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Success within Convention: Using Genre Conventions to Boost your
Opportunities
By Trisha J. Wooldridge
If you write genre fiction, particularly science-fiction,
fantasy, horror or paranormal, conventions offer opportunities
to meet agents, editors, and fans. Attending and meeting people
in this casual atmosphere is the first step for fun networking
strategy, but as a presenter or guest, you can grab a piece of
spotlight and make an impression.
As a guest/participant (terminology changes between conventions),
you introduce yourself to the fan community. You find customers,
and you meet editors and agents who attend panels as fans. Most
of my convention sales happen after panels when people approach
me because they liked how I spoke; these same people subscribe
to my newsletter and join social media networks.
This role is good for shy writers. While you introduce yourself
and your work, the purpose is a moderated, easier public discussion
shared with one or more people. Topics vary: believable villains,
successful blogs, the Bella-Edward relationship in Twilight, or
why Cthulu should be the next U.S. President.
If you aren't already a "con-goer", the first step is to attend
conventions. Hundreds exist in North America. Locus Magazine, a
major publication for genre fiction, lists some here:
http://www.locusmag.com/Conventions.html
Other resources include:
http://www.scificonventions.com/
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/wilf.james/i_conlist.htm
http://www.sfsite.com/depts/cons01.htm
But the best way to find a convention is to ask other genre
writers. Visit their websites. Do an Internet search for a city,
state, your preferred genre, "convention," and find local events.
Once you've found a convention, be an active attendee. Ask
intelligent questions during panel Q&As. Attend parties.
Most conventions have a "Con Suite," for socializing. Because
it's a genre convention, you already have something in common
with other attendees. In many cases, a panelist, volunteer, or
organizer for one convention attends others.
After a panel, talk to the panelists. How did they become a
part of the convention? Many panelists develop a relationship
with the convention and its organizers. If you hit it off with
the panelists, ask them to introduce you to the panel or track
organizer.
After the convention, as with any networking, follow up - even
if you didn't meet an organizer. Most conventions have websites
and at least one social media platform: follow them on Twitter;
friend them on Facebook, LiveJournal or MySpace; comment on their
blog. Often, organizers ask for panel suggestions or what people
want to see next convention. Make suggestions and offer to be on
panels. On their websites, most conventions have participant sign-
up forms. Fill them out. If you are active in the convention
community, the committee will remember you when they select
participants.
Once you're on panels, maintain your position as a desired
participant. Be polite, thoughtful and a team player. Thank
people on the panel, speak in turn and don't speak too long.
Choose your words with respect to fellow panelists and the fans
listening to you. Basic manners and respect make a panel
successful - and a successful panel is what the convention
organizers want.
Conventions are a great promotional resource for a genre writer.
Being a presenter brings you positive attention from the industry
and potential readers who will buy your work. It's also a lot of
fun.
BIO
Trisha J. Wooldridge is the owner of A Novel Friend Writing
& Editing. She's published non-fiction in more places than
she can keep track of and fiction at Fantasy Gazetteer and
in the EPPIE Award-winning Bad-Ass Faeries 2: Just Plain Bad.
For more information, visit her at
www.anovelfriend.com or
follow her on Twitter @novelfriend .
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