by Ramona Richards  @RamonaRichards

Here’s a question I hear a lot, usually from new conference goers—or in some case new writers: “If I don’t have anything to pitch, is an appointment with an editor or agent a waste of time?”

Like so many answers in publishing, this one can be a waffle, since other editors and agents may feel differently about this. But for me, the answer is a resounding NO. Definitely NOT a waste of time.

Why? Because one primary way to break through most obstacles to publishing is through networking. Spending time with industry professionals, asking questions, and getting to know their lines and their preferences can open a lot of doors. I’ve lost count of how many authors I’ve contracted after spending time with them at conferences, watching them grow as writers, and cheering when they finally develop a book I can bring on board at my publishing house. 

Some of these authors began by sitting with me at a meal and just talking about what they want to do with their writing career. Others made appointments to ask questions or show me one-sheets. And while a casual chat at a meal can break some ice, a 15-minute appoint can demonstrate that you’re serious about your work and determined to make a go at one of the hardest businesses on earth.

Here’s a few tips on what to do or ask—and what NOT to do or ask—if you make an appointment without a project to pitch. 

DO

• Be prepared. Have a goal of what you want to achieve from the appointment.
• Make a list of 3-5 questions. This will help with any pre-appointment nervousness.
• Introduce yourself succinctly and state up front that you are not pitching a specific project but have questions for the editor or agent.
• Thank them and leave once you have your questions answered. Don’t hang out just because there’s 5 minutes left on the clock.

DON’T

• Do NOT make an appointment just to chat. Do that in the food line, at meals, or after a class. Have A REASON for the appointment. 
• Don’t show up empty-handed. Take a list of questions, a business card, a one-sheet, or a notebook to jot down answers or ideas. Demonstrate that you realize this is a BUSINESS meeting.
• Don’t expect a brainstorming session. These meetings are for exchanging information. Editors and agents are not at their creative best after a long day of hearing pitches. Don’t expect them to resolve your plot problems in less than 15 minutes.

So YES, making an appointment with an agent or editor can be beneficial, even if you don’t have a project to pitch. While we come to conferences hoping to find our next acquisition, we also come to meet authors and get to know their hearts and goals. 

If you’re ready to write but just haven’t gotten those first words down yet, a conference—with all the incredible networking opportunities available—is the place for you. 

Ramona Richards is the award-winning author of eleven books and the founder of Psalm 98 Ministries, a speaking and teaching outreach effort. Ramona has edited more than 500 publications, including study Bibles and curriculum, and is currently the associate publisher for Iron Stream Media. In 2019, she received the Joann Sloan National Award for the Encouragement of Writing, a mentoring, editing, and coaching award presented at the Southern Christian Writers Conference. Ramona lives in Moody, Alabama.

Website: Ramonarichards.com

Facebook: ramona.richards

Twitter: @RamonaRichards 

Instagram: ramonapoperichards