Conference Basics:Networking Do's and Don't's

     Networking is a way to meet other people in the industry, from all levels of experience and expertise. Don’t focus only on the presenters. After all, their time is limited, and you don’t want to overwhelm them. Take the time to meet others and talk to people around you. Your fellow attendees have life experiences and knowledge that they can share, too. Below are some more dos and don’ts to help your conference be a successful one.

Do be prepared. Start networking before you even get to the conference.  It’s important that you know about the presenters and their area of specialization. Take the time to visit the presenters' websites. You don’t want to demean people with questions like, “Now, what do you do?” or “Who are you with?”

Do be proactive. Introduce yourself. Get to sessions early so you can meet people. Sit in the front row so you’re in a good position to reach the presenter after the talk. Do thank the presenter, being specific about something you learned or appreciated. This is not the time to give a sales pitch. That will turn people off.

Do have business cards or something similar. If presenters ask you to contact them, you want to have your pertinent information handy. Make sure all the information is current, and cards with a small personal photo are best. A picture helps people put your name with a face. Don’t pass out your cards like a political candidate.

Do be a good listener. Be attentive. Take good notes. Plan ahead of time the questions that you need to ask. Enjoy talking to the other person. Here is a wonderful opportunity, so make the most of it by enjoying it as well as trying to connect. Don’t be on your cell phone, checking messages, or heaven forbid, talking! This tells people that you think you are more important than they are.

Do use good manners.  Be considerate of the presenters’ limited time. One way of getting assurance that you’re not interrupting, nor being a nuisance, is to preface your conversation with something like, "Have I caught you at a bad time? I have a quick question I wanted to ask you." Don’t monopolize the conversation. Be brief; give other people a chance to talk. (And remember, presenters need breaks, too!)

Do learn how to excuse yourself gracefully. There will be times when the presenter doesn't turn out to be the right contact you were hoping to connect with, or it becomes apparent that the other person does not appear interested in talking with you (or doesn’t have the time). In this case, excuse yourself politely, thank them for their time, and continue your networking with other members of the conference.¹ Don’t take it personally. do

Do follow through. If you have promised someone to send them a specific piece of work, do so promptly, and if something happens that you can’t, let that person know. If you made a real and personal connection with a presenter, send an email or card, thanking them for their advice (suggestion, input, etc.) Stay in touch with fellow attendees, too. Remember, they can be a valuable source or sounding board. Don’t put away your materials from the conference. File your handouts for future reference. Type or rewrite your notes as soon as possible. It’s amazing how much you’ll forget (or can’t decipher later).

Lastly, do have a good time and learn as much as you can. We want your experience at KCWC to be not only beneficial, but enjoyable as well!

Citations:  1. www.wikihow.com  

Trish Nall, KCWC Treasurer

Conference Basics: Business Cards

I am a very honest person, to the point of being blunt. So let me be blunt. I, like at least thirty percent of the people in the world, have a major flaw. We will remember your face forever, will remember where and when we met, but we will probably forget your name five minutes after meeting you. Not very comforting when you’re trying to launch or improve your writing career, right? So, what’s a would-be author to do?  

It’s simple; get a set of business cards. Many writers have a business card, even if they don’t have published credits yet. A business card, like an author’s website or blog, conveys an impression of professionalism and seriousness. It’s an important, yet inexpensive tool for making great connections. Add a headshot, and you’ll be batting a thousand!

The Basics of  Business Cards

1.      Business cards are as diverse as greeting cards. Shop around. With the internet, you can find several companies that offer inexpensive, and sometimes, free business cards.

2.      How do you choose a design?  The websites offer many designs, colors, styles, and fonts. Choose one that appeals to you. Find a style that matches not only your personality, but your genre as well. For example, if you write children’s stories, you won’t want a stuffy, formal-looking card. Look at other writers’ business cards. What do you like about them, and maybe more importantly, what don’t you like? What catches your eye?

3.      Decide ahead of time what pertinent information you need to include. Do you want to include both a home phone and a cell phone number? Do you have a website related to your writing? Do you have a Facebook or Twitter account? Consider using the backside of your business card to include your author bio. When people take your business card home from a conference (along with many other cards), give them something so they’ll remember you.

