How to Rock a Writer’s Conference
…or at least not wet your pants while you’re there. (Probably.)
In case you didn’t hear (like most people on the planet) I attended the Writer’s Digest Conference in Hollywood, California last weekend with the intention of learning about my craft and pitching a current project to as many agents as possible.
Having survived the experience, I’m now an expert. Naturally.
Okay. No, I’m not.
But I’m perhaps more valuable (shut up, I am) because an expert may forget crucial details after attending multitudes of conferences. I, however, offer the perspective of a new kid fresh from her first time with tips to ease your newbie mind. Or at least help you control your bladder. (Probably.)
Here’s a list to consult when YOU take the leap and attend your own writer’s conference:
1. Don’t worry about going alone. I attended the WDC with the wonderful Cheryl Rosenberg so I knew I wouldn’t be by myself (unless I peed my pants early and she ditched me). But most attendees arrived as singletons. They were friendly and willing to sit next to strangers or invite strangers to sit with them. A writer’s conference isn’t a social event so being alone isn’t the end of the world, it’s the norm. If you can’t convince another writer-friend to attend with you, don’t let your solitary status hold you back.
2. Do your homework. Research which participating agents specialize in your genre. Find at least one fact/preference/detail about each agent to reference in your pitch to show you want to work with him or her specifically. I took notes on index cards and practiced answering the question, “Why is your project a good fit for my agency?” Narrow your list to agents you want to see most. Your time’s limited and so is theirs. Don’t waste a minute of it.
3. Don’t pitch an incomplete manuscript if you write fiction. When an agent is interested, he/she won’t want to wait six months for your finished project. Non-fiction writers can pitch a book proposal rather than a completed work. (See Nathan Brandsford’s site for tips on writing an effective proposal.) Some writers attended the WDC strictly for break-out sessions to hone their skills; but conferences are expensive and my main goal was to score agent interest.
4. Do memorize your pitch so when you forget it (or freeze, like I did) you can still deliver the key details of your story off the cuff. When I actually got in front of the agents, my super-rehearsed version sounded awkward so I strayed from my script because it felt more authentic than reciting a monologue. Still, I NEVER could have done this if I hadn’t known my pitch cold.
5. Don’t worry about what to wear. Clothing spanned the spectrum from casual jeans to flowing skirts (even a Benjamin Franklin costume!) so wear an outfit you’ve had on a million times and won’t think twice about, something that makes you feel comfortable or fabulous. Fashion is NOT the focus of a writer’s conference. Wear layers (because temperatures vary between rooms) and don’t worry about shoes (I beg you) because agents can’t see under the table. No one will notice what you’re wearing. Unless you’re dressed like Ben Franklin.
6. Do bring a granola bar or small snack and a water bottle in your bag or briefcase along with paper, pens, cash for parking and coins for vending machines. I got hungry and thirsty in between meals (duh) but grumbling stomachs and parched tongues aren’t good for anyone.
7. Don’t forget to order business cards to give to those with whom you connect. They need not be fancy; simply include your name and contact information. You can use these to take notes on specific people you meet. Along the “nothing fancy” lines, I brought a Ziploc baggie to store mine, not a card-holder. No joke. No one cares. (Thanks, Joann Mannix!)
8. Do line up early for a pitch session without pre-established appointments. At our conference, we didn’t book ahead of time with a specific agent or two; ours was a PITCH SLAM: 250 writers in one room with 20 agents for 90 minutes switching up in three-minute intervals. It was speed-dating for the literary world. I may suck at math, but you do not want to be the 250th writer entering that room.
9. Don’t limit yourself to pitching your first-choice agent first. I went in with seven options and used as variables the length of their lines and how good a fit I thought we’d be. Some writers waited more than a half hour for one agent and ended up pitching to only one or two people while my strategy afforded me face-time with six.
