Blogger: Mary Keeley
Next week I’ll be at Book Expo America (BEA) in Chicago. This annual trade show is the general market’s equivalent of the Christian market’s International Christian Retail Show (ICRS). BEA is the largest book and author publishing event in North America. Both of these shows are energizing and stressful, but they are great places for agents to meet with a multitude of editors under one roof. Kind of like writers conferences are for writers when they understand that agents are not to be feared.
Conferences are energizing because they’re beehives of activity with all kinds of potential. If you think agents always breeze in to these events cool, calm and collected, let me correct your impression. Like you, we spend weeks planning presentations and scheduling meetings, while trying to keep up with daily schedules.
AGENTS UNDERSTAND you are probably sleep deprived, squeezing conference preparation into an already full life. We’re rooting for you from the other side of the appointment table, not only because we hope to discover a fabulous new writer with the next-big-thing proposal, but also because we genuinely respect writers and appreciate your passion and hard work.
It’s possible to spend so much time on your proposal and presentation 
materials that you forget to prepare you. Here are a few practical tips I learned years ago. They’ll help you prepare yourself so you can do your best presenting your proposal, because you are a reflection on your work:
- Begin preparing well in advance of the conference. You never know what interruptions might arise in the last weeks before the conference that require top priority. Avoid the mental and emotional stress by being prepared early.
- Get plenty of sleep the week before the conference. Conferences are physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausting. If you arrive tired, it will only get worse. That isn’t a recipe for best results in your agent appointments.
- Plan your wardrobe early. Last-minute, haphazard choices will result in a last-minute, haphazard appearance. Neat, well-groomed appearance matters. You’re in a business setting.
- Practice your pitch in the mirror. The natural tendency will be to talk too fast so you can get through quickly and be done with it. Practice it several times a day until you can say it smoothly, at a reasonable pace, and with muscles relaxed.
- Time your pitch. In a 15-minute appointment allow a minute for beginning introductions and two minutes at the end for the agent to give feedback and instructions. That leaves 12 minutes to talk about your book, what makes it stand out from others like it, your platform, and a brief summary of your writing experience.
- If you start off poorly in your appointment, apologize quickly and begin again. A simple apology shows honesty and willingness to own your blunder, rather than trying to cover it up. When I see a writer do this well, it impresses me and I remember it.
- Practice confidence. Have you heard the phrase, Fake it till you make it? As you practice saying your pitch in the mirror, give attention to your posture. Stand or sit up straight. Correct slumped shoulders and stressed facial expressions. Keep you hands from fidgeting. Use direct eye contact. Practice a firm handshake with a friend. When you see confidence reflecting back at you from the mirror, you’ll begin to feel it internally.
AGENTS. EDITORS. WRITERS. WE’RE ALL IN THIS BUSINESS TOGETHER, AND WE ALL WANT TO SUCCEED. You might not receive the feedback you hoped for, but agents are not to be feared. Most will offer you constructive comments because they sincerely want to help you grow as a writer.
Do you feel less intimidated about agents after reading this post? Tell us about a memorable pitch session you had with an agent or in-depth feedback you received from an agent in response to your submission. (No names, please).
TWEETABLES:
A reminder that agents are not to be feared. They root for you to do well in your pitch appointment. Click to Tweet.
An agent shares tips to help writers do their best in pitch appointments at conference. Click to Tweet.
Oh, Mary, it hurts to laugh, but you triggered a memory…
* When I was a postdoc, and a few of us were getting ready to go out on academic interviews, a tame professor ran a charm school, and one of the items covered was ‘make eye contact’.
* After his spiel, he paused, looking thoughtful, and said to me, “Andrew, disregard what I just said. This is one place where you don’t win by intimidation.”
* I’d like to add a couple of items to your list, if I may –
1) Try to maintain a consistent diet while traveling. This can be tough; one may eat healthy at home, and feel forced to turn to fast foods and rich ‘resort’ food at conferences. Try to resist this; choose what’s good for you, not what’s tasty, and bring along a few Powerbars or something similar to get you through in needed. A drastic change of diet can make you feel awful…and it can throw off your body chemistry so that you smell awful.
