I mentioned (I think) that there are many reasons to attend a writer’s conference. I’m not just talking about the Romance Writer’s of America conference. For me, the main reason you should attend a writer’s conference (if you’re a writer) is the ‘face time’ with your editor/s and agent. I cannot drive this point home enough. If you’re a writer, you NEED face time with these people. So if you’re not going to make a special trip to New York to meet them, then a conference is the next best thing.
You’re probably asking yourself, ‘Why is face time so important?’ Well, for a lot of reasons. You get a chance to clear up any misunderstandings/questions/confusions. I had that happen at this conference. I’d been under the impression that things were one way with one of my publishers, when in fact, they were just the opposite. I would never have learned that had I not sat down with my editor. I also wouldn’t have learned that I have more writing options than I initially imagined. Again, that came from a conversation with one of my editors. Face time is also good for keeping your name/face in front of your editors. When a special project presents itself, they might think of you since they’ve seen you and talked to you. Sometimes emails get answered a little faster, when you’ve spent time dining/drinking/meeting with your editor/s and agent.
It also helps to meet the readers. Yes, there are a LOT of readers at writer’s conferences these days. I met a lot of lovely men and women at the San Francisco conference. Did I make a good impression? Hopefully. I have to admit at times it was a little overwhelming. Everyone seemed to be in good spirits. I know I was happy that they took the time to wait in line for RED. I tried to talk to each person, even if it was just a few words. I didn’t do this to kiss up to readers. I did it because ‘I’ need that connection with them. It makes everything seem a little less impersonal.
The longer you’re in this loco business, the more conferences become one long meeting. And that’s a good thing. It’s nice to attend the talks and see friends. Goodness knows I don’t get to see the latter often enough. But in the end, you really should be getting face time with your editors/agent and making business connections with librarians/booksellers. (And yes, I realize the last sentence breaks MANY grammar rules. *ggg*)
If you’re attending a writer’s conference and you’re unpublished, which the majority are at the RWA conferences, then you should be trying to get as many appointments as you can with editors/agents. This is your shot to pitch your work and make a good impression. Just because they don’t buy your book, doesn’t mean that they won’t remember ‘you’. That next story you send in might receive a warmer welcome.
So here are a couple of questions: If you attend writer’s conferences, why do you go? If you’ve never attended a writer’s conference (and you write), why not?
I go strictly to network. With other writers, editors and agents. And I do love the face time with readers.
by Vivi Anna August 7th, 2008 at 3:39 pmVivi, I see a lot of authors not really doing what you mentioned above at conferences. They meet other writers, but only stare at the editors and agents.
by Jordan Summers August 7th, 2008 at 3:54 pmThat’s too bad. I make a point of it to meet as many editors and agents as I can. At RT, I got some good face time with a few editors, that knew my name, and I spent a ton of time with my own agent and her other clients. I find at conferences it is an opportunity to show your personality.
by Vivi Anna August 7th, 2008 at 5:55 pmV, It is too bad. I try not to show too much of my ‘real’ personality. I’d like them to continue to speak to me. *ggg*
I’ll meet agents if I’m introduced to them, but otherwise I tend to leave them alone when I’m already represented. I figure they’re getting hassled enough without me jumping into the mix. 
by Jordan Summers August 7th, 2008 at 6:50 pmI go to get face time with anyone and everyone.
Seriously, I need the connection with other writers since conferences are the only time I ever see any. there are no local chapters or groups where I live.
Face time with agents and editors is equally huge, but I’ve been unsuccessful in this. (Aside from NY) I’ve only met my agent face to face twice because she doesn’t go to RT. Neither of my editors go to RT either. And although I’m not normally a shy person, I do find it difficult to casually chat up other editors or agents.
And like you, I need to connect with readers too. Basically I just need to connect with people who know me as Sasha White, the author, because no one in my every day life talks books or writing with me.
by Sasha August 8th, 2008 at 12:16 amSasha, Most of the editors and agents that I’ve heard of don’t attend RT. Some attend RWA, but my agent doesn’t. Not a surprise, since romance isn’t her specialty. After my NINC experience, I must say I prefer going to N.Y. for business meetings with my agent and editors. I’m not good at chatting up strangers because I hate small talk. I mean REALLY hate small talk. I find it extremely uncomfortable. But I hear you on connecting. It is important.
by Jordan Summers August 8th, 2008 at 12:51 amI’ve never been to an RWA conference or to RT.
They’re simply too far away.
I don’t fly on airplanes since they won’t let me drive, and my broomstick only gets 10 miles to the gallon of mojo.
As you can imagine, that makes flying very tiring.
But I do think “face” time is an important factor if you intend to publish in NY. So I may have to save up my mojo and haul myself and my fuzzy slippers to Orlando next year for RT.
If you decide to go to RT next year, Jordan, we’ll have to say hi over a drink.
Hey Sasha, you know you can always email your ever-lovin’ CC if you want to chat about writing.
by Cassandra August 10th, 2008 at 3:25 pmCassandra, Yes, I imagine a broomstick wouldn’t be the most ‘economical’ way to travel. *g*
Face time is important.
I should be at RT next year and I’m sure I’ll be in the bar. That’s pretty much a given. LOL!
by Jordan Summers August 10th, 2008 at 7:04 pm