I'm attending the Surrey International Writer's Conference this week. I'm partly nervous because this is the first one I've attended, and I won't know anyone. Mostly I'm excited.
Now, I'm one of those people that enjoys making lists. Here's what I've got so far.
Stuff to bring:
- Novel sample pages
- Business cards
- Notebook and pen
- Laptop
- Mints
- Tissues
- Money for the book fair (oooh yes...)
Did I miss anything?
I'm booked for an agent appointment at the conference. I've been putting off thinking about the novel pitch, but I'm running out of time.
"Think of it as a job interview. You've always done well at those."
Unfortunately, when it comes to talking about my novel I tend to freeze up and something like this comes out...
"Um, it's about this girl, and this guy (he's a magician)... and they end up uh... saving the world."
Yeah, that explains everything, right? I just hope my mouth cooperates and I don't babble on inanely. In the meantime, I really have to figure out a pitch that is, at the very least, interpretable by humans.
Have you attended a writer's conference in the past? Do you have any tips for me? I'd love to hear!
I've never been to a conference or really had to pitch, but based on your list it sounds like you are prepping well. Maybe add Chapstick?
I also recommend writing a 1-4 sentence summary of your story, a 1-2 minute summary of your story, and a 1-2 page summary of your story. The first two are for discussions with anyone (other writers, agents, editors, etc.) depending on how long you have to talk. The third would be a handout more than a talking point, helpful to have on hand like the novel sample pages.
I think Nathan Bransford and the Guide to Literary Agents blog would both have more helpful tips, if you are looking for professional advice.
Good luck!
Chapstick, I was just thinking about that after I published this post! :) Good reminder!
Hmm, I'm still working on revisions, so the book isn't 100% ready to pitch and the summary might change. I'm not sure if that matters... I'll probably try to get some kind of summary done though, just in case.
Agreed, and to add to that, when selling a story you should also be ready to answer fun questions like:
- What is your story's premise?
- What is your story's theme?
- What is your story's controlling idea?
But that probably won't come up at a writer's conference nearly as often as being asked for a plot summary -- though I really wouldn't know, I've never been to one.
Anyways, have fun!!!
Thanks Eric!
Yeah, never been to a writer's conference before... more's the pity. Never could afford the combination of time/money.
That said, a few basic networking tips, similar to what's suggested by Kristan: have your "Elevator Speech"/"30-second introduction" ready to go. It's basically the 1-4 sentence summary Kristan mentioned. Except, you'll need two: one for you and one for you book.
Good luck!
Thanks Stephen! This is in lieu of a vacation this year. Thankfully it's within commuting distance, so I can save on the hotel bill.
1 - 4 sentences. Sounds like it should be a cinch but it's not LOL
Not attended one yet--but you've already inspired me!
Do keep us updated on how did it go.
And I wish you all the luck in the world with the agent, do GREAT! :)
-BrownEyed
Thank you BrownEyed! I will give you all a full report next week :)
I hope you write about your experience. I think you'll have a lot of fun - I've heard from others that they learned a lot in just a few days.
I've never been to a conference because of the cost. There is one that comes to AZ every other year - it's back in 2012, so I plan to go to that one since it's in town. Too much money for airfare, hotel, registration, etc.
P.S. I'd bring ibuprofin in case the stress triggers a massive headache :)
I usually suffer from a nervous stomach rather than a headaches. You make me think some Pepto Bismol might be a good idea LOL
Wow, a writers' conference!!! Yay, sounds great!
I have never been to one. But you inspired me to look them up on the internet…(later that same night…)
Wow! You are the same way as me. I fumble up when I meet people and they ask me what the book's about too. Is it a writer thing? "It's about these kids in an underwater civilization that go on a spy mission." I cringe when I have to say it. It sounds just so stupid! My advice: Sound confident, even though you're probably DYING!!! inside. lol :)
Oh, and you might want to bring the whole ms. too! Just in case you get hit by serendipity.
Best wishes!
Oh, and I look forward to hearing the good news about how you snagged an agent. ;-)
Yeah probably a writer thing! Sound confident. hehe I'll try!!! You know an underwater civilization plus a spy mission sounds pretty awesome actually!
Glad you think so. I just wish more agents/editors will feel the same way! (If you see any agents at the conference looking for my kind of project, hows about sending them my way… :D)
LOL I'll see what I can do ;)
JK, he he, focus on selling your story. If I wanted to go to a conference, I'd go to a conference. :)
Good luck! Let us know how it goes!
I've been only to Screenwriting conferences and only once did I book a meeting with a manager, because it was 15 minutes instead of the usual 5. I was very nervous, but having 15 minutes instead of 5 helped me relax. The guys did request my script, but then didn't offer representation (and even became screenwriters themselves).
Only bit of advice: be yourself. You'll do great. Keeping fingers crossed for you! :-)
Best wishes
I'll try! Thanks for the encouragement!
Hope you have a good experience!
Thanks! 2 more days of conference to go :) So far, it's been pretty awesome.