2) Avoid alcohol; it can linger on the breath, and it’s perhaps not the best greeting card to bring to CBA.
3) Exercise while you’re ‘out there’. Most hotels rather resent guests who free-climb the exterior walls, but they often do have weight rooms, or at least stairwells up and down which you may run. Exercise produces all those good brain chemicals, and makes you feel better about yourself.
4) Avoid using humour; as you pointed out, Mary, it’s a business setting, for one…and many people use humour to mask nervousness, which only emphasizes their anxiety. Besides. there’s nothing more humiliating than a joke which falls absolutely flat.
5) Practice the Royal Handshake. Firm but not crushing grip, up, down, and on the next upstroke gently push while releasing. Don’t do the two-handed Everlasting Handclasp, please.
6) Don’t gush. The agent or editor whom you’ve just met KNOWS it’s an honour to meet her or him, and that you’re thrilled to the toes of your little stockinged feet. You needn’t spend time emphasizing the point and besides, it makes you look like a New Guy.
7) Speaking of feet, wear comfortable shoes. You’re going to be standing and walking a LOT.
8) Guys…don’t linger on nametags. You know exactly what I mean. Eyes up.
9) Most important, take the Big Fella with you, and have a quiet talk with him before talking to anyone else. And afterwards.
Forgot the most important thing…as a writer you’re expected to be Bohemian, but don’t carry it too far.
* Cover up your tats, however proud of their originality you may be, because others…people like me…may be products of an ethos in which they are not viewed with favour (in my previous life they were prohibited ‘distinguishing personal features’ and operators did NOT have them…things have changed, but we tended to look down on them as a kind of visual braggadocio).
* Minimize slang like ‘vacay’ and heaven forfend, ‘jaw-dropping’. They can have a nails-on-the-blackboard’ quality.
I usually agree whole-heartedly with you, Andrew, but I think there is a place for humor–appropriate humor, of course.
*Case in point: a coworker and I were presenting the our team’s successful hard work at a state conference. We decided to meet in a grocery store parking lot just off the highway and travel the rest of the way together. I waited impatiently, and finally used a pay phone to call the office. I told the secretary, “I’m parked right by the McDonalds.” A few minutes later, my coworker called in, “I’m waiting by the Wendys.” Yep, there were two grocery stores off the highway, about 15 miles apart.
*We arrived at the conference late. and discovered that we were the last presenters on the schedule. The worst spot, when everyone would be tired and thinking of home. When our turn came, I launched our talk on excellent teamwork with the tale of our messed-up morning. I got a huge laugh, and folks engaged. Humor saved the day.
Shirley, that was great on-your-feet thinking.
Thanks for the extra tips, Andrew. Maintaining diet and exercise while at a conference is a challenge, but doing so can be very helpful. A fifteen minute power walk is a great de-stresser and because I tend to NOT eat when stressed I always have a protein bar in my purse to ward off low sugar brain fog. It wouldn’t do to forget my own name.
Fortunately, most of the conferences I’ve attended offer healthy snacks as well as gluten free and vegetarian options.
What would we do without bottled water and protein bars.
Andrew, you made me laugh again. Thank God I saw your post. But…
Aren’t normal humans wired to explain emotion? A remarkable author said, ‘fiction evokes emotion.’ Going by this, writers are a group that deal a lot with feelings et al. Would it then be wrong to tell that agent or editor how delighted you are to finally meet her?
And, “don’t linger on nametags.” What if it has been arranged divinely?
Excellent ideas, Andrew.
-I’m severely hypoglycemic, so I need low-fat protein every 3 hours, and fruit or veggies around to maintain my blood sugar. At ACFW last year in Dallas, my room mate Shelli Littleton brought yogurt and bananas so I could stay even keeled. When I travel overseas, I usually bring a supply of cashews and granola bars. Thankfully, Shelli saved the day! DayS.
-No free-climbing. Check. Although if I was bringing #2 Son? I’d probably have to tell him that. Anyone know what slack-lining is? He sure does.
