Attending a writers conference soon? You can find all kinds of "top ten things you need to know/do at a writers conference," but it’s hard to find things you’re not supposed to do. I thought I’d write that list for a change.
1. Don’t walk in cold.
Do your homework: read up on the agents and editors attending so you’ll know which ones to stalk…er…sit by and chat with.
2. Don’t forget your basic writer tools.
You’ll need a couple of pens, a notepad, perhaps your lightweight laptop or iPad, and a big cool bag to carry everything in.
3. Don’t wear your Halloween costume.
This is a business meeting. Don’t dress up in an attempt to impress an agent or editor with your “creativity.” Do that on paper.
4. Don’t ignore the lonely attendee in the corner.
You’re there to schmooze with everyone, so take a minute to say “Hello, what are you writing?” when you find yourself next to someone. You never know what you’ll learn.
5. Don’t bring your ten-pound tome.
If you must, bring your query letter to hand out to agents and editors who seem interested. But they don’t want to cart around your book. Send it by e-mail after you get home.
6. Don’t be shy when pitching your book.
I know it’s terrifying. But practice and practice until you don’t sound rehearsed any more, and be ready to give your spiel to anyone who will listen.
7. Don’t drive yourself crazy.
Take breaks, sip some tea, stay calm and have a cupcake—whatever works to help you de-stress from all the information you’ll be bombarded with. You need time to process everything. And again, you might pick up even more valuable information listening to others discuss what they’ve learned.
8. Don’t hand out silly business cards.
Keep the cards simple, with all your contact info, but leave off the cutesy stuff, the word “author/writer”—or a “copyright” symbol…
9. Don’t forget to send thank you notes to people you met, via email or snail mail, and keep in touch occasionally, with a question or link to an interesting site (no funny cats or laughing babies). But don’t be a pest.
10. Don’t have fun….
I’m KIDDING! Try to enjoy yourself while attending the conference. Remember, you’re there to learn, make new friends, be inspired, and party! You’re not trying to land a plane in the middle of the a river where lives are at risk. That kind of tension should be saved for your story. Writing should be fun!
Great list. I would add that your favorite writers are often glad to chat for a while but probably aren't ready to become your new best friend. Buying them a drink does help break the ice. (hint, hint)
Posted by: sharan newman | July 18, 2012 at 09:48 AM
Sharan, great tip! I'll drink to that.
Posted by: penny warner | July 18, 2012 at 10:25 AM
Penny, #6 is a great tip. Practice it out loud until it's so routine you can't possibly freeze. I wish I had taken that advice the first times I tried to verbally pitch my first book.
BTW, WHAT is the first illustration for - a real book? LOL!
Posted by: Susan Shea | July 18, 2012 at 10:57 AM
Great advice, Penny! I'd like to add, "Don't slide your manuscript under the bathroom stall to an editor." I had an editor at a conference tell me that actually happened to her once!
Posted by: Gayle Trent/Amanda Lee | July 18, 2012 at 11:12 AM
Hi Susan,
Isn't the illustration great!
I believe it was the cover for the B'con booklet last year.
Posted by: penny warner | July 18, 2012 at 11:13 AM
Hi Gayle,
I think the worst thing I did was see Carolyn Hart come out of a stall and say, "I get to follow Carolyn Hart!" It's a wonder she ever spoke to me again--but she gave me a nice blurb!
Posted by: penny warner | July 18, 2012 at 11:21 AM
Wonderful list, Penny! I especially like tip #7. It's never a bad idea to take a break and eat a cupcake.
Posted by: Staci | July 18, 2012 at 11:52 AM
Staci, I think they should serve cupcakes at all events!
Posted by: penny warner | July 18, 2012 at 01:04 PM
Excellent advice! May I add to that? Don't mistakenly pick up the stack of BLANK note cards instead of the ones with all your questions on them while rushing out to moderate a panel.
I did that once. The panel was gracious about it, as was the audience. Still embarrassed about that one.
Posted by: Mysti | July 19, 2012 at 09:49 AM
Funny, Mysti. I can always count on something going wrong at some point. All you can do is laugh.
Posted by: penny warner | July 19, 2012 at 10:28 AM
Speaking of Halloween costumes, I once wore a Superman T-shirt under my dress shirt at a conference and exposed the emblem during a presentation. It was all part of the act, of course. Have you ever been to a sc-fi convention? Those people come dressed as aliens in full costumes.
Posted by: Michael A. Black | July 19, 2012 at 01:14 PM
Michael, I LOVE it!
Posted by: penny warner | July 19, 2012 at 03:09 PM
These are wonderful! I am often amazed at what lengths people will go to make an impression - instead of being just a nice plain human being! Thelms Straw, vet of many conferences and conventions and love them all!!!!
Posted by: thelma straw | July 19, 2012 at 04:38 PM
Thanks Thelma! Any tips you want to add? I'd love to hear them.
Posted by: penny warner | July 19, 2012 at 04:47 PM
I wish I had taken that advice the first times I tried to verbally pitch my first book. I once wore a Superman T-shirt under my dress shirt at a conference and exposed the emblem during a presentation.
Posted by: removeskintags | August 13, 2012 at 03:48 AM
That sounds hilarious--wearing a Superman t-shirt underneath. Love it!
Posted by: penny warner | August 13, 2012 at 05:36 PM