Thursday Review—Writer’s Digest

by Lynn Huggins Blackburn

Have you ever felt left out? Ever been told you should do something if you want to succeed—but you can't?

If you've ever contemplated a writers conference with a non-existent bank account, three small children, or a work schedule with zero vacation, then you know what I'm talking about.

If you've been writing for any length of time, you know about conferences. You know you should find a way to get to one, preferably every year. You know your career will benefit.

But you can't go. You can't afford it. You can't leave your kids. You can't get off work.

But could you spare $20?

That's right. $20. The price of two movie tickets. The price of four frappuccinos. The price of five gallons of gas (I know, depressing isn't it).

For $20, you can subscribe to Writer's Digest. Think of it as a little mini-conference that comes to your mailbox eight times a year.

Don't believe me? Let's think about what happens at a conference.

1. Networking - I'll grant you that you aren't going to get the same person-to-person networking from a magazine that you'll get at a conference, but each issue will expose you to new genres, new publishers, new authors, new agents, new websites and new ideas. The May/June issue lists the 101 Best Websites for Writers. You'll find websites for agents, online writing communities, writing advice, specific genres and much more.

2. Classes - Sure, you want to take classes in your field, but you also want to broaden your horizons and take a few classes in areas you know nothing about. Writer’s Digest meets both requirements. The February issue included the article "25 Ways to Improve Your Writing in 30 Minutes a Day" - hmm, sounds like a workshop title to me. If you're a fiction writer, the May/June issue's "Writer's Workbook" focuses on backstory. If you're more the freelance article type, the focus is on Food, Wine & Travel writing. It's fascinating.
  
3. Inspiration/Motivation - Conferences are like pep rallies for writers. So much encouragement, so many new ideas, so many reminders of why you write—you feel exhausted and exhilarated all at the same time.

I'm not going to pretend that reading Writer's Digest will make you want to grab some pompoms or put on some college football fight songs as you write. But, there’s something about having a magazine with the title Writer's Digest landing in your mailbox—with your name on it.

It's a little reminder.

I may not be at my favorite conference this year.
But I am a writer!

What about you? Do you subscribe to Writer's Digest? How has it helped you?
Don't forget to join the conversation!

Lynn Huggins Blackburn has been telling herself stories since she was five and finally started writing them down. On her blog Out of the Boat she writes about faith and family while her blog Perpetual Motion documents the joys and challenges of loving and rearing a child with special needs. A graduate of Clemson University, Lynn lives in South Carolina where she writes, reads, knits, takes care of three amazing children, one fabulous man and one spoiled rotten Boston Terrier.

The Scoop on the Dreaded Fifteen Minute Appointment

I've had several people ask me what to expect when they have a fifteen minute appointment with an industry professional. Many even wonder if they should take advantage of an appointment. My answer? ABSOLUTELY. Even if you don’t have something to pitch, an editor, agent or even well known author can give you valuable insights to help you focus your career goals.

Let me give you some idea of why professionals agree to be part of the faculty.

They want to help you. By and large, those on the faculty at writers conferences are there because they have a heart for helping new writers. They know what it’s like to sit on your side of the table. Others have helped them achieve their goals and now they want to give back by helping someone else.

They’re looking for new writers. The market is constantly changing and there is always room for new writers. Recently I had someone ask me why a publisher is looking for new writers if the book market is shrinking.

• First, it’s not shrinking—it’s changing.
• Second, writers come and go.
• Third, every choir needs more than one voice for each section. It’s the blend that makes the music beautiful.

Now, onto who you should speak with at a conference.

Editor (for books or magazines)—these professionals are a good choice for two reasons.

• One—you have a project that fits their line and want to pitch it.
• Two—they know the market and can give you an idea of their opinion about where it’s headed.
• Three—they can give you input on an idea you have.
• Four—they can give you career advice.

Agent—these are good for the same reasons above.

• One—you have a project that fits who they rep.
• Two—they know the market and can give you an idea of their opinion about where it’s headed.
• Three—they can also give you input on an idea you have.
• Four—they can give you career advice.

Published Writer—these professionals can do a lot of the same things. They can also:

• Commiserate about challenges you’re facing as a writer.
• Give you advice on where a particular project might fit or who in the industry might be looking for something similar.
• Give you encouragement.

You’ll sometimes find other industry folks at a conference, such as marketing professionals, speakers, publicists, etc.

I encourage you to make your appointments and try not to be nervous. They are there to help, not tear you down. And a lot of good things can come from those appointments—way beyond career stuff. I’ve made friends, gotten validation that I’m not really crazy and had the opportunity to be prayed for and to pray for others.

Now it’s your turn. Do you have any questions or, if you’ve been to a writers conference, any advice?

And . . . don’t forget to join the conversation!

Get Organized for a Writers Conference

For those who’ve known me for any length of time are aware that organization isn’t my strong suit—at least not in the conventional meaning. My desk is covered in stacks of paper and the walls of my office are papered with rainbow hued sticky notes. It’s a system that works for me—but I quickly discovered it didn’t translate when I went on the road.