Aww! I can’t wait for another opportunity to bring yogurt and bananas. Grapevine, TX. Next year. I hope … 🙂
Uhhh, Shelli, there may be other expenses next year for us that would overtake ACFW. Cake, dresses, a venue… several therapists, just for me.
Yes. Yes, you are right. 😉 Man, oh man!!
Congrats, Jennifer! I’m sure the cake will be delicious, the dress will be breathtaking, and the venue will be perfect. (No therapy needed. ?) I always like to say:
A wedding is one day, but the following days are a lifetime of love to enjoy.
Blessings on your coming days. ❤️
That means we can consistently eat chocolate, right?! 🙂 Great list, Andrew.
“Andrew, disregard what I just said. This is one place where you don’t win by intimidation.” I’m imagining your special ops-type eye contact. How fun! Thanks for starting us off with a humorous story today. And thanks for the additional tips.
I hope you’re doing better than a few days ago. We continue to support you in prayer, Andrew.
One year I met with an agent for the second time and the agent walked around the table and hugged me. That action put me at ease right away.
You all always look so cool, calm and in control which makes it a little hard not to be intimidated.
Last year I focused on my assigned appointments and attended the classes I’d scheduled. I’m a ‘rules girl’ and always follow the arrows in a parking lot. A friend watched the appointments board and took every open slot she could get. Do you have a suggestion on the best strategy? Thanks!
Those hugs really help. 😉
Jackie, targeting editors who are actually looking for proposals in you book’s genre gives editors the positive impression you have publishing savvy. Peruse the faculty list as soon as it’s up on the conference website and every couple of weeks thereafter until the conference. List agents and editors who are looking for your kind of book. Those are the ones you want to get appointments with. Visiting their websites to view the agencys’ clients and publishers’ catalogs so you can mention them in your meetings. This will further impress them. I hope you have a great experience.
Last year at ACFW, I was about to pitch to a rather intimidating editor. I’d heard she was tough, but smart.
RIGHT before I left my room to go downstairs, I checked my email. And that was stupid! HARD news from home had come right to my hotel room. I called my husband and he gave me the short version of what had happened. #3 son didn’t make the elite hockey team he’d already been on for 2 seasons. He’s got Osgood-Schlatter Syndrome (growth related problem, extremely painful) in his knees and the coaches who knew him well, refused to take him. My husband was upset, and my son wouldn’t talk to me. I made my way downstairs, just a bundle of heartache for my youngest child.
I prayed with a friend and entered the meeting room.
As I walked toward The Editor, who had her back to the wall, I saw the empty chair. And in the chair which had its back me? One of my favourite people. You flashed me a smile and I thought “Well, God. Mary always said she’d have my back!” I was quite pleased at God’s subtle nod that He sent reinforcements.
But, I was still in Mom Mode. I took the advice of the friend who I’d just prayed with. I got all my stuff ready to present, and then took a deep breath and told the editor what had just happened and how I was trying to be professional but my heart was aching. That fearsome editor pulled out her cell phone and said “This is who I’m missing today.” There was this very powerful editor, showing me pictures of her little ones. Then she waved her hands as if to clear the air and said “Just tell me your story.”
The meeting went well and off I went…
What did I take away from that experience?
Intimidation is from the enemy’s arsenal.
God does not give us a spirit of fear. He gives us armour and back-up. He gives us friends to pray with, and courage in spite of what is ahead of us.
But???
Use more than 3 ellipsis in your entire manuscript and I can promise, you’ll be shooting at each one of them during the editing process. 😉
*
*
#3 Son’s team made it to Provincials this year, but lost in the final. Every parent at that game said that Zach left it all on the ice. And all season? The kids’ mindset, and frequent cheer, was “WE have Zach Major, so there!!”
I don’t know how you did it … God carried you, that’s all I know. Yay, Zach! And it sounds like ellipses have to be used sparingly like exclamation points. 🙂 I have a problem with the em dash. I love it. Help!
I should clarify. Zach didn’t make AAA hockey, but he was welcomed with open arms in AA. The coaches who didn’t want him? Too bad for them.
