New Location

The ACFW Conference Blog is now part of the ACFW webpage. To read all the great posts -- and we've got some wonderful ones from published authors, editors, agents, our keynote speaker -- go to the blog here. I hope you'll join us!

Cara Putman
ACFW Publicity Officer

My 5th conference, and my 1st booksigning!

There is a lot for me to celebrate this year. Hi, this is Michelle Sutton, and I'm thrilled to say that I haven't missed a conference since Denver, 2004, when we were still ACRW. I've made it a priority to work hard in this biz and both ACFW and the conferences have helped me get where I am today. I'm also halfway through my second year on the ACFW board and let me tell you something...this organization just keeps getting better and better. Seriously. If you stick around and stay involved you'll see that and grow with us not only on the inside but hopefully in your writing career.

So what does a board member do their 5th time at a conference? Well, this year I am also coordinating all of the volunteers for conference. This used to be done by Carrie Turansky. I have had quite a few people step forward and ask how they could help. I have a spread sheet in excel that I've been filling out as people step forward. I'll need helpers for setting up, registration, meal ticket takers, introducing workshop presenters, and the bookstore. If any of these actvities interest you, please post a comment or write me a joyfulhutch(at)msn(dot)com and I'll plug you in somewhere. I also plan to make an announcement on the loop as soon as registration begins. So be thinking about where you can serve. It's a great way to get to know people.

And about that booksigning. What better way to start out than at the Mall of America, eh? How exciting is that! And my roommate from last year, Sara Mills, also sold her first book. We both have more coming out in the same series, too. We are so giddy it's unreal. And for us to get to celebrate together. What fun!

Oh, and to break the ice the first year I attended conference, I hosted a chocolate party in my room. All you need in order to get into the party is to bring your own chocolate to share and a heart for fellowship. We've had one every year since and it's become quite an event on Thursday nights. So if you want to attend, I'll be posting the information on my blog and e-mailing people on Tuesday, the week of conference, in regards to location and time. I hope to see you there.

Fear Not! Advice from Sharon Hinck

Last fall, I attended my first ACFW conference. I'd been a member of ACFW for many years, and it was ridiculous I hadn't made it to the national conference any sooner. I happened upon the Mount Hermon conference during my first year of writing, and that became my annual writer's conference. But friends continued to encourage me to attend ACFW, so last September I headed to Dallas.

I'll be honest. I approached the conference with some fear.

The year before had held a bunch of challenges. I was weary. In fact, I felt like a pheasant at hunting season - hit with buckshot and peppered with wounds.

It's hard hanging out with others when you feel like you're full of holes.

When I arrived in Dallas, I asked God to do a healing work. Then I waited for the big moment where He'd wash over me. But that wasn't how He worked.

Instead, each conversation, each encounter, held balm for one of my small holes. Little by little, He brought targeted and specific restoration through the love and wisdom of people at the conference. Bits of knowledge I lacked. Words of comfort I ached for. Opportunities to encourage someone else in their efforts. Deep talks in the halls. Giggles with my roommate at night. Even making new friends while on the shuttle to the airport at the end of the conference.

I know I'm not the only one who experienced the "God-encounters" that seemed to spring up everywhere I turned.

This year, I'm even more excited to attend...

1. To watch and see what God has in mind and how He will meet me
2. To welcome Christian writers to my home state - HOORAY MINNESOTA!!!
3. To offer a workshop on the writing journey, with tips, encouragement, and resources that every novelist should stuff in their backpack while heading out on the adventure of pursuing publication.

My best tip for new attendees (as I was last year): Planning is fine, but be ready to
toss aside your personal agenda and be open to God's side-tracks.
This is a conference that is bathed in prayer, and infused with worship. As is true whenever God is involved, you can prepare to be amazed, occasionally bewildered, and thoroughly blessed.

Hope to see you there!

Blessings!
Sharon Hinck

Conference Countdown

Only 96 days left. Yes, I'm counting the days until the ACFW conference.

Why?

I'm glad you asked.

Besides the obvious squeals and hugs from reconnecting with friends I only see once a year, I'm looking forward to learning new things and picking the brains of the industry's best. I love mingling with names I've read on book covers for years and meeting debut authors who encourage me.

ACFW puts on the best conference around. Just look at the line-up of continuing classes and workshops. There's something for everyone from the writer who has just started out to the multi-published author. This year we have more editors and agents taking appointments than anyone else. If you're a fiction writer, this is THE conference to attend!

