by Cindy Sproles @CindyDevoted

One of the exciting things about becoming a published author is travel. Having a book in print is, of course, super exciting, but being asked to speak, do book signings, or teach is both exciting and fulfilling. It’s also tiring.

Teaching at conferences was never on my radar in my early career years. Eddie Jones and I founded Christian Devotions Ministries and www.christiandevotions.us, so all we wanted was to find authors willing to add content to a fledgling website. Since Christian Devotions is a web-based ministry, our reasoning for hitting the road was to find these writers. We studied and learned an old-school method of writing devotions and then offered that as a class to conference directors. “If you let us see appointments to gain writers for ChristianDevotions.us, we can teach a class on how to write devotions.” In the early years, most of the director’s responses were no. But for those few who allowed us to come, it was an opportunity for a foot in the door.

Eventually, the directors saw that we had a serious goal for this ministry. They began to question us (in a good way – i.e., Where do you see this going? What can you offer authors? What is the vision?) Yvonne Lehman was the first to crack the door for us. Then John Riddle, and eventually Marlene Bagnall. From there, God began to work through us and ChristianDevotions.us.

Travel came slow at first and then by huge waves. Some directors welcomed us to see appointments, and a few allowed us to teach. The addition of travel was indeed a God thing because neither Eddie nor I had published books in the market. There was nothing to give us creditability that we were even good writers. We had to earn our way onto the travel circuit. As I said, it was a God thing that allowed us the opportunity so early.

Once you begin to travel, you’ll see how quickly your physical body tires. From one who averages two to three conferences a month, seven months out of the year, I can attest to the physical strain it can be. Be prepared for airports, flight delays, and travel frustrations.

All this to say, travel is necessary, but how do you get to that level? Here are a few ins and outs on when and how authors approach travel.

• Early in your career, begin to learn the craft of speaking. If you want to be an author, you must learn to present. To be a speaker, you need to learn to write. The two go hand in hand. Most writers conferences offer classes on speaking, so take one. Start to hone this craft as you learn to write.
• Work to become published. I mean, really work. It usually takes years to reach the skill level where your work is considered publishable in the traditional market. Yes, it takes a long time, but when you reach that level, your work is exceptional, and that’s what directors are looking for. Exceptional. Work toward that goal. God expects us to do our best work. When we do, He blesses it because we have.
• Practice your people skills. This point is important because once you start to travel, you’ll be in the faces of hundreds of people. Between the actual travel and the meeting times, the clock has no mercy, and you’re expected to be on your A-game. Learn about personality types and how to approach and speak with them and practice. How do you want people to remember you when you leave your conference, retreat, or speaking engagement? How do you want people to remember your work? Learn to be pleasant and offer every person you speak with your full attention.

I once met the amazing Mary Kay Ashe, founder of Mary Kay Cosmetics. It was her, her bodyguard, and a friend of mine in an elevator. We offered to take the next elevator, but she reached out and took my hand, gently pulling me into the elevator. Once in and the door closed, she hit the stop button on the elevator, and for the next fifteen minutes, her eyes never left mine. She chatted, asking about my work, family, and dreams – her full attention was on me. I’m not saying stop the elevator, but I am saying that when you spend time with authors, publishers, and editors, offer them your full attention. Those pesky 15-minute appointments are short. Set your alarm on your phone and then dedicate that time entirely to the person in front of you without checking your watch. People will remember you for your attention, not necessarily what you can do for them. Your impression will also determine whether you get a second invitation.

• Be a good roommate. Sometimes, you have to leave your quirks at the door when you share a room with someone else. I try to remember the golden rule – treat others the way I want to be treated. It’s good for you to concede your normal ways occasionally. It’s polite and generous – even if the same courtesy is not extended to you. YOU be the best YOU that you can be. Your momma will be proud, and your reputation for being easy to work with and get along with will precede you.
• Offer your best work. Whenever and wherever you are speaking or teaching, offer your 4-star work. Go over and above what is expected of you. It’s good business. It’s a special thank you to those who’ve invited you to speak or teach.
• Be a willing participant. Do what you can to encourage conferees and other faculty. Be joyful. Happiness spreads and it deters fear. Conferees, especially new ones, are hesitant and sometimes a little fearful. Actively engage conferees. Don’t stay horded up in your room, only coming out when it’s time to teach.
• Be flexible. Sometimes things change at conferences. Changes happen. Be flexible. Always come prepared with additional classes to teach just in case a faculty member is ill, and you’re asked to fill in. Always have a prepared keynote on your laptop for those just-in-case happenings.
• Always express your gratitude. Directors work hard and thanking them for having you means so much. Say thank you, send a thank you note, or give them a small gift to show your gratitude. They don’t expect it, but it means so much when you do.

If you noticed, you’ve seen the work BEST numerous times. That’s because your best is always a priority. These things will help you gain those conference opportunities and speaking engagements. For my ministry partner, Eddie, and me, travel was a must in the beginning because we were building a ministry – one that is now 18 years old and has published over 2000 writers. We are both now traditionally published, but just because we started to travel early in the game does not mean we could skip the steps to learning the craft of writing or reaching publication level. It took hard work.

You can’t enter the writing world and expect to be on the teaching circuit out of the gate. Progression, work, and practice will get you to the place where you are invited to teach and speak. Take these tips to heart, and soon you’ll be on the road.

Cindy K. Sproles is an author, speaker, and conference teacher. Having served for a number of years as a managing editor for Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas and Ironstream Media, Cindy now works as a mentor, coach, and freelance editor. She is the co-founder of Writing Right Author Mentoring Services with Lori Marett and the director of the Asheville Christian Writers Conference. Cindy is also the co-founder of Christian Devotions Ministries and www.christiandevotions.us, as well as www.inspireafire.com. Her devotions are in newspapers and magazines nationwide, and her novels have become award-winning, best-selling works. She is a popular speaker at conferences and a natural encourager. Cindy is a mountain girl, born and raised in the Appalachian mountains, where she and her husband still reside. She has raised four sons and now resorts to raising chickens where the pecking order is easier to manage. You can visit Cindy at www.cindysproles.com or www.wramsforwriters.com.