SDCWG Conference 2008
This last weekend, September 26-27, 2008, I had the awesome opportunity to meet my editor from Meriwether Publishing, Rhonda Wray. I had the best time getting to know her. I always knew she was a sweet woman, now I think I can honestly call her friend.
Also, I stepped out of my comfort zone of being an author trying to get published, to an editor offering consultations and advice. It was weird stepping into the other side of the galaxy. I say, "galaxy," because that is how far away it felt. I have a whole new respect for editors and agents. Which brings me to the point of this blog. The faculty sit through proposal after proposal. They are asked lots of questions. And by the end of the day, they probably wonder, "Is it worth it?" If you ever consider attending a conference in the future, help the editors/agents by doing the following (And just so you know, I've been guilty of a few of these in the past):
1. CREATE A ONE-SHEET. This is a one page, easy to read sheet that lists the title, word count, genre, a SHORT summary of the book, an author's short bio, and the audience. Occasionally, it will have some marketing ideas as well.
2. DON'T BRING YOUR WHOLE MANUSCRIPT. Most agents/publishers need to get on a plane. With all the costs of luggage, don't expect them to take it with them. Also, they have 15 minutes with you. All they need to see is the first chapter and maybe a summary. That's it.
3. KNOW WHO YOU'RE MEETING WITH. I'm a romance/young adult editor, and yet, I had a bunch of people meet with me who write non-fiction devotionals. Before you book an appointment, make sure that the editor can help you. If not, it is a waist of both of your times.
4. MEMORIZE AN ELEVATOR PITCH. When someone asks you what your book is about, you should be able to tell them in 20-words or less. Editors have lots of people to talk to, so give it to them quickly. Also, learn a 50-word pitch in case the editor wants to know more.
5. DON'T BE DEFENSIVE. I know it is hard when you put your "baby" out there, but don't try an defend it to the hilt. The editor and agents know what sells. If they say fix something, they aren't saying "you stink," they are saying, "If you ever want to be published, these are the steps you're going to have to walk through." The choice is yours.
Like I said, I've been guilty of the some of the above. But after stepping into the role of editor, I now understand why those five things are so important!
posted by Pastor Berlee | 2:52 PM
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