On the 19th I’ll be at the wonderful Liberty States Fiction Writers Create Something Magical Conference. It’s a great event with some awesome workshops and 20+ editors and agents taking pitches. Plus, there are going to be a bunch of gift baskets, including one with a Kindle, some nice giveaways and a book fair that’s open to the public. If you’ll be in the Woodbridge, NJ area that Saturday, please drop by. The book fair is from 5:30 to 7 pm on March 19th.
So with that conference at hand, today’s Thursday 13 is all about some conference tips. Here goes.
1. Have a business card at hand, even if you’re not published. You want to start making connections and people need to know how to reach you.
2. Mingle. Make connections.
3. Don’t mingle. LOL, yes a little bit of a contradiction, but you need to learn body language. If two people are close together and in a serious discussion, it’s not the right time to butt in.
4. Enjoy yourself. Yes, it’s work, but it’s also a chance for you to unwind.
5. Choose your workshops carefully. Make sure they are ones that fit a need that you have.
6. Dress professionally.
7. Dress comfortably. You can do 6 and 7 and it’s important to find that balance. If you’re not comfortable, those vibes carry to others.
8. Don’t drink too much. You can’t believe how often I’ve seen people break this rule.
9. If meals are being served, choose a table where you can meet new people.
10. If you’ve got the time to spare, stay after the conference ends and the fun time begins. It’s part of networking, but it’s also part of finding time to share with other creative people. It can be really rejuvenating.
11. Prepare your pitch. Stand in front of a mirror or sit with a friend and practice it. See if it sounds natural.
12. Don’t be nervous in front of the editors and agents. They don’t bite. Really they don’t.
13. Have fun! You’ve probably spent some money to attend, travel, stay, get new clothes, etc. Take the time to enjoy yourself a little.
Hope you found these tips helpful! Hope to see you at the book fair!
