Writing Wednesday
Wednesday is the day I share what I have learned on my journey from writing to publication, marketing and writing and publishing again. If you have any questions please feel free to leave them in the comments and I will do my best to answer them. If you have any tips please share them with us in the comment section.
Preparing for a Writers Conference
As writers one of the best investments we can make in our business/career is to attend as many conferences and workshops as we can afford. To get the most out of our investment we need to be prepared.
Have you followed all of the presenters, agents, the event itself and other attendees on social media? Learn as much as you can about each of them. You might be able to pick up a conversation starter that can break the ice. They might even remember something witty that you tweeted.
Bring plenty of business cards, pens and a notebook. When someone hands you a business card jot a note on the back of it, something to help you remember who the person was. Do not bring written pitches to hand out.
Prepare your pitch. Can you describe your manuscript in two to three sentences? Describe yourself and your book in ninety-seconds? This is the single most important thing you can do for yourself. Prepare that pitch and practice, practice, practice.
Dress appropriately. Agents and editors are professionals and they are looking for professional writers. You don’t have to suit up but I would say wear your best business casual.
Don’t monopolize an agents time. Everyone is there to meet them. They will not remember you favorably if you are a conversation hog. They want to meet everyone. Keep the ninety-second rule in mind and practice!
No matter where you are in your writing process there is always something to learn. Take the time to listen.
Relax, smile, socialize, make new writer friends and have fun!
Who is going to the Philadelphia Writer’s Conference?
http://pwcwriters.org/why-the-philadelphia-writers-conference/2015-workshops-and-events/
I hope to see you there!
Happy Writing,
Doreen
The Stranger in My Recliner has a cover. It’s almost a real book!
19 thoughts on “Writing Conferences…”
Good solid advice, and I hope I am going to need it someday!
I so love writer’s conferences, and always get lots of inspiration from them!
This one is always so good.
Always love your advice (as I always tell you) because you are a pro. I hope to make it to the Philly Conference. It sounds amazing.
Love your book cover! I look forward to reading it.
Thank you Cathy. I am still praying and hoping you can make it. It is usually so good!
I’ve got my pitch (thanks to you and your Press Club workshops), my business cards and a notebook. Now I’ll check my wardrobe. I cannot wait until next week!!!
Would you believe I am frantically working on my pitch for my 3rd book. I can’t wait either. I hope I feel better.
More excellent advice for writers…right on the money.
Thank you Carol. I hope you can make it to the next BAM conference. It will be much closer for you:)
Great advice. Wish I were closer than 2400 miles from Philly as I would love to attend but haven’t attended a big writers conference for years… only blogging.
I live here and haven’t been to this one for 5 years. I am so happy to be going back this year.
Great advice. I hope I need it one day.
You should definitely attend a conference one day.
Another bookmarked post for me! I just love your advise and tips on writing!
Thank you Carolann.
Great advice. And I love your book cover.
Thank you so much!
Hope the conference goes well.
Thank you! I am getting excited.