Write His Answer

It’s taken longer than I hoped and planned, but I trust you’ll agree it’s worth waiting for good things and that you’ll overlook the formatting errors. Expression Web is the most challenging software I’ve ever tried to learn.

Editorial needs and bios are now posted for everyone on faculty at the August 1-4 Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference. That includes:

•  Agents

Diana Flegal, Hartline Literary – Diana has “a passion for getting great writers published.”

Bill Jensen, William K. Jensen Literary Agency – Bill has worked in book publishing for over 35 years.

 Amanda Luedeke, MacGregor Literary – Amanda is interested in representing African American fiction, women’s fiction,  fantasy, and more.

 Barbara Scott, WordServe Literary – Barbara provided a long list of specific interests from children through adult.

•  Marketing experts

Rob Eagar, author of June 2012 Writer’s Digest Book, Sell Your Book Like Wildfire, who is teaching the continuing session, “Marketing for the Promotionally Challenged Author.”

Suzanne Kuhn – founder of SuzyQ, a full-service author promotion firm. We’ve added an additional workshop for her on Wednesday at 5:00 pm, “Getting the Social Back in Social Media,” where you’ll learn how to build true fans and readers.

•  Book editors – 16 editors representing 23 publishers offering exciting break-in opportunities in a wide variety of genres.

• Periodical editors – 13 editors representing 22 periodicals. (My first sale was to a Christian periodical. It led to over 1,000 more sales plus 8 books.  Father, please open the door for many first sales through this year’s GPCWC.)

• Authors – 19 authors available to meet with you one-on-one.

• Freelance editors and others including Rusty Wright representing The Amy Foundation and their annual Amy Awards.

Although this is my 29^th year directing GPCWC, I never cease to be amazed at the faculty Father provides and how He connects His people. “God-incidents” abound!

With the 4^th of July falling mid-week this year, I know some of you will turn either this weekend or next into a holiday weekend. As a result, I’m extending the July 7 registration price through July 12, the same date applications are due for GPCWC’s clinics. I encourage you to register ASAP to give yourself the best opportunity to receive your top appointment picks. And for those who are nervous about meeting with an editor, here’s more encouragement from faculty member, Patti Shene, vice president and editor with Written World communications.

Part 3 of Donna Brennan’s Interview
with Patti Shene

Question: New writers (and some not-so-new writers) are often nervous about meeting an editor face-to-face. Do you have anything you want to say to the nervous Nellies among us?

I came up with an acronym for a simple approach to conference appointments that may prove helpful.

Smile! Don’t approach your appointment as though you are headed to the dentist’s chair! Editors are human too. A smile exudes confidence and puts both of you at ease.

Introduce yourself. Even though a list is available to the editor, appointments are sometimes shifted. Be sure the editor knows who he is speaking with from the start of the meeting.

Make known your intentions. Explain why you chose to speak to that particular editor. Have questions prepared and easily accessible. Are you pitching a manuscript for a specific book imprint or simply seeking general information about the publishing house?

Provide paper. Present the editor with something visual, such as a one-sheet that contains the maximum information attractively arranged in a minimum amount of space. Don’t expect her to keep it. Paper adds weight to luggage and can be cumbersome to manage. Email is more convenient, but visual works for initial contact.

Listen! Pay attention to what the editor tells you. Has he expressed an interest in your work or referred you to someone else who can better meet your needs? Have you been asked to provide further information? Make notes to ensure follow through. File business cards where they can be easily found after the conference.