2008
Agents and Editors ConferenceFrequently Asked Questions (FAQs)The
2008 Agents and Editors Conference will be held June 20-22, 2008, at the
Austin Sheraton Hotel. Remember that the 2007 Conference was a sell-out so register
now. To help you prepare for the conference, here are answers to some of the most
frequently asked questions. For details about the conference,
a list of agents and editors who will attend, and registration information, visit
our 2008 Conference page.
CONFERENCE
BASICS REGISTRATION ABOUT AGENT APPOINTMENTS
GENERAL CONFERENCE CONFERENCE
BASICS What is the Writers' League Agents
& Editors Conference?
The Agents & Editors Conference provides
writers an opportunity to pitch their books to prospective agents and editors.
In addition, the Conference provides an educational forum where writers at any
stage in their career can learn more about the publishing industry and how to
achieve their literary goals. Panels and lectures on a variety of writing and
publishing topics are held throughout the Conference. The 2008 schedule of panels
and lectures will be posted in early May. For samples of topics to be covered,
see the 2007 Conference schedule. Conference
registration includes admission to all lectures, panels, and receptions. All registrants
receive a 10-minute one-on-one consultation with an agent or editor on a first-come,
first-serve basis. I'm a writer (or beginning writer),
but not writing a book. Can I still benefit from the conference?
Yes! The
Conference is a fantastic learning experience for anyone wishing to get a better
look at how the publishing industry works and what is needed to succeed. For samples
of topics to be covered, see the 2007 Conference
schedule. Also, with over 450 publishing professionals and aspiring writers
attending, the Conference is a wonderful networking opportunity. The Conference
also includes a 10-minute scheduled appointment with an agent or editor. The appointment
is optional, but we recommend that you use the time to talk to the agent/editor
about plans for future projects and get feedback or ask general questions about
working with an agent/editor, etc. What if I don't
have a manuscript completed? Can I still benefit from the conference?
Yes!
Even if you don't have a manuscript ready to submit to an agent or editor, the
Conference is a fantastic learning experience for anyone wishing to get a better
look at how the publishing industry works and what is needed to succeed. For samples
of topics to be covered, see the 2007 Conference
schedule. Also, with over 450 publishing professionals and aspiring writers
attending, the Conference is a wonderful networking opportunity. The Conference
also includes a 10-minute scheduled appointment with an agent or editor. The appointment
is optional, but we recommend that you use the time to talk to the agent/editor
about your manuscript and get feedback, or ask general questions about working
with an agent/editor, etc.
REGISTRATION
How
much does the Conference cost?
The 2008 Agents & Editors Conference
fee is $309 for Writers League of Texas members and $354 for nonmembers. Nonmembers
can join when they register to receive the member discount. What
is included in the attendance fee?
Conference registration includes admission
to all lectures, panels, and breakout sessions. All registrants receive a 10-minute
one-on-one consultation with an agent or editor on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The sooner you register, the better your chances to get the agent or editor of
your choice.
Your registration also includes the Saturday keynote luncheon,
two appetizer/cash-bar receptions (Friday and Saturday evenings), and a Sunday
afternoon Coffee Break. An exhibition hall and a bookstore will be open during
the conference. Should I become a member or go at
the non-member rate?
Members of the Writers' League receive a $45 discount
on the Conference fee, as well as a $45 discount on any class or workshop we offer
throughout the year and other benefits.
Regular membership costs $50 a year - for only $5 more than the non-member fee,
you receive a full year of League membership!
How do I register? Can I register
online?
Yes, you can register register
online with credit card, Paypal or Google Checkout,
or pay by check (fill out a form
and mail it to our office). For more information, call
512.499.8914. Agent/editor meetings are assigned on
a first-come, first-served basis. We cannot hold your
spot at the Conference without full payment of registration
fees.
Is
there a registration deadline?
Registrations will be taken as long as spaces are available.
Keep in mind that the 2007 Conference sold out several
weeks in advance - if you know you want to attend, don't
wait to register!
ABOUT AGENT APPOINTMENTS How
are agent/editor meetings assigned?
Each agent and editor is scheduled
for a limited number of appointments, which are assigned on a first-come, first-served
basis. When you register, we note the date and time of your registration. The
first person who registers is assigned his or her first choice, and then the second
person who registers is assigned, and so on. When a registrant's first choice
already has a full schedule, the next available choice is assigned. How
do I make my agent/editor selections?
After mid-March, when the full lineup
of agents and editors is available online, you should research those you think
would be interested in your work. Information about each agent or editor and their
interests can be found on the Agents and Editors
Bios page. Visit this page often for updated information. We recommend
that you further research the agents and editors who interest you by visiting
agency & publishers' websites, searching online for more information, and
referring to such books as the 2008 Guide to Literary Agents. Also, note those
who are agents and those who are editors, and make selections based on your preferences.
Rank your top 10 choices in order from your first choice (#1) to your last (#10),
and send your list in an email to wlt@writersleague.org.
Include your name in the body of the email if your full name is not part of your
email address. How important are my agent/editor selections?
Your
selections are very important! We assign your agent/editor consultation based
solely on your selections and the order in which you registered.
