His First Writer's Conference: What's the Deal?

A writer friend is going to a one day writer's conference and asked what he should try and glean from the experience. How might he prepare and what should his objective be when he doesn't have a MS ready.

1st of all, let me say this: Great that you're going! You will learn more about the publishing business in that one day then you would have in a year of reading articles and books on the subject. You won't be sorry and will probably kick yourself for not doing it sooner.


Because it's his first conference, the main objective should be to learn. Learn what publishers are looking for. Learn the faces and names of those in the business. Shake hands. Schmooze. Get the business cards of other writers, espescially those who write in your genre.

If there is a critique you can pay for, fork out the extra bucks. This is invaluble. The professional will point out saleability issues in your writing that could potentially save you years of rejection. Really. They also might say some nice things that they wouldn't mind you using as an endoresement when you go to pitch your MS.

And just because the MS isn't finished doesn't mean you can't pitch it. Just be honest. Make as many appointments with authors, agents, editors as they will allow you. This is why you're there.

Bring with you to the conference: business cards (www.vistaprint.com has them for free) It's good if they include your photo, make sure they have all your contact info including e-mail and web-site if you have one. Don't write "author" on it, it's considered pretentious.

Dress business casual. This is a job interview.

Bring a bag to carry your notebook, pens and you'll be picking up lots of freebies and notes.

Thank you cards are a great idea. Someone will inevitably help you and you'll be ready.

The appointment:

You've signed up for an appointment with Mr. Agent. You walk into the room and sit down in front of him. Here's how it could go:

"Hi, Mr. Agent," you say as you extend your hand. "I'm Ralphie Morton."
The agent shakes your hand and says "I'm agent, nice to meet you." You sit down.

You've already memorized your pitch so you're ready. Time to give it.

"This is my first writers conference so bear with me," you say with a nervous smile.

The agent relaxes a bit. "No problem Ralphie, we were all there once. What you want to talk about?"

"I'm working on a supernatural thriller that I'd like to tell you about."

"Supernatural thriller? Go ahead."

"My tag line is: She wanted to serve God. She didn't know she'd have to go through Hell to do it. Valencia is the demon chaser."

"Great tag line Ralphie. Tell me about the story."

Here you'll give a short synopsis. Like the back of a book blurb. "Like I said, its a supernatural thriller, written from a Christian world view, approximately 80 k words. Valencia has an unusual call on her life to be a female exorcist. As soon as she hangs her shingle out for business, strange things begin to happen. First eerie phone calls, then frightening visions. blah blah."

The agent's eyebrows go up. "A female exorcist. I like that. What would you compare this book to?"

"It's kinda like Chick lit meets Frank Peretti."

"That's an unusual combination."

"Yes, I think its a niche that needs filling. There are lots of female thriller readers. There's a hefty dose of romance in the book and women love that, along with humor. I know its the kind of book I would like to read."

"Sounds great. Are you finished?"

"Not yet, I'm a little over halfway but expect to be finished in January. I was wondering if I could send you a proposal."

"That would be wonderful. Here's my card." Agent hands you a card and you take it, not snatch it. Smile, and thank him for his time. (When you actually send the proposal. You will write on the envelope "requested" and your proposal will get rescued from the slush pile.)

"I appreciate you taking the time to come to this conference. We've still got about five minutes of our appointment time left, mind if I ask you a few questions?"

Agent smiles. "Not at all. That's why I'm here."

"What publishing houses do you think this story might appeal to?"

Agent rambles off a bunch of names that you write down. Later, you'll query these houses saying that Mr. Agent recommended that you might be interested in this story.

"What do you look for in a good proposal?"

"Saleability. I want to be convinced that I can sell your MS. Sorry, Ralphie our time is up."

"Thank you very much," you say as you stand. "I'll be in touch."



So, to sum up: Go, meet other writers, agents, editors, get business cards, schmooze. Learn all you can. Listen more than you speak. And have fun!