Zach had a great season, and was given the team award for best storyteller.
Go figure.
That is so how life is. I’m shaking my head. . .but you persevered and the agent was gracious (and real). There’s a lesson in that for sure. Thanks for sharing.
I love how God met you there in that editor appointment, Jennifer. He is sooooo good that way. 🙂
Jennifer, not sure why but your comment brought tears to my eyes. Being a mom is SO hard. I’m so thankful that editor met you where you were in such a gracious way. The world needs more REAL, in my opinion. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for that story, Jennifer. It’s an important reminder. Let us never forget to ask Jesus to attend our meetings with us and be sensitive to his hand holding ours.
Great post, Mary. Your suggestions are always helpful and I like hearing about pitching from an agent’s perspective.
*One thing someone suggested to me awhile back was to take a moment and show interest in the agent I was meeting with—as a person, not just as an agent. I’ve found this puts me a little more at ease. One year I commented on a blog post the agent had written that really spoke to me.
*My very first pitch session ever was with an editor I was told was intimidating. I went in and said something to the effect of, “For better or for worse, you’re my first-ever pitch appointment.” She smiled, and I think it set the tone for the rest of the appointment. I came out of it feeling good, not intimidated. 🙂
You are the type of person that when someone is speaking with you? You make them feel like the most important person in the room. Your eyes, Jeanne. You focus entirely on the person you’re speaking with and you have that innate ability to help shut out the world
I second that. 😉 Jeanne is so supportive.
Jeanne, from an agent’s perspective I agree with you that starting off with a person-to-person connection sets a pleasant tone. You were wise to be forthright and honest because it gives the agent or editor clues about how to help you relax. If you should ever run into an agent who doesn’t help to ease your nerves, you’ll have insight about whether that person is a good fit for you to partner with.
Never been at a conference before. Two years back, I was the most introverted character in my church. I still don’t interact much, but I believe I’ve overcome shyness. At least, I do not shrink before greeting a stranger again. And I do relate with newbies in church too.
I hope the first conference I attend would treat me nice…
I am such an introvert too, Michael. But I have grown to really enjoy conferences. The people are truly nice and yes it is frightening to pitch and often discouraging, but once in awhile, you get a yes. And you always learn.
Michael, I’d say most editors and writers, and many agents are introverts. It makes sense because it’s hard for extroverts to work on manuscripts and proposals, alone, for hours and days, without the energy of lots of people interaction. You’re in good company but like all of us, you are developing the skill to be able to interact when you need to. Remind yourself that pitch appointments are a business setting, where the topic of conversation is already established: your book. It might help to make you less conscious of yourself.
Thank you Mary for the tips. It feels safe to know that I’m not alone.
Mary, This post couldn’t be more timely for me! Your comment about planning your wardrobe well in advance raised a question. Every conference has its de facto “dress code” that you only know after attending. I’m going to the Colorado Christian Writers Conference next week at the Estes Park YMCA, and the conference info says jeans are fine and even necessary for the hayride. I’d like to know from someone who’s gone there before whether the dress code really is jeans-casual or whether most people dress up morel. What do people really wear to that conference? Thanks!
Carol, I’ve served on faculty at the Colorado Christian Writers Conference in the past, and I can assure you that jeans are acceptable at that conference. You can dress them up for a trendy, professional appearance for your pitch meetings by wearing nice shirts, scarves and jackets. The Estes Park location is up in the mountains, and the camp setting is very nice. Be prepared for the high altitude by drinking plenty of water and don’t weigh down your tote bag with heavy items. There will be a lot of walking from building to building so take comfortable shoes. Check the weather forecast and pack accordingly. I hope you have a great experience.
Thanks! You just made packing a snap. I live at 6700 feet in New Mexico so 8000 feet is just like being at home.
*I’m sorry you aren’t on faculty this time. I sure hope I get to meet some other folks who take part here at the conference, but it will be fun meeting total strangers, too. (I’m the oddball writer who’s an extreme extrovert.)
