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2008 Publishing Connections Conference: Code of Ethics July
14-17, 2008 |
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Publishing Connections Conference "Code of Ethics" Please be aware, CBA was not created or planned for writers or speakers. It is a tradeshow put on by publishers aimed at retailers. Since the publishers have invested huge sums of money to reach the booksellers, we must be careful not to interfere. Therefore, do not sit on their couches and chairs, eat their candy, loiter or hang out in their booths. This is very high priced real estate that they have rented to market their products. Even when you are invited to talk with an editor and a "customer" approaches the booth, offer to step aside so the customer can be served. Wherever you go at CBA, you represent CLASS and as such are a reflection of the years of goodwill and rapport the organization has developed. There is a fine line between being enthusiastic and being obnoxious. Be careful that you are not pushy or aggressive. Such behaviors defeat your purpose, even when you are confident God has called you to your mission. Badgering a representative for information on where an editor might be or pushing an editor to give you more time will alienate the very people you hope to impress. Other offensive behavior could include inappropriate-or too sexy-attire, breaking rules to reach the person with whom you wish to connect, even when you are confident God has placed this person close to you-on the other side of a barrier, or cutting in line or in front of a customer at a booth. Just because you feel God has put this message on your heart to set down in book form does not mean God has told any specific publisher to publish your book. Do not tell an editor, "God has told me you are going to publish my book." Most editors welcome a word from the Lord, but not in this way. If you turn the editors off, they will not publish your book no matter how right it might be for the house. Your behavior also has a direct impact on future CLASS Reunion attendees having this rare opportunity for a first-hand look at our industry. Even though CBA is not planned for us, it happens to be a wonderful opportunity for us! Questions you may ask when approaching a publisher's booth:
--If no one is available, say thank you and move on. If you are able to speak with an editor, be gracious and succinct. All editors come to CBA with schedules that are already busy. Several publishers have cut back on the number of editorial staff they bring to CBA events making the Publishing Connections Conference and the editors who come to us an even greater value. The limited staff they have may already be booked taking care of the authors with whom they already have relationships. Others view this show as a strictly selling event-with only sales staff in the booth-and specifically do not want to talk to new/aspiring authors. Please review the following list. Cross these publishing houses out of your directory and off of the floor map to prevent you accidentally bothering any of them. Remember that these are publishers who have specifically contacted CLASS and asked that you not come to their booth looking for editors. You gain nothing by ignoring their requests-and it could cost you the privilege of all other CBA/CLASS activities. Last year the "do not call list" was: Baker Book House/Revell Publishers/Bethany House, New Hope Publishing, Tyndale House Publishers, Multnomah Publishers, Harvest House, Thomas Nelson/W Publishing Group, Christianity Today, Zondervan, Shalom Press, and Creation House. You can stop by AMG publishers and ask for Dan, but if Dan is not there, do not bother the sales people. We will have an updated list on site. The free books given away at booths are not for us, but for retailers. Some publishers don't mind authors getting free books but some will say "No" to those with "Exhibitor" or "Author" badges. Do not take offense at those who stick to the letter of CBA policy. Additionally, do not take up the author's time telling him or her about your project in hopes of getting an endorsement. This "code" has been created to prevent one of our attendees making someone angry, causing CBA to ultimately remove the opportunity for CLASS to have a booth at CBA, which is what gives you access to the tradeshow. Therefore, a specific complaint about someone will result in the return of the CBA badge. A personal apology will also need to be made to the offended person. You will be asked to review the most current list of publishers on the "Do Not Call List" and sign the following statement. I have read the above code of ethics and I agree to abide by them. I understand that an infraction may result in the loss of CBA/CLASS privileges. Printed Name:_____________________________________________________ Signature:________________________________________________________ Note: Two updated copies of this Code of Ethics will be included in your registration packet, one to return to CLASS and one to keep with you. |
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* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * General Information * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * The 4 P's of Writers Conference Success |
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