10. Do write down the interested agent’s specific instructions immediately. You think you’ll never forget the moment an agent says, “I’d like to hear more,” but your brain is on overdrive and you won’t remember when it’s over. Synopsis? Ten pages? Two chapters? Query in the body of an email? Trust me. Write it down. The back of their business card works great. (Thanks, Robin Bielman!)
11. Don’t forget these agents WANT to love your pitch. You’re a potential money-maker and they are mere mortals. I didn’t pee my pants (probably) but I was uber-nervous during my first pitch. My voice cracked, my hands shook, my eyes watered and I blanked on words I’d practiced no less than a thousand times. And yet. The agent understood it was my first pitch of the day. She nodded and smiled and I kept breathing and the next pitch became easier. And so on. If an agent is harsh, do what Ben Franklin did – grab your kite and key and move along. Then forgive yourself for being scared and realize that everyone else is, too. You will survive. (Thanks, Gloria Gaynor!)
And so my spectacular writer-friends, if you take even one piece of encouragement with you to your own writer’s conference let it be this:
Be proud that you are putting yourself out there. EVERY new experience is an opportunity to learn. You’ll come away from the weekend knowing more than you did when you arrived.
Even if it’s simply about yourself.
Cheryl took this picture right before we entered the room for Pitch Slam. If I hadn’t been wearing a jacket, you would have seen my heart beating. Pretty sure. And Cheryl? Thank you. From the bottom of my sick and twisted heart.
p.s. In all seriousness, if you’re going to a conference and have a question, shoot me an email or DM me on twitter. I’d be happy to send you a virtual hug or words of advice if I can.
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47 Comments to How to Rock a Writer’s Conference
by Di
On October 23, 2012 at 12:13 pm
…and for your spectacular non-writer friends…we glean from your words joy and encouragement as well and wish you all the best as these interested parties get to know and love Lily as we do! XXXOOO
by joann mannix
On October 23, 2012 at 12:17 pm
YOU DID IT!!! And you did it marvelously! You look uber chic in your rockin’ jean jacket there. I cannot tell at all that you were freaking out on the inside. On the outside, you look faboosh!
I am so proud of you. I feel like I was right there with you and I was, in spirit. Next one, we are all in it, to win it!
Love you, girl. Now back to my revisions. I’m having a great writing day.
by Alexandra
On October 23, 2012 at 12:17 pm
I wanted to go to this, but feel so very unprepared.
This helps TONS.
GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
by Charlene Ross
On October 23, 2012 at 12:20 pm
LOVED THIS! Great tips. And of course your writing style always, always makes me smile! Thank you so much for sharing. (Now I’m going to start rehearsing that pitch!)
by Renee Schuls-Jacobson
On October 23, 2012 at 12:20 pm
For the love of Pete, so did you get the agent interest you were hoping for? This is such a great tool, Julie. Truly, I have been in paralysis mode when it comes to writers’ conferences. I don’t understand how to pick which ones are the best ones.
And should one only attend if one has a product to peddle? Is there value in attending even if you are just working on your WIP? Or is it better to wait until something is really in the hopper?
by julie
On October 23, 2012 at 12:30 pm
Renee,
Great question – my answer is this: The break-out sessions were all about how to improve your writing. Some were more helpful/interesting than others, but what didn’t work for me is my manuscript is done. So yes, it’s nice to have tips for revising, but a lot of the discussion was about crafting a book in progress so yes, if you have a WIP the sessions and panels are probably MORE helpful than if you’ve finished your book.
However.
This conference was over $400.00 which is a lot of cash to fork over if you don’t have a finished product. I wanted to pitch something. That was what I was paying for. So you need to decide what your goal is. Do you want help with what you are working on or do you want help selling what you’ve already completed?
Email me – juliecgardner@verizon.net.
We’ll talk.
XOXO
p.s. Yes. I got interested agents. It was thrilling.
by julie
On October 23, 2012 at 12:33 pm
YES! How could I not have mentioned my spectacular non-writing friends? Maybe because my word-count was already out of control…but truly, I couldn’t have even made it to this conference if you hadn’t been willing to care for my babies in my absence.
