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2008 CLASS Publishing Connections Conference: Getting Ready July
14-17, 2008 |
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GETTING
READY I scurried into the CLASS Booth at the Christian Booksellers Association convention (CBA). Having just completed another interview, I needed a few minutes to "reorganize" my organized notebook. I stood near the CLASS booth, opened the notebook, and began to work furiously. CLASSeminar staff member Betty Southard peered over my shoulder. "What is this notebook?" I heard her ask. "My stuff," I answered, and then showed Betty my carefully planned notebook. As I walked away for my next appointment with an editor of another publishing house, I overheard Betty say to CLASS Speaker Services Manager, Craig Sundheimer, "She's going to get a contract!" Betty was right! Nine days after CBA had folded its booths and gone home, I received a phone call from Susan Schlabach, then Senior Editor at Barbour/Promise Press, offering me a contract. After a few moments of jumping up and down, praising God, screaming, praising God, hugging my husband, and praising God, I called Marita. "I got a contract offer!" I screamed into the phone. "WOW!" Marita said. "That's record time, Eva Marie!" Since then, I've been asked time and again, "How did you do it?" The answer is as simple as that notebook I clutched to my chest as I walked the floor of the Orlando Convention Center. About a month before CBA/CLASS Reunion, I purchased a three-ring binder and a package of clear report sheet covers, which I inserted into the notebook. My next step was to prepare my book proposals (I had two ideas; one for a gift book and one for a devotional book). I copied each proposal six times. The pages of each proposal were then clipped together by a paper clip along with my business card. On the back of each card, I wrote: "Thank you for your time!" [The Title of my Proposal], Eva Marie Everson. (This idea had been given to me by Deb Haggerty, networker extraordinaire!) The twelve proposals (six of each) were slipped into the clear jackets of the report covers and a blank piece of paper was positioned in the front of each. (I would use this blank paper later for my personal notes as to appointment times, booth numbers, etc.) Now the notebook was ready. But was I? Nope! I had a little studying to do. A few days before CBA/Reunion, now titled Publishing Connections Conference, I took Sally Stuart's Christian Writer's Market Guide (available through CLASS) and researched the publishers who would be interested in the type of book I was proposing. It would be a waste of my time-and more importantly the time of the editors-if I were to sit down and discuss a gift book idea with a publishing house that does not publish gift books! Finally, before CBA, I prayed! I prayed, and I prayed, and I prayed some more! Then I packed my bags (CLASS suggests that we dress "sharp." This doesn't mean Designer Label...it means, "well put together and finished." See "First Impressions Count" for additional guidelines.) and away I went! At the CLASS Reunion, as the various editors spoke with our group, I paid attention. If they indicated that they might be interested in what I had to offer, I quietly stood, put in for an "appointment." Linda Jewell, with CLASS," whispered, "You have two minutes." Two minutes. That sounded familiar! Having graduated from the CLASSeminar, I knew all about getting a message across in THREE minutes. This was one minute short and I rose to the occasion! I knew that I had about fifteen seconds to grab the attention of the editor! If I didn't, the other seconds were wasted. Monday, on the CBA Floor, I called up every bit of courage I had. These were the big dogs and I was just a pup! Again, I spent time in study; this time with the CBA "map" (found in the on-site "Welcome" packet). I charted my course, then boldly approached the first booth on my list. Extending my hand to the representative (and making eye contact) I said, "Hello! My name is Eva Marie Everson and I'd like to make an appointment with your acquisitions editor." Everyone was so kind! Appointments were made (remember the blank sheet) and when it came time to meet with the editor, I made certain I was ON TIME even though they may have been late! As soon as we sat down, I opened my notebook, pulled out the appropriate proposal, and began my "speech." Again, I knew that time was of the essence! I was "to the point" and "professional!" After each meeting, I asked for a business card. If I was given any instructions by the editor ("Can you send me a few more chapters?") I wrote them on the back of the card. Next I picked up their catalogue or brochure and slipped the items into the same sleeve the proposal had come out of! (If the editor had anything of interest to say, I waited until I was back at CLASS Booth to write these down on the card. For example, one editor said, "WHERE have you been? It's been so long since I've seen this kind of enthusiasm!") As I stood to leave, I extended my hand again, and thanked them for their valuable time. Many times, as the editor became aware that I represented CLASS, I was asked about CLASS and the role of CLASS. For this reason, I began to carry CLASS information with me as well. I never for one moment forgot that it was due to the instruction of Marita, Florence and the CLASS team that I was able to do what I was doing. Therefore, I wanted to be the BEST representative I possible could! Well, it worked! As I said earlier, nine days later I received the contract offer and since that time I have received another contract with Barbour/Promise Press. So my advice is this: Do your homework, prepare your work, pray, pray, pray, and then believe! For specific questions, Eva Marie Everson may be reached via e mail at pennhnd@aol.com This information is provided to help you prepare for the 2006 Publishing Connections Conference. For more information about CLASServices, Inc. contact us at 800/433-6633 or ramona@classervices.com or visit our web site at www.classervices.com. |
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* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * General Information * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * The 4 P's of Writers Conference Success |
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