#11
WORKSHOP II, Saturday, 1:45-2:45 PM
Location: Auditorium (Center of Campus) Instructor: Richard Mabry, M.D., Freelance Fiction Author
THINGS I WISH I’D KNOWN WHEN I STARTED Everyone talks about the “unwritten rules” in writing and publishing, and most of us learn those rules the hard way. This session deals with some of these unwritten rules that might come in handy for writers just starting out. These are things I didn’t learn the easy way, things that may help you enjoy your conference experience and leave here more ready than ever to serve God with your writing. I. Approaching Agents and Editors A. Why? 1. Gateway to publication 2. Network: put a face with a name, make friends B. Why not? 1. You’re not ready 2. You’re afraid II. Your Tools: A. The Book 1. Non-fiction: Concept, annotated TOC, three chapters, (platform) 2. Fiction: Completed manuscript, polished like a diamond, then the rest B. The Pitch 1. Preparation a. The “elevator pitch” b. The “five sentence” pitch c. The “high concept” pitch d. The back-up material i. One-sheet ii. Query, proposal, full ms. C. Time and Place 1. The wrong ones a. Worship b. Bathroom c. Food line d. Group conversation 2. The right ones a. Appointment b. One-on-one c. Meals, when asked D. Follow-up i. You keep your end of the bargain ii. Their response may take a while iii. Responding to a “no”