Conferences – Playing to Win

Anne and I have been involved in every aspect of writers' conferences from Alaska to Seattle, from Toronto to Detroit. We’ve gone from being eager hopefuls with manuscripts clutched in our hands, to organizers trying to meet every need of every writer, and then as presenters who supposedly had the real answers about how to get published. Based on those experiences, here's what we've learned on how to reap the maximum benefit from any conference you attend.

First of all, decide what you want to accomplish. Are you looking for general advice on writing, the camaraderie of being in a room full of others who hope for the same things, or are you trying to make that vital connection to an editor or agent?

Before making the final selections, scour the conference schedule. Mark the presenters you think are most interesting to you and then do a little networking and on-line research. Does that children’s editor have the power to make decisions? Is she primarily interested in picture books or the middle-grade novels you write? Does the agent take on new clients, and have you ever heard of his existing clients? And that famous writer who is giving a keynote, does she write mysteries like you, or self-help books? All might be interesting, but they may not offer what you need to move ahead in your career.

One of the most titillating and frustrating aspects of a conference is the chance to meet an editor or agent. At some conferences, for an extra hundred dollars, you can get a sit-down, face-to-face, for ten or fifteen minutes. You have the opportunity to pitch your story, make a glowing first impression, and launch your career.

Or not. Often the editors and agents involved are tired, over exposed by the sheer number of people attending, or not seriously looking for anything less than the next mega-seller. You may want to clinch the deal, but take a deep breath – you might gain a lot more from asking them what they are looking for and permission to send them your work when they have a chance to look at it without the pressures of a conference. Sometimes the editors or agents have actually previewed a few pages beforehand (the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators Conferences often arrange this) and so you may even get a genuine critique. If the editor tells you what’s wrong with the manuscript, don’t ever, ever argue. Simply say, thank you – and ask if you can submit after your revisions.

After the conference, send a note to the editor or agent (or author if you have had personal contact) thanking them for their insights. Later, when you send on the manuscript – being sure to state in the first sentence of the cover letter that they had asked you to submit it – the editors or agents are more likely to remember your courtesy. Some people try to stand out by being flamboyant. My personal opinion is that you will stand out more by being scrupulously professional and by sending in a good product. After all, in the long run, only your work will make the sale.

f & f
Susan