What To Bring To the Conference
According to Fuse Literary Agency co-founder and SFWC Director Emeritus Laurie McLean, you can leave the weighty manuscript at home or on your laptop. But do bring your pitches, first pages, a synopsis, and lots of good questions.
When you go to a writers conference, you want to show off your best work and have the right people see it. It is crucial to present your work so that people take notice. The best things you can bring to a conference are the simplest: an intriguing pitch, a synopsis of your book, and the first chapter or short samples of your writing.
Think about it. Will an agent or editor read your entire manuscript while you are sitting next to her at lunch? Probably not! But will she be persuaded to hear you out when you knock her socks off with a well-crafted pitch for your project? You bet.
Here is Laurie’s rather specific list of when and where you should bring some of your work to the San Francisco Writers Conference:
1. Pitch Sessions
Throughout the conference, there are many chances to try out your pitch and perfect it. There are multiple sessions on pitching and querying. We’ve got you covered.
2. Free Consults
Attendees can also sign up for free 8-minute consultations with an independent editor, a marketing consultant, and a book coach. Print out the first chapter of your book, along with a synopsis, for those consultations. You might not use it, but it’s good to have it in your bag.
3. During the Event
Should you bring a synopsis, beta-reader reviews, or pre-written queries? My answer is you can keep a few copies in your room or pop one set into your conference bag so if anyone asks to see them, you can share them. I do not expect any agents or editors will want to see a beta reader review or a query (since that is what you will email an agent or editor after the conference if they ask you to send them some of your work for consideration). Some might want to hear your elevator pitch or read the first page or chapter of your novel or book proposal outside of these structured sessions. If you see agents in the hallway or at a meal and they are not surrounded by a group of eager authors, you might have a chance to talk to them then. If a member of the faculty has his or her badge on, they are open to talking to attendees. We run a very friendly conference.
Remember, the agents and editors at the conference WANT to find the next best-selling book. That is why they come to the SFWC. Nothing would make them happier than developing a long-term, mutually rewarding business relationship with the author of that book. We know that is why you decided to come to the San Francisco Writers Conference, too.
Our Managing Director, Lissa Provost, adds:
Personal business cards, basic with your name and web presence if you have one, maybe a QR code, on non-glossy paper so you can write additional contact information in based on who you’re giving it to. You’re not just at the conference to connect with agents and editors. Your fellow attendees will become your friends and industry contacts as they also progress.
Books you’ve already published to share and show off. You should always have it with you for shameless self-promotion if you’re proud of it. The Bookstore will carry three copies on consignment. Use the same form linked on the Sips & Stories After Dark Author Interest page.
Something to share at the Poetry & Jazz open mic! Short prose is welcome. 2-3 minutes. This is a positive and affirming space to start if you’re nervous in front of crowds.
A light sweater for indoors and your best walking shoes. You’re not likely to walk the 35 miles she did last year as she ran around making everything go smoothly, but you will likely walk much more than you’re used to.