Monday, August 17, 2009

Conference Preparation:What is Your Goal?

I know many of you will be in Colorado next month for ACFW's Annual Conference and some of you are signed up for other conferences this year or next. Congratulations!

The week before you leave will be full of little details--packing, smoothing out family and work problems, printing out travel plans, and making sure you have everything necessary to thrive at the conference. So, I'd like you to take some time now, or a few weeks before you're scheduled to leave, to clarify what you want out of the conference.



What is your goal in attending this conference?

You may have several, but one will stick out more than the others. This is your main goal, the one you want to focus your energy on. When you have met this, you can relax and pick activities that will meet your other goals. But don't waste all of your energy on activities that don't matter to you at the expense of the one that does.

My goal in attending RWA's National Conference was to make a personal connection with my dream editor and agent. In order to do this I scheduled pitch appointments. I wanted to discuss my book with each of them so they could put my name to my face, and, more than anything, I wanted to make a positive impression on them.

My lesser goals were to network and to make a few real connections each day, and to learn more about the publishing industry.

Please, please, do not set your main goal as "selling your book." A conference isn't a book-selling sweepstakes. It may help you sell your book. It may help you get your project in the right person's hands or it may nudge your foot in an agent's door, but you will not come home with a contract.

And many of you will disagree with me on this, and that's okay, but here is my opinion on a touchy subject.

Save your pitches for your pitch appointments.

These poor agents and editors are stalked relentlessly. They don't want to get accosted in the elevator. They're tired, they're stressed, and they want to relax at night. They don't want to listen to a complete stranger's book concept outside of a pitch session. (If I were an agent or editor, I might not even want to listen to the pitches in the sessions! It looked exhausting.)

I'm not saying to ignore the agents and editors if you see them in the lobby, but treat them as you would any other human being. Be friendly. If you've already pitched your book, go up to them and say hello, chit chat a minute, then leave them alone. Don't make it all about you and your writing. Respect them.

If your main goal is to learn more about the industry, then plan on attending at least one industry related workshop each day. If you want to immerse yourself in craft, attend at least one craft related workshop each day. If you're there to network, try to make two or three meaningful connections every day.

Remember, everyone has different goals at a conference. Don't be afraid to say no to an invitation from another writer if the event will take away from one of your goals. You can always meet up later that evening or for breakfast.

Join me on Wednesday when I'll discuss the finer points of meaningful networking.

Happy Writing!

27 comments:

  1. Great post Jill! My goals are pretty similar to yours, and I agree about the pitching. If I get the chance to sit next to an editor or agent I hope I'll behave well and be a good listener. :-) If they ask for my pitch.... LOL!
    Looking forward to Wednesday's post!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks for your insider tips, Jill! I think my main goal will be not to spill food on my clothes while I'm eating, or get it stuck in my teeth (hate when that happens!). Can you just see me pitching my book with a black speck between my top two teeth? I suppose a conference necessity is a small mirror to check our teeth before our appointments, eh? ;)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Jill, thanks so much for focusing on this. I so wish I could meet you there!

    Learning is always one of my main goals. You spend so much for these, I feel that's got to be high on my list. But also having a chance to connect with a few agents would be great. I'm really wanting to see if I connect with any. I haven't done that yet at any that I've attended.

    And, Jody, thanks! Now you've made me self-conscious. I could just see ME doing that!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Good advice! I attended a few conferences in the 90s and was able to acquire a few invitations to submit from editors but it didn't really result in anything. I think I found if you find that dream agent/editor and can stalk them to as many conferences as possible, you'll have an edge. Okay, 'stalking' sounds bad, but you know what I mean. They see so many faces at those conferences that the repeat exposure to your face and name works in your favor IF what you're writing is along the lines of what they're looking for.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I love all your advice about conferences. When I eventually get to attend one, this information will be priceless! Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  6. I agree with Susan. I love this great advice. I look forward to when I can put it to use. I hope those of you who are going have an awesome time and learn tons!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Good morning!

    Jessica: It's so hard to act normal sometimes! I never want anyone to feel I'm talking to them only to get something from them, you know? And unfortunately, agents and editors have something that all writers want. It must be really hard for them to guage who is genuine and who isn't.

    Jody: Get that mirror! And take a bottle of water to swig before a meeting. It helps! I've been known to have any number of embarrassing things happen, so I just kind of expect it now.

    Eileen: I wish I could meet you too! And I agree, we want to get our money's worth. I honestly don't think it's possible to walk away from the conference without learning something.

    Stephanie: While there isn't a magic potion to getting published, there are a few things we can do to help our journey: write well and expose our writing to agents and editors most likely to be interested in our work. I do believe face time helps, but it certainly doesn't gaurantee anything!

    LazyWriter: I was ready for a conference this year, but last year, I wasn't at a point where it would have done me much good. I'm glad I waited until the time was right. Let me know when you go to one!

    Heather: Yes! I'm sure everyone going will have a fabulous time!

    Thanks so much for stopping by!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Great thoughts. I would love to be heading to a conference soon...not yet.

    I think it's wise to have a goal before you go and you touched on some key reason why that is the case.

    ~ Wendy

    ReplyDelete
  9. Believe it or not, I've never been to a major writing conference, but have just went to my local RWA chapter's smaller conferences. I really think I need to attend a bigger one someday soon!

