SoATW Fridays: Conference Edition
Congrats on surviving yet another week of Summer Of All The Words! Now that the Fourth of July is behind us, life here shifts from enjoying summer to freaking out about how much we need to get done before school starts again.
You may know that next week is the Romance Writers of America's National Conference. Clara and I will both be attending, which means we're going to be hard-pressed to make it online at 10pm, because we will be busy learning things and having fun and wearing fancy clothes. We'll have some plan in place for you all, but it's not decided yet -- watch Twitter for updates.
I'll be signing at the conference's Literacy Autographing, by the way, along with 400 other authors. If you're attending the conference or are in the Atlanta area, I'd love to see you! (The event is free and open to the public.)
2013 "Readers for Life" Literacy Autographing
Wednesday, July 17
5:30–7:30 p.m.
Atlanta Marriott Marquis, Atrium Ballroom A–C (Atrium level)
In honor of Nationals Week, today's post is about three simple tips for a successful conference. They apply whether you go to a giant national event or a small regional workshop, and they will make your experience significantly more rewarding, both personally and professionally. Ready?
Be Professional: Respectful and positive should be your watchwords here. Don't be the drunk girl in the hotel fountain, don't pitch agents in the bathroom. Save your gossip sessions and snarky comments for a time when you are not in a crowded public area. Most importantly, Regardless of their publishing status -- unpubbed, self-pubbed, Big Six or small press -- treat everyone as equals. Because they are. People have long memories, and bad behavior at one conference will follow you through your career.
Be Prepared: Rehearse your pitch. Research the editors and agents you think might be a good fit for your work. Plan your sessions in advance, and have second choices lined up. Pack your bag carefully. You've spent a lot of money to be here, and preparation will help you make the most of it.
Be yourself: This is the most important tip I have. Yes, yes. You're here to network/sell books/find your dream agent/further your career. It's going to be easier to do if you're genuine. The flip side of this is also true. Every person you encounter is an actual person, with actual feelings and thoughts. They aren't a stepping stone on your path to world domination. I've been to conferences where people only wanted to pick my brain, or convince me to put them in touch with my agent, or read their manuscript. I've also been to conferences with warm, kind, funny, intelligent people who didn't ask me for a single thing. Guess who I'm more inclined to offer to help, without them having to ask?
Goal Time!
My goal for this week is to keep revising, despite the chaos of Nationals. If I can get to page 200, I'll be a happy, happy girl.
How about you? Hit the comments, then head over to Clara's blog for more SoATW tips!
