I figure, well, I don't really have much energy to think of something super helpful to write, so I'll just let you in on exactly what happens on these trips:
Meetings.
Lots. And lots. Of meetings.
Over 30 in three days kind of meetings. And that's a lower number.
Between navigating the streets of NY while trying to ignore the wafting breeze of...port-a-potty (yes, NY smells like a port-a-potty in the summer), realizing I'm heading Uptown but oh, whoops, I need to be going Downtown...on the B subway...not R, wretchedly holding my skirt firmly at my sides as I'm blown by the gale-force winds that is the Penguin and Scholastic area, and making it just in time...to catch the sleeping receptionist, I had my hands quite full.
I had awkward meetings (blank stare across the table...so...what can we do for you??) some drinking meetings (ah...martinis count as book talks, right?) some incredibly laid-back meetings (yeah, that was me you saw whose skirt flew over her head) and some formal, traditional book-chat meetings.
I could really go on all day about it; I could especially go on all day about the conference that capped it all off (SCBWI NJ).
Instead, I will share some pictures:
My client, Jessica Souders, whose debut RENEGADE will release in Fall 2012, and me
My clients, Natalie Zaman and Charlotte Bennardo, whose debut, SIRENZ just released June 8th, and me
And shall open up the floor to all of you - any questions about my NY trip or the conference? Let me know what you want to know!
*questions posted on and before Friday, June 10th will be answered*
Sounds like a wonderful trip, Natalie! Is it something you'll have to do regularly, or doesn't it make much of a difference wether you're an agent in San Diego or NYC? I've always been curious about the logistics of being an agent outside of New York.
ReplyDeleteI'm planning my own trip to NYC and I can't wait! Hope you'll be at RWA too!
I didn't get to meet you at the conference, but I did meet your client Natalie in her steampunk workshop. Fascinating!
ReplyDeleteSo my question is: why do agents go to conferences? What do they hope to get out of it? And do agents often get new clients out of them?
Thanks!
New York smells like porta-potties? That's enchanting. Sounds like you had a great time! Busy, but full of many adventures. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI just noticed you have 666 followers. This isn't related to your trip at all, but it amuses me nonetheless.
ReplyDeleteWelcome back, Natalie! Great pics--thanks for sharing! :)
ReplyDeleteMy question is: What did you learn in your meetings as far as MG goes? What are publishers looking for more of right now? What are they tired of seeing? Anything you can share MG-wise would be appreciated! I'm particularly interested in humorous contemporary, which is what I write.
Thanks so much!
Amy C.
I'm curious to know anything and everything about what happens at an SCBWI conference as I'm thinking of attending the Arizona one in Scottsdale on October 1. (Actually, I've been thinking of it for years but this year I'm seriously saving the date).
ReplyDeleteSince you probably don't have time to write everything about the one in NJ, what were the high points for you? What were the high points for attending authors? Was there overlap between both sets of high points?
Any plans to attend the AZ one?
:)
Yeah, New York smells like a port-a-potty in the summer. It's part of our charm...
ReplyDeleteI hope you got to enjoy yourself a little while you were here, and had some fantastic meals!
Besides free books, what is the best sort of SWAG you like getting at conferences?
ReplyDeleteHow often do agents go with clients, in person at least, to events like conferences? Or did the meet up just happen on the fly?
ReplyDeleteDid you encounter any backscatter scanners at the airports you visited? Were they totally awesome? Did they make you feel like you were in a rad sci-fi book?
ReplyDeleteOkay, real question: What do published authors do at these conferences? I understand why agents, editors, and hopeful authors go, but I don't think I've ever heard why established authors make the schlep.
I'm eager to see the answers to some of these other questions. I'd also like to hear what it's like, from an agent's perspective, to hear a pitch from a very nervous aspiring author. What are you thinking as we chatter along? Do you see through our nervousness to the good idea?
ReplyDeleteNatalie,
ReplyDeleteIt was wonderful meeting you at the NJ SCBWI conference! I stumbled onto your blog... your posts are actually a very charming read.
Good luck bringing new authors out of the trenches of anonymity and into the spotlight!
And...I hope I have persuaded you to entice your fashion-forward senses with some Torynova Couture styles. =)
Tory Novikova
web: Torynovacouture.com
blog: Torynova.wordpress.com
tw: @torynovacouture
Good and another post from you admin :)
ReplyDelete