Networking at Writer's Conferences: From Contacts to Contracts (Wiley Books for Writers)

"A writer," the Spratts remind us more than once in Networking at Writer's Conferences, "is someone who writes." But a writer who wishes to be published, in most cases, is someone who schmoozes. This book is for the novice schmoozer. Steven D. and Lee G. Spratt are husband-and-wife fiction-writing partners and regular speakers on the writer's conference circuit. Much of what they teach here is plain-old common sense--prepare for the conference before you go, don't ask questions you can find the answers to yourself, send thank-you notes--but it never hurts to have it reinforced. Plus, they do have some advice you might not have thought of. For instance, volunteer to work at the conference. Not only does this reduce the registration fee, but it's a great networking opportunity as well. If volunteers aren't needed, offer to shepherd a speaker to and from his or her hotel. Getting published (or even represented) is a lot about luck, and "luck," say the Spratts, "is where preparation meets opportunity, and that's what this book is all about." --Jane Steinberg