To make this fun I thought I’d play a little game and see if you can name the people in these photos. The person who gets the most answers right wins…books. I’ll probably keep the contest going until I get home!
1.
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3.
4.
5.
6. Please ignore the REALLY bad picture of me and concentrate on the person in the middle!
7.
Well, this will have to do for now. Internet connection is very slow!
That’s write. I’m somewhere East of Birmingham, AL riding in the car accessing the internet. Isn’t technology awesome. Actually, so is my hubby. He bought this AT & T device that you plug into your USB drive and install, and whallah, internet on the go. Of course the device cost $100 and there’s a monthly service charge of $60, BUT there is a 30 day free trail PERFECT for our trip ’cause my hubby is frugal and why pay for internet on the go when almost everywhere you look there’s free WiFi.
So here’s a quick update. The first hour on the road is always the hardest as the kids settle in with their bad attitudes raging. The movies on our 13 inch tv we brought from the house (no built in dvd for us, we’re very behind the times and like it that way ’cause it saves us lots of money,) but this time I didn’t pack any videos. I opted for all dvds. They take up less room. But the only problem is once we hook the dvd to our tv the sound quality is so poor they kids can’t hear it above the road noise. Luckily there was one video still in the tv unit, they watched it once and the sound was really loud. Maybe next time we’ll bring videos, or have to go with modern times and get one of those built in dvds!
While on the road I wrote out several more interviews for ICRS, figured out my digital recorder, and read a little. The kids have seemed very content playing their Nintendo Dses the entire time. I’m okay with it as long as they’re not arguing and turn the sound down.
Well, it’s about time I sign off and check my email!
When I agreed to blog about ACFW, the finest Christian Fiction conference on the planet, I thought I’d share about the wonderful sessions, incredible worship, and unforgettable fellowship with fellow authors and agents. While all that is true, and I could probably share a blog post or two on the details of the conference and my personal experiences (actually did, just search my blog for them,) I decided instead to share a funny and what could have been really embarrassing moment for me and our key note speaker last year. Indulge me while I reminisce…
It was late when I finally arrived at ACFW. I had driven for over five hours and then visited with my sister in Fort Worth at the hospital. After making two treks from the car to the hotel room, I was tired. But not tired enough to change into my Writer…Interrupted T-shirt and head down to the lobby to see who was hanging out.
The lobby was buzzing with conference arrivals and those who had already settled into the lobby social hour. I immediately said hello to the edgy inspirational author aka Michelle Sutton, and Meredith Efken who were chatting away. Later I sat down with Meredith to chat for a while. The subject matter escapes me, but it’s the feeling of camaraderie and connection that I remember.
A crowd started to gather around our little area. We were on the couch, but I noticed several others gathered in a semi-circle around a gentleman in a chair. My memory is a little fuzzy, but I remember Camy Tang, Randy Ingermanson, and Sarah Anne Sumpolec being in the group laughing and talking.
I got up to greet some more friends and when I returned, Meredith had joined the little group. I was fading fast, so I plopped down on the couch next the to man in the chair who was engaged in conversation with the growing group.
Then unexpectedly, he turned to me and asked me my name. He held out his hand, and I shook it and said, “Gina Conroy, and you are?” (I was actually taking the advice of those on the conference loop that said when feeling introverted and shy, just ask someone their name!!! GREAT advice people! :0 Next time put a disclaimer to FIRST familiarize yourself with the key note speaker!)
The looks and giggles from “the group” surrounding him were memorable. I heard him say Jim something and then someone said, “He’s the key note speaker.” Call me slow… I’d just asked James Scott Bell who he was!!
When I got a good look at him, and titled my head slightly, he did look like his picture. I guess it was the location and pose that threw me off.
Jim was a good sport and said something like it being good for his ego! Then Camy bragged on me and my Writer…Interrupted site. Thanks Camy! Surprisingly enough I didn’t get embarrassed, and I milked it as a running joke for the rest of the conference. When I would see him in passing I would stick out my hand and say, “And your name is?” He’d shake it and give me a false name.
Like I said in previous posts on this blog. When I’m around other writers, even famous ones, I become a different person. I think I become the person God had designed me to be all along, before the crud and baggage of life crept in. I like the person who I am when I’m around other writers. I don’t have to pretend to be someone I’m not, I’m just me!
