Event Etiquette

Event Etiquette

A few years ago I was asked to be part of a festival. A friend and new author showed up to visit my table. As I was speaking with someone about my work, he stepped in and said, “I’m an author, too. Would you like to see my book?” The person politely declined and walked away. The action on my friend’s part made us both look unprofessional.

At conferences, agents and editors repeatedly have to reinforce their policy of not accepting manuscripts that attendees try to hand them.

At libraries, bookstores, and other literary venues, hosts get uncomfortable when a guest tries to pitch a book when they really need to be attending to the event at hand.

So how DO you take advantage of these things?

1. Go to festivals and conferences and readings and book signings to support the authors. That’s what we do. We have each other’s backs and we celebrate each other’s successes.

2. Check out the venue while you’re there. Would this be a good match for your book? Why? If you meet an editor or agent, would your manuscript or proposal fit with what they are currently seeking? Why?

3. Pick up a business card with the contact name of the person with whom you’d like to speak.

4. Take a day or two to put into writing why you think this agent or editor might like to read your work or why this venue would be a good place for your own reading or book signing.

5. Email the person and explain how much you enjoyed the event or conference. Give a brief pitch of your work and credentials and ask if it’s something that might be considered.

 

If this does not work, repeat the process at the next event. Rejection happens to everyone. I used to tell my children, “No means no.” They understood that asking again would not change my answer. If you are turned down, move on. Asking a second time will get you remembered for the wrong reason.

That’s it. If you keep courtesy in mind, you will present yourself as the professional you are.