By Debb Hackett @debb_hackett

Whether you’ve recently returned from a conference or are excitedly planning your next trip, how you respond post-event is vital to building strong connections and maximizing the networking you did while in attendance. 

Invitations to submit 

These are the golden tickets, and why a lot of writers attend conferences. A strong relationship with your agent can reap dividends in your career, and as hard as publishing is, working with an editor who you like, and respect is a real gift. But I recently read a blog post that suggested an astonishingly low number of people follow through on invitations to send proposals to agents and editors. I’m not sure if this is fear or a lack of organization. I have personally hidden under my desk to avoid opening an email from an editor. Yes, I know that’s ridiculous. But sometimes, taking that next step is overwhelming.

When an editor or an agent looks you in the eye and invites you to send them a proposal, that, my friends is a door being opened. It may not be THE door, but it’s only by knocking on every possible entry that we find the right one. Don’t let fear, or anything else, steal that. 

Business cards

I used to have an intense dislike of the 743 business cards I was given at conferences, whether I asked for them or not. That was an arrogance I have since repented. Because if I have learned anything from eighteen months as part of the Blue Ridge Reader Connections Team, it’s that you never know who someone is, or what God intends to do when He puts them in your life. It may be nothing, but you never know unless you dig deeper. 

Take an hour and sort through the cards. Do a quick pass-through of websites and start following authors that resonate on social media, sign up for newsletters and learn more about your extended family of colleagues. 

Friendships with other writers

I’m quite careful about who I accept friend requests from. I can count on one hand the number of friends I have on my personal Facebook page that I haven’t met in person. But I am friends with a large number of the people I had chance encounters with. Let me tell you, these are gold. I teach classes on networking because after twenty years as a reporter, I picked up some tips. And I know a lot of writers. A lot. Some were firmly established when I met them, but many weren’t. There are fewer greater joys than seeing your friend’s career take off. 

When you get home, shoot emails or friend requests to the people you met that you felt a connection with. I guarantee blessings or opportunities to bless others will follow, and you never know how the Lord will use the relationship.

Key takeaways

Are you uptight or relaxed about conference notes? These events are typically not inexpensive, so most writers attend to learn and network. Therefore, it makes sense to take good notes or buy the recordings. I love to take notes. For me, the act of writing it down helps the information stick. 

I have a conference notes folder in my office drawer and when I return home, I take a morning and type my notes up. I label them and note the conference, date, topic, and presenter details. That way, I can follow up with any questions. Most teachers are happy to answer and pleased you were paying attention.

Deadlines

Oh goodness. The D word. If, when meeting with an agent or editor you have agreed to send them something within a set timeframe, it’s important to meet that commitment. This demonstrates you are hardworking, dependable, and responsible. Make a schedule. Stick to it. Get it done. However, sometimes, life happens. The summer I had the first opportunity to send something to a prospective agent, I got hit with three massive road trips and a house move. The next time, COVID lockdown, homeschooling, and a transatlantic move. 

Endeavor to hit or even come in before your deadline whenever possible. But if circumstances beyond your control take over, then be upfront and communicate. You’ll find people very understanding when you are proactive at keeping them informed. 

Whenever I attend a conference, I ask the Lord to go behind and before, and set up the divine appointments. Following up using the steps listed above enables you to give or receive the blessings the Lord has gifted you with.

Writer, broadcaster and speaker Debb Hackett has been a radio journalist for more than twenty years. Married to a Royal Air Force test pilot, Debb has written a Bible study for military wives.

A regular contributor to the Advanced Writers and Speakers Devotional Arise Daily, she’s also been privileged to writer chapters for Write Well Sell Well. For now, based near London, England she’s having lots of fun working on a contemporary romance series and was an ACFW Genesis award semi-finalist in 2020.

When she’s not writing, Debb can be found leading worship, playing bass or skiing. If you can swing by her house while she’s making scones, that would also be a win.