And it feels good!
More fun with James!
So for all those introverted writers (I’m one of them) you can rest at ease knowing you probably won’t do anything worse than I did last year at conference. And when you feel introverted and shy, like a guppy in a tank of big fish, just swim over and ask them their name! What’s the worse that could happen?
I can’t remember if I mentioned as President of the local ACFW chapter, I helped organize a miniconference with Deb Raney. I actually didn’t do much except get the room, help set it up, and do introductions and such, but I’ve been so busy with my boy’s play, I didn’t even think to blog about it. It was the first for our writer’s group, but definitely not the last. We hope to make this a yearly event and adding to it each year.
One of our members wrote an article about the day and I couldn’t have said it better myself!
DEB RANEY MINI-CONFERENCE A SUCCESS!
JoAnn Reno Wray
BLOG-Epistles from the Heart- http://epistle58.e4god.com/blogs/ Melody of the Heart Online Magazine - http://epistleworks.com /HeartMelody EpistleWorks Creations:writing,editing,art http://epistleworks.com
The rich scent of coffee mingled in the air with laughter and a buzz of conversation as I walked into WIN-ACFW’s Mini-Conference featuring award-winning novelist, Deb Raney. Held in a room at the People’s Church near 71st and Mingo in Tulsa, this first special meeting had almost thirty in attendance. After a welcome and introduction by Gina Conroy, WIN’s President, Deb wasted no time and dove right into her program.
Bent heads, the scribble of pens, nods of affirmation, and occasional bursts of laughter were evident as Deb Raney expertly guided conferees through her “10 Steps to a Killer Rewrite.” One of her first statements was “Great writing is all about re-writing.” Deb also said that there are many approaches to writing, adding, “Take what you learn here that works for you and apply it.” Covered in the day-long class were Character Makeovers, Real Dialogue, Show Don’t Tell, Point of View, Use of Sensory Detail, Seamless Subplots, Elevated Suspense, Marking Time, Fine-Tuning, and a 10-point Checklist for Writing a “Keeper.”
Not only did the conferees listen and take copious notes, but Deb also put us through the paces with multiple writing exercises to illustrate various points that she addressed during the program. Regarding dialogue, for instance, Deb suggested that it should be used often. “Try not to let two pages go by without dialogue,” she said. “Lack of dialogue for several pages can be a clue to your manuscript falling into the ‘telling, not showing’ category. When creating conflict in your story, ask, ‘What can make it worse?’ This ramps up the interest and keep readers reading.”
Deb graciously brought and gave each conferee a mug with her “Latte-dah!” Logo and website URL: DeborahRaney.com. Conferees eagerly snapped up her books for study, and I suspect, pure pleasure. The low cost of a mere $20 for WIN members and not much for non-members for this information-filled day was a great bargain which included skilled teaching by a pro, fellowship with fellow scribes, and a chance to improve writing skills.
A big thank you to all the volunteers from WIN who brought beverages and shared their culinary skills with a tempting array of treats so none of the conferees were embarrassed by growling stomachs! Thanks also go out to those who pitched in the day before to set up the room and all who joined the work crew after the session ended to help put things back in order.
If you missed this mini-conference, you can purchase a CD of the program. Then next time WIN hosts a special meeting, be there! Sign up early – get under the spout where a shower of knowledge on the craft of writing will surely pour out.
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ICRS. The International Christian Retail Show. This huge gathering of authors and publishers had been an enigma to me. Something I’ve wondered about but never experienced. This year I had three different opportunities to attend. Two would be out of our budget and would entail attending a mini conference. One other opportunity won’t cost me a dime. I could go as media and set up interviews with people like Terri Blackstock, Brandilyn Collins, James Scott Bell, etc.
Before I recieved the list of interviewees I had resolved not to go. Though I have family living in Orlando and thought about making it a family vacation, that would mean two days of driving and with the gas being so high, I didn’t want to do it. Plus, we just went to Disney World last year. So I was resigned to skip this event and vacation closer to home.
Then I got the list of attendees and I started to drool! What an incredible opportunity to meet authors, pick their brains, and bring back their answers to my Writer…Interrupted readers. It’s so tempting. And there’s still time. But I’m not sure what to do.
