Lynette Bishop Snell

I am determined to sell my book.  I have spent the last 3 solid days researching agents and agencies who might be a good fit for my newly written, “The Tale of Lillian Foster.”    In the process of this research I discovered two important facts.

First, the best way to get a foot in the door with an agent or editor is to actually attend a conference, manuscript in hand.  During my research, I discovered most agents and editors attend several conferences per year.  This is their way of keeping an ear to the industry pulse and also in hopes of discovering that new, untapped author just waiting to be noticed.  Also, most of them speak or lead some sort of roundtable discussion.  It’s a perfect opportunity to listen and learn.
Second, the best way to get a foot in the door with an agent or editor is to meet them at a conference, manuscript in hand.  It seems an agent or editor is more likely to take a look at your work if you actually meet them face to face and pitch your story idea to them.  They prefer this method over an unsolicited query sent to their office, although most will still accept those. 

I also came to the realization that most conferences take place before October.  With the exception of one major conference which is coming up October 26-30, 2005.  It is the Glorieta Christian Writer’s Conference near Santa Fe, New Mexico.  I scoured the website for this conference (http://www.classervices.com/CS_Glorieta_Conf.html), pouring over workshop descriptions, roundtable discussion schedules, faculty listings and editor/agent appointment availabilities.  The information was overwhelming at first, but the more I read and researched and delved into it, the more I knew I had to make this happen.  I had to go to Glorieta.

I spent the better part of Saturday picking out my classes, weighing different topics’ relevance to my season in the writing life and choosing agents I might want to meet.  I am now convinced more than ever that this is the perfect first opportunity to get my foot in the door.  I have requested an appointment with one of my top agent choices, Joyce Hart of Hartline Literary Agency.  Coming into the game at this late stage, I may not be able to secure that meeting, but I am hoping and praying that God has brought this conference to my awareness for a specific reason.  And I’m attempting to take advantage of that awareness.

Now, before anyone seems to think I am delusional, let me qualify somethings here.  I am going to this conference for the express purpose of education.  I have never attended a major writer’s conference and I am looking forward to soaking in the knowledge and wisdom of experienced and successful authors.  I would be a fool not to take advantage of this situation. 

So, if all goes as planned, I will fly out of Orlando on October 26 and hopefully come back on the 30th an educated, informed, and, fingers crossed, better connected author.

I will keep you posted on my process.