Tales of a Conference Virgin

Before I attended the Writers' League of Texas Agents Conference last weekend, I did some research online about what to expect, what to do before I got there, and general tips. I thought I had a decent handle on the thing as I generally have a fear of half-assing anything. Okay, maybe a large freakin' issue with half-assing, but that, alas, is another post for another day.


Here are a few of the things I wish that I had known, or even if I knew them, I shouldn’t have ignored them!

Get there early! It doesn’t matter if you’re staying on site or you live in town. Get there, get the lay of the land, decompress from any traffic, whatever. Use this time to shift from your daily life to focused writer. I underestimated how much time it would take to shift from “Did the boy have a good day?” to “Let me tell you about my novel!”

Look at your name badge. Now, look at the badge on the person handing you your badge. Notice anything different? They probably aren’t the same. They may be bigger or different colors. Use your reception to spot the differences so that you zero in on your targets. And use it to thank the volunteers for all their work. You would not be there without them!

If you’ve done your homework, you’ve studied the tiny photos of the agents. If you’ve mastered the homework, you’ve researched them online. Be prepared for hairstyle changes, new glasses, or missing goatees. Again, this is where name badges become important. If there’s a wagon train circle of attendees anywhere in the room, you can bet there is an agent campfire inside. Get in there and see which one!

Hustle. Assume that every single opportunity is the only opportunity outside of the scheduled consultation. Join that wagon train and listen as you wait your turn! I made a huge error here because I wanted to watch. This was my biggest mistake all weekend! The only other opportunities for me would have been at rude and inappropriate times. Every conference packet tells you not to pitch during agents down time, elevators (it’s just called an elevator pitch,) or if they are juggling a plate of food. You will do more harm than good. Restrooms are a particularly bad choice. Don’t be the woman who finds herself pitching at a urinal. The only thing you will achieve will be urban legend status.

Pack your business cards and keep them on you. I was shocked by how many people didn’t have cards on them. Or, in paranoia land, didn’t want to give me one. It’s called a printer, people. Don’t have one? It’s called Vistaprint. There are plenty of other places, just drop “cheap business cards” into your favorite search engine if you don’t want to venture out to your local business supply store.

Talk. Listen. Repeat. Walk right up, say hello, ask about their book. This is easy to say, but for some people it’s harder to do. Funny how I do it so many times during the day at the bookstore, but it took some practice at the conference. Even if you’re tired, suck it up and go Nike.

And my final tip for opening receptions: You didn’t shell out all that money to be a wallflower!

You know, it might seem as if my opening night reception wasn't successful, but I would be remiss if I didn't say what a great time I had.  I was surrounded by so many people in the same boat.  I met some wonderful people and made some great friends.  So many times we are alone as writers, conferences are all about connections.  Your co-workers, friends, and family might say they know what its like to be a writer, but unless they are one, they really don't know.  Be greatful for their support, but find someone down in the trenches with you.  I love the people in the trenches!