So thank you, Di. And thanks to everyone who’s encouraged me. YES!
by Lance
On October 23, 2012 at 12:46 pm
So business cards really are a big deal? I assumed people would lose them or toss them. If they were interested they’d put your name and or email in their phone contacts?. interesting…
The main reason I haven’t attened a writer’s conference and/or blogging conference is they’re usually all women and the lady I share a life with would have to go and that’s double the cash. The other reason is everything I have is unfinished (novel may be done next week, cross your fingers). So I know that’s killer advice.
Good post and picture, Julie.
by Leanne Shirtliffe (Ironic Mom)
On October 23, 2012 at 12:46 pm
So cool. I heard marketing guru, Rob Eager, was there. Love his book. I too was at a writers’ conference…in Surrey (near Vancouver). Great tips. I’d add, meet people in the elevator. That’s my specialty.
by Angela
On October 23, 2012 at 12:50 pm
One day I hope to be ready for this. And I will remember this post
And not to pee my pants.
by julie
On October 23, 2012 at 12:53 pm
Actually, Lance, you don’t really need business cards…in fact the agents gave them out when they were interested, but they wouldn’t even accept them from us (not sure why, but it was clearly a policy). They were handy to give to other authors and people whom I met and wanted to stay in touch with AND I did write notes on them…instead of fumbling for paper.
If they were expensive, I’d say ABSOLUTELY don’t worry about it. But they are cheap and/or free at places like VistaPrints so worth the effort (minimal) and expense (even more minimal).
As for the cost of a writer’s conference: I hear you. Big time. It’s why I’ve waited four years to attend…
But YOU ARE SO READY.
If you can scrape up the cost, DO IT.
by John
On October 23, 2012 at 12:54 pm
I totally plan on going to a writing conference wearing only a loin cloth.
The problem is that, well, I need to have my damn manuscript done already.
Curious – how do you go about booking for specific agents ahead of time? Because I will have a manuscript ready very soon . . . and I may have a non-fiction idea that will blow the socks off of any agent (if only the execution wouldn’t be really freaking expensive)
by KLZ
On October 23, 2012 at 12:57 pm
Nothing makes me happier today than this post.
Bless you both for going.
by tracy@sellabitmum
On October 23, 2012 at 1:17 pm
You are all sorts of awesome with maybe bad shoes on. Gosh I love you.
by julie
On October 23, 2012 at 1:20 pm
John,
Different conferences are set up differently so you have to pick which type you want to go to (or in my case, I picked the one that was closest to my home so I wouldn’t have to fly or stay in a hotel because the cost of the conference was prohibitive enough).
Some conferences require you to make appointments with specific agents ahead of time and you generally get a longer period of time to sit down with them at a pre-arranged moment and there is no rush or competition. However, I think it’s usually only one or two agents you end up seeing. This may be preferable to some people because there is more certainty, less chaos.
Our conference was set up with set number of agents and a cap of writers but there was competition to get to as many as you could in a 90 minute period. If you attend something like this you absolutely MUST be prepared ahead of time with a strategy or you’ll find yourself like the young man in line behind me at the end turned away after having seen only two agents. I was heartbroken for him.
p.s. If he’d been wearing a loin cloth, he probably would have gotten more attention.
by MommaKiss
On October 23, 2012 at 2:04 pm
you’re pretty
i may or may not have just taken a vicodin
but still
you’re pretty
by Robin Bielman
On October 23, 2012 at 2:12 pm
Thanks for the awesome recap! I *knew* you’d rock it and you did! I’m so happy it was such a success. ~high five chica!~
by Kelly K @ Dances with Chaos
On October 23, 2012 at 2:12 pm
Yes yes yes!!! You are such an amazing writer, I’m so glad you put yourself out there with great success!
