The SDSU Writers\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Conference ended yesterday. Attendees are home now, pouring over their notes, trying to remember key points, hoping to shake that sense of overwhelm. They had the opportunity to attend as many as 11 one-hour workshops during the two-day event. There were over 80 workshops to choose from with subjects ranging from \u00e2\u20ac\u0153The Perfect Pitch\u00e2\u20ac\u201dHow to Get to the Top of the Slush Pile\u00e2\u20ac\u009d to \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Marketing Yourself and Your Book,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d From \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Craft the Perfect Scene\u00e2\u20ac\u009d to \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Book Pages to Screen.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d I taught various aspects of article-writing. And in between workshops, hundreds of hopeful authors were pitching their book ideas to agents and editors.<\/p>\n
For some authors, the San Diego State University Writers\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Conference was all about meeting agents and editors. There were dozens of them in attendance this past weekend\u00e2\u20ac\u201dall eager to find the next best seller and the next great author. In fact, I heard a few of the publishers say during their workshops, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153All publishers are seeking good books to produce.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d One publisher of science fiction even went so far as to say, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Sometimes the first-time author has a better chance at landing a publishing contract than the third book author.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d <\/p>\n
What\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s the best way to approach an agent, editor or publisher\u00e2\u20ac\u201dthose gatekeepers to the world of publishing? Here are my guidelines:<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u00a2\tFind out which agents and editors will be at the event you plan to attend.
\n\u00e2\u20ac\u00a2\tDo a little research to learn what type of books the agents represent and what books the representative publishing companies have produced, lately.
\n\u00e2\u20ac\u00a2\tChoose appropriate agents\/editors\/publishers for your project.
\n\u00e2\u20ac\u00a2\tPrepare and practice reciting a brief description of your project. I suggest preparing a really good, succinct thirty-second commercial.
\n\u00e2\u20ac\u00a2\tCreate a promo package including a brief synopsis or overview of your proposed book and information about yourself. What is your writing background, why are you the person to write this book and what is your platform, for example?
\n\u00e2\u20ac\u00a2\tMake a good first impression. Come across as a potential business partner with an excellent product, not an emotional writer who believes he has just completed the book of the century.
\n\u00e2\u20ac\u00a2\tKeep to your allotted time with the editor\/agent. Generally, the appointments are only 10 to 15 minutes and the time is strictly monitored.
\n\u00e2\u20ac\u00a2\tAlways thank the agent or editor for their time and expertise.
\n\u00e2\u20ac\u00a2\tFollow up with whatever they suggested you do (contact them at their home office, add more dialogue in your story, flesh out the main character, write for a wider audience) and resubmit your query, proposal or book (if they requested it) once it is ready.<\/p>\n
You never know when you will have the opportunity to pitch your marvelous book to an agent, editor or publisher at a writers\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 conference, book festival or another event, so always be at the ready with your 30-second commercial and your materials. And remember to make a good impression the first time and every time.<\/p>\n