What do you think? If you had this opportunity, what would you do?
When I last wrote I had mentioned I had a really great conversation with Steve Laube, one of the agents who liked my One Sheet in the late night chat and who I had an appointment with the next day. But I didn’t share any details.
There’s not much to share on the writing side of things (yet!) because we didn’t talk WIP. There were several of us starting to gather in the lobby. Randy Ingermanson, Meredith Efken and I had already made ourselves comfortable. I sat in a lone chair and Meredith was on the couch. Then Steve arrived and sat down on the end of the couch which was next to where I was sitting. I can’t remember who struck up the conversation first, but we chatted about lots of things. Our common friend Rene Gutteridge, the time I was supposed to meet him and Rene at a small conference but instead the night before I was to leave, God asked me to give up writing. That led to a conversation about his family, my family, homeschooling, and why I started Writer…Interrupted. His engaging smile and genuine interest in what I was saying made me feel comfortable and like I was talking to an old friend.
Some time during the evening Chip MacGregor showed up and started Tango dancing with Meredith. It might have been during my conversation with Steve, but it was interesting to watch and learn that Chip was a ballroom dance instructor. Talk about your multi-layered character!
While he was dancing and well, being Chip, I thought about when I would have the time to talk with him about my WIP. A friend had referred me to him and we had chatted through email, but every time I saw him he was engaged in a conversation. And I wasn’t about to talk shop with him during the late night lobby chill session, so I just enjoyed the growing camaraderie in the group. I’m not sure what time it was when I started to drift, but I didn’t want to pull myself away from this fun group.
When Chip announced he was calling it a night, I decided to join him in the elevator for the ride up. It was a short three story ride, but with our frazzled brains we managed to squeak out a conversation. He remembered we needed to meet and I had to remind him that he liked my One Sheet in the late night chat. I told him I’d been trying to catch him but every time I saw him he was meeting with someone. He said he was just chatting with people, but I said I didn’t want to “jump on him.” He followed up in typical Chip fashion, “oh, you should have just jumped on me.”
He told me to catch him tomorrow and I did. But that’s another story for another day… and definitely worth waiting for!
If you’re dying to read about the previous ACFW posts, here they are:
ACFW Day One: Living to Tell the Story
ACFW Thursday: Late Night Chat
It’s been over a month since I attended ACFW in Dallas and though the details are blurring, I want to try and get as much info down as I can.
Friday morning I arrived to breakfast to discover the tables were being hosted by editors and agents. In the past breakfast was more laid back, with agents/editors eating with their own and other attendees not frantically worried about pitching over coffee and danishes.
If I had known the tables were going to be hosted I would have gotten there earlier because there were a few editors/agents I wanted to meet. Instead I navigated the crowded dining room, carring my breakfast plate and ackwardly scanned the tables for a seat with the desired agent/editor.
But I couldn’t find any.
I circled the room again, with my new goal of finding a friend…or a friendly face.
No luck.
Then I heard my name. Someone down in front. It came from Georgiana sitting at Chip MacGregor’s table, front and center of the auditorium.
Ironically, (or God-ordained) Chip was on that list of “wanted to talk with,” but I didn’t really want to talk with him over clattering breakfast dishes. I took the last seat available. Next to the empty seat designated for him. We all ate and talked and waited for Chip. And waited.
And waited.
Finally he arrived when praise and worship was about to start. He apologized for being late. Breakfast started at 7:45 instead of the usual 8:00 in past conferences. Not wanting to be rude, but also not wanting to hurt my already hurt neck by looking over my shoulder at the Praise and Worship leaders, I turned my chair toward the stage and apologized for having my back to him. He was still eating and didn’t seem to mind. Plus, I had several email conversations with Chip, and he knew I wanted to speak with him. That was just not the time!
The rest of the day was typical workshop attending, chatting with old and new friends and the beginning of information overload. After my 3:30 paid critique, I jumped in the car and headed to my sister’s. I really wanted to go out with some friends and just relax, but I already said I would visit my sister. So I skipped out on two sessions and left around 4:00.
It took me 2 hours to get from Dallas to Fort Worth. Thankfully, I had the GPS system which was one of the reasons I was going back to Ft. Worth. I thought my sister’s sister-in-law might need it, but mainly I thought it was the right thing to do.
