Questions, Anyone?
So, I’d love some questions on what worries you have about conference, and hopefully I can lessen the stress with my keen insight. Anybody out there?
3 Responses to “Questions, Anyone?”
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July 10th, 2008 at 05:41
When an author interviews with you, what do you really want them to bring? Only themselves? Or do you actually like to see a one sheet, or synopsis/ Mss first chapter? And do you really want to hear the author spew out a practiced log line, or to simply talk naturally (and hopefully coherently) about their project?
July 10th, 2008 at 06:03
J Castle asked:
[When an author interviews with you, what do you really want them to bring? Only themselves? Or do you actually like to see a one sheet, or synopsis/ Mss first chapter?]
Great questions!
I like two things. I think one-sheets are great. Not a 5-page synopsis, but just enough to remind me about your story, and I love a photo of the author, as I like to put faces and names together. Also has the author’s contact info. Caution: I’ve heard not all agents agree.
I’d also like a business card. I save every one. I’m shocked at how many writers don’t have one when I ask. This is a business–have a business card.
I don’t suggest bringing a first chapter etc., even though some agents/editors take them. Why? Because you’re bound to learn things at the conference you should implement. ALWAYS send your best work!
[And do you really want to hear the author spew out a practiced log line, or to simply talk naturally (and hopefully coherently) about their project?]
I’d rather just talk about it. In many cases, I’m not lookin’ for a manuscript, but an author. If you were my client and someone was interviewing you, would you spit out a canned response? I hope not. But, as I know the pain it causes some writers, I’m okay with index cards, or whatever it takes to make the writer comfortable.
Now, one of the perks of signing up for my blog, goes to you. Since you were the first person to ask a question, I’d like a query letter, please. Just type Query/ [your title] in the subject line. State in your first line that I requested your query. Congrats! (If you’re not lookin’ for an agent, sorry, this ain’t transferable!]
K.