I'm going to the Frontiers in Writing conference in Amarillo, Texas this weekend. I have a short meeting with an agent scheduled, and a group critique session with him, as well. There will be a couple more agents and an editor there. Any suggestions about acceptable contacts or anything? This is the first time for me--I would rather avoid a faux pax, if possible.
I'm taking business cards, query letters and manuscript samples (just in case), etc.
She's no longer actively updating her blog, but you can search the archives for answers regarding conferences or any other question you have. Good luck!
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I'm currently scouring the Snarkives getting caught up on what I've missed. If I'm remembering correctly, here are a few points that she's made.
1. Use your time to talk to the agent about what they like in a novel, what drew them to novels they've sold, things like that. Treat them like an authority on the publishing world, and use your time to get information out of them, and to network with them.
2. After a little chatting about the above, it might be alright to ask if you can pitch your piece to them. Keep in mind that few agents actually buy works from Conferences, and receiving a request to submit more most likely means that they don't want to tell you "no, I'm sorry, this isn't quite up to snuff" to your face.
3. Miss Snark has no good opinions on group critiques. I couldn't imagine it would be very comfortable, but I suppose it could go well. I uess it depends on the atmosphere in the room at the time.
As for contracts & stuff, I think Agent/Author contracts are pretty standard - 15%. If by chance you do see a contract, make sure it has the ability to be cancelled at any time, or within a reasonable time frame. Of course, this is all coming from my reading Miss Snark and Agent X and not first hand knowledge, but... well, it is what it is.
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Even though it's Texas, resist to urge to pat your holster, unless of course, the agent is doing the same. If he challenges you to a duel, let the agent shoot you in the shoulder, as it might improve your odds of getting a deal.
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From what I've read (on Snark and elsewhere), don't give things to agents at conferences. They are there for information. If you give them your business card, they'll trash it later. They don't want your query or manuscript, unless you're going to a critting session. And by all means, if you do use a business card, do not list "wordsmith" as your occupation. It's lame, and it's been done.
Beyond that, I would treat it as a wonderful chance to get information. You're getting to talk to someone up front about what they want. And maybe they'll be interested in getting your work. They may ask you to send your manuscript to them. I really doubt, though, they want you to hand it to them. With the volume of people they'll be seeing, could you imagine them having to carry out your 400 page manuscript and several others?
Skribent: I've eaten at the Bix Texan several times, but haven't been tempted to try the 72 ouncer. Even when I was 17 (long ago in a land far away) I don't think I could have put that much down. And yes, Miss Snark has some good advice. I think I'd been reading her blog for a month or so when she gave it up. Kinda sad.
Wolfe_boy: I don't know that I'm that excited about a group critique. You get to read 750 words. But it'll probably be helpful. On the other hand, I have a TEN MINUTE appointment with the agent that's moderating the critique session. So that will either be good or bad, I suppose.
Chris: If there's a duel, I'll have to get my sister to fill in for me. She'll shoot your eye out, kid.
Matthew: I made a batch of white cards that have only my name and contact info on them. I did like the one I saw somewhere that listed services like "wars started" and "swamps drained." Probably don't need to be that cute. And you mean I shouldn't drag around my little red wagon with piles of manuscripts to give away? How much would that cost?
I do appreciate the suggestion to ask questions first and pitch later. I need the information too. Maybe I'll have a report next week on my fabulous experience. That is, if I don't get shot by an agent that's seen one pitch too many.
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ChrisOwens, I just wanted to doff my (ten gallon) hat to you, pardner, you have a natural sense of etiquette that cannot be improved on by mere understanding of the rules.
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on further consideration, I have one reservation about ChrisOwens advice - if he shoots you in the shoulder, it may interfere with your ability to use a word processor. On the other hand, (nyuk,nyuk, nyuk) you could still write really well minus a leg or two. Just a thought.
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I have no suggestions since I've never attended a conference. Good luck.
I was reading the other posts and it got me thinking. I wonder how many oddball gimicks writers have come up with to be memorable (aside from just memorable writing). I'm thinking: Pencils and Pens with wannabe author ads on them Squishy stress relief balls (with ads, of course) Chocolate bars with customized labels Wine with customized labels Tissue boxes, customized, to prepare for oh so sad story Magnets (customized), so agent can think of you while looking for dinner in their fridge Little Red Wagon, customized, so agent can tote all other wannabe writers' goodies to their hotel room without straining their back.
P.S. I'm sure you will have fine presentation and memorable writing. I'm just toying with the gimmick idea. Like American Idol for writers. Again, good luck and have a fabulous time.
[This message has been edited by Sunshine (edited June 06, 2007).]
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Sunshine, I'd be willing to bet that most if not all of the crap agents/publishers receive from writers would go straight to the trash. I've watched teachers (my wife teaches grade 2) cull their Christmas/Year-end gift piles down to only the things that are near-cash equivalents (gift certificates, which are soooo easily converted into alcohol), moderatly useful or sentimental things, and an overwhelming pile of crapola. Most of it ends up either at goodwill or, in the case of a particular sun-dried tomato and oregano scented candle we received, in the trash.
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Personally, i think I would go with teeshirts that say "I passed on a best seller by . . .Deb!"
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