What is Answerbag?

Ask questions and share your knowledge with the world here on Answerbag. Get the best answers where there are no duplicate questions and questions are always open - our community of over 1,142,000 will find your answer!

Join For Free!
 

How to Prepare for a Writer's Conference

Friday, October 23, 2009
Related Tags:
 

Instructions

  • Step 1:
    Assess your skill level. If you are just starting out, this will be a learning experience, rather than a marketing opportunity. For example, even if you have already completed a manuscript, you should take advantage of the entry-level workshops, rather than pitching the first New York agent that you meet.
  • Step 2:
    Analyze the overall program. Many conferences are divided into tracks that serve different skill levels, genres (e.g. mystery or romance), or categories (e.g fiction and non-fiction). You don't have to adhere rigidly to one track, but it's helpful to find a pattern that is right for your skill level and your project.
  • Step 3:
    Research the conference speakers' backgrounds. Some presenters are major figures in publishing, while others are recognized experts in the editorial, agent or marketing fields. Some workshop leaders may offer services in manuscript preparation or book doctoring, and some presenters are writers who will be sharing their success and horror stories. Consider modifying your schedule to take advantage of the most experienced and respected presenters.
  • Step 4:
    Research the agents and editors who are attending. By studying their web sites, determine which professionals would be a natural fit for your work because they have worked on similar kinds of projects in the past. Learn which categories they represent and examine the authors on their list.
  • Step 5:
    Establish personal goals for the conference. Goals might include meeting three agents you believe are perfect for your manuscript, learning how to write a better pitch letter, or gaining a clearer understanding of the emerging field of e-publishing.
  • Step 6:
    Apply early for pitching slots. Many conferences arrange for a limited number of editor and agent one-on-one opportunities, and you may even be able to provide samples of your work to these professionals in advance. If you have perfected your pitch, book one of these slots early so that you can lock in the opportunities that are best suited for you.
  • Step 7:
    Consider reading aloud. Conference organizers and workshop leaders often create opportunities for authors to read pages of their work to other attendees. Consider reading your work, or attending a session where you can hear your competition read.
  • Step 8:
    Recognize the value of social events. A cocktail party is an opportunity to meet agents, editors and writers in an informal setting. Introduce yourself to an agent and ask a question about the industry. Ask for their card before you leave. After the conference, when you are writing a pitch letter to this agent, you can mention that you met him or her at the conference.
  • Step 9:
    Energize your network. Don't wait until you are at the conference hotel to reach out to your existing contacts. Call or email beforehand, and make dates to meet and share information with other conference attendees you already know.
  • Step 10:
    Perfect your pitch. Now that you know the agents who you will be pitching, revisit your pitch to achieve a perfect fit. Practice your remarks and visualize yourself talking to a particular editor.
  • Step 11:
    Prepare the materials you will take to the conference---the first chapters of your novel, the synopsis, the proposal for your nonfiction project, business cards and computer files for printing extra materials on site. Print as much material as possible beforehand. You don't want to spend valuable conference time queuing to use the printer in the business center.

Resources


Related Content

No results were found.