Conference Faux Pas
Once upon a time, I was a newbie.
I went to my first conference in 2007, armed with an unfinished manuscript and a bad case of nerves. I'd done a lot of research, knew that newbies shouldn't chase agents into the bathroom or badger editors.
I still messed up.
The kind agent who met with me gave me tons of valuable advice about my manuscript but didn't request to see more. That fact went over my giddy head. The last night of the conference I saw him in the lobby and said in a perky, nauseating voice, "I'll be sending that to you right away!"
He just smiled and waved, ever kind. I sent it to him, the word requested on the envelope, and received a form rejection.
The tone of my voice when I talked to him in the lobby still haunts me. I'm so afraid I'll see him at another conference and he'll remember me as the annoying pregnant girl who sent him a partial he never asked for. Eek.
Are you planning on going to a conference this year? Have you ever committed a faux pas at a conference? What is your greatest fear about conferences?
I went to my first conference in 2007, armed with an unfinished manuscript and a bad case of nerves. I'd done a lot of research, knew that newbies shouldn't chase agents into the bathroom or badger editors.
I still messed up.
The kind agent who met with me gave me tons of valuable advice about my manuscript but didn't request to see more. That fact went over my giddy head. The last night of the conference I saw him in the lobby and said in a perky, nauseating voice, "I'll be sending that to you right away!"
He just smiled and waved, ever kind. I sent it to him, the word requested on the envelope, and received a form rejection.
The tone of my voice when I talked to him in the lobby still haunts me. I'm so afraid I'll see him at another conference and he'll remember me as the annoying pregnant girl who sent him a partial he never asked for. Eek.
Are you planning on going to a conference this year? Have you ever committed a faux pas at a conference? What is your greatest fear about conferences?
Comments
Wow, you've gone eight years? That's so awesome. I'm jealous. *grin*
You never know...the year is not over and something surprising could happen. :-)
I'm beginning to think you're not afraid of anything! You eat weird stuff, do cool things... LOL!
I agree that you're good at networking. You were a fun person to meet.
I hope you get to go. The one time was amazing for me and I SO want to go again!
Here's hoping you get to go to one!
I don't really know that I think your sending it off was a bad thing. We're told to send the to agents and editors we don't even know, so why not give it one more try with someone you met? It shows your confidence, which I think is a good thing.
We all make mistakes. At least you learned from this one. :) I want to go to conferences, but probably won't be able to until the kidlets are a little older.
*HUGS*
It's all good. You will get published, and it won't matter in the long run. :)
I'm with Kristen. I go to network and have a blast every year. :)
I like that - if you meet this agent today he may even ask how your baby is doing.
I have a feeling you'll do fine! We're def. going to get together.
I'm usually shy but I decided, despite my quaking stomach, to be bold. I've regretted it ever since. LOL The partial isn't so bad. It's just the memory of perky me that makes me groan.
I think you'll do fine at a conference. Shy and sweet is better than bold and arrogant. :-)
I went to a conference in November and did not even know I was supposed to do a 'pitch.' I just sat there yakking, asking the two editors i met with about their families, etc. Finally one asked me, "What can I do for you?" Miraculously, he bought a humor piece and has purchased several since then, but no thanks to me!
The other one was very kind, told me my proposal was very well done.
I am going to Write to Publish in one month. This time I will have my pitch ready. Please pray for me! I'm a mess!
I'm glad I'm not alone. It's just that smell of our foot stuck in our mouths that stinks so bad. LOL I hope you get to go too. They're wonderful. :-)
Thanks for the hugs. I def. did learn from this and won't be so deaf next time. LOL
Thanks for more hugs! :-) It's horribly embarrassing to remember. Thanks for the reminder that when I'm pubbed it won't matter. I console myself that at least I didn't lose my temper or argue with anyone. LOL (not that I'm much of a fighter)
Networking is wonderful. Hubby asked me if I had to go to a conference to get published and I said, "No, but it's great for networking."
I agree that meeting other writers is one of the most beautiful, special parts of a conference.
Thank you for the nice thought, and for stopping by. :-)
Congrats on selling your piece! I actually don't think you messed up at all. I think your interest in them was very sincere and that they knew that. No one wants to be used for their position. I'm sure you impressed them as a caring person they'd like to work with.
:-)
Thank you for your encouragement!
thanks for the original comment on my blog today! :)
I don't think you'll mess up. You'll do great!
And no, I've never been to a conference, someday I would like to though!
The first time I met a famous editor, I was so tongue-tied and in awe, he commented, "I'm not God." I wanted to become invisible.
The word, "pitch," sends shivers up my spine. I still haven't mastered the art.
Blessings,
Susan :)
So, you're saying I can blame this on being pregnant? I LOVE it!
I hope you get to go to one. Even a small regional one would be a blast. There's just something wonderful about talking with other writers, imo.
An editor would be a nerve-wracking experience. Become invisible? Soudns comfy. :-)
I've never actually been to a conference. I'm going to the New Jersey RWA conference in October - it'll be my first one, and I'm hoping to have my current WIP ready to pitch by then.
I hope you have it ready too. Whatever happened with Shae? Did you query that?
Maybe you'll see Jennifer Shirk at the conference?
I've been to a few conferences but not going this year. Maybe life will be great next year and I will get to go again. I love them!
Thank you for the prayers for Curt and I!
ME: "Yes, seven books."
Lovely person: "You should try WWW publisher. They pay better."
ME-"Oh, I've tried them." Wave of hand as if ridiculous suggestion. "They never like my work."
Silence as elevator opens and we get in.
Once inside I take a closer look at nice person's name tag...yep. You guessed it-she was a senior editor at WWW publishing house... Thank goodness my name tag was turned.
I slunk away as fast as the elevator door would let me. :)
Great post...love everyone's stories!
Thanks for visiting my blog, Jessica!
xoxo
Jillian
I do hope you get to again. You and hubby have been on my heart so I guess God wants me to pray lots for you. :-)
Things will get better.
Well, I don't know if I was that cute. I think I might be too tall to fit in the "cute" category. LOL Glad I cracked you up! Heeeheee.
Pregnancy brain seems like a perfectly valid, scientific excuse. LOL
Thanks for returning the visit! :-)
You're pregnant? Or do you just mean saying stuff. LOL ARe you going to ACFW? It seems like a whole bunch of us are.