My mind is foggy after two full days of networking, listening to presentations by agents, editors and publicists, and pitching my memoir.
This SDSU (San Diego State University) writers’ conference is known for being intense, especially when so many are hoping to get an agent or editor to fall in love with their work.
Here’s how the pitching sessions work. Prior to the conference, you’re allowed to select one agent or editor to do an advanced reading of your your first ten pages, and as many consultations as you wish to pay for.
Numbered tables are set up in a large room and each agent or editor sits at his/her allocated table. Approximately fifty or so nervous and excited writers line up outside the room and charge into the room when told. Just like spectators chancing their luck in the streets of Pamplona, Spain, during the bull-running, here we are fifty or so writers chancing our luck at landing an agent or an editor. A bell rings two minutes before the session is over, and you realize your ten precious minutes are up.
During my third appointment, another woman took my seat. I couldn’t believe it. Had I made a mistake? It so happens she missed her 1 p.m., meeting and arrived at my 1:12 appointment instead. There am I waiting for her to get out of the chair as the clock is ticking. She’s negotiating with the agent to give her another appointment. Meanwhile, I’m losing precious time, but fortunately this agent liked my pitch and requested 50 pages.
If you’ve attended a writers’ conference, you’ll understand the mixture of emotions that comes from a weekend of intense workshops, networking, and getting the attention of an agent or editor. It’s exhausting for all attendees, and I admire the agents and editors for coming to the west coast from New York, where numerous canceled flights and delays due to snow, caused them to wait for hours at the airport.
So how did it go? I’ve been asked to submit 50-70 pages to two agents, my first chapter to two, and invited to contact three others. I am now on the second phase of my journey, and feel like a nap right now, before I can cope with the marketing proposal I have to work on.
By the way, all agents and editors, expect an online presence and about 10-20,000 unique hits per month. That’s significant. If you have figured out how, please share with us.
Diana says
Holy Crap, about the online presence! I wish you luck Sonia, that doesn't sound easy. But so happy to hear about the interest, that's good news.
Now take a breath and remember, One step at a time! You can do this!
Love Di ♥
Doctor Eclectic says
Great stuff! Congratulations. On my side, I appear yo have sold 2 copes and have gained $12 + in royalties. I printed up some cards with my cover and ordering info on one side and a two oaragraph teaser on the other. Five hundred of them cost about 10 cents a piece, but seem well received.
Interestig about the online presence. I get about 150 hits/month on my webpage now, but hope to increase that with some service center help in the near future.
Jeanie says
Wow, Sonia. That sounds like an interesting process. It seems like you got some positive notice. Good luck with the next step.
ladyfi says
Wow – way to go! You're on your way…
Miss Sadie says
"Pitching at a conference is like bull-running" at Pamplona.
I would say that's no "bull," but still, it's not for the faint of heart. And you, being you, have had some success. Wonderful! Please let us know what happens next (we're particularly interested in the publication date!).
Penelope J. says
Sonia, It takes guts and a gutsy writer to pitch at that conference. I know because I've done it twice and come out both times feeling highly motivated.
Also, I know several writers, myself included, who have been fortunate enough to make good contacts among agents, editors, and speakers at that conference.
Good luck!
BLOGitse says
Yes, yes I' so happy for you!
Well done!
Miss Footloose | Life in the Expat Lane says
Good going, Sonia! Fantastic. It's a jungle out there and the only way to get through it is to slash yourself a path.
That online presence thing is daunting.
JeannetteLS says
Wow. 10s of thousands of hits.Oh, well. I have a long, long way to go. But congratulations on running the bulls and walking away with that request. My first visit here–could NOT resist the title and I'm glad I did not resist.
GutsyWriter says
@Diana
Yes, Diana. One step at a time and also I have to have FUN.
@Doctor Eclectic
I wish you great sales on your book and more hits. If you figure out a technique, let me know.
@Jeanie
Yes, this is a fun process and I have to take it that way as I know how tough publication can be.
@Ladyfi
Well I've started the process.
@Miss Sadie
I am interested in that date too, but I have to wait for the right time and place. Who knows when and where?
@Pennie
Would love to hear more.
@BLOGitse
The future is still uncertain
@Miss Footloose
I have the machete ready.
@JeannetteLS
Thanks for your visit and if you figure out how to get the 10s of thousand of hits, let me know. I shall also share with you.
Lauri says
Very informative. You're quite brave to have jumped into that, I'm not sure I would have.
I'm also quite surprised by the 10-20,000 unique hits per month.
I thought my 100 or so a day was okay. 🙁
The best of luck!
Amanda says
way to go sonia!! congrats – sounds like you impressed the pants off several folks. now comes the fun part where you perfect those 50 – 70 pages…….marketing plan — and then there's the book proposal!
keep us posted~
Anonymous says
Sounds very promising! Looking forward to hearing what happens next! Your GUTSY neighbor, Pam
GulfGal says
I've never attended a conference, Sonia, but good luck to a
soon-to-be published author!