How/when do I submit my agent/editor
selections?
When you register, send your Top 10 choices ranked from
first (#1) to last (#10) in an email to wlt@writersleague.org.
Include your name in the body of the email if your full
name is not part of your email address.
How many agents/editors do I need to choose?
Submit
your top 10 choices in order from your first choice (#1) to your last (#10). Why
do I need to list my top 10 choices?
While most people who attended the 2007 Conference were
assigned one of their top three choices, we cannot guarantee
that you will receive an appointment with any specific
agent or editor until we actually make the appointments
in late May. If the schedule for the agents/editor you
selected is already filled when your appointment is
scheduled, there will not be time to contact you for
additional choices so we ask that every registrant list
at least 10 choices.
What is the deadline to submit
my agent/editor choices?
You should submit your agent/editor choices at the
time you register.
When do I find out which
agent/editor I will meet?
We will notify each registrant of the appointment
date and time and the name of the assigned agent or editor one to two weeks before
the Conference. Can I get an appointment with more
than one agent/editor?
No. Conference registration includes one, 10-minute
scheduled appointment with an agent or editor. There are not enough appointment
slots available to schedule additional meetings for each attendee.
Will I have opportunities to talk to agents/editors outside my scheduled appointment?
Yes!
Agents and editors will be available at cocktail receptions both Friday and Saturday
evening, as well as at a coffee break Sunday afternoon. In addition, many of the
agents and editors lead and/or sit on panels throughout the Conference. Should
I bring my manuscript to my appointment?
We recommend that you bring the
first 10 pages of your manuscript to the Conference and to your appointment, but
do not show it to an agent or editor unless specifically asked to do so. Most
agents/editors only want to hear your verbal pitch at the Conference; if interested,
they will ask that you submit your manuscript after the Conference. We recommend
that you bring the first 10 pages of your manuscript because, rarely, an agent
who does ask to see it attends the conference. Keep in mind that each agent
and editor will talk to many people about many manuscripts and could not take
even the first few pages of every manuscript of interest. (Also, handing them
a stack a paper will distract them from your verbal pitch!) Your goal is to be
invited to submit your manuscript - this ensures the agent/editor will read it
when he or she has time and focus to do so! How can
I prepare for my agent/editor appointment?
The best way to prepare for
your appointment with an agent or editor is to develop your verbal pitch. You
want to deliver it perfectly even if you are nervous! The Writers' League offers
several workshops on developing
your pitch to help you get ready for the Conference. Also, we recommend
that you take a look at these articles
(pdf) from past issues of our print newsletter Scribe.
What
do I do if the agent/editor I meet with is NOT interested in my work?
Use
the rest of your meeting to get information about why the agent is not interested.
Ask the agent/editor for suggestions of other agents who might be interested (then
go home and query them!). Ask the agent/editor what might make the manuscript
more saleable. Or, describe ideas you have for future projects to get his or her
reaction. Also, remember that while you get one scheduled meeting with
an agent or editor, you have multiple opportunities for more informal pitching
with all the agents and editors. I co-wrote a manuscript;
can both writers attend the same agent/editor meeting?
If both writers
are paid registrants of the Conference, they can both go to each attendee's meeting
(let us know when you register so we can have two chairs available). Only paid
registrants can attend agent/editor meetings. Should
I query the agents/editors I want to meet with before the Conference?
No!
The Conference is your opportunity to query in person with your verbal pitch.
You want the agent or editor to form his or her first impression of your manuscript
as you enthusiastically describe it. A flurry of queries before the conference
may frustrate the agent and have a negative impact. What
if I want to come for just the workshops and the networking? Do I have to meet
with an agent/editor?
The meeting is optional, but we recommend that you
use the time to talk to the agent/editor about your plans for future projects
and get feedback or ask general questions about working with an agent, etc.
GENERAL
CONFERENCE When and where will the conference
be held?
The 2008 Agents and Editors Conference will be held June 20-22,
2008, at the Austin Sheraton Hotel. You can make your hotel reservations by calling
the hotel directly at 512.478.1111.
Is there a
discount on hotel rooms for Conference attendees?
Yes, we reserved a block
of discounted rooms for Conference-attendees: $129 (single) and $149 (double occupancy).
When you make hotel reservations, mention that you are attending the Writers'
League of Texas Agents & Editors Conference. Please note that the discounted
rooms sold out two months before the 2007 Conference, so we recommend that you
make your hotel reservations as soon as you register for the Conference. Do
I need to check in with the Writers' League when I arrive at the hotel?
You
need to come to the large marble registration desk in the hotel's main hall to
pick up your Conference packet and name badge before you can attend any Conference
events. Why do I need a name badge?
You must
wear your name badge to enter all Conference workshops, events, and your agent
appointment. We have a limited ability to replace lost name badges, so be careful
not to lose it or leave it in your hotel room. You cannot attend any Conference-related
event without it. What if I lose my name badge?
If
you lose your name badge, you must come to the registration desk. Replacement
name tags will cost $10 and may take up to 30 minutes to produce. When
should I arrive at the hotel (I am attending a pre-Conference workshop)?
