How To Prepare For A Writers Conference

I’m honored to welcome Christian writer and social media guru Edie Melson as our guest blogger today. Edie also is co-director of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. She brings a lot of experience to the conversation about preparing for a writers conference. Check out her blog, The Write Conversation, for more in-depth writing tips.

Welcome, Edie!

Prepare for a Writers Conference

Previously, on my blog, I posted a tongue in cheek Top Ten List of Reasons to Attend a Writers Conference. Then I gave a rundown of how to Choose a Writers Conference. Today I'm going to get a little bit serious and share some of the things you may want to prepare before you go. I've written about reasons to attend a conference on this blog, and I'll address what you'll need for two of those.

Networking

Networking is the easiest to prepare for. If you're just going to meet other writers and professionals the main thing you need is a good business card. Please take note, I said, good, NOT expensive.

These are the things a good writer’s business card includes:

·    Your picture - I know, I hate to have my picture taken and I always hate how it looks. But, in this business you need to be remembered and recognized and your picture is the best and easiest way to do that. If someone has a card with your picture on it, they'll remember who you are months longer than if it's just got your name. Also, it's harder to throw away a card with a picture on it than a card with just text on it.
·    The name you use when you write - If you use a pseudonym, be sure it's on the card. Here's an example (I just made up the names - they're not representative of a real person): Susie Stone, writing as Catherine Milo.
·    Your email address - This is going to be the main way others will contact you.
·    Your website or blog address - Never pass up the opportunity to encourage new visitors to your sites. Also, many people will follow up on what you've told them and this will be a way for them to get to know you better.
·     Cell phone number - This isn't absolutely necessary, but it helps if your email goes down and someone has a hot lead for you.

Please take note of what is NOT included on a business card now. You do not need your physical address on the card. Actually, it's a liability. It can be dangerous to give out your home address, so if you feel you must include an address, invest in a PO Box.

It is possible to make your own business cards, using Avery brand sheets that go through your ink jet printer. The trick to successfully printing your own cards is to keep them simple! Another inexpensive way to go is by using VistaPrint. This online company is very reputable and I personally know a lot of writers who get their cards through them.

Bring some writing samples:

These are good to have simply because you'll probably find yourself in a group, or at a table, where everyone is sharing something they've written. It might not happen, but chances are, if you don't have anything to show, you'll be disappointed.

Pitching

This is when you attend a conference because you have something you want to sell to a publisher or if you want to get an agent. The things below that you'll need are specifically for those wishing to sell a fiction or non-fiction book.

It's important to keep in mind that everything you prepare for the conference to pitch a project is incremental in nature.
·     Your tag line or hook should make the editor or agent ask to hear more about your project (this is the time for the elevator pitch).
·     The elevator pitch should lead them to ask for your one sheet.
·     Your one sheet or pitch sheet should lead them to ask you to send them a proposal when you get home.
·     Your proposal should lead them to ask you to send them your entire manuscript.
·     Your entire manuscript should lead them to offer you a contract.

These are the generic steps in publishing. God can step in at any time in the process and something completely different can, and often does, happen. But, until that happens, I try to take it one step at a time.

Now let's look at what's involved in each one of these components.
·     tag line or hook - This is one sentence, preferably 15 words or less. It should NOT be a synopsis of your book, but rather it's to intrigue the editor/agent and make them want to know more.
·     elevator pitch - This should be short, around 45 seconds. It will sound a lot like back cover copy or what is on your one sheet. Again, it's to make the editor/agent ask to see more.
·     one sheet or pitch sheet - This gives the blurb about your book, information about yourself (bio) and general info, like genre and audience for your project. If it's fiction, it states that the project is finished. If it's non-fiction it gives a completion date if the project is unfinished.

You won't need a full proposal or manuscript for the conference. If an editor or agent is interested, they'll ask you to email or snail mail them one when you get home.

Again, as with networking, you'll need to bring some samples of your writing.

This is just a general overview of what is needed. If you have specific questions, feel free to contact me at ediegmelson@gmail.com. You can also post your question in the comments section below so others can learn with you.

Don't forget to join the conversation!

Blessings,

Edie

Edie Melson is the author of numerous books, as well as a freelance writer and editor. Her blog, The Write Conversation, reaches thousands each month. She’s the co-director of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference and the Social Media Mentor at MyBook Therapy. She’s also the Social Media Director for Southern Writers Magazine and the Senior Editor for NovelRocket.com. Connect with her on Twitter and Facebook.

My Top 12 Fantastic Writer Resources

Great news! I’ve updated my annual list from 10 to 12 resources. So whether you’re an aspiring Christian writer who longs to be published—or a published writer who wants more opportunity—you’ll find something in the list to help you.

Skills and talent are important, but it’s also imperative to be educated in the publishing market. This includes knowing current acceptable grammar usage, how to write queries, and subject trends. As important is knowing where to submit your work, whether you’re seeking to build writing credits or for pay. If you don’t have the means to attend writers’ conferences, these resources are a great way to become more educated to help achieve your publishing goals. We all want to be published, right?

