It’s no fun to slave over a fabulous story idea, tailor your pitch until it’s perfect, only to have it end up in that Giant Black Hole – AKA the editor’s in-box. That’s why face-to-face meetings at ASJA’s Client Connections are such a great opportunity: Nine minutes to create a memorable first impression that will hopefully lead to assignments and perhaps a long-term relationship with a new-to-you prospect. As co-chair of this year’s event, I’d like to share these tips:
Before
- Member sign-up for the Client Connections lottery begins May 2 and runs through to May 10. This is the only way to sign up – there are no same-day signups at the conference. View the complete list of editors and agents and be sure to carefully read what they are looking for. Some want pitches for specific sections of their publication or book proposals in particular niches, while others just want to beef up their stable of writers.
- Please do not sign up for clients who are requesting special skills that you do not possess – we attract great editors and agents to this event by telling them they will meet with qualified writers.
- You can choose up to 10 clients to meet with, and the more choices you make, the better your chances to land an appointment!
- Lottery results will be announced on May 13, giving you a full week to get ready for your appointments. Don’t wait until an hour before the event to check who you’ll be meeting with! Prepare for your meetings by visiting a publication’s or agency’s website. Familiarize yourself with the tone they’re looking for, or the types of books they publish. Hone your pitch. Have a short and snappy summary of your skills ready to go. Think about what makes you unique. Pack business cards.
- If you received appointments and are then unable to attend the event, PLEASE LET US KNOW AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!
During
With some sixty clients and hundreds of ASJA members, things can get a little crazy during the event, which takes place in the Roosevelt Hotel ballroom. To help the Client Connections volunteers keep everything running smoothly, here are some tips:
- When you register for the conference in the morning, you’ll receive your appointment list and the table numbers where your clients will be. Know where you’re going!
- Show up at least 10 minutes before your first meeting. If you miss your appointment, it cannot be rescheduled.
- Some editors will show up late or not at all, either because of a last-minute work emergency, or a health issue or because they simply forgot. If this happens, we will do our best to schedule a phone or Skype call for you after the conference.
- Dress professionally.
- Respect the bell! When your time is up, please wrap things up quickly so the next member can begin their meeting on time. Don’t wait for a tap on the shoulder from our volunteers!
- Please remember that this event is run by a small army of volunteer ASJA members who have devoted many, many hours of their time. Be patient and polite with us!
- Disappointed that you didn’t get a meeting with someone? Most editors stay for ASJA’s cocktail reception afterwards, so you might get a chance to introduce yourself there. And don’t be shy to ask a fellow ASJA member who did snag an appointment with your choice client to share contact information. We are a generous bunch!
After
- Follow up! Send thank-you emails to everyone you met with, and include links to your work.
- Remember that Client Connections participants will likely be inundated with emails from other ASJA members so feel free to send another email a few weeks after your first one.
- Share your Client Connections success stories on the ASJA forums – nothing makes us happier than hearing from members who landed work after the event!