Linda S. Glaz, Agent @LindaGlaz

Authors attending conferences for the first time struggle to know what, who, how, where, and maybe even, why? While the struggle is real, it does not have to be overwhelming.

Agents and editors as well as mentors and critiquers are simply people like anyone else. We’re all different: dress different, talk different, drink different coffee—for sure, and even have some favorite genres in which we work. Again, nothing and nobody special. It’s simply our jobs that seem to make folks uncomfortable at times. We might have a bit of a heads up, but most of us are more than willing to share that knowledge to help you.

So, let’s quell the discomfort right now. We, especially agents and editors, attend conferences because we want to. And why? Because we are all anxious to find the next great bestselling book! We really are. And you, the authors, are the ones who make that possible.

When I’m allowed the privilege of sitting down at an appointment with an author, I’m excited with each new project. Will I love it? Is the author ready? Do I think I have the connections to help us both become successful with the work? This is what I’m hoping with every single new introduction. Does it always happen this way? Alas, no, but your being there and meeting with me tells me that you are really trying when you attend a conference and show me your work. Do we make connections this way? Absolutely.

Show us your best professional side. Have a pitch all ready to go. Twenty-five to thirty words that gives us an overall idea of what your book is about. If you bring a one-sheet or pages with you, be sure you’ve had a couple folks look them over for you. Read the pages out loud to yourself and you’ll be surprised at the mistakes you catch. Relax and remember: we are just people like you who want to form a great writing partnership.

Okay, here I am. Looking forward to the next Blue Ridge conference where I’ll be searching for that next great bestseller. Will you be the author that I sign?

Linda S. Glaz has been an agent with Hartline Literary Agency for the last 9 years. Before becoming an agent, Linda worked as a proofreader for smaller publishers, was a reviewer for online romance sites, and wrote numerous books. She’s also an author, so she “gets” authors.

She’s married with three grown children and four grandchildren. There might even be a great grand in the mix.