What Kind of Conference Attendee Are You?

I’ve just wrapped up another writer’s conference and as usual, there were moments when I wished I could’ve hit the “Pause” button, stop everything for just enough time to help myself or others running around from one session to the next. But alas, there’s no “Pause” button; there is, however, hindsight. And so I’m offering a few tips to help you at your next conference, no matter what kind of conference attendee you are. Because, friends, I’ve seen all these kinds of attendees. Heck, I’ve been all these kinds of attendees!

The Wet-Behind-The-Ears Attendee:

This is the first-timer at the conference, and you can always recognize this newbie by the deer-in-the-headlights look in her eyes. She may be just a few minutes late to the session (because she read the schedule wrong) or she’s extra early (because she doesn’t know anyone so there’s no stopping to chat along the way). She takes notes on everything! (She probably has a handy laptop, too.)

What I always want to say to this attendee is relax. All this information you’re getting is like trying to drink water from a fire hose: impossible to take it all in at one time. So look up from the notes and just listen. Connect. Take a few minutes to introduce yourself to the person sitting next to you. At your first conference, you’re not likely to get an agent, but you might find a friend who’ll be with you on this journey for many years to come.

The Older-But-Wiser Attendee:

This isn’t the first rodeo for this attendee; she knows the ropes. She’s not only confident but maybe even a bit jaded. She might skip a session and hang out to talk with friends, and notes? Please. And when mealtimes come around, you won’t find this attendee sitting alone. She knows people everywhere and wants to hear everyone’s news.

What I always want to say to this attendee is something my mother often said to me: “You’re not half as smart as you think you are.” The attendee who’s been around for a while is a bit harder to teach because she thinks she already knows it all. And so though she hears the speakers, she may not be listening. My tip for this attendee is to open your mind when you open the door to any session; you may be surprised at what you’ll learn. (And P.S. Maybe grab a newcomer and invite her to sit at your table; introduce her to your friends. That newcomer has thousands of questions and you have thousands of answers. It’s a match made in conference heaven!)

The Attendee-on-a-Mission:

This is the attendee who has one goal and she’s not leaving until she’s achieved it. It may be to get an agent; it may be to schmooze with an editor or an art director, angling to make a personal connection. Maybe her book has just recently been released and she wants to let as many people as possible know about it. The single-mindedness of purpose with this attendee is pretty impressive, and yet…

What I always want to say to this attendee is dial it back a bit. This attendee works a room like a Hoover vacuum, rolling through everyone to get to every nook and cranny (or agent or editor or whatever). And really, it’s not a terrible thing that you’ve come to a conference for one specific reason but you might miss all kinds of lovely things as you bulldoze your way through. So go after that goal, but stop and smell the roses, too.

The Behind-The-Scenes Attendee

You’ll recognize this attendee by the harried look in her eyes. She gets to sessions late or leaves early because she always has something to do! She’s checking her phone constantly and when all is said and done, she probably has very little idea of what was said and done. Such is the life of the volunteers who work behind the scenes, bringing the conference to everyone else but themselves.

What I always want to say to this attendee is thank you! When we stop to talk to the volunteers, we’re often coming with a crisis because that’s the nature of any event. The AV isn’t working! The elevator is too slow! The meals are too mushy! So next time you’re at a conference, how about taking just a moment to compliment rather than complain. Or better yet, volunteer. (P.S. And get someone to take notes for you!)

~Cathy C. Hall (who's way too tired to say anything else!)

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9 comments attendee tips, Cathy C. Hall, writer's conferences, writing conference tips

Maximizing Writer Connections!

I know it doesn’t seem fair, that after all you’ve been through, getting that book published, you still have a mountain of marketing left to do. There’s all the social media marketing, and gosh, I sure hope you’ve jumped on that newsletter to reach all those new readers you’ve made. Not to mention putting your actual author’s body out there, doing book signings, working the conferences, making school visits. It’s downright overwhelming! But there are ways to maximize all the hard work you’ve put in: use your connections!

Take the professional connections you have, that membership in a national and/or international organization that can help you in ways that go far beyond writing advice.

Let’s say that you have scheduled a bookstore signing. Your audience will likely be genre readers (and possibly the parents or grandparents of readers). But what if you reach out, through your organization, to those members who might be in the same area as your book-signing? Those writer connections might attend your book-signing, yes, but consider offering something especially for them. A short, compelling and free writers’ workshop could bring in a whole other audience, and the bookstore will get more customers. It’s a win-win!

It doesn’t cost anything to ask about offering a workshop for writers along with a book-signing appearance. (You might need to offer the event the evening before or after the book-signing; be flexible!) And don’t forget to use your professional connections to help spread the word about your events to their friends.

