Once you are active in the
writing and submitting process, you will be networking more and more. You know the importance of getting your name
out to the public before you publish, so when you do publish, your name will be
recognized. By now, you've probably
connected with writer's groups in your area.
But how about local conferences?
It's a great place to start meeting other writers and connect with
editors and agents on a more personal level than at national writer's
conferences.
Later this week, I will be
attending the Chicago-North Spring Fling conference. I already know some of the people who will be
attending. But I'll meet many more. In order to make the most of the conference,
I will go prepared.
First, as with all
conferences, I will confirm the dates and times of the conference, arrange any
necessary travel (taxi, airplane, etc.) and confirm my hotel reservations if
staying overnight. If driving, I'll
print out driving directions, even though I have a GPS, because it's not always
accurate. I write the phone number of
the conference site or hotel on the directions in case I get lost or traffic
has me delayed.
Before I pack, I check the
dress code, and select outfits accordingly.
I always bring an extra set of clothes just in case there is a wardrobe
malfunction or other emergency. I pack
outfits that coordinate with each other to keep shoes and accessories to a
minimum. And I always pack a sweater or
shawl, even in the middle of summer because conference rooms are usually cold. Bottled water is a must to keep me hydrated.
Once I'm taken care of, I
collect all the business-type items I will need, like notebooks and pens, and a
bag or tote to carry everything. Even
though the hotel or conference sometimes supplies these items, I don't want to
take the chance, so I come prepared. If
I'm presenting, I'll need my laptop, or at least my presentation on a flash
drive, my notes, a newsletter sign-up sheet, and any giveaways or handouts I'll
have for the audience. I always check
with the coordinator to see what guidelines they have for
promotion/advertising. I also like to
bring my name tag, just in case there is an error with the conference tag. My camera is optional, as I can use my phone
for that also.
Most important, I'll bring
plenty of business cards. This is vital
when meeting someone. It gives both of us
a way to connect after conference. When
first meeting someone, I ask for the other person's card first before offering my
own. After accepting their card, I take
the time to make a notation on the back, identifying where I met the person, what
they write, and any other interesting facts about them. For example, if I meet another historical
writer who has been to London recently and talked about the wonderful book
stores there, I'll write that on the card. When I'm planning my own trip, I can look
through my cards for the "London book stores" note, then drop the
person an e-mail and ask them for the names of the stores.
I'll probably meet agents
and editors at conference. If
he/she hands me their card, and mentions they like Victorian romances, I'll
write "Victorian" on the card. Then, when I'm ready to submit, I'll
try them first, since I know they like the time period about which I write.
I maintain a professional
image at all times while at conference.
I never talk about anyone in the industry (unless it's good) in the
elevator or at gatherings. I don't know
who knows whom, and might take it back to that person. The writing industry is small and I don't
want to give bad impressions to anyone.
Finally, conference
doesn't end when I walk out the door. If
an agent or editor asks for a submission, I send it out as soon as
possible. I also drop a note to those
persons whose cards I collected and thank them for their time. This is a good time to invite them to visit
my web page, "LIKE" me on Facebook, sign up for my newsletter, or
follow my blog. I don't ask for this
all at once, though! I'll usually invite
them to visit my web site, then add links to the rest in my email
signature.
Writing is fun, and
competitive! Being prepared can make the
difference between failure and success.
