By Lindsey Bell
A few years ago, when I
finally felt ready to move forward with my writing career, I did something I
was petrified to do.
I attended a writing
conference and met—in person—with several agents and editors.
One thing you should
probably know about me: I’m shy.
Meeting with writing
professionals (especially when I was far from one!) was something I knew I
needed to do but dreaded nonetheless.
After surviving that
first meeting (and signing with an agent, by the way), I learned a few things
that might help other shy writers as they prepare to meet with writing
professionals.
5 Tips for the Shy
Writer:
1. Remember…they are
people too.
It’s tempting at
times—especially before you are published—to put editors and agents on
pedestals. To forget they too are human. Try your best to take them down from
the pedestal and view them as normal people, just like you.
2. Dress the part.
Looking professional has
a way of making you feel like a professional. I have a few outfits I rarely
wear except when I meet with writing professionals. Putting these outfits on
reminds me that I too am a writer. Dress the part, and you will begin to
believe it.
3. Come prepared.
When you go to a writing
conference, be prepared. Bring several copies of your book proposal and sample
chapters. Bring business cards. Arm yourself with everything an editor or agent
might ask to see.
4. Perfect your pitch.
Your book pitch should
be a couple of sentences long and include the title, theme, and basic story
line of your book. It’s basically, what you plan to say to someone when she
asks, “What’s your book about?”
My pitch for Searching for Sanity is
this: “Searching for Sanity is a parenting devotional that walks through the
parents of the Bible: what they did well, what they did poorly, and what we can
learn from them.”
Once you’ve written your
pitch, practice it. Memorize it.
5. Remember…they are
rooting for you.
Editors and agents want
you to succeed. They are not searching for failures but for the next big story
idea. They are rooting for you!
Let’s talk: What other
tips would you add to this list?
_____________________________________________________________________
Lindsey Bell is the
author of Searching for Sanity: 52 Insights from the Parents of the Bible. She’s also a stay-at-home mother of two, minister’s wife, avid
reader, and chocolate lover. You can find Lindsey online at any of the
following locations: Her blog: www.lindsey-bell.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AuthorLindseyBell
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/LindseyMBell01
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