In preparation for the conference, a number of us have gathered on the ACFW forum, talking about tag lines or hooks. Randy Ingermanson (the Snowflake Plot guru) says a tag line shouldn't be more than 20 words. That's harder to do than writing the 90,000 word manuscript. But they're important because they convey the high concept. So we've been thinking like movie moguls producing a trailer. And there are some really good ones coming out of it.

If you're wondering how best to prepare, let me share something my critique partners and I did for our first ACFW conference. We all had a manuscript we wanted to pitch. So we worked on our proposals, our tag lines and the short synopsis. We polished them until they gleamed.

Once we had the words on paper, we worked on memorizing. We wanted to be prepared in case we got on the elevator and found ourselves alone ... with Mr. Agent from our dream agency or Ms. Editor from our favorite publishing house. I mean, you don't want to stutter or stammer or worse, just stand there with your jaw hanging open and drool slip-sliding off your lower lip.

So we would call each other up at odd hours of the day or night. As soon as the phone picked up, we'd hear, "Tell me about your book." The first few times, okay the first twenty times, we stammered and forgot our own names. But eventually, we could deliver a pitch as smoothly as any veteran author.

Nope, there's no drool on this lip. I'm ready!

The ACFW Conference: It’s Not What You Think!

My name is Jennifer AlLee. I’m 43 years old. I’ve been all over the country, seen a lot of things, done a lot of stuff. But until last year, I was a conference virgin.

Pretty amazing, huh? Even though I’d been diligently studying my craft for years, writing manuscripts, seeking publication, I was clueless when it came to writers conferences. But then I joined ACFW, and a whole new world opened up to me.

What? You mean I can actually be in the same room with agents and editors and no one will tell me I’m in the wrong place? And they’ll talk to me? I can sit with one at a table and share a meal? Published authors will breathe the same air as me and be happy about it? I had to be a part of this.

For me, the months leading up to the conference were full of excitement and stress. I was like a kid planning out my trip to Disneyland, making lists of what I’d do and see so I wouldn’t miss a thing. I got business cards. I submitted my manuscript for a paid critique. I made one sheets (after finding out that I needed one sheets and then finding out what the heck a one sheet is). I practiced my pitch. I planned my wardrobe, second-guessed it, then planned it again. Finally, I was ready.

Being in Dallas, surrounded by hundreds of people who are not only fellow writers, but fellow Christians, was an incredible experience. Yet, despite all the preparation I’d done, the things that blessed me the most were the things I never expected. Here are some of the things I learned:

• Flexibility is a must - I had my one sheets, but in the end, I never gave any of them out. But that’s okay. I would have hated to need one and not had it, but at the same time, forcing it on someone is not cool.
  
• Be a sponge - Seriously, soak it all up. There’s so much knowledge floating around, you can’t possibly attend the conference and not leave a better writer and a better person. Between the classes, the times of fellowship, and the worship, this conference feeds every part of you. Which leads me to my last point....
  
• Expect God to bless you in ways you don’t expect - This was huge for me last year. Before I left for Dallas, I thought the conference would be a success if I got submission requests from one or more editors. In that respect, things didn’t go so well. But God had so much more for me! Whenever I was feeling discouraged, He put me together with someone who lifted me right back up. Because of that, I got to be great friends (and critique buddies) with Patti Lacy and Lisa Richardson. I was blessed by the prayers of Mary DeMuth and Meredith Efken. And I can’t leave out the hugs and infectious smiles of Shar MacLaren, Ane Mulligan and Leanna Ellis, which have to be experienced to be truly appreciated.
  

When I get to Minneapolis in September, I’ll be one year older, and a bit wiser. This time around, I'm leaving my stress at home. I’m ready to learn everything I can, reconnect with young friendships begun last year, get real-life hugs from my cyber-buddies, and soak up God’s presence. I can’t wait to see what He’s going to do this year!

Want to find out more about ACFW and the conference? Click Here!

Advice from the Appointment Guru

One of the most important areas of the convention are the editor and agent appointments. You agonize over who might be interested in what you're writing, you sweat over one sheets and proposals, you practice your pitch until you can recite it in your sleep (and probably do) and then just when you think you're as ready as you can be, something happens. What now?

Depends on what happens... let's go over some of the scenarios and see if we can answer everyone's questions.