After I got there, we had dinner and a nice time, but I have to admit I was watching the clock, anxious to get back for the late night lobby social hour. Two and a half hours later I was back on the road. This time it took me 45 minutes, and before I left my sister’s husband said I didn’t really need to come all this way since I was coming back on Sunday!
Now he tells me!
Anyway, when I got back I tried to sit in on a late night session, but I was past tired so I headed for the lobby where I had a really great conversation with Steve Laube, one of the agents who really liked my One Sheet in the late night chat and who I had an appointment with the next day.
What happened exactly?
That’s another story.
I had already signed up for the Agent Panel late night chat. I had already had my one sheet. I already email the moderator of the late night chat telling him I was going to submit it to the panel.
When I walked into the packed room, I already had second thoughts.
It was after the agent and editor panel. Agent after agent, editor after editor had just told the assembly what they were looking for.
Bottom line.
A story that moved them.
That’s where my doubts and insecurities began to bubble up. My story wasn’t deep enough to move anyone. It was rather hokey in my opinion. Yet, I said I was going to submit and what better way to get instant feedback from three of the top agents in the CBA.
I walked into the room, stomach in knots, and found a couple of friends feeling the same way. We sat next to each other, handed our one sheets in and waited.
The first review wasn’t so good or the author. They went into detail why they wouldn’t be interested and they gave their opinion tactfully. Next one, same fate. And the next. And the next. My nerves increased with every not so good review.
Then the agents grabbed a one sheet and smiled. They read the title and tag line and the room chuckled.
It was MY one sheet!
Miracles or miracles. They liked the title. They like the tagline. They like the concept. They liked the layout!
To say I was relieved would be an understatement. I was thrilled.
After all my doubts and insecurities. Fears and second guessing, they liked it.
In fact, the agent (whom I had an appointment with later on in the week) said, “I’m meeting with her. Don’t talk to anyone else!”
If the conference had ended right there I think I would have gotten my money’s worth. It’s just the encouragement I needed to know I was on the right track, though as slow as it may be.
They went through about 30 or so other one sheets, ironically liking the ones of the people sitting in my row!
I don’t know if it was luck, grace or talent that caught the attention of the agents. But whatever it was, I’ll take it.
Later in the week I met with two of the three agents. Did they still like my concept? Did they want to represent me?
I’ll save that for next time!
It was late when I finally arrived at ACFW. I had driven for over five hours and then visited with my sister in Fort Worth at the hospital. After making two treks from the car to the hotel room, I was tired. But not tired enough to change into my Writer…Interrupted T-shirt and head down to the lobby to see who was hanging out.
The lobby was buzzing with conference arrivals and those who had already settled into the lobby social hour. I immediately said hello the edgy inspirational author aka Michelle Sutton, and Meredith Efken who were chatting away. Later I sat down with Meredith to chat for a while. The subject matter escapes me, but it’s the feeling of camaraderie and connection that I remember.
A crowd started to gather around our little area. We were on the couch, but I noticed several others gathered in a semi-circle around a gentleman in a chair. My memory is a little fuzzy, but I remember Camy Tang, Randy Ingermanson, and Sarah Anne Sumpolec being in the group laughing and talking.
I got up to greet some more friends and when I returned, Meredith had joined the little group. I was fading fast, so I plopped down on the couch next the to man in the chair who was engaged in conversation with the growing group.
Then unexpectedly, he turned to me and asked me my name. He held out his hand, and I shook it and said, “Gina Conroy, and you are?”
The looks and giggles from “the group” surrounding him were memorable. I heard him say Jim something and then someone said, “He’s the key note speaker.” Call me slow… I’d just asked James Scott Bell who he was!!
When I got a good look at him he did look like his picture. I guess it was the location and pose that threw me off.
Jim was a good sport and said something like it being good for his ego! Then Camy bragged on me and my Writer…Interrupted site. Thanks Camy! Surprisingly enough I didn’t get embarrassed and I milked it as a running joke for the rest of the conference. When I would see him in passing I would stick out my hand and say, “And your name is?” He’d shake it and give me a false name.
Like I said in previous posts on this blog. When I’m around other writers, even famous ones, I become a different person. I think I become the person God had designed me all along to be, before the crud and baggage of life crept in. I like the person who I am when I’m around other writers. I don’t have to pretend to be someone I’m not, I’m just me!
