Pitching Over Meals at Conferences

I shared this on the ACFW Course Loop, but since so many people are getting ready for conferences, I thought it was worth repeating.

I've pitched many times over tables at ACFW and OCW, where I'll be next week. Honestly, it is a little nerve-wracking to talk about your baby in front of a table of other people who want to talk about their babies as well.

Etiquette matters! If everyone does their part, it can be a fun experience. If one person monopolizes the conversation, it can be awkward. Be conscious of the time you take. Have a short spiel, then be prepared to answer any questions the editor or agent might have. Encourage other writers at the table. Be genuine.

Two table stories: Last year, I accidentally threw asparagus on Allen Arnold's lap during a meal. Could have been disaster, but turned into a great email conversation starter when we began communicating about my new project.

In 2008, I sat at Andy McGuire's table. He'd asked for my agent for the first chapters of Undiscovered a few days before, so when it got to my turn at the table, I had no idea how to pitch. I gave a two sentence description of the story and mentioned he'd asked for the pages. "Yes, I got them," he said. Then ... crickets. Deciding I didn't need an oral rejection in front of eight other people, I motioned for the next person to go. Not a month later, he'd signed me for a contract with Moody. The Familiar Stranger has since been nominated for a Christy and won a Carol.

Just goes to show that you never know what might happen during a meal!