4.      Be creative, because the honest truth is:  Most business cards are boring. When you’re a writer, you can’t let that happen to your business card. That little card is an opportunity to show off your talent. You want something on there that jolts their memory, and gives a sense of your personality.

5.      Leave room for a headshot! You want people to remember you, so do everything you can to insure that.

6.      Most importantly, like with all writing, edit your card! Is everything there? Did you spell everything correctly? Especially double-check email and web addresses. With auto-correct, your computer may change something important.

Other Tips

·         If you have published work, give away business cards at the freebie table at a writing conference. If possible, include a picture of the book cover on the card. Attach a piece of candy as additional motivation for someone to pick it up.

·         Punch a hole in the top of your business cards, thread a string or thin ribbon through, and offer them as mini bookmarks.

·         Tuck your business cards in thank-you letters.

·         Have them available to share at networking events, readings, and book signings.

Trish Nall, KCWC Treasurer

KCWC 4-1-1: Selfies Not Allowed

Believe it or not, sooner or later, you’re going to need a headshot, whether it’s for business cards, websites, social media, or hopefully, for a jacket cover. This year, for the first time, KCWC is offering the services of a photographer.  A professional photo will make a better impression than a selfie. It’ll show that you have a sense of professionalism, and that you care about your work.       

Helpful Tips for a Good Photo:

1.      Be as refreshed as possible. Make a quick trip to the restroom to freshen up. Get a drink of water. Say a quick prayer, whatever it takes to relax.

2.      Dress appropriately. This doesn’t mean you have to wear your Sunday-best. Choose a color that is flattering. Avoid white, loud colors, and busy patterns such as plaids, stripes, or florals. Make sure that your top or shirt fits well. You don’t want it too tight. Keep it simple.

3.      Be yourself. If you normally wear glasses, wear them. Keep your hairstyle and makeup the same as usual. After all, you want people to be able to recognize you!

4.      Be courteous. Be sure and arrive two or three minutes ahead of your schedule. Work with your photographer. He’s not a miracle worker, but if you have a request, don’t be afraid to ask. And, of course, make sure you end your appointment on time.

5.      Smile. Smile with your eyes. Think of photos on book jackets. What appeals to you? What do you want yours to say?

6.      A headshot should be a reflection of you. Are you fun and happy? Are you warm and friendly? Are you quirky? Are you the more dignified type? Let your photo show that. You want a headshot that will help others remember you.

(Check out our website for more information about Tom and his services.)

Trish Nall, KCWC Treasurer

Faculty Spotlight: Michele Chynoweth

We've added another faculty member! Meet Michele:

Michele Chynoweth, is the award-winning author of The Faithful One, The Peace Maker (set in NY, DC and Kentucky!) and The Runaway Prophet, modern day novels based on stories in the Bible. She is also an inspirational speaker, book coach and writing instructor for the Continuing Education program at Cecil College in her hometown of North East, MD. She has won several awards including the 2014 Readers Favorite International Book Award Silver Medal for Inspirational Fiction and her Area Toastmasters International Speech contest. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame, she has a blended family of five children with her husband. Michele writes contemporary novels based on Old Testament stories filled with the same suspense, intrigue and romance found in the Bible yet written so that today’s readers can easily see themselves in the characters and understand what God is saying.

Workshops:

·         It Takes One to Know One! Over the past 15 years award-winning author Michele Chynoweth has worked with a variety of editors and has developed a tried and true process for developing characters that's fun, flexible and really works - from coming up with names to creating profiles that portray your characters physically, emotionally and spiritually. She will help you develop believable, compelling characters that readers can really connect with, who make you laugh, cry and care. Part of that, of course, entails writing dialog that isn't contrived but natural, isn't boring but memorable. A screenplay writer as well, she'll even teach you how thinking like a movie director can help! She will include tips on how to write in various dialects, accents and more when your characters call for it, how research plays a part, and will take a look at the some of the most memorable characters of all time.

KCWC 4-1-1: Now What?

     You’ve taken that all important first step. You have registered for the KCWC.  Now what, you may ask.  What should you expect? 

