Conference virgins - Don’t throw yourself into the conference volcano!!!
Cassie Ryan, Tia Dani and I attended the Desert Rose chapter meeting last night. As always, we networked, laughed and drank a sweep away the blues margarita and
KC Pape and Kathleen Grieves joined our table and we talked about the Desert Dreams conference coming up in April. We are all excited about attending our own local conference.
Then we found out Kathleen is a conference virgin. If you’re a conference virgin it can be very overwhelming. Here are a few pointers before you go:
- Remember if you don’t have a book it’s important to establish your author brand and to connect with readers. This way when you have a book then you have instant readers buying.
- Bring two different business cards – One set that has your phone number for editors and other writers. The other set without your number for readers.
- When you’re given a business card, write on the back of it who and how you know the person giving you the card. This way a month from now you’ll remember the person.
- Go to the bar, even if it’s by yourself. Most networking is done there and you can talk with editors, writers, readers in a relaxed atmosphere.
- Don’t harass the editors and agents. I’ve heard of a story that one woman tried to give her manuscript to an editor under the bathroom stall.
- Book or no book, have an editor or agent appointment. Get your face and your name out there. Even if they rejected you before, ask them what stories they want to see. Do research and make sure you’re pitching to the right editor and agent for your type of work.
- Promotions – Buy something that you can get at least 3 uses. An example is if you bring a tea bag with your label on it. The reader is going to use the bag and throw away the cover. They won’t remember your name later. Believe me it happens all the time. Wasted money.
- Labels – Bring a few sheets of prefilled out labels. Name, phone number and address. You will be using these on give aways (author baskets filled with books and things). This way you’re not getting writers’ cramp writing your name a thousand times.
- Make sure you have a myspace and/or web site before you go. You want to point readers to you so they can follow your work and how to find out when you’re book is ready. You want to build up enough readers for a possible newsletter in the future. Some people bring a address book for collecting names.
- Bring two zip locks. One for the tax receipts and the other for scrap booking items.
- Don’t blog about leaving your house and how long you’ll be gone, etc. Balance the need to give readers information and the security of not having your house robbed while you’re gone…..Be cautious.
- Party, have fun but don’t get obnoxious, stinking fall down, throw up drunk. Remember you’re doing business and you still need to give the right impression. It’s a small community and everyone will either blog about your downfall or remember it forever.
- Don’t talk about others. Think about what you’re saying as it does get around. It’s a SMALL COMMUNITY!!!!
Have fun, sell your books and learn lots!!!!!!!! Isabella
