By Bethany Jett, @betjett
Whether it’s your first or fiftieth writers conference, there are some “best kept secrets” about how to get the most out of your conference.
Here are 10 Insider Tips:
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Bring Business Cards
This is the time to network. Pass them out like they’re candy. Your name badge lanyard is a great place to stash them. Hint: your picture on the card goes a long way to helping people remember you. Vonda Skelton has a great post with a 13-point checklist.
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Know Who you Want to Meet
Check out the faculty list beforehand. Know exactly the top two or three people you’re excited to meet. Make sure they accept your genre before sitting down with them!
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Bring Snacks
Sometimes hunger calls in between meals, so pack some crackers, M&Ms, water, and other nonperishables. The cafeteria has great food, but they’re only accessible during meal times. Plus, sharing a mini Snickers bar may gain you a new friend.
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Take Rest Time
If you need a break, take one. It can be overwhelming at times. Take a walk, sit in the common areas, or go back to your room. It’s okay to need alone time to pray, read, think, or even nap.
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Have Copies Already Printed
Make sure you bring enough copies of your proposals, one-sheets, etc. with you to the conference. You do not need a ton of these, though. Typically, editors and agents will ask you to email them if they’re interested, so four-to-five freshly printed copies on hand is probably more than enough.
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Bring $$ for the Bookstore
This is a great opportunity to have your fellow authors sign copies of their book. It’s awesome to have a shelf in your personal library with books signed personally to you.
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Dress to Impress
Blue Ridge has a business casual atmosphere; you want to make a good impression. Leave tattered jeans, shorts, and flip-flops behind. You’re selling yourself, so look awesome! Plus…take advantage of getting a professional headshot taken. Double Plus…you’ll definitely want to take part in Genre Night by finding or creating a costume that fits your writing niche!
The Awards Banquet is an opportunity to dress up if you choose. You’ll find our faculty in glittering evening wear as we celebrate our authors’ hard work by honoring them with awards. You’ll see a range of tuxes and cocktail dresses to “Sunday best” to jeans and polos.
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Know your “Elevator Pitch”
What are you going to say when you sit down to pitch your book? It doesn’t need to sound rehearsed, but it does need to sound intelligent. Plus, the number one question people are going to ask you is “So, what do you write?” You should know!
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Sit with as Many Faculty as you Can
Mealtime is the perfect place to rub elbows with the editor or agent of your dreams. There will be tables designated for the faculty at lunch and dinner. This gives you a chance to chat and get to know each other beyond the 15-minute appointment.
Don’t stalk them, though! Get to know as many faculty as possible. You never know when your paths will need to cross or what connections may happen!
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Take Advantage of After Hours
There is magic in the “after hours” and I’m going to write an entire post about the power of networking during this special time. You’re definitely going to be exhausted, but hanging out in the foyers of the hotel is a great place to be. There are often faculty members hanging out and it’s a great casual way to be seen again! 🙂 Beyond the classes, also spend time in the common areas. You’ll meet amazing people and can make lifelong friends.
[reminder]What other great tips do you have for writers conferences? [/reminder]
The Conversation
How do we get our own books placed in The bookstore? I’ve attended twice before and have never seen any information about how we are able to place them in the bookstore for sale. Thanks.
Hi Deb! Edie mentioned this in a blog post a few weeks ago. Here’s the link to that post. The deadline for books that had to go through Lifeway has passed, but Edie will continue to take the information for consignment books only for a little while longer. The post I linked has all the details. Hope that helps!!!
Awesome tips. I followed them when I attended last year. I made so many connections and some new friends. I would add, Set aside time when you get home to follow up with everyone you spoke with. Just a hello, glad to meet you and discuss what you talked about. Also, put all the business cards you collect in one place so you have them. I write a little note to myself on the back of the card(topics discussed, what to send i.e. one sheet, book proposal). I am praying for all those who will attend this year. BRMCWC is a great place for learning, fun and fellowship.
That is a GREAT tip, Cherrilynn!!!!
Well, this is a rookie question, but why would I bring 1-sheets AND proposals?
Hey Steve! I brought both to my first conference. I did give the one-sheet to the publishing house editors and then had the proposal ready if they wanted to go more in-depth. Same with the agents. For magazine editors, they weren’t interested in my book proposals, but having a one-sheet with ideas and a little bit of my writing experience was helpful to show to them.
Be sure you have enough business cards. If not, order soon so they’ll arrive before you travel. Then remember to bring them with you! Last year I ordered cards in time, but left them at home. My husband mailed them to me. I like reading through all the workshops and using 1, 2 or 3 stars indicating my level of interest. It helps narrow the list with so many excellent offerings. I pray & ask writing friends to pray that I’ll attend the best workshops for me.
What a great system! It’s so hard to narrow it down!
Bethany, thanks for this post. This will be my first national conference, so I’m getting pretty excited. I read about your first conference, and I’m praying for similar results! I also had no idea about “genre night.” Now, I will need to start brainstorming! How fun.
I’m praying for divine appointments for you!!!!!
This is my first writer’s conference. I write non-fiction short stories, similar to the ones in Guideposts Magazine. I wouldn’t need a one-sheet or proposal for those, would I?
Hi Judy! You don’t necessarily need a one sheet for those, although you can create a one sheet that tells a little about you and any stories that have been published. When I was accepting submissions for Splickety (flash fiction stories), a lot of times people would show me a story they’d written they’d like to submit or with ideas for upcoming issues. I found a one sheet helpful for me to get to know a little about the person in front of me. Excited for you to come to the conference!!