Meeting the B&S agents was heaven on earth. This I remember … 15 minutes feels like 1. When you’re a Texan. I just said hello, and the lady is coming to tell me my time is nearly up. 😉
Noooo, really?
I do know that was hard for you. But you did it!!
Funny thing … I’d have never been the wiser if you hadn’t cautioned me. What? Me? Talk slow? Huh? You are the best, sister.
So true from the agent’s perspective too, Shelli. But you did it, and your gentle, gracious spirit and your smile communicated volumes about you between your words.
Thank you, Mary.
Great tips, Mary, and I wish I’d had them about five years ago. I had no idea what I was doing at my first ever conference, but at least it was small. I was seven months pregnant with my sixth child, so you can imagine how large I was. I waddled to my editor appointment and presented her with {surprise!} a children’s book manuscript. I babbled the whole time. She was gracious and asked me to send her a proposal. She’s going to be at ACFW this summer, and if I see her, I’ll say hi. This time, I won’t babble. I think.
Great story, Meghan. I chuckled through your entire telling of it. The memories of the pregnant years never go away. A published author now, I’m sure you will reflect business savvy and professionalism.
Last year I pitched a MG ms. three different times, 2 editors and an agent. The agent had us stand up at the front of the room to give the pitch and I had been feeling pretty confident before this. I managed to pitch without falling over and one of the writer’s watching commented, out loud: “Wow, I’ve watched you give that pitch 3 times and you were never so nervous before.” So strange what a simple change of standing in front of a room full of writers giving their pitch (6 writers 1 agent, we all pitched in front of each other) does to your nerves. This year, I intend to be prepared just in case someone wants us to stand up again. For some reason, sitting felt much safer.
Interesting, Kristen. I’ve never heard of that being done before and can understand the added nerves because you were essentially put “on stage” instead of the expected one-on-one meeting. Big difference. I don’t see how that benefited anyone. Hopefully, you won’t run into that again.
Mary, great tips. I’m sharing with many of my author friends prepping for ACFW already. My experience with agents and editors has certainly left me more confident that we’re all people in the world trying to make it. I commiserated with one agent I pitched to at ACFW last year about how hectic the morning had already been. We both took deep breaths before getting started. All three agents I pitched to at that conference were kind and intentional with their feedback. Sure, it was a bit stressful for this first-timer, but I left each meeting impressed with the agent’s attitude and friendliness.
Teresa, It’s great to hear about your positive experience, especially since I was one of those agents. I remember our meeting, and you did very well. I would never have guessed it was your first conference. I look forward to seeing more from you. You are on your way.
Thanks so much, Mary. Our meeting was a highlight for me, indeed.
Oh…another thought from ACFW last year. I have this overwhelming desire to make other people feel at ease. Comfortable and LOVED. That can be awkward when meeting perfect strangers. So, I went out on a ledge and wore a button that read “FREE HUGS.” It became a great conversation starter. I embraced many attendees and even a few agents. Wouldn’t work in every setting, but was a hit at ACFW. 🙂
You are a natural people person. Usually, it’s the more experienced author attendees who would think to wear a welcoming “FREE HUGS” button.
Thanks for this post, Mary. You definitely make agents sound less intimidating! My most memorable agent pitch sessions came when I had two back-to-back pitch meetings at a conference. The first agent disliked my writing sample from the moment she started reading it because she seemed to have assume I was a beginning writer based on appearances. I was so disheartened for the next agent meeting I had to immediately rush to in the next room. But the second, experienced agent loved my work from that same sample and didn’t have any of the criticisms the other agent had! It was a good reminder to trust God’s plan for the conference and my career, and to not let one person’s opinion, even an agent, make me lose that confidence in Him.
Jerusha, your work belongs to you, the author, and it’s your decision to weigh agents’ varying comments and decide which are helpful to your growing craft and which might be off-target. We agents make wrong assessments at times. It’s so true that when you are anchored to Christ, you can maintain confidence.
There’s a reason a couple of us call you Mary Fierce Sparrow.
Love it!
” )
I wonder who the other one is? Hmmmm…
I’m sorry. I can’t tell you. I’ve been sworn to secrecy.
That’s good to know….