Perhaps you can light the fire under me to get back to finishing mine. Mommy life keeps sucking away writing time and I fear I’ll never get back to it again.
So very happy for you. I have no doubt one will see how incredible you are.
by Cheryl @ Mommypants
On October 23, 2012 at 2:18 pm
But if you DO go to the conference with someone? Make sure that someone is willing to run downstairs – twice – to buy you soft pretzels and soda. And, when you think you’re about to DIE from hunger, they will pull a huge cookie out of their bag.
True story.
Love you, my beautiful TALENTED friend! xoxo
by Alex@LateEnough
On October 23, 2012 at 2:57 pm
You did it! I’m very proud of you. I’m going to a writer’s retreat in early December to work on my essays/book. I guess a writer’s conference would be next? Hmmm…. {shivers}
by By Word of Mouth Musings
On October 23, 2012 at 3:34 pm
Look at you, being such a grown up xxx
by Alison
On October 23, 2012 at 4:58 pm
You are so awesome. I wish you oodles of luck and awesome vibes post-pitch (you know what I mean. I hope).
So, who was dressed as Ben Franklin?
by Pamela
On October 23, 2012 at 7:51 pm
But did you see my wonderful editor Meghan Pinson there? She’s hard to miss, tall and thin and beautimous with epic red hair.
by julie
On October 23, 2012 at 7:59 pm
Pamela, I did meet Meghan – actually got to know her and think she’s awesome. I had no idea she was your editor!
by Cameron
On October 23, 2012 at 8:34 pm
Oh, Julie, someday I will be a grown up writerly sort and go to a fabulous conference and be beautiful and probably pee my pants just like you.
You and Cheryl both, you are inspirations and I have my fingers crossed that these connections become something meaningful for your books!
by Lady Jennie
On October 24, 2012 at 4:02 am
This is so valuable, must tweet.
by Jessica
On October 24, 2012 at 4:55 am
Amazing advise and so proud of you for going an putting yourself out there. Can’t wait to be at your first book signing.
by Nina
On October 24, 2012 at 6:52 am
Such great tips. #9 seems to be really key and great insider info. That picture is great–really captures the moment. Love the official badge around your neck. Doesn’t get more hardcore writer than that now does it?
(I’m actually being totally serious!)
by Bridget
On October 24, 2012 at 8:15 am
Congratulations & thanks for the advice. I don’t think I’d attend one of these, since I’m not a real writer like you – but it’s good advice anyway.
When will we see your name in lights? In the window, at Barnes & Noble?
by julie
On October 24, 2012 at 9:45 am
Bridget -
YOU ARE THE REALEST OF WRITERS.
(And I’d read a memoir of your experiences in a heartbeat. Believe it.)
by Jessica
On October 24, 2012 at 3:52 pm
This sounds like a good step for you and you learned how to be a conference professional. Good job.
by Carolina Valdez Miller
On October 24, 2012 at 7:44 pm
Scary stuff, these things. Especially the first time! Pitch slams will lead anyone to drink. Especially if you’re a rambler (which I am). Seriously, I got so nervous one time, I actually ducked under the table in the middle of a pitch because I’d heard this agent had some great boots on and in the middle of me telling her that I’d heard this, I thought I’d see for myself. And then immediately regretted it when the look on her face said, WTF FREAK. Needless to say, this is not my current agent.
But great advice here. Hoping all went super well for you. Wishing beautiful things for you!!
by Nancy M. Campbell
On October 25, 2012 at 12:31 am
To be short, but hopefully sweet: so incredibly proud of you. Not to mention super inspired.
by Missy | The Literal Mom
On October 25, 2012 at 6:44 am
How exciting! (I say, as I quell in fear at the mere thought of doing something like this)
Good for you, Julie!
by Chase McFadden
On October 26, 2012 at 4:26 am
Nice job, Julie! Happy to hear you’re getting yourself and your work out there.
