Below are just a few items I thought you might find interesting.
1. I attended a session in which editors were asked their take on agents. Most of the editors love the gatekeeping role agents play. The editors think agents weed out writers who are not appropriate for their houses. After the session, however, one editor told me that her house gives the same contract to all their writers...doesn't matter if you have an agent or not.
2. In a session with agents Nathan Bransford and Ginger Clark, the agents said they'd never signed a client from a conference, but they'd had some close calls. In my opinion, though, the conference is a great place to throw out ideas to agents/editors. And I did personally witness agents/editors wanting to see more of certain writers' works.
3. Nathan and Ginger referenced a writer who all the agents know as a total whack job...don't become one of those people.
4. If you go to a conference, take breath mints...conference meals are pretty spicy.
5. People who played mic-hog with questions are noticed and not appreciated.
6. Make sure you take time to meet and thank conference organizers...these are hardworking people (and they can introduce you to experts in your genre).
7. PPWC was well-run. Consider it, if you're considering conferences.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
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8 comments:
Good stuff, Anita. Thanks.
(I'm really really starting to want to go to one of them thangs)
This was all excellent advice...
Although I do have a complete screenplay, I am too far away from a completing my novel to consider attending a conference. Nevertheless, I am very grateful to read the inside scoop from you.
All points well taken.
For someone who is too far away to attend these lovely conferences (think 6000kms+) it was great reading about your conference experience. I get to enjoy the conference benefits vicariously!!
(PS. Note to self. Buy breath mints)
I will consider it. Perhaps I can go next year and hang out with you?
Spicy food, huh? That sounds good!
I attended an SCBWI conference in November. I loved spending a day with all writers and loved meeting editors and authors you only knew from the web! This one sounded spectacular!
Conference organizers are definitely worthy of huge thank-you's. I volunteered at a conference last year and observed their investment of heart and soul to create a great experience for everyone. They rely on each volunteer doing their part and pitch in wherever needed, juggling, soothing emotional feathers, it's a big job.
What constitutes a total whack job? Curious.
LADY GLAMIS AND EVERYONE ELSE: Come to the PPWC and I will definitely hang out with you, possibly plan something special for you...just let me know.
THE FIRST CAROL: In this instance, the Total Whack Job queries agents on a weekly/sometimes daily basis. It got so bad Nathan developed a special way (can't divulge how), so that the whack jobs queries are instantly deleted.
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