And it feels good!
More fun with James!
I mentioned in a previous post how the day before I was to attend the ACFW I get a phone call that my sister had a heart attack. It was odd, but I had no concern for my sister’s health, just a peace that everything would be alright.
Still the news posed several obstacles. Thankfully she lived 45 minutes from where the conference was being held so I would be able to see her AND attend the conference. Definitely a God thing.
But transportation was going to be an issue. I was supposed to ride down with a friend in her car, but then how would I get to my sister’s. I didn’t want to drive her big Suburban and I didn’t want to rent a car. So I thought, “How about if I drive?” I offered the idea to a friend, but because of car obligations on Friday night (one of our riding mates committed to drive two other ladies out to dinner Friday night and couldn’t get a hold of them) that wasn’t going to work. My initial reaction was frustration and hurt. I felt my immediate need was much greater than driving people to dinner on Friday night, and though I couldn’t understand the logic in it, I chose not to hold on to my bitterness. I wasn’t excited about the alternative of driving to Dallas alone, but it worked out for the best. I was able to stay even longer at my sisters so all things did work together for good.
On Wednesday morning I left by myself (sniffle). Driving to ACFW with my roommate has been a tradition for three years. It’s the one time we really get to talk and connect about life, family and writing. I missed that driving alone. Maybe that’s one of the reason’s I felt a little disconnected at the conference.
Since I was driving up early and nothing was happening Wednesday night, I decided to drive straight to the hospital in Fort Worth. I was a little sad and disappointed I would miss out on the socializing and dinner outings Wednesday night, but I figured if I left the hospital early enough there’d be plenty of time for hanging out.
When I saw my sister she looke and acted normal, except for the hospital gown. She told me the story of what actually happened and how she learned her right coronary artery was 100% blocked, just like my dads.
Apparently on Monday evening after dinner she felt a lot of pain in her chest. She started to get nauseous and was sweating. The pain was crushing like an elephant was sitting on her chest. Then it passed. She thought it odd and potentially serious, but since it passed she started to get ready for bed. Then it happened again and she was flat on her back with the same symptoms. It passed again. Her husband offered to take her to the hospital, but her daughter was sleeping and she didn’t want to drag her out of bed. (Just like a mom!) So she went through the night with pain in her chest. She wasn’t able to sleep. The next morning after she put her daughter on the bus to school, they went to the heart center and gave her all sorts of tests.
Her EKG, cholesterol, and blood pressure were fine. But her spiked enzymes told the truth. She had a heart attack at 36 years old.
A heart attack at 36. Yes, she was a smoker. Not anymore. If a heart attack at 36 doesn’t help you kick the habit, nothing else will.
I spent some time with her talking and laughing and reminiscing, then I drove to the hotel where I had a unique introduction to James Scott Bell, the conferences Key Note Speaker. But I’ll save that story for tomorrow!
Okay, I promise not to write some cheesy lyrics to leaving on a jet plane, but I am leaving in a Suburban to go to Dallas!
I won’t have email access at the conference, but Ive scheduled some fun posts while I’m gone. Then when I get back, it’s conference talk!
If you think about it, say a prayer for me! Whatever God lays on your heart is welcomed!
I can’t go into details right now, but I could really use your prayers. I’m supposed to leave tomorrow for the ACFW conference, and I’m experiencing somewhat of a family crisis (not my immediate family). I’m a little shaken and don’t know how everything is going to work out, but God does. And he is faithful.
I’m running out of steam for this column so I’ve linked to some awesome must reads for conference confidence. So why you read them, I’ll be taking my own advice and getting my finger and toe nails done.
Then this weekend is all about planning my wardrobe! Let me know what you’re conference preparations for this weekend include!
How to Network at a Conference by Camy Tang Part II
Networking Refresher-Is This Seat Taken? Meal time tips by Kaye Dacus
Okay ladies. If you haven’t already, it’s time to schedule your manicures, pedicures, haircuts/color and facial hair waxing! Yes, it’s important to look your best at these writer conferences.
While you’re beautifying yourself, don’t forget to make sure all your conference clothing is dry cleaned and pressed! Make a list of all the things you need to pack. I remember at my first writers conference I forgot my hair gel. My hair looked like a frizzy mess, but I refused to let it get me down. I styled my hair the best I could and managed to get some manuscript request despite my hair. Still, plan ahead and you won’t make the same mistake I did!
