Three weeks to HNS

I am.

I'm a newbie here and I have not published yet, but I have a series of four books that I'm working on.

The conference is in my backyard so to speak, so I can't pass it up. So glad to see so many AW's attending and presenting. I'll be there with another writer friend.

See you there, Aleksandra

Me! Has anyone received confirmation for their agent meeting?

Not yet.

I have and I am very disappointed in what I am getting. Everyone bailed on me except one and I am on a waiting list for another one. It would have been nice to get this list BEFORE the deadline so I could have 50% of my money back. As it is now I'm bailing on this thing because it isn't worth my time.


I'm pissed and upset.

Ah me!

Sadly if there is a huge rush for one agent or editor someone has to miss out. However you should have been informed before the cut off date.

I thought I was going to meet with one; instead, I have been assigned to two back to back. It will be a most interesting morning.

I'll be there! Can't wait.

I am still thinking about gourmandizing at Texas de Brazil at the mall across from the hotel for a rodizo carnivore fix Thursday evening unless otherwise persuaded.

Sorry, I won't be getting in early enough to join you.

Wish I could be there!

How did you receive your confirmation? Via snail mail?

I am also arriving Friday (early!) so I won't be able to meet up with you.

I'll be there. (I'm new here, btw.) Got my agent(s) confirmation by email, a few days ago. I've never pitched to an agent in person before; any advice from the more experienced? I'm already nervous!

Didn't they send suggestions for the pitch with the confirmation? They did to me.

donroc said:

Didn't they send suggestions for the pitch with the confirmation? They did to me.

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Yes, they did - I guess I just wanted more of a personal, "I've been there" sort of thing. I'm sure I'll muddle through it, though.

WTF. I can't believe I get one lousy agent. What a waste of 600 bucks.

TinneyH said:

Yes, they did - I guess I just wanted more of a personal, "I've been there" sort of thing. I'm sure I'll muddle through it, though.

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Rehearse your pitch and be natural and articulate are the best suggestions I can offer.

Practise...

that pitch. It has to be succinct and to the point. 3 mins is a good length for a five minute slot, 5- 6 mins for a 10 minute slot.

Don't woffle. Present yourself as for an interview wearing good clothes and look groomed!

Be professional and read up on the agent so you can chitchat about hir other writers or a book s/he's recently commissioned.

Don't beg whine or plead. Watch your body language and your voice tone. Sound like a sane enthusiastic writer.

I just found out that I got an appt. with my #1 choice for the pitch session.

Can anyone give a little insight on how YOU would approach the pitch session with an unfinished manuscript (at home, I'm not bringing it)? Should I tell her upfront? Leave that part out until she asks to see a manuscript?

catholicone said:

I just found out that I got an appt. with my #1 choice for the pitch session.

Can anyone give a little insight on how YOU would approach the pitch session with an unfinished manuscript (at home, I'm not bringing it)? Should I tell her upfront? Leave that part out until she asks to see a manuscript?

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I have never pitched an unfinished novel or submitted a query for an unfinished work, so I cannot help you.

Thanks. I'm wondering if I should cancel the appointment. I thought I would be finished with it this month, but I'm not.

catholicone said:

Thanks. I'm wondering if I should cancel the appointment. I thought I would be finished with it this month, but I'm not.

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I did not intend to discourage you from pitching your unfinished work. It may interest her. You can still discuss her agency and the market to see if your novel when completed may be suitable for her. Have several scenarios of conversation prepared. As long as you are at the conference, take advantage of it.

Also pitching will be good practice for you. Have confidence in yourself and your writing.

I forget where I posted my experience pitching treatments and stories in Hollywood. Sometimes I had only a minute or two to "grab" Mr. Big.

If I was too detailed, I would get, "Nah that ain't gonna' work."
If I was too general, I would get, "How you gonna' play it?"

I do not know when you will arrive, but feel free to practice your pitch with me and other friendly types. My most recent photo is on my web site listed below.

I'll be there. Probably getting in on Friday afternoon (driving from Dallas Thurs & Fri). I met funi at the last one, in Albany--I look forward to meeting the rest of you!

Try not to get discouraged, History_Chick. Even if you don't get to make a pitch (like me), it's a great opportunity to meet & greet with like-minded writers. You've paid your money--might as well come and enjoy the conference.

Would it be tacky to write our AW handles on our name badges so we can identify each other? If you don't like that option, no problem. Mine will say H. Scott Dalton, for any of you who don't already know.

See you there!
HN

If there is room, I will add "donroc" to my name badge.