Four success stories from previous DFW Writers’ Conferences
Dreams can come true. Just ask Matt Usey, Tom Gensler, Jamie Harrington and Candace Isenhower, all of whom signed with literary agents after meeting them at previous DFW Writers’ Conferences. Their completely different approaches to meeting the agent are an inspiration for anyone considering attending a major writers’ conference.
Matt Usey
Q: Why did you decide to attend the conference?
I had attended the conference once before, and I knew how valuable it was. The first time I went, though, I went because I had spent enough time writing in isolation. I hoped the conference would allow me to meet other writers and to become more comfortable when discussing my writing. Also the classes looked interesting and informative.
Q: How did you choose Louise Fury?
I didn’t initially request to pitch to Louise because I wasn’t sure if she was looking for my type of writing. However, I had a chance to visit with her during the evening social event, and she asked me about my work. After I described my urban fantasy, she asked to see a few pages and gave me her card. A week later, she tweeted that she was also looking for picture books. I had written a picture book that I hadn’t planned on sending out. However, after learning more about her at the conference, I felt that she might enjoy this particular story. I sent it to her, and this picture book is actually the project on which she based her offer of representation.
Q: How did you prepare for the conference?
I practiced two pitches: a short “so what do you write?” pitch for social situations and a longer formal pitch for the pitch session. I didn’t memorize it, but I made sure to cover the most relevant parts of the story. I also came up with a few questions. For the conference in general, I also spent a good deal of time researching the agents. It’s easier for me to talk to someone about their interests rather than to open with, “How’d you like to hear about my novel?”
Q. What did it feel like to get “The Call” from Louise?
A bit surreal. I follow Louise on Twitter and she tweeted that she was planning to offer a DFW writer representation that night but couldn’t get a hold of him. I checked my cell phone and saw that I had a message to call her back. It was late so I had to wait until the next day.
Q. What suggestions do you have for other writers?
Go to a conference, even if you don’t pitch or have a manuscript ready. I think it really helps to mingle with other writers, and the classes are informative. Also, if you can, join a writers’ group or find someone who can give you honest critiques on your writing. I liken it to a young boxer letting someone punch him in the face so he can get used to it!
Tom Gensler
Q: Why did you decide to attend the conference?
Deciding to attend the 2011 DFW Writers’ Conference was a no-brainer. I had learned so much from the 2010 conference (my first) that I felt compelled to attend as a learning tool in developing my writing skills.
The breakout sessions alone were worth the cost, but the opportunity to interface with agents and editors offered added value. This is especially true when you factor in the social functions with the agents and editors that allow introductions in addition to your formal pitch session. In fact, in my case it proved integral to landing an agent. Pitch sessions last only ten minutes, but if you’re diligent you can introduce yourself to untold additional agents during the cocktail parties. One tip: during these informal settings, establish a rapport first, and then be prepared with an elevator pitch should an agent ask you to tell them what you write.
Q: How did you choose agent Cherry Weiner?
Cherry Wiener wasn’t my assigned agent for the pitch session. My ten-minute session was with a different agent, who was interested in my novel as well, but suggested a title change, which I’ve decided to use.
Q: How did you prepare?
I spent hours developing my elevator pitch and using what would be considered a query letter if an agent asked for more detail. If they wanted me to expound, then I would give them an informal conversational synopsis. Preparation equals success. I also used the resources available on the conference’s website to research agent backgrounds to narrow down who represented my genre, so I could seek them out during social events. In addition, I used the conference website to decide what breakout sessions were most useful to my career.
Q: How did your pitch session go?
As I mentioned earlier, my pitch session with a different agent yielded a new title for my novel. It’s a much stronger hook now. I can’t emphasize enough that the ten minute session is but one of your chances to catch the attention of an agent. This is exactly what happened to me. Cherry Wiener and I bonded without a formal pitch. She offered to read my manuscript in her spare time and must have seen a glimmer of talent.
Q. Cherry signed you right after the conference. How did that feel?
The stars must’ve aligned because Cherry had planned to stay a couple of extra days after the conference to meet with some of her writers who live in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Circumstances changed her schedule and she spent two days with me going over a line edit on the novel. We signed the contract before she left. Needless to say, I was ecstatic. Miracles can happen!
Q. What suggestions do you have for other writers?
Simple. Learn to improve your craft by joining a writers’ workshop, read everything you can get your hands on about writing, and attend high-quality writing conferences. Toughen your skin…criticism and rejection comes with the territory. Prioritize your time…allocate time to write and don’t deviate! Reading other authors in your genre will provide a yardstick on how your writing compares against those already established. Although a cliché, you do make your own luck!
Jamie Harrington
Q: Why did you decide to attend the 2010 conference?
Honestly, I did it just for the chance to meet people who were working on getting published like me. I knew that online networking was totally invaluable in the publishing industry, so I figured that real-life networking would be even better. I was totally right, too. I met so many cool writer-type people, and I can’t believe the connections I got out of just one weekend.
Q: How did you choose Mary Kole?
