conference tip #2
Attending SCBWI conferences helps you learn how to interact with editors and agents. You gain an understanding of what they’re looking for, how to submit to them, etc., etc., etc.
The first time I had a critique with an agent at an SCBWI conference, I was scared to death. I did and said all the wrong things. That was several years ago, and I have learned from that experience.
Agents and editors, as we like to say here in the south, put their pants on one leg at a time, just like we do. When you go to a conference, don’t be afraid of them. Be friendly. Thank them for coming to your conference. If they’re critiquing your work, thank them for their comments, even if you feel like crying by the time they’re finished. (And do try not to cry. There are agents out there that do not like tears during critiques. This is a business, after all, and we must learn to behave in a professional manner.)
HOWEVER …
Don’t behave like a used car salesman and hound them until they agree to take your manuscript for a test drive.
Don’t corner them at the end of a workshop, in the hall, in an elevator, on the front steps of the hotel, in the dining room …
And if you’ve paid for a critique, don’t expect them to read your work and immediately offer representation.
Read the Upstart Crow blog for an agent’s perspective on conference groupies. Don’t behave like the zombies in the photo. Zombies are scary. Don’t be scary.
I’ve volunteered at several conferences. Once, I had to literally PULL an agent away from a gang of desperate writers.
It’s not a pretty sight. And believe me, it doesn’t leave a good impression on the agent.