Here is another repost this week for preparing to attend a writers conference. Its not to early to start preparing for those coming up this summer. Hope you find these tips helpful.

Before you attend a writers’ conference there are some things you need to do to prepare.

• Research all the publishers and agents attending the event. Go to their websites and get to know them. Decide which ones you want to have appointments.
• Have a clean copy of the first chapter of your manuscript or article.
• Prepare a memorized pitch—a short description of your story idea that can be said in 90 seconds or less. Be brief but concise. Memorize it until it flows smoothly from your tongue.
• Have written proposal. There are usual guidelines on the individual websites as well as many books available on the subject.
• Clips—samples of other published work- if you have it. Magazine editors are interested in these.
• Bring a business card. Minimum content your name and email address. Better with a headshot and website, blog and other links.  These you will exchange with other writes and give to those you pitch too.

Doing these things ahead of time prepares you for whatever the appoint time morphs into. Some pubs want a pitch others want to see a sample of your writing.

Things not to do at a conference

• Don’t waste the individuals time pitching something their company does not publish. This screams amateur. If the conference offers a panel of editors—attend that session. You will get the latest updates on their needs which could change you initial list of who to have appointments with.
• Be open to criticism. One meeting may bring you rave reviews another may leave you feeling like the worse writer on the planet.
• Don’t be late or an appointment and don’t go over you allotted time.
• Keep your criticisms to yourself. If you are having a bad day don’t rain on others great ones. Your next appointment or workshop maybe the very thing you need to turn your attitude around.

An idea for newbies

I heard a great idea at the last conference I attended. One young lady set appointments with agents and publishers to ask questions. She had nothing to pitch but wanted to know more about how these professions worked. It gave her a feel for how to approach them in the future when she had something to pitch. She made contacts who would not be strangers when she pitched her stuff later making her less nervous.

Do what is required after the conference

Be prepared to return home and work. Work on proposals that were requested. Work on articles, not to mention perfecting those three chapters. Or work on rewriting, reworking and resubmitting based on the things you learned and the input you were given.

I’d love to hear your tips on maximizing your conference experience.

Please click on the subscribe button to follow me.