Guest blogger, Camy Tang, the master of marketing oneself, is here to help us get ready for the ACFW conference in a couple of weeks.
For Seniors:
By this stage, you’ve met several agents/editors and feel comfortable talking with them. You don’t have that Oh-my-gosh-you’re-an-editor/agent look or I’m-naked-in-front-of-a-crowd look when you talk to them.
This comfort will translate into confidence when you pitch, and that is very important. It shows the editor/agent that you are a professional, not a new or insecure writer.
PRACTICE!
Yes, I’m yelling. Practice your pitch until it’s smooth and you don’t have to think too much when you give it. Make sure it’s natural, and that you actually sound excited about your story.
Be informed.
Know your story. Know all the aspects about it that you’d put into your proposal—theme, audience, spiritual take-away, marketing plan.
Know the publishing business. Research everything you need before the appointment—what the editor’s house publishes, what they’re looking for, how your story would fit into their stable, what books are in the Christian and mainstream market that are similar yet different from your story.
Be professional.
Don’t dissolve into tears if they’re not interested. Smile and take it in stride. If you have time in the appointment, ask them for feedback on how you could improve the idea, or their thoughts on what would fit better into the market/their stable.
Be time-conscious.
Don’t take up more time than what you’re allotted. You don’t want to wear out the editor/agent’s time with you, nor do you want to be selfish and steal someone else’s time with them.
You don’t want to appear either pushy or selfish to this industry professional. That would be like farting and belching at a job interview.
If you’re not time-conscious, it will give the editor/agent a vague “There was something I didn’t like about you” feeling the next time they see you.
In sum:
Utilize your time with an editor/agent to best effect, giving the best impression you can. Don’t feel like you have to sell yourself or your story to this agent/editor—just concentrate on presenting yourself as upbeat and professional
Camy Tang is the loud Asian chick who writes loud Asian chick lit. Her debut novel, Sushi for One?, releases in September 2007, and she runs the Story Sensei critique service. On her blog, she gives away Christian novels every Monday and Thursday, and she ponders frivolous things like dumb dogs (namely, hers), coffee-geek husbands (no resemblance to her own…), the writing journey, Asiana, and anything else that comes to mind. Visit her website at http://www.camytang.com/.
I’ve got 14 days to get ready for ACFW which included cutting my 24 page synopsis down to 3 pages. ACK! I thought writing the synopsis was hard. This is even harder!
And it’s only one thing on my list! So much to do, so little time!!!
UPDATE:
I’m down to 5 pages! Now I need to go over it one more time, see if it makes sense and I’m not leaving out any important details!
Guest blogger, Camy Tang, the master of marketing oneself, is here to help us get ready for the ACFW conference in a couple of weeks.
Meeting editors and agents at conference
The best place to meet editors and agents is at a scheduled appointment. Some conferences will schedule these for you, other times you must approach an editor or agent and request an appointment time. (If they don’t have time, don’t puddle into the floor weeping, just smile, thank them, and walk away.)
Because you have several minutes, the purpose of an agent/editor appointment at a conference is more than just pitching. It’s a chance for you to learn about the agent/editor’s personality, and if they’re someone you want to work with. This is very important. A business relationship is more than just professionalism—it’s how personalities work with each other, kind of like a marriage.
It’s also a chance for you to present yourself in the best possible light. First impressions are very important.
Therefore, use your time wisely.
I’m going to break this down into writer experience level, because I agree with Randy Ingermanson when he talks about Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, and Senior level writers. (If you haven’t read his article yet, please do so before continuing with this one, since I’ll be referring to it.)
For Freshmen, Sophomores, early Juniors:
My suggestion is not to officially pitch your story at all. I’ve heard Randy Ingermanson suggest this, as well (so actually, I’m borrowing parts of this idea from him).
The reason is that for a writer at Freshman, Sophomore, and even early Junior stage, it’s more beneficial to the writer to make a positive personal impression on the editor/agent than it is to pitch a story idea. Editors and agents remember writers, just like they remember story ideas, even if it’s only subconscious and a vague “liked it” or “didn’t like it” feeling.
