Frequently Asked Questions: Agent and Publisher Interviews

With thanks to Conference Chair, Chrissy Jackson.

Why do we have to pay for an appointment with an agent/acquisition editor/publisher?

FWA pays travel expenses, provides a complimentary conference registration (including all conference meals), and pays for the full hotel for all of these VIPs. We do that so you, the attendee, may have access to them to pitch your work, ask questions, or make a proposal. By charging a nominal fee, we recoup a little of our expenses in bringing these folks to you. We also ensure that only the folks who are serious about an appointment and ready with their work are booked.

Why do we only get ten minutes to talk to an agent/acquisition editor/publisher?

Their purpose in meeting with you is to hear about your book, your marketing plan, or your proposal. If you practice your pitch, you should be able to do it in five minutes or less, using the balance of the time to answer their questions.

But what if I need more time for my appointment, can I run over?

That’s not an option. There is a timer for each interviewee to take with them to the table when they meet with the agent/acquisition editor/publisher. Each timer is set for ten minutes, and when the timer goes off, the interview is over. Knowing that ahead of time, you need to practice until you can say what needs to be said in that length of time. Running over takes time away from the next person.

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