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I spent my whole weekend writing letters to the editors and agents, giving them the information they need for the conference and asking for critique donations for our Scholarship Fund.  I normally do not repost an article, but I thought this one was worth repeating.  Plus, it would help give me a few hours to get some other things on my list done.   I did add a few new things if you read this last year.

At this year’s conference attendees can sign up to attend a Mix and Mingle on Friday night with the faculty. This is a great opportunity for people to meet and network with agents, editors and published authors.

You never know where getting to talk with industry professional in a social setting will lead, so I think it is important to discuss some of the things that will help you put your best foot forward. Remember, you are making an impression when you meet another person and you want that impression to be a good one. Nobody wants to do business with someone they think is rude, so tamp down the aggressive behavior.

Here are some conference etiquette do’s and don’ts:

Don’t:

1. Don’t stalk an editor or agent. There are numerous stories about authors who have followed an editor/agent into the bathroom and slipped a manuscript under the door. This is never a good idea.
2. Don’t push your manuscript on an editor /agent and never sneak it into their briefcase, or folder. In fact don’t whip out your manuscript at the conference, unless the editor or agent asks you to physically hand it over. If an editor/agent is interested, ask them how they would like you to submit it.
3. Don’t cut into another member’s conversation with an editor or agent. They will notice and you’ll make enemies of your co-attendees. And don’t hog the conversation at the Mix and Mingle or the lunches. Be considerate to your fellow writers and give them a chance.
4. Don’t get tongue tied. There will be plenty of opportunity to talk with the faculty during the conference, so if you do not get to talk to them at the Mix and Mingle you’ll have time later. Prepare and rehearse a pitch, so you can spout off a few coherent sentences, when you are asked what are you working on.
5. Don’t bring gifts, booze, or line cards with glittery sprinkles or stars.
6. Don’t brag or compare your writing to a Newbery award winning author or book.
7. Don’t argue with the editor /agent if they say something you don’t agree with during your manuscript critique your manuscript. Don’t cry or get mad. Not everyone likes every book they read and even if they truely act like they hate it, so what? That doesn’t mean someone else will feel the same way. Listen, ask questions and get as much out of the critique as you possibly can. They might spark an idea that breathes life into your story. Even if someone says you should give up writing, don’t let it bother you. They are wrong. Please don’t expect that, because it won’t happen and if it does, please let me know. Editors are wrong all the time. Most famous authors have been rejected over and over again.
8. Don’t forget to be respectful and friendly.
9. Don’t forget to bring your business cards and postcards of your illustrations. Don’t make the mistake of trying to whip out your portfolio at lunch or other social events. That is not the time or place for this. It is very difficult for someone to focus on a portfolio, but it is easy to handle a postcard.
10. Don’t forget to laugh. Bring your sense of humor