So I found another way to keep myself on track when I’m away from the office and my conference notebook was born.

It’s really pretty funny. The moment people see my notebook they immediately assume I’m this ultra-organized whiz. Actually, the opposite is true and my notebook is just a last ditch effort at self-preservation. Another thing I’ve noticed is that this notebook works well no matter what your natural bent toward organization.

The primary idea for this notebook is that it contains everything I need at a writers conference so I don’t have to dig through bags or be constantly returning to my room for something I’ve forgotten.

So let’s get to it!

First, I choose a one and a half inch three ring binder. Mine is green because green is my favorite color. I make sure there’s a sleeve on the front cover to slide a cover into because it hold my contact information if I should lay it down and leave it somewhere.

Next, in the front I have a small zippered pouch with a couple of pens and some paper clips. I can also slide in a small lipstick, some band-aids and tissues.

After that, I have a neat insert that holds several different size and colors of sticky notes.

Then, I add 4 pages of clear business card holders. I use the kind that are the size of a full page, so I have plenty of room to add business cards. I keep the first three empty and use them to store business cards I get from others. The last page is full of my personal business cards, so I always have plenty to hand out. (Don’t know what to include on a business card? I posted a blog on that here.)

The next part is divided into sections with tabs. Each project I’m pitching has a section. Here’s what would go into a section.

• A clear plastic sleeve containing my one sheet for that project. (Don’t know what a one sheet is? Click here for a post on one sheets).
• An outline for the project—if it’s non-fiction.
• A synopsis for the project—if it’s fiction.
• A sample of my writing for the project. This can either be a couple of sample devotions (for a devotional book) or the first couple of chapters in a book (fiction or non-fiction).

I have several copies of my one sheet, outline, synopsis and sample—just in case the person I’m showing it to wants to keep it or mark it up with suggestions.

Finally, after the section for projects I stock the back of the notebook with notebook paper and extra clear plastic sleeves and tabs.

Extras, you can include in your notebook might be a bio sheet, a list of topics if you're a speaker or even a list of articles you might want to pitch. The nice thing about this kind of notebook is you can personalize it to fit your needs.

With this notebook, no matter where I run into an editor or agent, I’m always prepared. I literally have everything at my fingertips. During a conference I NEVER go anywhere without my notebook.

So what have you found to help keep you on track while at a conference? We’d love to learn from your experiences too.

Just don’t forget to join the conversation!
Blessings,
Edie

What to Wear at a Writers Conference

Today I’m going to continue my series on getting ready for a writers conference. One of the most asked questions I get is about appropriate attire. Below is my opinion—you’ll find others who disagree—but it’s always worked well for me.

First let me say this, you’ll see a little bit of everything when comes to what people wear at writing conferences. But, and this is important, just because you see someone wearing it doesn’t mean it’s appropriate.

I always treat a writing conference like a job interview—and really that’s what it is. You are meeting people who are deciding on whether or not to invest in you and your work. It may be a small investment—like an article; or a large investment—like a book contract.

Here are the guidelines I use when I plan my conference wardrobe.

• Business casual always works. For women, slacks, casual skirts, nicer jeans or capris. For men, slacks, nice jeans, polo’s, even some t-shirts if not sloppy. Suits are definitely NOT required. I like my style to look effortless and timeless.
• Keep it comfortable, for shoes at least. I don’t know about you, but I can’t concentrate when my feet hurt. I try to avoid athletic shoes because of their ultra casual nature, but I would choose them if they were the only ones I could be comfortable in.
• Dress in layers. No matter what the temperature outside—inside is always a roll of the dice. Some rooms will be hot, some cold. So I always try to top an outfit with a light sweater or jacket, and usually a scarf.
• Leave the perfume (men, this means cologne) at home. I know lots of folks who get headaches from or are allergic to different strong scents—and their definition of strong isn't always the same as mine. Some conferences, like ACFW, bill themselves as perfume free. 

And although this isn’t actually a piece of clothing, you’ll need to choose something to carry. Men and women need something to tote their laptops, notebooks, handouts, business cards, etc. Pick something with a wide strap, because it can get heavy by the end of the day and don’t forget to pack extra pens, tissues and breath mints!

Now it’s your turn—how do you plan your wardrobe for a conference? Also, my next post will be about how to organize all your paper paraphernalia in one conference notebook.

Don't forget to join the conversation!

Blessings,

Edie

What is a ONE SHEET Anyway?

For those of you getting ready for a big writers conference you may have heard about the need for a One Sheet. This tool is also known as a Pitch Sheet. It’s a one page presentation of the project you’re pitching to an editor or agent. Today I’ll be explaining how to put one together.

Click here to see an example of a fiction one sheet. Click here to see an example of a nonfiction one sheet.  Both of these  led to multiple requests for proposal and full manuscripts. To answer your question, no, it’s not been published. I sent it out too soon and killed my chances—but that’s fodder for a future post!