    ReplyDelete
  10. LOL at the picture! Too cute. I wish I was going to that conference in September! It seems every blogger I know will be there. I agree with saving you pitches for the appointment. The last conf. I went to the agents (the bulk of them) all showed up just in time for pitches probably to avoid the restroom pitch ;)

    ReplyDelete
  11. Great advice. I always researched the agent or editor who had my ms for critique at conferences. It was nice to be able to reference their other work/clients in our conversation. The feedback from those sessions is super helpful...have fun!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Wendy: There are always tons of great conferences available. If you don't attend now, they'll be there later. :)

    Melissa: Love your attitude--go sign up for one!

    T.Anne: It only seems as if every blogger will be there! I won't be!

    Tess: Agreed. It's important to know what the agents/editors you're pitching to are looking for. Unless you have a horrific migraine, then you're just thankful to slur your way through the pitch--oops! Did I just say that? Ha!

    Thanks for stopping by!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Networking and touching base with folks would be my biggest goal for this conference coming up.

    These are great reminders that you can't do it all, nor should you try to at any one conference. Takes some of the pressure off. :)

    ReplyDelete
  14. I HOPPPPPPEEEE I can go next year! Have not been to a huge one but would love to go to one!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Great post, Jill. I think you had a successful conference, despite the migraine that put you under for a full day.

    As you said, as hard as it seems, try not to stress and keep your goals in focus.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Erica: Great goal--I know you'll be happy when you come home. Networking is so important and fun :)

    Terri: I'd love to go to RWA's and ACFW's next year, but realistically, I might not be able to do either. It would be fun if we could go to one together!

    Connie: Thanks! I had so much fun with you guys! And yeah, the migraine stunk, but that's how life goes sometimes.

    Thanks for stopping by!

    ReplyDelete
  17. This is a cool series. I've never been to a conference before, but hopefully...someday.

    And I see you already noticed you got an award, so this notification isn't really necessary. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  18. I like what you said about treating editors like people. I'm sure they appreciate it and that it is a refreshing attitude.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Great tips!! I'm not all the way sure what my main goal is. I have to do some thinking.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Icy Roses: Thanks so much! Before last year, I'd never considered attending a conference, but my friends told me about their experiences. Suddenly, I wanted to go! And I'm glad I did.

    Nancy: The majority of writers treat editors and agents like normal people (since they are!), but maybe it's difficult for others to pass up what they see as an opportunity?

    Katie: You probably have several reasons for attending. Think about what you'd like to bring home with you: is it notes on a dream workshop? Telling your husband all about your experience pitching to an agent? E-mailing all of the wonderful people you met? Or all of the above? :)

    Thanks for stopping by!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Even though it scares the daylights out of me, my goal is to one day make it to a conference. It will have to be when the kidlets are older, and hopefully I won't be so shy then. :)

    ReplyDelete
  22. I wish I were going to be at the ACFW conference with you, but I did get to attend the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference held in my home state of California in April. Your tips are on target, as usual.

    At the conference this past spring, I wasn't pitching since I didn't feel I had anything ready. Instead, I took a look at the agents and editors as people. I was struck by the fact that several of them seemed almost shy. Some looked tired as the conference wore on. I felt for them. They have a tough job.

    Toward the end of the conference, I had the privilege of sitting next to an agent at lunch. Instead of talking about me, I asked her questions about herself. She seemed pleasantly surprised. And guess what? She asked me to submit when I complete my rewrite. Since I hadn't even pitched in the traditional sense, instead just answering the questions she asked me, I was surprised--and thrilled. What a gift!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Danyelle: All the conferences will still be there when the kidlets are older. And you're a writer, correct? Introversion and shyness abound at these things. It's not hard at all to meet writers, so don't worry about that!

    Keli: I found the same to be true. Agents and editors aren't celebrities--some are introverts, some feel out of their depth, and some are in their element. One of the nicest things we can do for anyone is to be genuine and be interested. You're a kind woman, Keli, and the agent recognized it.

    Thanks for stopping by!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Jill: Love the doggies! Hopefully we will wear more clothes than they to our conferences! LOL!

    I like your suggetions about not accosting agents and editors in the hallways or bathrooms. Some of them, however, will be happy to talk at a meal or when they don't have an appointment scheduled. Most are very gracious, and are there to find good writers for their publishing houses or agencies.

    The one thing I wish I would have done is to print my photo on my business cards. This way when your dream agent or editor gets home and unpacks their suitcase, they will remember who you are.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Jeanette: Good point! And I agree, yes, by all means sit and talk to agents and editors at the conference. They are there for the social aspect too.

    I'm just concerned about the blatant pitchers, you know, the ones who aren't interested in anything but selling their book? Not a nice way to treat someone, in my opinion.

    Thanks for stopping by!

    ReplyDelete
  26. OOh, I want to go to a conference so badly! Great post! I'm bookmarking this for when we eventually get signed up. Hopefully soon!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Lisa and Laura: Welcome! I know how you feel. I was itching to go to last year's RWA National conference when my friends attended, but I waited until this year to attend. It was such a terrific experience!

    Thanks for stopping by!

    ReplyDelete

I love to hear from you!