Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Rebecca Forster on January 30, 2012 at 2:37pm

Susan, I think you're on the right track. I always entertain and inform. Not too much of either. What I found people responded to is information on the industry. No one knew the author didn't write the back cover blurbs, no one knew that we got .85 royalty (everybody thought all authors were rich). Then I would intersperse some of my more mouth-dropping stories about publishing - like 'who knew? funny stuff'. 

Give your local group a test run and be aware of what they respond to. It will serve well with almost all audiences.

Permalink Reply by Susan Helene Gottfried on January 30, 2012 at 6:08pm

Rebecca, I can't thank you enough. I feel like this is what I need to get off to a good start. Now it's a matter of working up some topics and finding those test audiences.

Seriously. A million thanks.

Permalink Reply by Rebecca Forster on January 30, 2012 at 10:07pm

No problem at all. Bounce some off us if you want. Just find your style. That's the most important thing. I pay close attention to the audience, if I see someone react more than others, I sort of drag them into the presentation for a minute. The personal touch means so much with audiences. My first speaking engagements all those many years ago were to Romance Writers of America and to my mother's charity group - all of about ten ladies. But those ten ladies belonged to other groups and so on and so on. Also, don't forget your libraries. If there are community rooms, put on a presentation of your own. The possibilities are endless. Even if you're talking to one person (which I have done when no one else showed up) it's great practice and you can say you were a speaker at XYZ. It's all about building the portfolio. Can't wait to hear how it goes.

Permalink Reply by Regina Y. Swint on January 30, 2012 at 6:51am

Oh, that's good to hear.  I'm very excited about it, and I can hardly wait to share what I learn there.  Yaaay!

Permalink Reply by Sally Panayiotou on January 30, 2012 at 2:02pm

Hi Regina. I'm quite jealous when I hear about all these conferences that go on in the States, can't wait to find out what you learn there and all the best making some useful contacts!

Permalink Reply by Rebecca Forster on January 30, 2012 at 2:37pm

Where do you live???

Permalink Reply by Sally Panayiotou on January 30, 2012 at 2:48pm

I'm in Berkshire, which is close to London

Permalink Reply by Rebecca Forster on January 30, 2012 at 3:08pm

Sally, I've been speaking regarding my experience with U.S. publishers. I have no idea if UK publishers are different. I love England. My sister lived there for 10 years and we have a good friend who lives in a place called Poland Mills.

Permalink Reply by Sally Panayiotou on January 31, 2012 at 1:27am

I would guess it's fairly similar. I haven't heard of Poland Mills I'm afraid but England is fantastic, I love living here!

Permalink Reply by Rebecca Forster on January 31, 2012 at 10:27am

I'm not sure it's as similar as we think. When I read books by English authors it seems they are given more leeway to create their characters and set the scene. U.S. seems to be all about that slam bang opening. Not sure. I hope you'll let us know. Are you going to English publishers and U.S. publishers?

Permalink Reply by Sally Panayiotou on January 31, 2012 at 11:18am

I think I might start by approaching a mix of US and UK agents and take it from there. I'm being realistic and not really expecting to get beyond the initial submissions stage! I'm still some way off having a complete ms but I'll definitely come back and share anything I learn.

Permalink Reply by Rebecca Forster on January 31, 2012 at 11:34am

Good idea. Can't wait to hear. Have a good writing day So far the morning is gone and I've only done email. How addictive :)

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