There are three basic components of a one sheet—the project blurb, specifics about the project and the author’s bio—including a picture and contact info. We’ll take each component individually and explain what’s included.

The Project Blurb

For this section think back cover copy. This is NOT the place for a synopsis. You want this section to read like the blurb on the back cover of a book.

Project Specifics

This is where you give some of the details and they’re slightly different for fiction and non-fiction.

Fiction

• Genre – like Romance or Suspense.
• Manuscript Length – this doesn't have to be an exact word count, just an approximation.
• Target Audience – every book should be written with an audience in mind. I know, we all think our book will appeal to a wide range of readers—and that may be true. But this tells the potential editor or agent how to market the book. It will help sell a publishing house on your manuscript by defining the reader you’re writing for.

*there isn’t a section here for completion date because it’s understood that a manuscript must be complete before it’s submitted. It’s okay to pitch an uncompleted manuscript with a one sheet, but it’s rare for anyone to look at it as a submission until it’s complete.

Non-Fiction

• Projected Completion Date – the reason you don’t have a non-fiction manuscript completed is because publishers like to have a say in the overall concept.
• Manuscript Length – since it’s not completed, this is just an estimate.
• Target Audience – just like in fiction, you need to focus in on who specifically you’re targeting with this manuscript.

Author Info

This is where you need to include a personal bio, recent picture and contact information. A lot of writers hate composing a bio so later this week I’ll be posting a short How-to on writing bios. But the basics to consider are these:

A bio must be

• Relevant

It must give you

• Personality
• Credibility

All of these individual components will give you an effective one sheet. Be sure to post any questions or comments you have.

Don't forget to join the conversation!

Blessings,

Edie

Prepare for a Writers Conference

Last Monday I posted a tongue in cheek Top Ten List of Reason's to Attend a Writers Conference. Then Thursday I gave you 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 previously 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 writers 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 psuedonym, 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 use the contact form at the bottom of the blog and send me your question. You can also post your question in the comments section. In the next few weeks I'll address each of these components individually or in groups and give you some examples to see exactly what others have used successfully.

Don't forget to join the conversation!
Blessings,
Edie

Thursday Review—Choose a Writers Conference

I don’t know about you, but my inbox is stuffed to overflowing with announcements regarding upcoming writing events. There are national conferences, regional conferences, local workshops and online courses. How is a writer to choose which ones will be most helpful and appropriate?

Monday I posted a tongue-in-cheek top ten of why to attend a conference. Today we'll get serious and I’ll give some good guidelines to help with your decision.

The first thing you should consider is your experience level. You need to look at where you are with your writing, that will be the biggest factor in your decision. As you look at the categories realize that your experience may overlap.

Beginner

• Never submitted anything for publication
• Hasn’t told many people he writes
• Has submitted a couple of things, but nothing published

Advanced Beginner

• Has several rejection letters and a couple of acceptances
• Is a member of a local or online writing group
• Regularly reads articles or books about writing

Intermediate

• Has attended a writers event (either a workshop, conference or online class)
• Has an idea of where he wants to go with his writing
• Has been paid for his writing

Advanced

• Spends time each day working at the craft of writing and has an income derived from writing
• Has definite goals and aspirations for his writing

Once you know which group you fall into, it’s easier to evaluate each individual event. There are 2 reasons to attend a writers event.

1. To learn more about the craft of writing
2. To network with professionals within the writing world

Here’s a general breakdown of what is usually offered at each kind of event.

These events vary slightly, so the following information is generalized. You should read all brochures and websites carefully to know what to expect.

Large, National Writing Conference

Expect lots of classes for a wide variety of writers - from beginner to advanced.

Continuing Classes – these are classes that last for more than one class period and concentrate on one subject. Even though they are continuing, they rarely provide advanced information on a given subject.

Workshops – these are classes that give an introduction to a concept (like dialogue, plot or setting).

Breakouts or Panels – these are groups of professionals giving instruction on a given subject. The information here is usually very basic.

Appointments with Faculty – most large conferences include a private appointment with a member of the faculty. This is where you would pitch a book or article idea to an editor. It can also be valuable to let a seasoned author look at your writing and give one-on-one feedback.

Regional or Local Writing Conference

These tend to have more classes for the beginner and advanced beginner writer, although there are exceptions. Depending on the length of time, the conference will follow the same basic setup as a national conference.

Workshop or Seminar

Many of these are very specific in what they offer. They aren’t for a large number of writers and generally target the intermediate or advanced writer.

Online Classes

Again, they are very specific in what they offer and vary widely in who they cater to.

It’s never a good idea to write in a vacuum. I have always tried to attend one large conference a year to expose myself to the writing industry, both for networking and education. I also try to attend at least one focused workshop or seminar each year I and I try to keep my eyes open for online writing courses and take at least two a year.

Let me know what conferences and events you've attended and how they've helped your writing journey.