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Conventions -- Take Two
They're here again. Well, they're almost around all year, but the biggest romance conventions are usually in the spring and summer months.
This time last year I reminded LI authors about public behavior that can help or hurt at a convention and, believe me, there is behavior that can do both. As overwhelming as it gets and as much fun as you're having -- or not -- remember you are in public and this is an important part of your career. You get to write off conventions as a business expense because it really is part of your business. And the romance world has a long memory.
But what about editors and agents? I was reading about the view on the other side of the fence on another Blog and cringed. Although editors and agents do things differently from one house or agency to the next, I think we can all agree on a few basic principles.
Exhibit some enthusiasm if possible or at least work up polite interest when an author is pitching or helping you during a convention. Yes, that author may be the tenth person to pitch pretty much the same idea to you at a crowded convention, but for him or her, you may well be the first person they're pitching to. Yes, they may be driving you to the airport in hopes of networking with you, but they're still giving you a ride. Be gracious.
Keep your negative opinions on the convention, the latest manuscript you're editing, or another author to yourself (or at least keep it among your buddies in the privacy of your hotel room.)
Mix ups and emergencies happen, but strive to be where you say you'll be and when you said you'd be there.
And remember, you're an industry spokesman. You're always "On." Even at the bar at midnight, you're still representing your house, your genre, and your industry. Grandma was right -- you never get a second chance to make a first impression, but rude, inappropriate, or unprofessional behavior will always make a lasting impression.
Treva Harte
www.TrevaHarte.com
This time last year I reminded LI authors about public behavior that can help or hurt at a convention and, believe me, there is behavior that can do both. As overwhelming as it gets and as much fun as you're having -- or not -- remember you are in public and this is an important part of your career. You get to write off conventions as a business expense because it really is part of your business. And the romance world has a long memory.
But what about editors and agents? I was reading about the view on the other side of the fence on another Blog and cringed. Although editors and agents do things differently from one house or agency to the next, I think we can all agree on a few basic principles.
Exhibit some enthusiasm if possible or at least work up polite interest when an author is pitching or helping you during a convention. Yes, that author may be the tenth person to pitch pretty much the same idea to you at a crowded convention, but for him or her, you may well be the first person they're pitching to. Yes, they may be driving you to the airport in hopes of networking with you, but they're still giving you a ride. Be gracious.
Keep your negative opinions on the convention, the latest manuscript you're editing, or another author to yourself (or at least keep it among your buddies in the privacy of your hotel room.)
Mix ups and emergencies happen, but strive to be where you say you'll be and when you said you'd be there.
And remember, you're an industry spokesman. You're always "On." Even at the bar at midnight, you're still representing your house, your genre, and your industry. Grandma was right -- you never get a second chance to make a first impression, but rude, inappropriate, or unprofessional behavior will always make a lasting impression.
Treva Harte
www.TrevaHarte.com
curious