1. The editor I had chosen has just canceled. My number two and three choices are booked solid and my number 4 choice isn't accepting my genre after all. What do I do?

Nothing. If you're an early registrant, it doesn't matter if your second choice is booked solid or not. I go back and slide you in, bumping out the last conferee to request that editor. Your appointments are booked by your registration number, not the date.

But, if you're a late registrant, you can always email ( Wanda@acfw.com) me four new choices.

2. I just noticed that Mr. Editor at my favorite publisher is now attending the conference. Can I still get an appointment with him?

Yes. Just email me ( Wanda@ACFW.com) and ask me to place him in priority number slot 1, 2. 3 or 4.

3. I already have an agent. Can I get 2 editor appointments instead? (also applies to agents)

That is an option. However, please understand that everyone gets one editor appointment first and if there are any left over (and usually there are some), then those second appointments are scheduled.

4. I just realized that my number two choice isn't looking to acquire my genre right now. Can I put him/her at the bottom of my priority list and move my number 3 choice up to second place?

Yes, you can. Just email me (Wanda@ACFW.com) and explain what you want to do. I'll take care of it for you.

5. How do I know what an editor is looking for?

Go to the website and look at their editorial needs- it's right by their bio. If they don't have any listed, go to their website and look for it there. If you can't find editorial needs on their website, you can do a little "google" research and see if they posted editorial needs at any other conference in the last six months or so. If that fails, check with Sally Stuart's Market Guide.


6. I noticed that Bethany House has 4 editors coming. Will it matter which editor I choose?

Not really. The four of them are splitting up their times so that everyone will spend some time taking appointments, but they will not all be taking 32 appointments. If you ask me for Dave Long and he's booked, I will automatically put you with another Bethany editor. Please be aware.... they will all be looking for the same thing. It will not benefit you any more to see one than to see another.


7. Okay, call me an idiot, but I've totally changed my mind since I first registered. I want a totally different list of editors and agents. What do I do besides kick myself?

Email me your new list and I'll take care of it.


NOTICE: Deadline on all emails is one week before the conference. After that, you're stuck. :)


Now, hopefully I've covered all of your "worst-case" scenarios. But, let's go over a couple more things. If you have any problems or questions--email me. If you have any changes to make--email me. If you aren't sure what you're doing-- email me. :)

Your appointments will be scheduled during workshops. There is nothing we can do about that other than ask editors and agents to work through the middle of the night and I'm not asking them to do that, are you? I didn't think so. Your workshop teachers KNOW that you will have to step out of your class to go to an appointment. They will think nothing of you slipping out and slipping back in.

If you know you're going to be leaving your class for an appointment, try to sit in the back of the class (or closest to the door) so that you can slip in and out with disturbing the rest of the class. If you're just sure you're going to miss something important, ask a friend to take extra notes while you're gone for you, or order the tape of the class. It's always a good idea to order the tapes anyway... you will go back and listen to them many times.

Arrive at the appointment area no more than 5 minutes before your appointment. Assemble quietly near the appointment desk and wait to be called. As soon as your editor/agent is available, you will be called to "go on back".

Be considerate and keep to the 15 minute time limit. Either there is someone else waiting patiently or the editor is scheduled for a break. Either way, keep an eye on your time and try not to run over. It cuts into someone else's time (and you wouldn't want them to do that to you) or it cuts into the narrow space of time the editor has to run back to his/her room and retrieve something, find a restroom, or run down for a coffee or soda.

And if you don't get the editor or agent you really, really wanted to see? Trust the Lord with your writing future. He knows what He wants for you and sometimes, it's not what we want for ourselves. Know that your appointment form has been prayed over. Take advantage of whatever opportunity the Lord places in your path and see what He has in store for you. It's always better than opportunities we force to happen. Always.

One final word. I go over this every year, but it's important. Do not follow an editor into a bathroom and shove a proposal to them under the door! Yes, it has happened. Bathroom or not, you get the point. You will see these editors at meals, in the lobby, strolling with their associates, or sitting in the coffee shop. You may see them walking in the mall, riding in the elevator, or standing in the coffee line. Be considerate of the fact that there are only TWO times during the conference when they are open to talking to you about your writing. During scheduled appointments....and during hosted meals. If you see them at any other time, be considerate of the fact that they are not "ON DUTY" and don't pitch to them.