The following comprehensive list covers all of the above and then some.

Story Sensei - If you’re looking for a Christian writer with a heart for aspiring writers, acclaimed Christian writer Camy Tang would rank high in that group. Her website offers an extensive list of articles on every writing subject imaginable. She also offers an array of paid services including worksheets and coaching.

The Write Conversation - Are query letters confusing? Difficult? Make you want to pull your hair out or throw something against a wall? You’re not alone. Most published writers have been in your shoes. Here’s a great article (and writer’s website) written by Edie Melson, editor and writer with hundreds of articles and books to her credit. You’ll find many writing topics in her website’s archives.

Open Submissions - So you want to be published and don’t know where to look. How about a list of 200+ Christian magazines and book publishers with open submissions? This list should keep you busy for a while. 

Vonda Skelton - This website is filled with encouragement, writing opportunities, and writing support services such as critiques. Vonda’s heart for helping others shines through all aspects of her ministry.

Self-Editing For Fiction Writers: How To Edit Yourself Into Print - If you can only afford a few writing books, this should be at the top of your list. Many fundamental writing errors can be eliminated by utilizing the concepts outlined in this book.

Pelican Book Group Blog - There’s nothing better than advice directly from the staff of a publishing house. This blog is staff written and posts in-depth self-editing tips through their weekly “Tactical Tuesdays” posts. 

Characteristics Of A Hero - Most fiction storylines involve a hero and/or heroine. They should possess characteristics like bravery and courage but also quiet characteristics like humility and selflessness. They also need a flaw. It’s imperative that you nail these characteristics for your hero. Many can also be applied to the heroine. This is a good website to get you thinking about how to flesh out your characters.

Editorial Freelancers Association - Are you considering hiring an editor or ghostwriter to assist you in a project and don’t know where to look or how much you can expect to pay? Or maybe you’re considering getting into this line of work. This is a reputable website to aid your research.

American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) - I can't begin to list all the resources available by signing up for a membership. First year is $65, and it drops to $45 for subsequent years. Members have access to critique groups, networking, contests, conferences, and more. This is one resource I’ve utilized that has pushed me to a higher level in my writing career.

Writer's Digest - This magazine is the first writing resource I used, even before I had Internet! It is chock full of writing market information, current trends, and writing lessons for all genres. In addition, if you can’t afford $20 for a yearly magazine subscription, the website archives is overflowing with educational articles. Reading through them is like attending a free writers’ conference right in your own home.

2014 Writer's Market - Hot off the presses with the latest writing market information available! It’s worth the investment because you can utilize it several years by going to the website for each publisher listing and checking their updated writer’s guidelines. In addition to current writing markets are contest listings. Contests are a great way to get feedback and get your work noticed. The front section has sample book proposals and query letters, articles on how to pitch your work, and multiple other writing topics.

The Christian Writer's Market Guide 2013 - Like Writer’s Market above, you can utilize the information in this book for a few years by going to the websites for the individual listings to find current submission guidelines. (The 2014 version is set for February 1 publication.)

Okay, that should keep you busy for a while! If you've used one of these resources, how did it work for you? Do you have a favorite writing resource that’s not on this list? I’d love to hear about it.

Happy Writing!
Laura

(Disclaimer: I’m not guaranteeing success if you purchase any products listed above. Only you can decide what’s best for your career, including expending financial resources for services offered on any website.)

© Laura Hodges Poole

How To Write A Compelling Query Letter

Join me in welcoming Edie Melson, a gifted writer and social media guru, as she explains how to write the dreaded query letter. Edie’s latest book, Connections: Social Media Techniques for Writers, was released in 2013.

Edie Melson

A query is basically a written pitch. As you advance as a freelance writer, you'll have to write less and less of these, because you'll have editors coming to you with assignments. But believe me, the skill you develop writing these will stand you in good stead.

This simple concept has caused more anguish for writers than anything else around. But in the freelance world, it’s a necessary evil. Your queries may find their way to the editor's desk in hard copy format or email, but the principles are the same.

It may seem unfair that your writing ability is judged on a single letter or email, but that is the hard truth in this industry. And, having sat behind the editor’s desk, I now understand why. Invariably a poorly written query previews major problems in the writer’s submitted work. I have rarely found this to be the exception. But rather the rule.

The query letter serves two equally important purposes:

• Get the assignment.
• Showcase your writing ability.

The Parts of the Query 

• Salutation. Make certain you get a name – not Dear Editor. If you can’t find the name listed anywhere, call the office, just don’t let them connect you to the editor. Also, check the spelling and the GENDER. You don’t want to use the wrong pronoun. Here's a post I wrote about the Importance of a Name for more details.
• First Paragraph. You should start with your hook. Don’t use anything corny like, “Don’t miss out on this opportunity.” Instead, it should be a legitimate hook. You also need to reference what part of the magazine/website you’re pitching. Don’t say something like, “This idea would work well anywhere in your magazine.” It's a neon sign that screams amateur. Also give the approximate word count.
• Second Paragraph. This is where you pitch your idea. It’s good to include specifics—even bullet points—here.
• Third Paragraph. This is your bio, your credentials for writing this article. Be honest, but don’t over inflate your merits. As editors, we've seen it all and can spot a fake from a mile away. Also don’t criticize or run down yourself by saying something like, “I don’t have any writing credits, but I’m willing to learn.” 

