Friday, March 19, 2010

Going to conferences

Conference season is upon us and many of you will be venturing out in the coming weeks.

Here's some very good advice from publicist Dana Kaye on getting the most out of a conference.

I particularly like her advice on not drinking too much. Hands down this is the one thing that will ruin a conference for you. I'm as fond of scotch as the next shark (ok, MORE fond!) but if you throw up on my shoes, or drunkenly profess your love for me, I'm more likely to remember that than your novel.

11 comments:

Destroying Angel said...

So sending you a bottle of scotch with "World's Best Agent" on a custom-embossed label isn't the way to your heart, eh?

Christi Goddard said...

I love how you say we will be 'venturing out in the coming weeks.'

It puts me in mind of people living underground after an apocolypse, and the first time they return to the surface they hold up their hands to block the sun from their squinting eyes.

Dan Krokos said...

Oops.

Kate Halleron said...

But if we professs our love for you while sober, that would be OK, then?

Lauren said...

It's always unnerving to be looked at in the same way my cats view the birds outside: as Fresh Flesh!

Unknown said...

I do so solemly swear to be a good girl.

Well, we know that was a lie. Um... as good a girl as the Amazon Goddess can manage. Definitely no vomit.

Dale Bishop said...

The key words here are "not drinking too much."

A girl's gotta have at least a couple of martinis with lunch.

TAWNA FENSKE said...

Have always avoided conferences because...well, I don't like human contact. But one of the first things my editor said to me after calling to congratulate me on my new book deal was, "so we'll be seeing you at RWA Nationals, right?"

Um...guess that's a yes?

So these tips are very much appreciated. Thank you!

Tawna

jmartinlibrary said...

Phew, glad to have this advice. I'm attending a conference in three weeks, and as a newbie, I was sweating some of the details.

Spiced Apple Eye said...

Why is there a shark picture linked with Barbara Poelle? I thought that was your symbol.

After 10 years of conferences I still get there early, take notes, and listen closely. When you've heard it all, you start to notice things like public speaking and how it sells a book.

Anonymous said...

I suppose Johnny Walker can wait till after the pitch sessions.
See you in Scottsdale.