Now, what about that conference you’re attending? You can use your newsletter to let your personal connections know that you’ll be there, and let those readers know you’d love to meet ‘em! Perhaps you can plan a get-together the night before the conference or during a break in conference activities; you never know where a new connection you’ve made might lead.

But you can also maximize new connections at the conference. Are there authors who might be interested in a group signing? A bookstore is often more willing to handle a signing for a group of writers rather than just one. So reach out to your panel of authors and see where your marketing ideas can take you!

Just remember that the Golden Rule applies to your career connections, too: Do for others what you’d want others to do for you. Maximize your connections, and be a great connection for your writer friends as well!

Cathy C. Hall is a kidlit author and humor writer. She's a member of SCBWI and treasures the connections she's made in the kidlit world. But she also treasures all the reader connections she's made here at WOW! You can't imagine the difference you've made in her life--thank you! (She's also pretty thankful for all those connections who stop by to see her here!)

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7 comments author marketing, book marketing, book-signings, Cathy C. Hall, newsletters, writer's conferences

After the Conference

Cathy-on-a-Stick, Jacquelyn Mitchard, and Patricia MacLachlan! 

We often give plenty of tips for writers going to a conference, but after-the-conference tips? Not so much. So as I just wrapped up a writer’s conference on Sunday, I’ve got a little writer advice I can share. In fact, I could probably condense ALL my writer advice into one word: follow up. (Okay, fine. Two words.)

Let’s Be Friends

Did you meet a writer who turns out to live twenty minutes from you? Or maybe you sat next to a writer who lives on the other side of the country, but something clicked between the two of you. Keep in touch!

If you live near one another, set up a coffee break. Even if you’re miles apart, thanks to the wonders of the digital world, you can still enjoy a coffee break together, using Skype or other video call apps.

You may have found your new critique partner or beta reader. Or maybe you’ve just found your new best writer buddy. But you won’t keep your new best buddy if you don’t follow up after the conference.


Open Submission Periods

Many agents and editors who attend conferences will offer open submission periods after a conference. Hold on to that information because the only way you have the goods is if you attended the conference! And I hope you were paying attention when the agents and editors talked about what they’re looking for—and what they are NOT interested in.

I know it’s tempting to send whatever you’ve been working on to the whole list of professionals from the conference. I get it; you paid a lot of money and you want to get your money’s worth. But if you send your cozy mystery romance to the editor who specifically requested erotica, you are not going to magically change her mind about what she likes. But you could get stuck in her mind as the writer who may be a bit dim (and unprofessional).

Here’s what your money did buy: a guarantee that the agent (or editor) will take a look at what you’ve sent. Not an intern, not the over-worked assistant, but the agent (or editor). That’s why you’re given a special subject line for your submission. Theoretically, you’re going straight to the top of the pile. Now, I can’t promise that every agent or editor follows this practice, but in my experience, it’s been pretty consistent.

So don’t waste your time and theirs by sending everything out and seeing if anything sticks. Carefully target your queries or submissions, and don’t dilly-dally. Because if you wait too long before you follow up, that door’s going to close!


The Personal Connection

Maybe you had an opportunity to chat for a while with an agent, editor, or famous author sometime during the conference. Maybe you felt like there was a personal connection there. Maybe you’re pretty sure he or she is your new best friend forever.

It could happen, but resist the urge to stalk the new BFF, even if—or perhaps especially if—that new BFF is all over social media. Maybe you could friend this person and maybe you can send a nice note about how lovely it was to meet. And who knows? Maybe you will become BFFs!

Or maybe you’ll just be one among 5,000 of his or her closest Facebook friends. But it’s for sure you won’t even be that if you don’t follow up after the conference.

And now it’s your turn. What’s your best after-the-conference tip? I’d love to hear all about it while I’m still in follow-up mode!

Cathy C. Hall is a kidlit author and humor writer.
She's still catching up on her sleep after the conference but any day now, she's going to start writing something new. And then she's going to follow up and send it to an editor. (Wish her luck!)

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4 comments Cathy C. Hall, Jacquelyn Mitchard, Patricia MacLachlan, SCBWI, Skype, writer's conferences, Writer's Tips

Selling Books 24/7

Writers often go about selling their books as if it’s something finite. But selling books is more than just an event, a couple hours at a bookstore. It’s downright infinite.

Honestly, writers are selling ALL the time. They may not be selling a book all the time but they sure as heck are selling themselves (in a completely legal and above board way).