PAID CRITIQUES: If you sign up for a critique, make sure you meet the deadline. Don't make them or me come chase you down. It isn't smart to aggravate the woman that has your editor or agent appointment in her hands. If they are scheduling their own critiques, your critiquer will contact you about when and where. Make sure you respond to them quickly. If you do not hear from your critiquer about scheduling, it means that I am going to schedule that for you and it will be with your appointment schedule when you arrive at the conference. Your job is to make sure you get that critique material sent in before the deadline.

Okay, it's now deadline day and you have been so overwhelmed taking care of Aunt Thelma, nursing a broken leg, dealing with a hard drive crash, and babysitting your sister's kids while she has surgery, that you aren't ready with your material. See?You should have gotten it ready back when I first told you and not waited until the last minute. Don't you know that last minutes rarely work out? Don't email me... email your critiquer and beg for an extended deadline. If they are unable to accommodate you, you are still liable for the charge of the critique. If they can accommodate you, bless them greatly and bring them chocolate. They'll deserve it.

As for your favorite Appointment Coordinator? Well, I'm still partial to caramels and tootsie rolls. :)

Chip MacGregor on Making the Most of Editor/Agent Appointments

Cara here: We've all been there. Staring at the incredible list of editors and agents coming to the ACFW conference and wondering how on earth we pick. What can we do to maximize that fifteen minutes for us and the editor or agent. Here are Chip MacGregor's thoughts. If you haven't discovered it yet, be sure to check out his blog for all kinds of additional thoughts and advice!

Here's Chip:

When someone asked, "Is there a place on the ACFW site that teaches us what questions we should ask during an interview with an agent or editor/publisher?," I felt I should offer a couple thoughts...

1. Do some research before you sign up. If you write westerns, for example, you don't want to meet with an editor who is going to open with the words, "Um... we don't do westerns."

2. Think carefully about your expectations before you sit down to the meeting. If you're expecting an editor is going to hear your idea and announce, "You're the most brilliant writer since Tom Pynchon! Sign this contract immediately!", you may be setting the bar too high.

3. Remember that it's perfectly all right to have a meeting and just ask the editor/agent, "What do you think of my idea?" or "What suggestions do you have for me improving my work?" I never mind having people set up appointments just to talk through ideas, career stuff, etc.

4. If you're hoping to get an editor to pay serious attention to your novel, make sure what you show them is 100% done. Most of the things we reject just aren't ready to be shown yet -- the author has brought in something that's 80% done, or maybe 50% done... but it's not 100% ready. It should be so strong that I have no reason to turn it down.

5. Don't insist I take your proposal, your manuscript, your speaker's packet, or even your business card (I travel light -- if I want your proposal, I'll ask you to email it to me later).

6. Don't burst into tears if I decline the opportunity to represent your proposal. There are a million reasons I could be declining -- maybe I represent an author who is writing something similar; or it's a genre I'm currently overloaded with; or it's a project I feel would be best served by someone else; or...). Just smile, say thanks, move on...and later you can tell everyone what I stinker I am. They'll probably feel sorry for you and offer to buy you a glass of wine.

7. Don't be so pushy that you creep me out. A little enthusiasm is a good thing. Handing your proposal to me while I'm standing at the urinal might be a bit over the top. (This happened to be at the SPU conference two years ago. No, I'm not kidding.)

8. If you're going to the conference and shopping for an agent, think carefully about the questions you want to ask. Again, it's probably a bit much to expect an agent will agree to sign you after a 15-minute appointment.We all do business with people we like and trust -- people we're comfortable with. View your 15-minute appointment as an introduction -- YOU are evaluating THE AGENT, it's not just the agent evaluating you. If the two of you hit it off, you'll both find another chance to sit and talk somewhere and get to know each other better.

9. I've posted on my blog a couple times some potential questions you could ask agents, but certainly some basic ones (Who do you represent? Which publishers have you done deals with in the past six months? How many deals have you done? What are your strengths as an agent?) could be asked if the time was right and you both seemed interested in the relationship.

10. Presentation matters.Being able to talk about your basic idea in a very few words is nice. Being able to offer a couple quick notes on your platform (if you have one) can also be helpful. If you want me to evaluate your writing, you really ought to have a few pages of writing for me to look at.

Hope this helps.

Chip MacGregor
MacGregor Literary
www.chipmacgregor.com