Why did you choose this particular conference? Have you had follow-up contact with any of the agents? If so, is that something they initiate or you initiate?
by Megan (Best of Fates)
On October 26, 2012 at 7:18 am
Man, I could totally rock a Benjamin Franklin costume. Maybe I should check out a writer’s conference.
by julie
On October 26, 2012 at 7:36 am
Hey, Chase! Thanks so much for the support, especially since I’ve been MIA lately.
To answer your questions, I chose this conference because of its location (driving distance meant no travel costs beyond gas) and the fact that there was an opportunity to pitch to agents directly. Although I enjoyed the break-out sessions and felt many of them had value, my main goal (since I have a completed manuscript – two, actually) was to get in front of as many agents as possible.
During the Pitch Slam (one of the agents during a panel accidentally referred to it as Pitch Slap which was not so far from the experience) we got a chance to sell ourselves to agents and if they had interest, they asked us to contact them with an official submission package (which varies from agent to agent – but in general includes a formal query, synopsis, sample pages).
I was very lucky (I also prepared like CRAZY so I won’t give up all the success to fortune and fate) and all six agents I pitched requested follow-up submissions. So I’ve spent this week preparing/sending and now have to wait for their responses…I assume the next step would be either a “No thank you, not for me” or a request for a full manuscript to review.
It was SO hard to leave the comfortable category of “YES!” to set myself up for the (inevitable) “PASS” but there’s no other way around it…
And, after all, I need only one yes. (Gulp.)
I hope your writing is going well and I also hope to see some Halloween pictures of your “young” as they are four of my favorites in the blogosphere.
Hooray, candy!
by Mad Woman behind the Blog
On October 26, 2012 at 3:48 pm
*twiddling my thumbs. Waiting to read the next chapter!
I’m so excited for you. I think I just peed my pants!
by Jamie
On October 26, 2012 at 6:20 pm
huh, so just sitting here thinking about the book I want to publish won’t actually work?
Well that’s a bummer.
by Katie
On October 28, 2012 at 3:12 pm
well now. I am all sorts of proud to know you and Cheryl. I hope you guys won’t forget me when you are all literary and published and famous. Remember…I’m your “Internet Gal Pal, Katie”.
Seriously. This is a big deal. Go you for having dreams and then chasing them. Boom.
by Kiran@masalachica
On October 29, 2012 at 8:25 am
I am bookmarking this page because this post is THAT good. Thank you for all the tips.
Kiran
by heidi
On October 30, 2012 at 1:07 pm
I read this days ago, but didn’t get a chance to comment. You nailed it. That writing down what the agent wants is key. Your head is so full and there’s all this adrenaline during pitching that I made sure to stop wherever to write down instructions before going on to the next thing.
I’m glad it went well for you. I think it would have been a hoot to do this together. Yeah, I said hoot. Like an 80 year old. I was thinking about doing a post like this sometime soon. If I do, I’ll link over here.
You’re awesome. You know that, right?
by Julia
On October 31, 2012 at 8:56 am
Love this. So proud of you!!!
by Hallie Sawyer (@Hallie_Sawyer)
On November 3, 2012 at 3:23 pm
Yay, Julie! That’s great! I can’t wait to go but that would mean I have to finish my pathetic novel.
These tips are awesome and thanks for sharing your experience. Crossing my fingers for you!
by Galit Breen
On November 7, 2012 at 2:10 pm
Oh you, I’m so ridiculously over the moon for you!
Can’t wait to crack open your hard cover!
(I know I’ve said it before, but holy wow woman! So excited for you!)
xo
by San Diego Momma (Deb)
On November 14, 2012 at 7:12 pm
I want to know more! What did you pitch? How did it go? When are you getting published?
This is invaluable info and next year (after you and Cheryl have signed on with agents), I’d love to join you!
by francerants
On December 12, 2012 at 12:16 pm
Oh thank you so much for this.
Have been in my hole, glad I came out.
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