From the Archives: Successful Schmoozing with Agents at Conferences--a post by Jenny

To round off our month of blogging about conferences, we have a post from the archives from Jenny...

Say you are an author looking for a literary agent and you go to a conference.  And there are literary agents at this conference, perhaps even literary agents that you are interested in representing your work. How can you best maximize this opportunity? I'll talk you through a few steps.

1. Prepare, prepare, prepare. Before you go to the conference, really research all the agents who will also be there. Check out their websites, their page on Publisher's Marketplace, their recent deals. Get to know their client lists. Is there a client they represent who writes books that are similar to yours? Or a client that they have who you particularly admire? Make a mental note of it. Check out their twitter feeds. Do they like candy (hmmm, wonder who that could be)? Dogs?   Jogging? Keep it in mind. It's not stalking, it's PREPARING.  
2. If you have a pitch session with the agent, begin it by showing you have a familiarity with their list. Say something like, "I'm so glad I'm sitting down with you.  I know you represent so-and-so and I really love their work." It may feel like sucking up, but the agent will really appreciate that you did your homework. 
3. If you meet the agent at the bar, or at a meal, or outside having a cigarette (I don't smoke anymore, but when I did, it was a great way to chat informally with writers), don't automatically start pitching. Have a fun, social chat. Agents are people too, and we like just hanging out at conferences, meeting people informally, basically just chilling out and having a little break from the work stuff. Most of the time, the agent will eventually ask YOU what you write so you don't have to pitch them first.   
4. While you shouldn't pitch the agent in an informal setting, you should definitely demonstrate that you know what they rep. That's probably the best way to get them to ask you what you're working on. It's the same as when you pitch--just say, "oh, it's so nice to meet you, I love your list, particularly the work of X writer." Something casual like that.
5. If the agent's panel or workshop at the conference was useful to you, don't hesitate to tell them.   Again, if it's genuine, it's not sucking up. We work really hard on our presentations, etc., and we love hearing that it was helpful for you.
6. Volunteer to help at the conference. Pick up an agent at the airport, for instance.  It's another great way to meet them informally and I know a surprising amount of agents/editors who met clients that way.  
7. Relax and be yourself. I know the stakes are high, I know this is a really big deal, and believe me, I get that this whole thing is stressful. But truthfully, as I said above, we are just folks, and conferences often make us nervous too. Most people in the publishing industry are introverts just like most writers are introverts and conferences can be hard just in the sense that there are so many PEOPLE around. We welcome the chance to meet a friendly person and just have a casual chat. 
8. And finally, I do hear a lot about agents being snobby or whatever when they meet authors at conferences. I have only this to say--often shyness can come across as snobbery.   One of the kindest, most special agents I ever knew was painfully shy and I think a lot of people thought she was unfriendly. Not!  She just took a while to warm up to people. So it could be a case of that--again, most people in publishing really are natural introverts. Or maybe the agent is just a jerk.   In that case, it's probably not a good fit and chalk it up to a learning experience. But again, conferences are stressful for everyone, so take every experience with a grain of salt.  

Okay, that's it for today.  Good luck and hopefully I'll see you at an awesome writer's conference soon!

Jenny 

P.S. And check out our links to the conferences we'll be attending on the lower right hand corner of this blog!  

This was originally posted in August 2013.

Be a Sponge: Advice from a Veteran Conference Planner

As a part of this month’s focus on conferences, we reached out to Kim Turrisi, the Director of Special Projects at the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, as she’s been working alongside Lin Oliver, the SCBWI's Executive Director, for over 15 years, helping to plan and learning the ins and outs of two of the biggest conferences in children’s books (SCBWI’s Annual Summer and Winter Conferences).  Her advice works for any writer, regardless of audience.  See below for some wisdom about how to make the most of your conference experiences. 

You’re the Director of Special Projects at SCBWI.  Can you tell us a bit about how you came to be at SCBWI, and what you do there?

I started my career with Lin Oliver in film and television production focusing on family entertainment and, as you know, she is the Executive Director of SCBWI. Lin drew me into the SCBWI circle. At first, I only worked the National Conferences where I oversaw the one-on-one manuscript and portfolio consultations in Los Angeles and the writer roundtables in New York.

It didn’t take me long to fall in love with the organization and all it stands for before I asked for a more full time position.  Lin and I created a job which allowed me to, among other things, oversee many special projects such as our publications guide and as liaison with the publishing community along with Lin. The most rewarding and exciting part of my job is when one of our authors or illustrators is published as the result of a pairing I have done at the conference.

What are some important things that writers can take away from a conference?

Meet as many SCBWI members as you can. There is an incredible community of children’s book writer’s and illustrators. Both regional and national conferences and other events are fantastic opportunities to connect. So many friendships and critique groups form as a result of our conferences.

Listen.

Be open to revising your manuscript/portfolio and learning as much as you can about your craft.

Wait to query agents or editors right after the conference.  Sit with all the information from workshops and keynote speakers, process it, and make your manuscript even stronger BEFORE you query.  Don’t be in a rush.

What’s the best way for writers to plan for a conference?

Research the people teaching the break out sessions so you choose the best possible ones for yourself. 

If you are having a consultation, read the guidelines carefully and don’t wait until the last minute to submit.

For our LA and NYC conferences, if you have any questions about what might be suited for you, call our office and ask. We’re here to help.

What objective should authors keep in mind when attending a conference?

Be a sponge.  You are around creative people and have the opportunity to hear agents, editors and published authors impart their wisdom and experiences. Soak it in, take notes. 

What should writers NOT do at a conference?

Put an editor or agent on the spot by trying to slip them a manuscript.  While all of our faculty are open to queries after the conference, they can’t take a manuscript that isn’t solicited. It’s also not proper etiquette in the publishing world so you put yourself at a disadvantage opening with that.

Don’t pitch multiple ideas when given the opportunity to pitch an editor or agent during a session.  Focus on the one you are most passionate about.

Is there such a thing as conference burn-out?  When do know that it’s time to stay home (does that ever happen?)?

Well, I certainly haven’t noticed that. I think every writer and illustrator, published or unpublished, can always use inspiration and current information about the marketplace as it is ever changing.  As artists, I think you are always learning, evolving and improving your craft. Our conferences are designed to do just that.

You’ve seen some amazing writers speak at various conferences.  What advice sticks with you? – this could be for conferences specifically, for writing, or just for life.

Wow, there have been so many.  Here are a few that I have up in my office.

“My only advice is to stay aware, listen carefully, and yell if you need help.” Judy Blume

“Just say yes!” Kwame Alexander

“Revise fearlessly again and again.” Kate Messner

“Love what you write. Write what you know. Write honestly because everything counts.”  Sara Shandler

You’re a writer too!  What can you tell us about projects you’re working on?

I’m fortunate to work for two writers in Lin and Steve Mooser who foster creative spirit. Our offices are filled with books and every wall is a different color.  It’s hard to be around that much creative energy and not want to dive in. I’ve been working on a young adult book for several years on weekends and nights like most other writers. I’m currently revising my revision. I keep notebook with ideas that I’ve kept for years.  What’s really great is that nearly everyone in our office writes or illustrates. In our spare time.☺

Kim Turrisi is the Director of Special Projects at The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, a position she has held since 2002.  In addition to her work at SCBWI, she wrote Pretty Dirty Secrets, a web series for ABC Family’s hit show Pretty Little Liars. In 2011, she won a Daytime Emmy for a web series she wrote and executive produced.  She is obsessed with reading anything YA, college football and her dogs. You can follow her on Twitter @KimmyT22