In a few weeks I am going to the Maui Writer's Conference. I don't mean to brag, well okay, maybe a little. It is costing a small fortune but I have never been to Hawaii so I thought I might as well shoot the moon. I am participating in the Writer's Retreat which will afford me an opportunity to talk with some published authors. My course instructor is Terry Brooks.

During the conference I can purchase a 10 minute session with an agent for $40. I can use this opportunity to pitch my novel or discuss anything I want...my ten minutes The folks in Maui give some guidelines and there is a section in the 2003 Guide to Literary Agents that deals with pitching your manuscript.

If any of you have experience in this matter I would be interested in hearing about it. Pros and cons, is 10 minutes worth the $40 and maybe just some general info about attending a conference. This is my first time.

I am a bit leery of the $40 fee, too. I mean, if you sign up with him and become a best-selling author, he may make a lot of money by being your agent. So, for the privilege of giving you a chance to make money for him, he charges you $40? I dunno…

Yes, Andrew is right about trying to speak to someone in your genre, but Maui has them. If those slots are filled, I'd still probably sign up with someone else and get some basic writing advice and suggestions. People in the industry talk to each other, after all, and you never know who you'll impress.

I've been to a few conferences and my motto is "Take advantage of every writing-related opportunity there." Last year I got some terrific feedback from an editor and an agent.

The money is not suspect. I'm guessing it helps cover the conference expenses and/or pay for the industry people who agree to be the speakers and/or to make sure the writers who meet with the editors and agents are serious. With possibly hundreds of people attending a conference, the editors and agents want to set the odds so that they might actually find some raw talent. Also, there is only so much time per editor/agent to meet with writers, so the "money is time" equation figures in I'm sure.

Go. Sign up for it all. In your case, your biggest cash outlay is behind you. What's another $40?

Then make up a short one sheet, single spaced document--contact info, short bio, and short synop of your work. If anyone is interested you can hand them out.

Also when you have that appointment you can hand the agent that sheet--saves time. Hi my name is, shake hands, all my info is on that sheet. Let me tell you about my latest work--then get into it. Practice so it comes out smooth---be professional. End with saying may I send you the complete manuscript or some sample chapters?

If they say yes make a point of getting their card and handing them one of yours--with the date you expect to send them the ms hand written on it. Make sure you put a note on the card they give you as well.

I've not done Maui--Squaw Valley, K-town in Germany.

And the 40$ bucks--you spend that much to send a ms and get it back--think of it that way.

Also, the slots are given out in a lottery. You get a chance in the lottery if you register for the conference. Then the lottery gives you your place in line for sign ups...about 800 people attend but not all want consultations.