NOTE: If you don't have any writing credits, include experience you have that would make you a good fit for writing this article. Are you pitching an article about how to get kids ready for to go back to school? It would be important for the editor to know you have six kids in school or that you're a teacher.

Here are the basics you need to achieve these goals:

• Keep it short. Your query letter/email should NOT exceed one page…ever! If you're not sure what one page would look like in an email, write it in a word document first. Then copy and paste it into the email.
• Use a standard font. Times New Roman 12 point font.
• Use standard formatting. For an e-query use block formatting (no paragraph indentions, single spaced, double space between paragraphs). For hard copy use traditional letter formatting (indented paragraphs, single spacing, no extra lines between paragraphs).

Here are some red flags to avoid:

• Too long.
• Strange fonts.
• Improper or mixed formatting.

Also, it’s vitally important not to waste time when sending a query. I don’t mean hurry to send it off, but rather, get to the point. Don’t waste the editor’s time with things that are understood, or have no bearing on the article you’re pitching.

Here are a couple of examples:

• Just say the word and I’ll send you the article. (I really doubt you'd be pitching something and then not agree to send it.)
• I've spent hours researching this subject. (I would hope so.) 

There are a lot of good resources on writing queries out there. The best I’ve ever seen is a screen cast, Anatomy of a Pitch by Alton Gansky. He goes through an actual e-query and explains what works in it and why.

There is also a free e-book, How to Write a Great Query, by Noah Lukeman (You may remember another book he wrote, The First Five Pages). In this book he deals with queries for agents regarding book length manuscripts, but a lot of the tips are also relevant for freelancers—particularly the section on non-fiction books.

Now it's your turn. What experience have you had with queries? What questions do you have?

Don't forget to join the conversation!

Blessings,

Edie

Edie Melson is a freelance writer and editor with years of experience in the publishing industry. She’s a prolific writer, and has a popular writing blog, The Write Conversation. She’s the co-director of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, as well as a popular faculty member at numerous others. She’s also the social media columnist for Southern Writers Magazine and social media coach for My Book Therapy. Connect with her through Twitter and Facebook.

(Almost) Live From The Cove

Whew! What a weekend. For those who aren’t regular followers, I attended “Writers Advance! Bootcamp” at the Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove in Asheville, NC. As promised, I took many photos, though my jammed-packed schedule didn’t allow for blog postings. 

Guard house at entrance

Shepherd's Inn

I arrived at The Cove around 3:00 p.m. on Friday, an hour later than I’d planned.

After check-in, I rushed off to the first early bird class at 3:30, “Writing Big in a Little Space,” taught by the brilliantly gifted writer, editor, and social media guru Edie Melson.

Dinner, the opening session, and the keynote address followed, “Your Writing Career and its Longevity,” by the acclaimed Christian fiction author Yvonne Lehman. Yvonne published her 50^th book, Hearts That Survive: A Novel of the Titanic last spring. It's always a pleasure to hear her speak.

Evening networking began at 9:30, followed by Christian Devotions staff meeting, after which I fell into bed around 11:20 p.m.

At 6:20 a.m. I was ready for day two. Or maybe not. You be the judge of how tired I already looked at breakfast on Saturday morning. LOL.

I attended another wonderful day of classes, ate incredible meals, and enjoyed a brilliant keynote address given by Vonda Skelton, followed by fireside chats with fellow authors during snack time at 9:00 p.m. Exhaustion had definitely set in, but the Holy Spirit had given me much to think about when I went to bed around 11:00 p.m.

Sunday morning we awoke to a beautiful snowfall...

...and a time of worship and receiving our bootcamp marching orders, which were based on Isaiah 6:8:

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”

Despite the condition of the world around us or, more importantly, because of society’s spiritual state, Christian writers don’t retreat—we advance with God’s power supporting us.

I’m eager to see where the Lord continues to lead me on this writing journey He gifted me with. I’m happy to be sharing my journey with you.

needlepoint gift portrait

Below are more Cove photos, if you’d like to look at them.

prayer room in the training center

writers (and friends) from Anderson, SC

Samaritan's Purse missions

Medical missions

One of many memorabilia displays

Ruth Graham's funeral

"End of construction. Thank
you for your patience."

At the chapel

If you enjoy my blog and receive it through e-mail subscription, would you consider forwarding to a friend you think might also enjoy it? If you’re reading the blog itself, would you take a moment to tweet or facebook to your followers and friends? The icons are below. Thanks so much!

Laura J 

©Laura Hodges Poole