I'll have to explore that fully!
Any other good advice for a Nationals virgin??
#1 - Comfortable shoes! You will actually be doing a lot of walking, so make sure your shoes are comfie. Also, bring a sweater or something like that because the temperature in the workshops varies greatly. You could swelter in one and freeze in another.
#2 - If you go to a workshop, and realize partway through that the workshop is not one for you, don't be afraid to get up and leave. Different strokes for different folks totally applies to workshops, too. If you feel funny about ducking out of a workshop in progress, check your watch first and act like you have an appointment -- which actually happens often, so who's to know? <G> My theory is you've spent a lot of money/time to go to conference -- you should not waste your valuable time sitting in a workshop that's not going to benefit you. Be polite about it, but you can duck out. You can also duck into a different one, though you might have to stand in the back if it's a popular workshop.
#3 - Place your order for workshop CDs early at the conference to avoid the mad rush to order towards the end of conference. (I forget what the price is, but it's a great deal to get all the workshops on CD.)
#4 - Be prepared with empty luggage space for the free books, or be prepared to ship a box of books home, because the bounty of free books at National can be staggering. <G> (I discovered this the first year when I ducked out of a couple of workshops, and looking for something else to do, stumbled into a few book-giveaway signings. WOW. And be careful. Sometimes those things can get out of control. Manners are always appreciated in those giveaways, because I swear, sometimes it's worse than a clearance sale. Try to avoid being trampled if people get crazy.) Even though it will cost you to ship the books, it still won't come close to the price of all those books.
#5 - Smile and talk to people. Remember, many other folks are also feeling a bit out of their element. Many writers are introverts. "What do you write?" is a great question to spark initial conversation. u You may meet your new best friend at this conference.
It's all about networking. You never know who you'll be in the elevator with.
#6 - Speaking of elevators, since you never know who you'll be in the elevator with, that's not the time to have a conversation with a friend dissing any agent, editor or publisher. Or even another writer. Cause you just don't KNOW. This tip pretty much applies to all public areas of the conference.
#7 - Don't interupt private conversations with editors and agents. (Lord, and sometimes that's easier said than done. LOL. Last year I mistook my friend's editor for someone else, and plopped myself down in the middle of their conversation. I don't think I'll ever get over the embarassment from that one. LOl. My face turned beet red, for real. So, if you do make a stupid blunder like that, apologize profusely and disappear. <G>)
#8 - If you use a pen name, when you check into the hotel, ask them to list your room in BOTH of your names, so that people who don't remember your real name can still leave messages for you.
#9 - Try to have FUN.
If I think of anything else, I'll add to this list. (Oh, exchanging cell phone numbers in advance is a good way to hook up with people.)
Susan G.
You have an agent and you're pitching? Did you set up the pitch before you got the agent? Does your agent mind?
