Welcome to the second installment in our series on writers’ conferences. Last week, I looked at ways to determine whether you are ready to attend a writers’ conference, and how to choose the best type of conference for your needs. This week, I’m moving on to conference prep.

You’ve chosen a conference, filled out your registration forms, and made your travel plans. There’s money down, and you are committed to spending a few days rubbing elbows with writers of all sorts and talking up some agents in the bar. Now what? How do you prepare so you can get the most out of your conference experience?

What should you bring… 

To wear? Conferences are not formal affairs, but nor are they a giant slumber party (though you may feel as if you’ve attended one by the time you get home). Leave the ratty jeans and sweats at home. Bring comfortable, casual business clothing, shoes you can stand in if you find yourself at the back of a crowded workshop without a seat, and some layers that you can use to adjust to drafty hotel hallways or overheated conference rooms. If the conference schedule includes a more formal affair, bring a nicer outfit for that occasion (no hiding out in your hotel room).

For networking? You’re going to meet many new people at the conference, and you should take every opportunity to talk to them. Many writers make up business cards, and networking is the place to put those to use. They are not a must-have, but they make it easy to trade contact information when you hit it off with someone at a conference. Don’t forget that these folks are your peers, and they might end up your next critique buddy, a great source for marketing advice, or just an ear to bend over your latest round of rejection letters. Keep your business cards simple: include your name, email, phone if you feel comfortable, and blog/web site URL if you have one. You can always email each other with additional information later. Bring a letter-sized envelope that you can keep tucked in your bag or notebook where you can accumulate business cards from the event, so they don’t get lost.

To work? Bring your laptop if you plan to get some writing done during the conference. You’ll see many diligent people getting their daily word counts done in the lobby or the hotel lounge. The reality is you might not write during the conference; there are many other things vying for your time, and that’s fine. But it’s a good idea to have your computer with you regardless. You should also make sure you have a notebook and several pens to bring with you to the various conference events, including workshops and pitch sessions. If at all possible, refrain from taking notes during sessions straight onto your computer, as the sound of people tapping away in the audience can distract your presenter.

Of your writing? If the conference includes any sort of blue-pencil sessions—where an agent, editor, or writer reads and critiques your work—they will tell you what to bring in the way of sample material. Beyond that, most agents and editors prefer not to be handed pages from your manuscript during a pitch session. However most is not all. Some agents and editors are happy to take sample pages and will even ask if you have some. So, better safe than sorry. Bring hard copy of the first three chapters of your manuscript and a brief synopsis (1-2 pages) in a folder or envelope. Make sure your name and contact information is on your writing sample. This way, if an agent or editor asks if you have pages with you, you will be able to provide them immediately.

What should you do… 

To prep for the pitch session? A pitch is basically a verbal version of what you would put on the back cover of your book. It’s that brief, enticing glimpse at your story that makes someone else want to read the entire thing. Tell your listener what your story is about in a few sentences, including who your main characters are, what they want, and what is standing in their way. Give two or three brief examples of their adventures/mishaps/challenges.

You should definitely write up your pitch and practice delivering it, but also take that write up with you when you go to the pitch session itself. No agent or editor will object if you need to read your pitch because you’re nervous. Far better to have the notes than to drop your head into your hands and bemoan the fact that your mind has gone completely blank.

Pitch one project unless the agent or editor asks what else you have. A second pitch, if requested, should be more of an elevator pitch – one or two lines that give a brief intro to the story and the protagonist. Do not worry if you only have one finished project to pitch.

If you prepare your pitch well, you will probably have a couple of minutes left after you’ve presented and the agent/editor has asked questions (unless you have extremely short pitch sessions). This is a good time to ask any industry questions you might have, especially if they pertain to the agent/editor with whom you’re meeting. So jot down a few questions in your notebook before the conference, so you have them on hand if there is time to ask them.

