NY Writer's Conference

There is no questions in my mind, the NY Writer's Conference is one of the biggest conferences available to writers today.  I am excited and nervous and have much to do in preparation.  If you are attending, here is a short lists of a few things you should do to be ready:

1. Review the list of agents that will be attending the PITCH SLAM.  The pitch slam is a great opportunity to pitch your book while standing in front of an agent who may want to see more.  It is on the spot.  Review the agents ahead of time so that you can make the most of your time during this two-hour frenzy.  You don't want to pitch a novel to an agent only looking for non-fiction material. 

2. Plan your workshops ahead of time.  Writer's Market has put out the schedule so that attendees can decide where they want to go and when.  Each workshop offers great information and insight on the publishing/writing world, so discover your needs and plan accordingly. 

3.  Use Thursday to rest up.  Why?  With so much exciting opportunities avialable at the event, the last thing that you need is to be approached by an agent and be so tired that your mind is not sharp enough to gear the conversation towards pitching your book or future book. Agents know that when they speak to an author, that author will most likely want to pitch their book.  So, if an agent approaches you, be rested and ready to fill their ears with something good. 

4.  Smile.  This is a great time to rub elbows with many agents that may have turned you down in the past.  Now, however, you have a chance to let agents see who you are.  This, sometimes, will be all an agent needs to be turned on to your work.  A positive, upbeat attitude can go far in an agents world.  So keep your smile big and bright because you never know what may happen!

If you are going to the event, I wish you much success and fun!  The outcome of the experience is truly up to you and I hope that you are able to make the most of it.  For me, I'm ready and I hope to see you there!