Sandra's Thoughts on Making the Most of a Conference ...

While at a conference last week I talked with a number of attendees who said it was their one and only writing event for the year, and given the economy, it had been a financial stretch for them to be there.

My guess is that's the case for a lot of folks this year, and will probably be the same into next year as well.

Given that, here's some food for thought on making the most of any conference experience.

Beforehand, find out if there are opportunities for paid critiques. Some conferences facilitate these, others don't. But, if so, participate if you can. It does cost a bit, but it's one of the best ways to get objective, professional feedback on your project. Do your research, though, and make sure you request a critique from someone who actually handles the kind of material you write. Otherwise you could be wasting your money and a missing a valuable opportunity.

If you know you'll have an allotted number of faculty appointments made available to you, again, DO YOUR HOMEWORK before requesting appointments. Go on the conference website and investigate who will be attending and what their personal guidelines indicate they are interested in looking at. If you think your manuscript might be a fit for their publishing house or agency, go one step further and check their guidelines to be sure (almost all are available online now) and prepare your material accordingly.

It amazes me how many folks sit down across from me at a conference and say "I know you don't represent the kind of material I write, but it's really good, so I thought you'd like to see it anyway." It could be the next Dune or Goodnight Moon -- but I might not recognize the merit in either, because I don't represent sci-fi or young children's material. Do yourself, the faculty coordinator, conference director, and the agent/editor a favor and save that spot for someone whose material might actually fit their particular needs. That's what the appointments are for.

There are times when planning to just talk with an editor or agent to learn more about them can be educational. If that's what you'd like to do, then do that - but make it clear that's what you're there for. Assure the person on the other side of the table that you're not going to whip out a proposal at the last second. The "oh, by the way," approach feels - and is- sneaky. Don't do it.

Remember that if during "off hours" you notice a faculty member engaged in a conversation with a conferee, give them space. For all you know, they may have prearranged this time to meet. Unless they engage you, please be mindful of this. 

I know I got a little into etiquette here, but having just returned from a conference where someone shoved a manuscript under my nose while I was washing my hands in the bathroom and hoping I'd have time to hunt down a decent cup of coffee before my next round of appointments, I guess I'm a little testy. Sorry.

Those of us who give our time and energy to attend conferences as faculty do so because we love writers. I think it's in our collective best interest to help keep it that way.

I've got more to say on the topic, so will blog next about how to prepare as to make the most of your appointments, and what to do after the conference.

However, at the moment I'm sitting on the deck of a friend's beach cabin finishing up some work while

my family and friends are getting ready to head down the beach trail to play on the shore of the Pacific. The marine layer is quickly thinning and showing promise of a lovely, sunny afternoon.

And I'm planning to join them and make the most of it.

Hope you all are enjoying high summer!

Comments

[Pam Halter]

ohmygosh, Sandra! I can't believe someone actually shoved a manuscript under your nose in the bathroom. They must not have attended the Orientation. Shame, shame, shame!!

It was nice to meet you there, though. Thanks for taking the time to come all the way to the East Coast!

pam <><

[D. D. Scott]

Great blog post, Sandra!

D. D. Scott here!

I've found that if I set a goal or track for each conference I attend, I get a ton more out of the event.

For example, for RWA D.C. in July, I focused on getting my name out there and making a splash of just who is D. D. Scott. I attended mostly self-promo and building buzz-type classes and talked to the people I met about what they're doing in those arenas.

I didn't feel so overwhelmed with info that way since I was kind of filtering out exactly what I'd take home from that conference.

'Course I still kept my eyes and ears open to anything else of interest too.

Oh...and another fun tip...I've always gotten a bunch more out of the social parts of the conferences than the actual appointments. That's when you really get to know the editors, agents and industry people. So go, go, go to the cocktail parties and welcome receptions. You never know who you'll meet-and-greet over an appetizer and drink!

Fun stuff here, Sandra!

Soooo sorry about the "manuscript under the bathroom sink"...yikes! I'd heard the anecdote of the manuscript slid under the bathroom stall door but not one during a handwash...ughhh!!!

Hope your day at the beach was fabulous! ---D. D. Scott
http://www.DDScott.com
http://twitter.com/ddscottromcom

[Lisa Jordan]

A little conference etiquette goes a long way. Do people really think rudeness gives them an edge with others in the publishing industry?

[Walt Mussell]

Great post. I have my own bathroom story from a writer's perspective. It happened at last year's M&M. I reviewed the bios and websites of all the agents scheduled to be at the conference. There were three that I wanted to meet, but could only schedule one for an appointment. I was at a party and saw one of the other two agents. However, I couldn't figure out a way to approach her without sounding dorky. Two published authors from my group knew what I was trying to do. They told me to walk up and introduce myself or they said they would spread a rumor saying I'd followed the agent into the bathroom.

That threat was my opening line into the conversation.

[Lynette Sowell]

First, I can't believe people still break the bathroom rule. Wow.

Second, I would love to work at a beachfront setting, but I wonder if I'd be too distracted. Sounds fun!

Third, I think another important thing to remember at a conference is to relax. Especially at fiction conferences, there's a swarm of high-strung writers. Everyone wants a piece of the action, a tidbit of encouragement, a nibble of interest in their work. But being too eager can wear someone out, or worse, come off as being pushy. Sure wish I was going to Denver ACFW this year.