It may take me a while to get my thoughts in order to do a conference post. I didn’t get to attend all the talks, some by choice and others because I had appointments/luncheons with my agent and editor. All and all the trip to N.Y. was well worth it. Mainly because of the industry that turned out. I met a lot of cool people like Betsy Mitchell and Liz Scheier from Del Rey. Also met a cool graphic artist named GB Tran. Nice guy. Very talented. Look for his new graphic novel next year. He’s writing and inking/penning/coloring it himself. I also ran into Dianne Moggy from Harlequin, Alisa Kwitney (who used to be an editor for DC Comics) and Barbara Vey from Publisher’s Weekly. All lovely ladies that I wish I could’ve chatted with longer.
Despite the kind of recession mindset happening in publishing these days, everyone remained fairly upbeat. They all said it was tougher to sell to N.Y. now (Shocker!), but that it was still possible. I was fortunate enough to be able to go to the Tor offices and meet the people that work there, including Mr. Doherty. He was nice enough to let me admire the view from various vantage points around his office. I don’t think I’d ever get any work done, if that was my office. He can see straight up 5th Ave over to the Hudson and has a smashing view of the Empire State Building. (I, for one, can’t get enough of looking at that building.) He’s a very nice man with quite a window to the world. In fact, everyone I met at Tor was really nice and I’m not just saying that. They kept trying to get me to take books. Do you know how hard it was to walk away with only three?
My editor, Heather took me to a lovely lunch at an Indian restaurant. We ate until we were unpleasantly stuffed. It was that good. She showed me the cover art for my upcoming release, Red. Unfortunately, I can’t share it with you until it’s been finalized. Sorry. Take my word for it, it kicks ass. It was nice catching up with Heather. It’s been a long time. I also met her lovely assistant, Melissa, who is terrific. (Your secret chocolate addiction is safe with me.;)
My visit to Curtis Brown was a bit of a whirlwind because my agent was leaving town for Italy the next day. We did manage to have a very nice lunch and a good chat. I’m really glad that I got to meet her. She’s a neat lady, who was also kind enough to give me books. Do you see a theme here?
Even if I’d gotten nothing out of the conference, the trip to N.Y. would’ve been worth it because of being able to meet up with my editor and agent. It’s shown me how important face time is with the people that you’re working with. Take note authors: Get ye to New York if at all possible.
April 1st, 2008
*nod* Next year I have got to get to at least one conference where I can do the face to face thing. Kids will be old enough to stay with grandparents while mom is gone by then.
by Charli April 1st, 2008 at 7:06 pmCharli, You really do. It’s very helpful in many ways.
by Jordan April 1st, 2008 at 10:26 pmIt seems you had a good time, and got a lot done. Fresh Fiction gave ‘Off Limits’ a great review.
by BernardL April 2nd, 2008 at 6:46 amWelcome back Jordan! I’m glad you had a good time and got some face time with both Ginger and Heather. I do think it’s very important and I’m looking to see how I can get to NY next year. BEA maybe? Luckily I get to meet my agent at RT this year.
by Vivi Anna April 2nd, 2008 at 7:43 amBernard, I did have a good time and feel like I made a lot of good connections, which for me was the point of the trip. Thanks for letting me know about the review.
by Jordan April 2nd, 2008 at 9:19 amVivi, Next year we have both BEA and PASIC in N.Y. Either would work.
I’m glad you get a chance to meet your new agent. I think it’s extremely important. You’re going to have a great time at RT. 
by Jordan April 2nd, 2008 at 9:22 amI’m glad you made it back in one piece
. It sounds like you had a great conference (hooray!). I can’t wait to hang out with you in San Francisco!
by Julia Templeton April 2nd, 2008 at 3:38 pmJulie, Me too. It was scary. I did have a good time at the conference. I’m looking forward to seeing you, too.
by Jordan April 2nd, 2008 at 5:37 pmTell Heather, Seth said it’s OK to post the cover for Red. Sorry I wasn’t in the office to meet you.
by Seth April 3rd, 2008 at 5:58 amThat sounds like a fab trip! Awesome that you got to meet both your ed. and your agent.
by Catherine Morris April 3rd, 2008 at 8:24 amSeth, I’m not sure she’ll believe me, but I’ll drop her a note. I wish I could’ve met you, too. I hope things are better.
by Jordan April 3rd, 2008 at 9:18 amCatherine, Yes, it was a wonderful trip in that respect. I’m very grateful that things worked out the way that they did.
by Jordan April 3rd, 2008 at 9:21 am