One of the top reasons writers attend conferences is to meet an editor or agent face-to-face. Many writers travel great distances for this opportunity and will feel the entire conference is a success if a partial or full manuscript is requested.
I have been to several regional and national conferences. At each event there were agent and editor appointments. I’ve seen some success stories in the making, but I’ve seen more avoidable crash-and-burns. How could they have been prevented? By following these basics:
- Know the line/publishing house/agency. Too many times an author pitches a category romance to an agent who doesn’t represent them or a sexy premise to a publishing house known for wholesome romances.
- Know the story. You have 10 minutes (2 if you’re in a group appointment) to tell your story. Pitch it in simple terms: premise, hook, what kind of people your characters are, how they are tested and how they change because of the romantic relationship.
- Have a backup story. You pitch a story that you think is perfect. Only, the editor or agent isn’t excited about it for unforeseen reasons. Don’t be caught off guard when she asks if you have anything else.
- Discuss the line/publishing house. Don’t spend the entire time discussing your book. Ask questions. Find out if they’re interested in a story with a particular element, etc. If you notice that the stories are moving towards a new direction, ask about it so you can align your future projects with their new vision. (It also shows your familiarity with their books, which is always a plus.)
If you have the basics down, you’re already making a great impression. You’re presenting a professional appearance to the editors and agents dealing with writers who didn’t do their homework. But you want to gain more from the appointment than a request. You want to make a connection.
To make a memorable impression that you can build on, it requires some groundwork. You need to contact the editor or agent before and after the appointment.
Before the appointment, you should:
1. Research the editor or agent
Find out everything you can about the editor or agent you will be meeting. Find any article written about or by them. Talk to other writers who’ve dealt with them. Read their authors’ books. Find out their likes and dislikes.
2. Give them an early sampling of your work
When I received my last appointment confirmation, I asked other authors how I could make the most out of the meeting. Jane Porter suggested I send the synopsis and first chapter to the editor before the appointment. In the query letter, I was supposed to mention the upcoming meeting.
This strategic maneuver worked brilliantly for several reasons. First, mentioning the upcoming appointment gave a sense of a deadline to my submission. Secondly, it is quicker for the editor to read one chapter and get a sense of my writing style than if I sent the entire partial. And finally, she handled many appointments during the conference, but she was on the lookout for me.
During the appointment, you should:
- Follow the basics.
It is essential to have a backup story and questions/comments.
- Treat the appointment like a job interview
You might write your masterpiece in your pajamas, but dress professionally for the appointment. Show that you are prepared.
After the appointment, you should:
- Send the requested material right away.
Send exactly what they ask for.If you don’t have the work prepared, do it immediately. On the first paragraph of your query letter, mention that the editor or agent requested the work after an appointment. Be sure to add ‘Requested Manuscript’ on the envelope in bold red ink. Some authors I know will jog the agent’s or editor’s memory by writing ‘Requested Manuscript: RWA Conference,New York 2003′.
- Be gracious no matter what.
You did everything listed and you didn’t get a request to send something. Send a thank you card to the editor or agent for taking the time to listen to your pitch. If you feel that this is a person you’d like to work with, continue to send work to her.
The basics will guide you through the appointment, but the before and after tips will leave a more positive, lasting impression. Plan ahead and reap the rewards.
