I've been stressing a lot the past few months. I was the Editor/Agent Chair this year along with my dear friend, Linda Parisi. This isn't an easy job. We had 17 editors and agents, each taking 10 appointments. That's 170 appointments and we filled all of them. There were also 500 e-mails being sent to the editor/agent account that I had to keep track of...it was crazy.
Despite some issues, everyone ended up pleased with who they saw. Many people were asked to submit either a partial or a full manuscript. There were some who weren't so lucky. In those cases, the editor wasn't looking for what the author was pitching.
We also had the best group of volunteers ever! My heartfelt appreciation goes out to the numerous people who took time out from the conference to help us with the appointments. You Ladies Rock!
After months of stressing, I have to say, the appointments went off without a hitch. The President of the NJRW later told me some of the editors even complimented us on doing such a great job.
I can breathe now.
One woman, however, didn't show up for her appointment. I later saw her at lunch and asked her what had happened. She informed me that she was told the editor wasn't attending. She was given the wrong information for some reason. I felt so bad for her, that I offered to tell the editor what had happened and see if she was willing to accept a submission or perhaps talk to her after lunch. She agreed. They spoke for a few minutes after lunch, and when I saw the woman later in the day, she was beaming. The informal pitch went well and the editor asked for the full manuscript.
I can breathe now.
Jennifer Crusie and Bob Mayer were the breakfast speakers. Andrea Kane was the luncheon speaker, and Victoria Alexander did a Special Presentation (which I missed by the way).
In fact, I missed most of the conference. I worked the entire time. After editor/agent appts. we had lunch. After lunch I worked the book fair selling NJRW merchandise. After that, I had to count election ballots. I was wiped out and becoming sick.
If you've never attended a writing conference, I suggest you do. I have made so many friends and contacts. I've also learned a great deal about the different aspects of writing as well as the publishing industry itself. Not to mention you get to meet some of your favorite authors in person. Volunteering is another way to network and get behind the scenes. If you choose to moderate a workshop for an author, you get to talk one-on-one with them. If you volunteer for editor/agent appointments, you get the benefit of talking to them without the pressure of an appointment. I have a friend who sold her first book this way. She was helping out in the room where the appointments were being held and she just started up a conversation with an editor. She ended up telling the editor about her book, the editor requested it, and the rest is history.
I ended up speaking with an editor and a couple of agents about Cool Stuff 4 Writers. They all loved the idea of being interviewed. I'm also going to get their submission guidelines to share with you.
Speaking of agents and submissions. I was working the book fair when I saw one of the agents walking by my table. I extended my hand to thank her for coming to the conference. She looked at my name badge and said she thought she had an appointment with me. I'm sure my face turned beet red. I did have an appointment with her, but canceled it because my manuscript isn't finished. Well, for some reason, my name wasn't taken off this agent's schedule (imagine my horror) and it appeared I just didn't show up. I admitted to her that I had canceled my appointment because the book wasn't finished. I apologized profusely. She asked me to tell her about the book. At that moment, I start to freak out. I'm selling t-shirts, I'm not ready to pitch an unfinished book. I must have sounded like Speedy Gonzalez because I talked so fast, I don't even know what the heck I said. When I finished zipping through the storyline, she said she really liked the idea and told me to send it to her. I asked if she wanted the partial and she said to send her the full! Great! The book isn't done!
I can't breathe now.
After she had left, I stood there - sweating - looking at the email address. The full manuscript? She wants to see something that isn't finished? Great.
Now I realize this doesn't mean she is going to take me on as a client. Agents write as many rejection letters as editors do. I've had rejections from both in the past with my time travel novel, so I know the ropes. I'm still excited though. It's given me drive. I've been writing like a madwoman the past few days despite the fact that I have a severe head cold. I got sick last year after the conference, too. Hmmm...too bad we can't have our conferences in the summer.
I still can't breathe.
OK, so even though I'm sick, I'm writing. I plan to send it to her sometime next month. I'll keep you posted. Which reminds me, I entered the Put Your Heart in a Book Contest which is sponsored by the NJRW every year, and I made 7th place. Not bad...not bad at all. That lifted my spirits.
I'd like to think that the Luck of the Irish played a part in all the wonderful things that happened at the conference. Last year, I did an interview with author, Erin Hart. Erin has written a couple of books about bog bodies. I find this absolutely fascinating. I loved her books. Bogs can preserve bodies for thousands of years. It's creepy but neat. My friend, Deb, went to Ireland and Scotland for her honeymoon last month. She knows I collect rocks from other countries. I'm afraid to fly, so I have people bring me back rocks from other countries I know I'll never get to visit. Deb brought me a rock from Scotland and a rock from Ireland. She also gave me the coolest birthday present ever - a Celtic Cross made from Bog Wood! How awesome is that! I have the rocks and the cross sitting on my desk for magical inspiration. The cross is beautiful. It stands about 4.5 inches, it's intricately carved, and when you look at the back of it, you can see the crannies of the bog wood in its natural state.
Well the coffee has worn off and the cough medicine is kicking in, so I'm getting tired. I'm sure you're thankful this article is ending as well :)
If you have any questions about conferences, how to pitch to an agent or an editor, or even how to contact a writers group, please feel free to write me. I'd be more than happy to help you out.
You can reach me at: sandy@coolstuff4writers.com