Take me as a buyer, for example. I think I’m pretty typical. Most of the books I buy, I buy because I know and like the author. I read a ton of books for any number of reasons: I like the genre or a protagonist or the humor. But those books, I’ll check out from the library. Buying a book requires an investment. So somehow or other, that author has sold me.

I thought about book sales at a conference I attended a couple weeks ago. I, along with ten other authors, launched books. Meaning we were given three minutes to speak about our recently released books in hopes that the conference attendees would buy those recently released books. In other words, we had three minutes to sell.

But my books are work-for-hire in the education market and are only sold in Korea. Many writers in this category don’t bother to launch their books. After all, it’s not like they need to sell these books; books in the education market pretty much sell on their own.

But it wasn’t those books I was selling when I did my shtick. And I mean shtick because I brought Cathy-on-a-Stick along to interview me and have a little fun.

Before I ever stepped on that stage, I was thinking about the day when I’d have books in the trade market. I was thinking that when people hear the name Cathy C. Hall, I want them to think of humor because, well, I hope I write funny books. I was thinking of how I could sell myself as a funny writer. So I launched my Korean books with Cathy-on-a-Stick, even though no one could buy ‘em.

But when I wasn’t on that stage, I was selling, too. Talking to two or three people at lunch, or speaking to a hundred people at the conference, I was selling. The same as if I were standing at a podium, launching books.

It sounds a little commercial, or maybe even calculated, and of course, in sales, there’s always a bottom line. But it’s more than dollars and sense. It’s understanding the business of being a writer.
Whether we’re blogging or leaving a comment on someone’s blog; having dinner with friends or sitting at a banquet table where we know no one; signing books at a huge festival or for a handful of kids in a preschool, we’re selling.

It’s impossible to measure what your reach might be. The potential is infinite which is kinda scary. But it’s downright exciting, too!


~Cathy C. Hall

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2 comments book sales, book signings, Cathy C. Hall, marketing, writer's conferences

Good Idea, Bad Idea

I was a big fan of the Animaniac cartoons. (Um...yeah. I spent hours watching them while writing up this post. Still a big fan.)

The humor was subversive and super funny, and one of my favorite bits was called, “Good Idea, Bad Idea.” As in Good Idea: Throwing a penny into the fountain to make a wish. Bad Idea: Throwing your cousin Penny into the fountain to make a wish.

So as I head out to a writer’s conference next week, I find myself thinking about good ideas and bad ideas, and how sometimes, the difference between the two can be a very small thing indeed.

Good Idea: Create a unique business card.

Bad Idea: Add glitter to your business card.

Sure, you want to stand out, grab an editor or agent’s attention. But keep it professional, and keep in mind that for the most part, you’ll be giving your business card to other writers you meet. If you want to be remembered, add your photo, not pink glow-in-the-dark glitter.

Good Idea: Take notes and ask questions in the workshops you attend.

Bad Idea: Take the workshop hostage by asking question after question after question.

Of course you want to get your money’s worth at every workshop you attend. You want to be the best writer you can be and if you don’t understand something, you need to ask questions, right? Well, sort of. The thing is, asking questions is like imbibing in adult beverages: you can get obnoxious fast if you don’t realize when to say when.

Good Idea: Be friendly and approachable and make new friends.

Bad Idea: Be friendly and meet lots of new people and then forget them five minutes later.

I know it’s hard to remember names and faces, especially when you’re nervous about meeting new people. But make an effort to be in the moment, to focus on the person you’re meeting instead of thinking of a hundred different things. Engage in conversation, even if it’s brief, and you’re more likely to remember that new person. And hey, if you struggle with what to say, ask for a business card!

Good Idea: Follow up on opportunities from the conference.

Bad Idea: Follow an agent or editor on social media to the point where you’re referred to as “Creepy Stalker Writer.”

Look, it’s fine to connect with professionals on Facebook and Twitter. They expect that sort of social media interaction. But don’t make a nuisance of yourself; you are not their new best friend. You are one of many writers they’ve just met, and if you really want to make a connection, work on your craft, then follow up on that opportunity to submit. You might be surprised where that connection leads!

I’m sure that I’ve barely scratched the surface of Good Ideas/Bad Ideas when it comes to conferences, so come play! I’ll gladly give you my (cousin) Penny for your thoughts!

~Cathy C. Hall

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9 comments Animaniacs, Cathy C. Hall, etiquette for conferences, writer's conferences

Christian Writers' Conferences

By Scott Lorenz

If your book is Christian themed or is in the Christian genre then attending a Christian Writers conference may be of interest to you.