You want them to have a vague “I liked this person the last time we met” feeling. It improves your chances of them being interested in your story idea the next time you see them and officially pitch.
So what do you do when you meet them? Randy suggests you tell them, “I’m not going to pitch to you, but I’d like you to look at my proposal and let me know what you think. I’d really like feedback on it.”
This accomplishes several things.
a) The editor/agent will give you more detailed feedback on your story and the layout of your proposal than if you’d pitched. They’ll highlight your strengths and weaknesses, and sometimes give you suggestions for improving the story or proposal.
b) The feedback not only helps you improve your story idea, but it also gives you insight into the agent/editor—what they like, what they don’t like, what they expect from new authors.
c) It takes the pressure off of you to present a perfect, professional pitch. Because really, unless you can do a perfect, professional pitch, you’re not going to give a very good first impression.
d) If the agent/editor reads the proposal—with the intent to give feedback, not to hear your story idea—but likes the story idea anyway, they might ask you to send the manuscript to them.
e) If the agent/editor only gives feedback and doesn’t ask you to send your manuscript to them, it softens the emotional blow of this form of face-to-face “rejection.” If you’d pitched to them and they hadn’t asked you to send your manuscript, let’s face it—that just hurts more. With this method, you wanted feedback, and you got it.
f) If the agent/editor doesn’t ask you to send your manuscript, you at least have good feedback about why they didn’t ask you to send it. If you’d pitched to them, they wouldn’t have given you as much detail about why they didn’t want to see more. In asking for feedback, you definitely get it.
g) In asking for feedback rather than pitching, it shows the editor/agent that you’re teachable. This is key in giving them a good impression of you both professionally and personally.
This feedback session might take up the entire time you have. If it doesn’t, then engage in small talk with the editor/agent. (For tips on this type of conversation at conferences, check out my article “How to Network at Conferences, part two: Questions to Ask”)
Come back on Saturday to see what Camy suggets for Seniors!
Camy Tang is the loud Asian chick who writes loud Asian chick lit. Her debut novel, Sushi for One?, releases in September 2007, and she runs the Story Sensei critique service. On her blog, she gives away Christian novels every Monday and Thursday, and she ponders frivolous things like dumb dogs (namely, hers), coffee-geek husbands (no resemblance to her own…), the writing journey, Asiana, and anything else that comes to mind. Visit her website at http://www.camytang.com/.
How’s everyone doing so far?
My One Sheet just needs to be printed, and I’m still tweaking my proposal. I have yet to order my business cards (I know 3 weeks until conference), and my notebook is about 90% ready to go.
This weekend I finished editing my ACFW critique with the amazing and talented Camy Tang, and I just have to send it off. I had a synopsis edited by her once, and she rocked! She went into so much detail and gave insightful suggestions. If your wondering if your story is working, I suggest you head on over to Story Sensei!
There’s nothing more nerve wracking that “thinking” about sitting down with an editor or agent. Usually I’m a basket case when it comes to something like this. I was my first conference. But don’t fret, it gets easier with practice especially if you learn so simple tips.
Stay Calm: Editors and Agents are just like you! And despite their reputation, they’re really normal people. When I had my first ACFW critique, I convinced myself that the critiquer was a tough person and would just rip my WIP apart. I was pleasantly surprised when he smiled and made me feel at ease. Still I braced myself for the onslaught, and hunkered down in my armor, but I didn’t get pelted like I imagined. In fact, my writing was fairly decent according to him. He just didn’t believe in my story, but gave me some wonderful suggestions on how to improve it.
So the moral of the story. Stop worrying and bring chocolate. I’ve never done it. But I heard it works for some.
Be Professional: Don’t show up to your appoint late, disheveled or under-dressed. Comb your hair, make sure your smile’s not advertising what you had for lunch (a little breath mint couldn’t hurt either), and dress in business clothes. I LOVE going casual, but I save that for after hours.
It’s not too early to plan your attire and ladies, don’t forget the accessories.
Be Thoughtful: Chances are when you sit down in front of an editor or agent, you will be number 27 for that day. They’re bound to be tired, or bored or hungry. (Yes, agents and editors eat just like us). So don’t just jump into your pitch. If you see they’re tired, ask how it’s going for them. Don’t make if forced, just be friendly.
