I’m so super excited that I get to go to ACFW Writer’s Conference again this year. It will be my third year attending and I know it will be the best one yet. But before I get into all the conference details, the when, the where, the how much, let me share some tips for those who are planning to pitch their stories to editors and agents . . .
Now for the details . . .
Don Maass is teaching our early bird. He’ll be teaching Writing 21st Century Fiction, based on his latest craft book. This intensive hands-on workshop teaches the techniques that give multi-year best selling novels their high impact, resulting in both strong story and beautiful writing regardless of category. A literary agent in New York, Donald Maass’s agency sells more than 150 novels every year to major publishers in the U.S. and overseas. He is the author of The Career Novelist (1996), Writing the Breakout Novel (2001), Writing the Breakout Novel Workbook (2004) and The Fire in Fiction (2009) and Writing 21st Century Fiction (2012). He is a past president of the Association of Authors’ Representatives, Inc. You can learn more here.
I’m also really excited that Ted Dekker will be our keynote speaker. He will be sharing during two general sessions about the inner life of a writer.
Ted Dekker is a New York Times best-selling author of over thirty five novels. He is best known for stories which could be broadly described as suspense thrillers with major twists and unforgettable characters, though he has also made a name for himself among fantasy fans. Ted’s latest work, a historical fiction based on the teachings of Jesus, is a radical departure from previous outings and is receiving critical acclaim. Dekker’s novels have sold over 10 million copies worldwide. Two of his novels, Thr3e and House, have been made into movies with more in production. Dekker and his beautiful wife, LeeAnn, reside in Nashville, Tennessee.
Then there are all the editors (currently there are 16), agents (currently there are 14), mentor, and specialty appointments. These appointments can be an amazing part of your experience, but they aren’t even the main part.
There are 5 continuing education sessions all on Friday. Each session is designed for a different level and style or writer. We’ve got beginners, multi-published, independent, self-editing, and the spiritual aspects. I wish I could sit in on each…so I’ll get the MP3s instead. Then on Saturday, there are 20 workshops. There truly is something for every fiction writer regardless of your level and needs. Add in the Gala and an amazing post-conference session with Rachel Hauck and Susan May Warren, and you have an opportunity for a very full learning experience.
Oh, and don’t forget that if you need a headshot, the amazingly talented Emilie Hendrix will be there and will take your headshot for $40! She took mine and did a fantastic job.
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If you still aren’t convinced I met my agent, Jim Hart, at ACFW. Now, two years later, my debut novel Unblemished is being published by Thomas Nelson/ HarperCollins on October 11, 2016.
Are you convinced yet? Will I see YOU at ACFW this year? What tips do you have for conference newbies? Any questions about pitch appointments? Let’s chat it up in the comments and until next time, happy reading!
I LOVED the video! Having a pitch practiced and ready to go — that’s great advice. But I admit I never had a memorized pitch. (Embarrassing to admit!) I found that trying to memorize a pitch actually made me more nervous than if I just talked about the story. So after one absolutely disastrous “pitch conversation” with an industry pro, I never used a prepped pitch again. I sat down to pitch meetings with all of my materials in a folder similar to yours: one-sheets, postcard (designed as my business card), sample chapters — and I just let the agent/editor drive the conversation or ask questions etc. I was so much more at ease and it worked for me. 😉