At a Christian Writing Conference you are likely to encounter authors with popular published work, or view up and coming authors recently finished work. Emily Akin, freelance writer says, “If you want your work published, you should attend one or more conferences. Attendance is part of your marketing and networking effort.”

There are many opportunities for you to attend a Christian Writer Conference to promote your career. “I have attended many conferences over the span of my career, and this one tops them all in MANY WAYS!” Connie Edwards, attendee of the Oregon Christian Writer conference.

The conferences usually last a day or two and can give you a competitive advantage. The skills and knowledge that are obtained from attending the conferences can only strengthen your public presence and give you a chance to learn new writing techniques.

Now that you are ready, here are some writers’ conferences in the coming weeks and months you should consider attending:

Oregon Christian Writers 2015 Summer Conference
Aug. 10-13, 2015
http://oregonchristianwriters.org/ocw-summer-conference/2015-sc-main/

American Christian Fiction Writers 2015 Conference (Dallas, TX)
Sept. 17-20, 2015
http://www.acfw.com/conference

Indiana Faith & Writing Conference, Anderson University
Oct. 30-31, 2015
http://faithandwriting.com

The C.S. Lewis Writer’s Workshop, Camp Allen, Navasota, TX
Oct. 30 – Nov. 1, 2015
http://www.cslewis.org/event/

Florida Christian Writers Conference
Feb. 24-29, 2016
http://www.floridacwc.net

Christian Writers Conference
March 18-22, 2016
http://www.mounthermon.org/event/361

Maranatha Christian Writers Conference
2015 Announcement Coming Soon!
http://www.maranathachristianwriters.com

Get involved with the Christian Writers Community and attend a conference, you’ll be glad you did!

***

Book publicist Scott Lorenz is President of Westwind Communications, a public relations and marketing firm that has a special knack for working with authors to help them get all the publicity they deserve and more. Lorenz works with bestselling authors and self-published authors promoting all types of books, whether it's their first book or their 15th book. He's handled publicity for books by CEOs, CIA Officers, Navy SEALS, Homemakers, Fitness Gurus, Doctors, Lawyers and Adventurers. His clients have been featured by Good Morning America, FOX & Friends, CNN, ABC News, New York Times, Nightline, TIME, PBS, LA Times, USA Today, Washington Post, Woman's World, & Howard Stern to name a few. Learn more about Westwind Communications’ book marketing approach at http://www.book-marketing-expert.com or contact Lorenz at scottlorenz@westwindcos.com or by phone at 734-667-2090. Follow Lorenz on Twitter @aBookPublicist.

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Leave a Comment book marketing, Christian fiction, Christian Writers Conferences, Scott Lorenz, writer's conferences

The Business of Reading

I’ve got a conference to attend in a week or so, and I’m rushing to finish my reading. It’s a big part of my writing business, all this reading, though it’s changed a bit over the years.

Early in my fiction-writing journey, I read stacks and stacks and more stacks of the books in the genre I was pursuing for publication. Reading good writing can only help improve writing—that’s the advice given by just about every published author.

But now that I have improved, and have a few manuscripts of my own, I read with an added purpose.

What To Read Before the Conference

If your work is ready to submit, it’s time to take your reading to another level. Here’s a couple ideas of what to read, depending on what you’re looking for:

AGENTS:

There could be anywhere from three to a dozen agents at a writer’s conference. If you’re looking for a good fit, read their websites and/or blogs. Then check out the books they’ve sold and/or had published. And then read a couple of those books. It won’t take long to get a good feel for what an agent likes. Because if you want an agent to fall in love with your book, give him or her what they like. Put another way, don’t waste your time or the agent’s time. If your work leans to dark and edgy, look for an agent who leans the same way. Like calls to like, my mom always said. (And Mom was right.)

EDITORS:

Like agents, editors have specific likes. You’ll quickly pick up on them if you read a couple books from their list. That’s not to say that your manuscript won’t knock their socks off if it’s different from their list—it very well could—but you’ll have a harder sell. Look for a way to connect your manuscript in some way to what an editor already likes. The more you read, the more you’ll know. And they’ll appreciate that you’ve done your homework, perhaps giving you a connection for a future manuscript.

And what if you’re not attending a conference but you’d still like to get this insider information?

Reading is still the answer. Go to your library or bookstore and choose books similar to the manuscript you’re hoping to sell. Those are the publishers you’ll want to target. And if you need an agent to submit to the house, look inside the book, to the very back page of acknowledgements. What agent does the author thank? Start your list and continue your reading homework.

Reading. It’s a tough job, but a writer’s got to do it.

~Cathy C. Hall

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8 comments Agents, Cathy C. Hall, Editors, reading, writer's conferences