And don’t take more time than is necessary. 15 minutes is all you get. Don’t take a second more. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to poke my head in on someone else’s appointment time because the time’s run over. Not a fun thing to do. So if you’re finished in 10 minutes, consider taking off. I’m sure the agent/editor would appreciate a little down time before the next appointment.
Be Succinct: Don’t make the same mistake I have in the past by rambling on about your story even while the editor is trying to read your one sheet. Less is more. So share your pitch. Let the editor read it and clamp your hand over your mouth (no, not literally.) This is the hardest part for me because I tend to ramble when I get nervous, but if you’re not quiet, then the editor won’t be able to ask questions and will lose interest.
Be Yourself: Publishing is a tough business and it’s helpful if the editor like YOU and your story. So just relax and be yourself.
For more great tips visit Kaye Dacus’s blog.
The kids just left for the first day of school, and I’m trying to get caught up on my own notebook, so the only conference prep I have for you to day is to review what we’ve already discussed and get working. Only a month unitl ACFW! YIKES!
But to help lift your spirits in preparation, I’ll be giving away gently read books all week. You’ll just have to stop by to comment!
The next book up is Robin Lee Hatcher’s Return to Me! Just do a search in my sidebar for more info. on the book. Anbe be sure to come back to see the other books I’m giving away. My only contest rule is that you can’t win two contests in a row. Just want to make everything fair!
Supplies you’ll need for your notebook:
(1) 1 1/2 in binder
(10-20) plastic pages to put your papers in (I’ll totally at a loss to what you call these things!)
(1) pack of dividers
(2-3) Baseball card pages or business card holders. You can get these at Walmart
Business Cards
Thank You cards with stamps
List of cell numbers for those you want to connect with at the conference
Goal sheet
Now we’re ready to put together your notebook. Just so you know, I don’t have the market on a conference notebook, so feel free to share what works for you.
I put everything in the plastic sheet holders. On the first page or in the little pocket on the inside cover I put the phone numbers and my conference goals. For example: Meet with so and so. Pitch to this editor. Ask this agent these questions. Start planning now because I guarantee once conference rolls around you’ll be too excited, overwhelmed or nervous to remember everything.
Leave the first plastic page empty so you can put all your registration stuff. Honestly, I can’t even rememver which editor I signed up for. So I’ll be needing to check this section often.
In the next page put your agent/editor list you printed out and highlighted from online. Then refer to it often, especially before you sit down at one of the editor tables for lunch.
Then add your business card holders. These are great for collecting agent/editor and author cards as well as holding your own business cards. Last year I printed out my pitches on labels and stuck them to the back of my business cards. It made a great little cheat sheet!
Business Card tips: Don’t go out and buy the expensive kinds. www.visaprint.com makes a great free card. They have a small line on the back that says Business Cards are FREE at www.vistaprint.com. One thing I’ve learned is that editors and agents don’t want to take your card. They’ll give you theirs. But it’s nice to have a card just to pass out to friends.
What to put on a card? Last year I didn’t want everyone knowing my address, so I put my name, my email and a scripture. This year I’ll add my blogs and website!
Next add your dividers and use them to separate your WIPs. In the first section fill your page up with several one sheets. Not only do I take a one sheet to each meeting, but I take a pitch sheet which has a lot of info about my WIP that I may forget under pressure. Come back Saturday and I’ll tell you what I put on my pitch sheet!
After the One Sheet I put a couple copies of my first chapter and in the next sheet my synopsis. I’ve had editors request to read my first chapter and synopsis which can be a good and bad thing. I remember one year letting an editor take my not so perfect synopsis with her. I intended to rework it and submit later. A month later I received a rejection letter and I didn’t even know I submitted. So caution, if they ask for your synopsis and you give it to them, make sure it’s your best work. Otherwise just tell them you’d like to edit it once more and you’ll send it later.
In the next section do the same for your other WIPS.
You can also keep a couple copies of your resume, or put together an author One Sheet. On one side I have information about me as a person and writing, on the back I had short pitches about each of my WIPs. If you have a series you’ve completed, consider making a One Sheet for them.
I’ll be working on my notebook this week in between switching kids rooms and getting ready for school. I can’t wait to hear your tips.
**All Rights Reserved,Gina Conroy, 2006
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