     First of all, you’re not alone. At some point, we have all been in your shoes. We are a fairly small conference, offering a more personal experience. Take comfort in knowing that you will be surrounded by caring individuals who share your love of writing.

          When you arrive Friday morning, go to the Family Life Center. Check in at the registration desk and receive your attendee packet and name tag. If you’re new to the world of writing, you may be interested in attending one of our most popular sessions, the “Newbie” class. It starts at 8:15 and seating is limited, so be sure and get there early. Feel free to walk around, check out the book store, and meet others.  Just don’t forget to go to the opening session at 9:00!

     Besides the keynote sessions and workshops, you may also sign up for an appointment with a faculty member. These one-on-one sessions are limited to 15 minutes. You may share a single page of your writing and ask for input. Remember, not every faculty member is an editor, but (s)he has experience in the writing market and is a viable asset.

     Networking is important. You need to get to know people in the industry. Take the time to meet people and make a great first impression. Consider bringing business cards with you. Even though you may not be published, the card can be a good way for others to remember you. So, be sure all your information is current and correct. Including a small picture of yourself on the card is a good reminder. If you don’t have business cards, you can create some yourself on your own computer. Keep it simple. (See also, “Dos and Don’ts of Networking”)

     Friday evening, after dinner, we will have a special recognition in honor of our twentieth anniversary. This is a time for socializing, meeting the presenters, getting a book autographed, and learning more about KCWC  (and it’s the greatest meal of the conference!!).

Besides all this, after dinner, we will have an “open mike” time. Attendees and presenters are encouraged to bring a copy of their work and read a selected passage.  Each person will be limited to approximately 2 minutes. 

     Come ready to learn, ready to make new friends, and ready to get motivated. And if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask!

Trish Nall, KCWC Treasurer

Conference 4-1-1: Meet & Greet

     Hey! I’m Trish, and I’m going to be sharing some information about the KCWC. I don’t know about you, but when I attended my first conference, I knew absolutely NOTHING about the writing industry. It’s seven years later, and I still don’t know a whole lot (mainly because I’m now busy behind the scenes), but I want to share some of the basics with you so you’ll know what to expect. Hopefully you’ll be better prepared, which will enable you to get more out of the conference.

Meet and Greet

            It was two years after I’d attended my first KCWC conference before I knew what the Meet and Greet was and who was allowed to attend. I thought it was only for the speakers and the committee members. Wrong.

            The Meet and Greet is for all the faculty, attendees, and committee members. It will be held on Thursday evening, from 7:00 – 9:00 in the Family Life Center of Grace Heartland Church.  (Entrance is the covered portico in the center of the left building.). This is an informal event, where you can come and meet some of the presenters, the planning committee members, and fellow attendees. Name tags are encouraged and can be found at the registration desk as soon as you walk in. Light refreshments will be provided.

            Some presenters, as well as some attendees, will have their books on display and for sale. If you ask nicely, they’ll even sign your book! (Just kidding. They’ll gladly do it anyway.) You can drop in and stay a few minutes or come and stay the whole time. It’s a great way to start off the conference.

Trish Nall,   KCWC Treasurer

2016 Faculty Spotlight: Stephen M. Vest

We conclude our Faculty Spotlight series with Stephen M. Vest, who will provide invaluable insights into magazine writing.

Stephen M. Vest, is the editor and publisher of Kentucky Monthly magazine. A native of Louisville, he lives in Frankfort with his wife and four children. Prior to founding Kentucky Monthly in 1998, he worked for more than a dozen years as a columnist and sportswriter for papers in Kentucky, Indiana and the Carolinas. THAT Kind of Journalist, a collection of his columns from Kentucky Monthly, was published in 2008. He is a recent Masters of Fine Arts in Creative Nonfiction graduate of Murray State University. His work has been published in ShimmyHoots Review, The Single Hound and Trajectory. To find out more about Steve email steve@kentuckymonthly.com.

Workshops:

·         Magazine Writing 101: The Basics of Placing Your Writing in Periodicals. The dos and don'ts for working with publications and the best ways to pitch your work.

·         Practice, Practice, Practice: Some ideas on how to make your writing better and how to jump-start the creative process.