Blog

Marlo Garner

I recently returned from NESCBWI 14, the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrator’s annual New England conference. It is, without a doubt, one of the highlights of my year. To my writing classes, to my clients, and to all the aspiring children’s book writers and illustrators I meet, I ask, “Are you a member of SCBWI?” If they say yes, they already know why I’m smiling at them. But if they say no, I urge them, relentlessly, “You need to join SCBWI. If you’re serious about writing for kids—if you’re really, truly committed to this amazing journey—you’ll join SCBWI, you’ll find some trusted critique group members through SCBWI, and you’ll go to SCBWI conferences and events. You won’t regret it, I promise.”

Going to writers’ conferences is not only about information, but information you’ll get aplenty. And it’s excellent information by people who have been on this journey a long time, from people who really want to share their knowledge with other writers and illustrators. You’ll feel their care and passion as they impart it to you. I’ve been on my writing/illustrative journey for a long time, but I went into this conference with a specific area of learning in mind. I targeted my workshops accordingly, and I walked away with exactly the information I needed. You NEVER stop learning—remember that.

Your very first conference might be about seeing what it’s all about and making sense of this weird, wonderful, inspiring new world, better understanding its social makeup, making a few new friends, and learning. I suggest you make some realistic goals, such as:

• A critique of your manuscript with an editor or agent
• Making ten new friends and contacts
• An illustration portfolio review
• Entering a contest
• Leaning more about a specific, relevant topic
• Overcoming your fear of attending

It is really up to you, and you only have yourself to answer to when you make your goal(s), but DO make your goal(s) a little bigger than you feel comfortable with. Do what makes you feel challenged. Do what makes you feel a little (or even a lot) afraid.

Importantly, adhere to conference etiquette. Don’t stalk editors/agents/art directors. I recall one workshop I attended a few years ago where the speaker, an art director, actually said at the beginning, “You’re very welcome to submit it to me, but please don’t give me your manuscript today.” He also made it clear he had to leave quickly afterward to catch his flight. But at the end of his session, at least ten attendees raced toward him, manuscripts in hand, clamoring for his attention. It was absolutely mind-boggling to observe.

I have heard horror stories from editors and agents about being accosted in the restroom, finding un-asked-for manuscripts in their bag, and being unable to extricate themselves from monologues by writers determined to “ear-bash” them into taking their manuscript on the spot. Not only clueless and disrespectful, but rather self-absorbed, too.

So with that in mind, here is a list of those things you should DO and those things that are DON’TS.

DON’T:

• Don’t bring your manuscript. You will have a chance to submit to agents and editors speaking at the conference, but you should submit to them after the conference as per the guidelines they will provide.
• Don’t stalk agents and editors.
• Don’t monopolize peoples’ time. You, your work, and your questions are no more important than anyone else’s.
• Don’t refer to your work as “the next Harry Potter” (etc.).
• Don’t tell an editor how much your kids, kids’ class, librarian, great uncle’s cousin, etc. like your manuscript.
• Don’t record workshops sessions or keynote speeches without asking.
• Don’t blog or post about workshop content in any but the most general terms (that is, no more than the broad description of the workshop that is available to anyone).
• Don’t share/post/blog materials provided at the conference by speakers.
• Don’t use gimmicks. You don’t want to look desperate.
• Don’t be self-absorbed. Be interested in other people’s work and journey.
• Don’t be too nervous.

DO:

• Do have professional business cards to hand out as you make connections. (I like to tuck mine inside my name tag so they are easily at hand.) If you’re an illustrator, bring postcards that showcase your work.
• Familiarize yourself with the speakers’ books or work prior to going.
• Do choose your workshops carefully. Determine what you’d like to know and formulate questions to ask when given the opportunity.
• Do be prepared to meet new people and make new friends and allies.
• Do remember this is a professional setting, so act professionally. Be courteous, friendly, and respectful.
• Do dress neatly and professionally. Smart casual is an appropriate choice. (I also like to wear clothes of the same color all weekend, so I am easily identifiable and memorable.)
• Do be prepared to take notes. Come equipped.
• Do sign up for a critique. Make sure you take notes and listen to feedback. Don’t argue with your critiquer, and check your emotions at the door. Your critiquer is working to give you constructive feedback. If unclear about what is being said, ask for clarification.
• Do practice your one sentence elevator pitch in case someone asks you what you’re working on. Fill in the following blanks to get you started: Protagonist is a who? who wants what? because why? but something/what? gets in the way.
• Do have a social media presence (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) so that people you meet can easily connect with you post-conference.
• Do be appreciative of the masses of hard work and many hours that go into conference preparation.

And most of all, DO have fun! You’re meeting all sorts of people who “get” it. They’re on this journey too, and they’re just as deeply passionate about it. You’re meeting your peeps, your tribe, your true soul family. Enjoy it!