The
Conference registration desk will open at 1 PM Friday, June 20. If you are attending
a pre-Conference workshop at 3 PM., we recommend that you check in at the registration
desk to pick up your packet and name badge between 1- 2 PM, to help avoid long
lines. When should I arrive at the hotel (I am
NOT attending a pre-Conference workshop)?
The first general Conference
event is the Friday cocktail reception beginning at 5 PM. You need your name badge
to attend, so you must check in at the Conference registration desk. While the
registration desk will open at 1 PM. Friday, June 20, please wait until 3 PM and
allow those attending pre-Conference workshops to check in first.
Where
can I park? Will hotel parking fees be covered by the Writers' League?
Some
parking will be available in the hotel parking garage. The Writers' League will
not cover parking fees associated with parking in the hotel garage. We have negotiated
with the hotel for Conference attendees to receive discounted self-parking of
$7. Metered parking is available on streets near the hotel (meters are free
on weekends and on weekdays after 5 PM. What meal
will be included as part of the Conference?
The only meal included in the
Conference package is the Saturday keynote luncheon. Coffee and light snacks will
be provided on Saturday and Sunday mornings, and light appetizers will be provided
at the cocktail receptions Friday and Saturday evenings. The hotel has a restaurant
onsite, and several restaurants are within walking distance. I
have special dietary requirements (such as allergies). How do I make sure I can
eat the Saturday lunch safely?
Please notify us of any special dietary
requirements when you register for the Conference or no later than May 15, 2008
by emailing Kristy. Who
should I contact if I have a disability and/or special needs?
Please notify
us of any disabilities or special needs when you register for the Conference or
no later than May 15, 2008 by emailing Kristy.
Will there be panels or lectures at the
Conference?
Yes! Take a look at the 2007 Conference
schedule to see what to expect. The 2008 Conference schedule will be posted
online in early May. How will I know which panels
and lectures I can attend?
Once the schedule of panels and lectures is
finalized in early May, a full Conference schedule will be posted online. You
will also receive a registration packet with a Conference program when you check
in. You can review the choices for each session and attend those of most interest.
Admittance to panels and lectures is dependent on space limitations of the venue.
Be aware that some panels/lectures will be more popular than others. If there
is one you just can't miss, you may need to arrive early.
What
are the pre-Conference workshops?
The pre-Conference workshops are optional,
3-hour workshops on Friday, June 20. There is an additional $50 fee to attend.
The 2008 pre-Conference workshops will be posted online as soon as they are finalized.
For samples of possible workshops, see the
2007 Conference workshops. What should I expect
at the cocktail receptions?
The Friday and Saturday cocktail receptions
will take place at the hotel. Agents and editors will attend and be available
for informal pitching. The hotel will offer a cash bar and we will provide light
appetizers. The receptions are one of your best opportunities to approach
agents and editors who you think may be interested in your work. Remember that
pitching in this format should be more casual than in your one-on-one consultation.
Receptions are also a great opportunity to network with other writers. What
if my plans change and I can't attend? Can I get a refund?
Our refund policy
for the 2008 Conference allows for a 50% refund if you cancel for any reason before
February 29. After March 1, no refunds will be issued. How
can I become a sponsor or an exhibitor?
If you are interested in becoming
a sponsor or an exhibitor, contact John
Pipkin for details. When should I schedule my
flights?
(1) If you are attending a pre-Conference workshop, you will want
to be at the hotel by 1 PM Friday, June 20, to have plenty of time to check into
the hotel, check in at the Conference registration desk, and be at your workshop
on time. Keep in mind that traffic in downtown Austin can be quite busy on Friday
afternoons and allow extra travel time. (2) If you are not attending a pre-Conference
workshop, you will want to be at the hotel between 3 - 4 PM to allow time to check
into the hotel, check in at the Conference registration desk, and be at the Friday
Reception that begins at 5 PM. This reception is your first opportunity to interact
with the agents and editors who attend the Conference. Keep in mind that traffic
in downtown Austin can be quite busy on Friday afternoons and allow extra travel
time. All Conference events will conclude on Sunday, June 22 around 1 PM.
Can I bring my book/flyers/etc. to sell or give
away?
If you are interesting in selling books or promoting books or services
at the Conference, you will need to purchase a table in the exhibition hall. For
details, contact John Pipkin. What
is there to do at night in Austin?
Austin has many, many night-time attracttions.
Check out activities and travel information.
Can my spouse/child/friend stay in the hotel with
me?
Yes. You may bring whomever you want to accompany you on your trip,
and they can absolutely stay at the hotel with you, but cannot attend Conference
events. Can my spouse/child/friend, etc. come to
the workshops?
No. All conference events require paid registration. Can
my spouse/child/friend, etc. come to the receptions?
No. All Conference
events require paid registration. I am not attending
the Conference. Can I still come to the receptions/exhibition hall?
No.
All Conference events require paid registration. I've
read the FAQ, but I still have questions! Who can answer them for me?
You
can contact the Writers' League with any questions you have about the 2008 Conference
or other League programs by calling 512.499.8914 or by emailing Kristy.
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