While Florida in February may be most people’s idea of a tropical paradise, a conference of romance writers doesn’t leave a whole lot of time for sipping daiquiris under the palm trees – unless that was your goal to begin with. As a recent attendee of the 2003 Fun In The Sun conference in Ft. Lauderdale, I can tell you that there was a lot more going on inside the hotel than outside, despite the beautiful weather.
Attending a conference is a great opportunity in many ways. If you’re serious about your career, you’ll be spending your time in workshops and meetings, chatting and networking with fellow writers, browsing the bookstore or “goody” room, and generally immersing yourself in the world of romance – the business world, that is.
Make no mistake – romance writing is much, much more than just “writing the book of your heart”. It’s a complicated labyrinth of distinctive publishing houses and specific lines, individual editors and literary agents, industry standard submission guidelines and professional etiquette, self-promotion and self-doubt. But don’t be discouraged – at a writers conference, help is near.
Fellow writers are, for the most part, a friendly bunch. If you can’t find a workshop that tells you what you really want to know about the craft itself, the ins and outs of manuscript submissions, query letters, synopses or proposals, then ask the person sitting next to you what they know about it. Pick their brain – ask what they write; where they’ve submitted; who is their agent, their editor; what they may have heard through the grapevine, etc. After all, you’re a writer, too, aren’t you? You’re part of that grapevine now.
But let’s not forget the “fun” side of conferences – and, no, I’m not talking about those late nights in the hospitality suite – I’m talking about the nerve-wracking, gut-wrenching, ever-popular agent and editor appointments.
“Fun?” you ask? What’s fun about risking rejection?
The fun lies in finally getting the chance to put your baby out on the table, and make a face-to-face, real-life contact with someone in the industry. Someone who has the ability to make a difference in your career. When I say difference, I’m not talking about the fantasy scenario where the agent/editor takes one look at you, hears your pitch, and slaps a contract down on the table, stating “I must have you – I must have you NOW!” (okay, maybe that’s my fantasy. . .)
I’m talking about the difference experience makes. Any time you get the chance to pitch your book, to conquer your fears and polish your professionalism – take it. Maybe you’ll get lucky, and maybe not. But you’ll be better off for the experience. There’s no shame in rejection – it means you put yourself out there to begin with. It’s the difference between someone who wants to be a writer, and someone who is determined to make it happen.
Here are some simple suggestions for making those agent/editor appointments a little easier:
1) Keep it professional. You may consider this conference a bit of a vacation, but remember – it’s a working vacation. Show up for your appointment on time, and dress in a manner that shows you’re serious about your career. You wouldn’t show up for a job interview looking any less than your best, so don’t do it here. Have a business card ready, even if it has nothing less than your name, address and phone number on it. Make eye contact, shake hands with the person across the table, and try to relax. If you’re truly so nervous that you can’t formulate a coherent sentence, then say so. That agent or editor is a person just like you, and they’ve been through this before. Give them a chance to prove they don’t bite.
2) Practice what you’re going to say. Get out your synopsis and narrow down your pitch to cover the high points. What type of story is it? What’s the main conflict? How does it get resolved? What’s the twist (if any?). While the appointments are usually scheduled for fifteen minutes, you will really have maybe eight to ten minutes after the pleasantries are out of the way. Leave some time for questions from the person you’re talking to, or ask some of your own.
3) Don’t bring your manuscript with you. These people are traveling, just like you. They don’t want to lug home mountains of submissions. If they’re interested, they’ll ask you to mail them your work. In fact, you’ll probably get a request to submit your work, even if it’s just a courtesy. Take advantage of the opportunity – get that manuscript polished and in the mail within the week.
4) Don’t get your hopes up too high. After all, these appointments are assigned to you by the conference coordinator. You may get the agent or editor you requested, or you may not. This person may not be looking for the type of story you’re trying to sell, or you two may not “click”.
5) Breathe. Remember, the entire experience will be worth it in the long run. You’ll learn something for the next time, or the time after that. What’s the worst that could happen? Besides, there’s always that chance that you and your work really will catch the eye of someone who can help your career. What have you got to lose?
As I’m sure you’ve heard before, nothing ventured – nothing gained. So stick your neck out and pitch that manuscript! Talk to the woman on the elevator; ask questions during the workshops; take notes and get inspired. And if you’ve got time to have an umbrella drink under the palm trees, do that, too. Life is short, and dreams really can come true. Make it happen.
Copyright © 2007 Terri Garey, All Rights Reserved