To determine your schedule? The conference web site may or may not have the actual program schedule posted before the event. If it does, you can easily go through ahead of time and see which topics/speakers interest you. If not, you should take a look at the list of presenters who are attending the conference and do a little research on anyone with whom you are not familiar. If you have time, read a couple of books by some of the speakers you don’t know to get a feel for their style and to see if you might be interested in their workshops/presentations. But keep in mind that you can learn a great deal from many of these speakers, even if they don’t write in your particular genre.

Before you leave for the conference? Make a packing list and use it to check off everything you want to take. Get a good night’s sleep so you’re energized for the event. Relax and look forward to a great conference experience.

Next week: How to handle the conference itself. See you then!

~Nephele Tempest

5/9/2012

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We are in the opening weeks of writers’ conference season, that period from spring through late autumn when the majority of writers’ conferences are held. While attending one is not a prerequisite for a career as a writer, these events do offer a wide range of programming and opportunities that can be quite helpful for anyone intent on publication or looking to expand their readership. And so, over several weeks, I am going to break down the benefits of attending a writers’ conference, what you might think about when choosing one, how to prepare, and how to make the most of your experience once the conference is underway.

Are you ready for a writers’ conference?

There are writers’ conferences that cater to all levels of experience, from brand new writers to multi-published authors. What you need to ask yourself is what you hope to get from a conference, and whether now is the time to achieve your goals.

Are you a newbie writer with only a few chapters under your belt, looking for encouragement? You might consider a class or writing group to start, since it’s far too early to consider the publishing advice that makes up a large portion of most conference schedules. But if you’ve finished a manuscript and maybe tackled some rewrites, then a conference could give you some additional tips on revising, polishing, and prepping your project for submission.

Have several manuscripts under your belt? Maybe collecting some rejection letters? By all means attend a conference. You’ll gain access to professional providing advice on how to jump some of those submissions hurdles, plus the chance to chat with writers who have been where you are now.

How do you choose a writers’ conference?

Writers’ conferences come in all shapes and sizes, and so you need to make some decisions regarding what you’re hoping to achieve, and what feels most comfortable to you. Ask yourself some basic questions and keep your responses in mind while you’re reading the descriptions of the conferences on offer.

• Are you willing to travel? Conferences are held all over the country, but travel can be an added expense. Consider your budget in relation to the cost of getting to the conference as well as registration fees, etc.
• Genre versus general? Are you emphatically a writer of mysteries? Romances? Then a genre-themed conference is probably an excellent place for you to meet writers, agents, and editors who focus on what you write. However, if you’re interested in writing more mainstream fiction or multiple genres, a writers conference that offers a mix of programming relating to various markets might be a better choice.
• What is your primary interest? Is the main draw of a conference the chance to speak with editors and agents? Or are you interested in more educational tracks, with tips on plotting, character development, writing a synopsis, etc.? Looking to learn how to market your book and build your audience? Some conferences offer all of the above, while others focus more in specific areas. Consider the balance of programming and whether it addresses your needs.
• Is it important for you to pitch to an agent or editor? The reality is that you can always submit to an agent per their standard submissions guidelines, but many writers appreciate the chance to pitch in person and meet an agent or editor face-to-face. If this is an important feature for you, check the ratio of agents and editors to attendees, and try to attend a conference where these meetings are a focus. You want a high number of agents and editors in relation to writers, and/or a large portion of the programming schedule devoted to pitch appointments.
• How much are you willing to spend? No one ever said that writers’ conferences were inexpensive. Consider your budget in relation to the conferences that meet your other needs. If something costs a little more than you planned to spend, but offers everything you are looking for in a conference, you might want to wait a year and save up to attend. Alternatively, look for several less expensive options that provide only part of your desired schedule and attend one per year. You’ll meet a broader range of people and possibly learn even more.

Check back next Wednesday for the second installment of this series on writers’ conferences, when I’ll be discussing ways to get ready for your conference — including how to plan for the dreaded pitch appointment.

~Nephele Tempest

5/2/2012

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