Monday, September 17, 2018

Guest Post: “The Dummy’s Guide to Writing Conferences” by Historical Mystery Author Marty Ambrose


I’ve long wished that there were a “Dummy’s Guide to Writing Conferences.”  Over most of my writing career, I’ve attended these conferences—both national and regional—and found that they can be both an amazing networking opportunity and a confusing maze of information. 

Let’s talk the “big” ones first.

The national conferences can be overwhelming.  Lots of editors and agents.  Tons of published authors.  Hordes of attendees.  So, here’s what I do:  the day that I arrive, I always go through the schedule and pick out the “latest news” editor and agent panels and, then, the published author workshops.  The good news:  I have found the agents and editors are VERY approachable and interested in talking with authors.  The bad news:  Their publishing houses may not be adding new authors.  Nevertheless, it’s worth scheduling a “pitch” session, both with an editor and an agent whose house publishes the type of book that you write.  It’s good practice to craft a five-minute speed pitch for your work.  And, most of the time, they will request to see a partial or full manuscript.  Talk to everyone.  Make friends.  Go to the cocktail parties—always fun.



But don’t overlook the regional conferences. 

There are fewer people.  You can meet the editors and agents at breakfast, chat with published authors at lunch, and make friends at dinner.  The workshops are also more closely-knit, giving you opportunities to pick the brains of authors who’ve “been there; done that.”  I’ve made life-long friends and met my agent at regional conferences (and they’re less expensive!).

Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

  • Be friendly and professional.
  • Attend lots and lots of workshops.
  • Hang out in the “common spaces” like the bar (tough job).
  • Don’t be afraid to talk to editors and agents in the elevator—I’ve had some of best conversations here.
  • Take notes for your own Dummy’s Guide.
  • Enjoy!


ABOUT THE AUTHOR




Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Marty Ambrose has been a writer most her life, consumed with the world of literature from the time she first read Agatha Christie mysteries and British Romantic poetry.  Marty pursued her undergraduate and graduate degrees in English, both in the U.S. and the U.K. so she could teach students at Florida Southwestern State College about the writers that she so admired.  Three decades later, she is still teaching and has enjoyed a writing career that has spanned almost fifteen years, with eight published novels for Avalon Books, Kensington Books, and Thomas & Mercer. Marty Ambrose lives in Florida with her husband, ex- news anchor Jim McLaughlin.  She plans to travel to Italy in the Fall to research A Shadowed Fate, the next book in the trilogy.

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