Hey, y'all!

So, it's almost the end of the year. I think it's time to do a roundup of the Do's and Dont's I've compiled over all my conferences this year. I've got some obvious ones, and I've got some doozies. Here we go!
#amagenting #querytip

#1 Don't book a meeting w/ an agent to discuss a rejection they sent you. This is SO awkward and SO rude and definitely not how you want to be remembered.

Also, agents see tons of queries. Don't expect them to remember your exact one. #amagenting #querytip

#1b also, it's not our responsibility to explain a rejection. If we didn't provide feedback, we didn't have time. If we did, that's awesome, but I'm not going over it again when I probably don't remember my reasoning anyway. I could have helped another writer in this pitch

#2 Don't bring physical objects (pages, actual books, gifts, etc.) for an agent. We don't want to carry things around. If we request, send it digitally, otherwise it'll get lost, ruined, or maybe even thrown away. Don't give us MORE to keep track of. #amagenting #querytip

#2b I've legit had someone wheel up a suitcase, slam it on the table, and start unloading all the titles they've published in the past (and these tomes were HUGE). It wastes your pitching time and really makes the agent feel awkward

#3 Don't start your pitch with "I've never done this, so you guide me." NO. If it's your first time, it's okay to be nervous. Read off a page. Talk with eyes closed. Idc, but tell me the story. Do not tell the agent it's their responsibility to teach you #amagenting #querytip

#4 Don't start with "You don't rep this, but I figured I'd try anyway." We don't like this in the query box; we don't like it in live pitching. We say what we accept for a reason and you assuming you're "better" than others isn't a good look #amagenting #querytip

#5 Don't pitch someone and then say "This is really for OTHER AGENT at your agency who isn't here, so was hoping you could pass it on." Really? Just query them. Agents aren't there to be your middle man. Plus, you took a spot someone else could've used #amagenting #querytip

#5b going off of that, don't admit to the agent you "only signed up to pitch them because so-and-so at this conference was already booked." Points for making us feel like shit but now we really might not be as happy hearing your pitch

#6 If an agent doesn't request, don't be rude/mutter complaints under your breath. Whether in front of agent OR when leaving the room. Volunteers hear you, and word gets around. We will find out and your pettiness won't be forgotten #amagenting #querytip

#6b big time true if it's directly to agent. We talk. We share when we are pitched by someone rude. And if you then go to pitch ANOTHER agent at that conference, they'll realize who you are.

Simply put: don't be an ass.

#7 Immediately tell us if your title has been self published before. Don't wait until the very end when you're rushing to finish. This could affect the agent's answer depending on if it was recent, still up, or has been completely revised and change #amagenting #querytip

#8 If the agent details problematic areas (or themes they don't read i.e. rape or incest or self harm) don't argue! Don't say "but this is different so you should give it a chance." We have reasons and won't change our mind because you think "it's the best" #amagenting #querytip

#8b This also makes us wonder how you'd be as an author during edits. If you're arguing like this, would you really be open to collaboration? To listening to advice? Leaves a lot of room for doubt concerning you as a client

#9 Avoid saying "I don't want to waste your time" in your pitch. That immediately brings negative context into the room. Smile, say nice to meet you, and then dive into the pitch. Leave no room to put yourself down! #amagenting #querytip

#10 Yet again, don't argue! We give advice, feedback, direction. Go ahead, internalize it, write it down, go complain in the privacy of your room on the phone with someone. Be professional. You don't have to take the feedback but be polite. #amagenting #querytip

#11 OKAY, here's the big one. Do not jump into someone else's conversation and sexualize it. This is rude, gross, and makes everyone feel uncomfortable. (explained next) #amagenting #querytip

#11b Ex: When 2 women are talking and one mentions "you can totally pull that outfit off!", don't jump in as you're walking by and say "but that would make her naked!"

Gross. Rude. Unprofessional. And yes, this ACTUALLY happened
#amagenting #querytip

Ready for the positive? Here are some tips to help you understand the pitch process and know how to interact with agents at conferences #amagenting #querytip

#12 See live pitching as a way to improve/gain feedback. Don't go in thinking it's your 1 chance to get representation. It's not. We may request, but we're there to give advice, sharpen your query/pitch, or point out areas of your story that aren't clear #amagenting #querytip

#13 Start the pitch with genre, age category, & word count. Then give character, conflict, and consequences/stakes. After that, the agent will usually ask questions and guide you into more explanation. This isn't a one-sided convo. We are involved to help! #amagenting #querytip

#14 Give the story first. That's what we'll fall for. Save the bio/inspiration/motivation for if we ask. We love you, but we need to love your story first. Plus, you want to get that in before time runs out, and bios take up a lot of time #amagenting #querytip

#15 You're allowed to network and be social. But we appreciate not being pitched to unless a) we ask what you write or b) you have scheduled time with us already. We're there to find authors, so we'll ask, but the timing needs to be right #amagenting #querytip

#16 If you query the agent following the conference, don't forget to mention you either met them or attended their session! That's a great personalization for your greeting. We love seeing connections from these events #amagenting #querytip

#17 Find places approved for socializing. Mixers/group dinners. Don't grab us in the hallway (or bathroom!) . Especially for some, this can be seen as a risky situation, pulled into a corner by a stranger. We love talking to you but judge the moment #amagenting #querytip

#18 Ask questions in sessions if there is Q&A! We love engaging w/ audience and clarifying confusing bits. And, if there's extra time, don't be scared to ask if questions can be on anything industry-related, not just the session topic. Some will say yes #amagenting #querytip

#19 Lastly, try to be part of the community. Conferences are WONDERFUL places to gain critique partners or writing groups. Success from your writing mates only gives those conferences better support, too, so share your steps forward! #amagenting #querytip