Mary and I actually met at the mixer put on by the conference. She was kind of being bombarded by people pitching her their novels and stuff, so I just walked up and started making small talk. By the end of the evening, we were cracking jokes and hanging out like real friends. I didn’t know how much I wanted her to be my agent until that night. That’s the cool thing about meeting an agent in person at a writers’ conference, you never know how your personalities are going to mesh up until you meet in person.
Q: How did you prepare for your appointment?
I didn’t actually have an appointment, but Mary did ask me what my book was about when we were hanging out (I waited for her to ask) and then I told her all about it. I wasn’t planning on pitching, but I think the fact that I was just honest about my story and didn’t have some canned speech helped me.
Q: So, you made an informal pitch work for you. What happened next?
Well, it was the last day of the conference at lunch, and Mary asked me if I wanted to go for a walk and just hang out. Of course, I said yes, but then I ended up walking her out into a big field, because I was so nervous! But, she must have still loved me, because she asked for my manuscript and read it as soon as she got home.
Q. What did it feel like to get ”The Call”?
She didn’t actually call. She sent an email, because we’d made a joke at the conference about how we were email people, not really phone people. So, when I opened it, I danced around my living room like a total goof. It was the coolest day pretty much ever. I accepted right then, because I knew she and I were meant to make books together.
Q. What advice do you have for other writers?
My biggest piece of advice is to go to conferences, and put yourself in a position to get some real face time with an agent. They aren’t just selling your book to publishers, they’re selling you, and when they think you’re extra awesome because they’ve spent some time with you, then your chances of getting an offer of representation are so much better. Remember to just be your amazing self and don’t get nervous. They’re real life people, ask them how their day’s going!
Candace Isenhower
Do some authors who attend writers’ conferences really get an agent? Yes. Just ask Candace Isenhower who pitched her Young Adult, Christian fantasy novel to Dr. Uwe Stender at the 2009 DFW Writers’ Conference.
Q: Why did you decide to attend the conference?
To be honest, I really suck at writing query letters. I think I wrote a thousand for my novel and they were all crappy—there was just no way I’d send them to anyone, let alone to an agent. Still, I really liked my book and I wanted to try to get it published.
So, I started praying pretty hard and looking at other options and I discovered that you could pitch to real, live agents at writers’ conferences. I’d always had the misconception that writers’ conferences were for published authors. It took me awhile to figure out that I could go to one. I searched for conferences online, and wouldn’t you know, the DFW Writers’ Conference was occurring within a few weeks! I squealed and signed up. It was an easy decision.
Q: How did you choose Dr. Stender?
Originally, my first choice for pitching was Gina Panettieri. I researched the heck out of her and I just thought she was so perfect for my novel. Of course, I was devastated when I heard she wouldn’t be able to attend due to illness. [Note: Gina Panettieri attended the 2010 conference.] I asked if I could switch to Dr. Uwe Stender on the off chance that someone would have mercy on me so I could at least practice pitching. Gloriously, the agent appointment coordinator said Dr. Stender had a cancellation and they gave it to me. There was more squealing and jumping and hugging the computer. Did I mention that the DFW Writers’ Conference staff is awesome?
Q: How did you prepare for your appointment?
I went online to find out what writers say during these pitch sessions and I discovered the popular — almost required — one-sentence pitch. Then I freaked out. I’d been having trouble explaining my novel in a one-page letter, so I got to work on that sentence right away. By the time of the conference, I could say my sentence backwards and forwards, and I’d used it on so many people who thought it was great that I felt pretty sure I could say it without fainting. I felt totally prepared.
Q: What did you feel like during the pitch session?
The whole thing was a complete disaster. I felt like an American Idol reject. You see, there was a major problem with my pitch planning sessions. I was so focused on the one-sentence pitch that I didn’t give a single thought to what I would say afterwards. So, don’t forget that if the agent likes your initial pitch, they’ll actually want to talk about your book. For me, the talking part was a nightmare. There were lots of hand gestures that included sound effects, and I may or may not have sprayed the agent with spit. I have no idea why Dr. Stender requested to read my full manuscript. When it was all over, I felt like an idiot, but I couldn’t stop smiling for the rest of the day.
Q: After you sent the full manuscript, what did it feel like when he finally said yes?
I’d spent months imagining what this call might feel like. I always thought I would scream and jump up and down (I do that a lot)—but I was just stunned. Stunned and very, very grateful.
Q: What are your future plans?
To write, of course! And I also plan to attend the DFW Writers’ Conference every year for the rest of my life because—to me—the 2009 conference felt like magic. Sure, getting an agent was exciting and mind boggling, but the people were unbelievable, too. They were so nice. When I showed up in jeans and motorcycle boots (the dress code’s business casual in case you’re wondering) they didn’t notice at all. They just smiled and chatted, and invited me to sit at their table during lunch. (Thank goodness!). I mean, I was expecting something totally different. I never expected to walk into a big writers’ conference and feel like I belonged. So, thanks to the people of the DFW Writers’ Conference — I think you rock.
