prey...the agent.


Finding a seat at one of the round tables, you pull out your name tag and affix it to your lapel...no your pocket...no, uh, your lapel - yeah.  


You pour out the contents of your manila packet and hunt for your consultation sheet.  Scanning the time slots your eyes dart to the name of the faculty member you've selected.


Yes! You got an appointment despite your late registration!  Agent Reed Moore of the Serious Authors Literary Agency is in your 10am slot.


Immediately your stomach tumbles...you rifle through your folder to make sure you've brought your one-sheet.  Sighing with relief, you hold in your hands; the result of hours of shaping and trimming and refining...its your pitch.   


Microphone feedback pulls your eyes to the podium in front. Its time to finish up breakfast and head to your first 15 minute meeting.  You gulp...your pulse races...this is your ONE and ONLY chance at becoming a "real" writer... 


What if it goes terribly wrong? What if you get flop sweat and stutter like you did during your 8th grade oral report?  What if they're mean and cut you off mid-sentence with a bored sigh and shake of their head?  What if... What if....?


RELAX -- 


First of all, agents are usually super nice people who patiently listen to you as you explain your project. They WANT to find something good out there. They WANT to listen to you.  Relax...and slow down. And start your pitch with confidence.


You are passionate about what you've written. That will show through. And this is NOT your one and only chance. Publication is a survival process...not just selection...keep at it and you'll find success.

Some things to keep in mind while preparing for the conference and your meeting with an agent....RESEARCH!


Meet with an agent that actually represents your genre.  Go on their website and find out their submission guidelines and have a proposal and query with you just in case they ask for it.  Always...ALWAYS, have one chapter with you.   


I was at a group meeting and a woman pitched a project, got the interest of the agent, and was asked for a sample of her writing.  She didn't have one. Yikes!  They may not ask for it, but for Pete's sake, have it if they do.


Also do some research into the type of books releasing this year under the agent or the publishing house.  Tell them where your book would go on the shelf. Would it go next to their  newest Amish title?  How about next to their latest CIA thriller? Show how you fit into a genre...not that you're a copy. There's a difference.


Let them know you're aware of the business side of writing. Look professional. Shake their hand. Have a pitch-sheet or a one-sheet for them to take with them.


And don't forget why you're really at the conference. To learn and grow in your craft. Take the classes and workshops. Listen to the keynote speaker and RELAX!   You'll get there.


Until next time...Go Write!

Photography by Magnetbox. Photograph by Matt Grover.

Elevator Speech - Hook Line Blogfest

Having just attended a conference, I have first hand experience with the dreaded, "Tell me about your book." line that editors and agents use when you meet with them. Its nerve wracking as it is to meet with someone to pitch your book...not knowing what to say leaves them blinking silently with a sympathetic smile on their frozen faces.

I heard an agent call the one-sentence pitch an 'elevator speech'. Its from the idea of having just the amount of time it takes to reach the next floor to sell your book idea to the hapless editor who got on the elevator with you.

As a writer, I usually take 400+ words to get my idea across so the query...and the hook line send a shuddering quiver through my guts. Brian, who hosts the Time Guardian Blog announced a Hookline Blogfest and I had to take the challenge. Boil your book down to a one-sentence pitch. (*sigh*)

Here goes...

Bayou Blue - An ambitious journalist follows a career-making cold case to the bayou of Louisiana where she gets trapped in a hurricane with a mysterious sheriff bent on hiding the truth behind the crime.

Whew! Can't wait to read all the other great entries. I'm sure I'll learn a lot about phrasing and semicolons. Until Next Time...Go Write!

Photograph by ellyjonez, Uploaded on April 22, 2009.