tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post114165863058790604..comments2024-03-28T02:00:11.260-05:00Comments on A Newbie's Guide to Publishing: Conventions, Panels, & YouJA Konrathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08778324558755151986noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-1141848690945417232006-03-08T14:11:00.000-06:002006-03-08T14:11:00.000-06:00Wow! Fast moving thread here. Sorry it's taken s...Wow! Fast moving thread here. Sorry it's taken so long to reply, Sandra. The Richmond in question would be Richmond, Virginia.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-1141809798479452312006-03-08T03:23:00.000-06:002006-03-08T03:23:00.000-06:00Joe,Thanks for your many many tips - and, as we sa...Joe,<BR/>Thanks for your many many tips - and, as we say in Ireland, for the 'craic'!<BR/><BR/>Barry,<BR/>Looking forward to seeing you next week. From what Sean says, with you on the panel it looks like we've got a winner already ..<BR/><BR/>Slan,<BR/>Pat.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01906967600042588567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-1141779197195719482006-03-07T18:53:00.000-06:002006-03-07T18:53:00.000-06:00Joe said:Barry, the next time we do a panel togeth...Joe said:<BR/><BR/>Barry, the next time we do a panel together, I'm placing a copy of Bloody Mary in front of you while you're speaking. :)<BR/><BR/>I'll sign it if you do... :-D<BR/><BR/>Sean, thanks for the kind words. That panel had a terrific moderator -- don't sell him short. Pat, looking forward to seeing you next week.<BR/><BR/>:-)<BR/>BarryAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-1141775599846565142006-03-07T17:53:00.000-06:002006-03-07T17:53:00.000-06:00More about book props - When I gave the YA Lit boo...More about book props - <BR/><BR/>When I gave the YA Lit booktalk, I was the only panelist who brought in copies of the books I was discussing. Now I realize there may be a difference when it is the author talking about her own books, but I felt it caught the attention of the audience to have the books there. It also helped the audience take YA books seriously, as many have sharp, thriller-like covers. I think folks were expecting Nancy Drew.<BR/><BR/>From an audience perspective, I like to see the books by the authors more than the table tents which usually don't stand up...Amyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04200630721904688015noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-1141772635464936582006-03-07T17:03:00.000-06:002006-03-07T17:03:00.000-06:00At last month's Love Is Murder, I moderated my fir...At last month's Love Is Murder, I moderated my first mystery conference panel. Barry was on the panel (Note to moderators: If you get lucky and have great panelists like Barry, your job is pretty easy) and he sent me the Moderator's Manifesto prior to the event when I asked for his thoughts. I followed the manifesto's advice and the panel was a success. So first, kudos to Barry and his co-authors for that.<BR/><BR/>And kudos to you for this, Joe. Developing a Panelist's Manifesto is the other side of the equation.<BR/><BR/>My only suggestion is that the advice to be entertaining should include, "while being informative." <BR/><BR/>Yes, you have to entertain, or you're dead in the water. But many people in the audience are unpublished writers looking for advice. If they go to a panel called "Approaching Point of View" and they get a panel of comedians doing a Marx Brothers bit, they may laugh but they also may walk away feeling that they just flushed $200 down the toilet.<BR/><BR/>Best,<BR/>SeanAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-1141760552910208622006-03-07T13:42:00.000-06:002006-03-07T13:42:00.000-06:00Barry, the next time we do a panel together, I'm p...Barry, the next time we do a panel together, I'm placing a copy of Bloody Mary in front of you while you're speaking. :)JA Konrathhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08778324558755151986noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-1141759868458765232006-03-07T13:31:00.000-06:002006-03-07T13:31:00.000-06:00Joe -- I see your point on prop-ups. Reasonable p...Joe -- I see your point on prop-ups. Reasonable people can differ on this one (am I actually saying this? What happened to my inner curmudgeon?).<BR/><BR/>But I like it when I'm the only panelist without a propped-up book. It happens all the time. Different is memorable. As for whether the audience interprets my book's absence as an expression of my forgetfulness or of my confidence, I can't say for sure. But I would bet my presence and delivery will influence the interpretation.<BR/><BR/>:-)<BR/>BarryAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-1141752061518261972006-03-07T11:21:00.000-06:002006-03-07T11:21:00.000-06:00I love being on a good panel. I did a good one at ...I love being on a good panel. I did a good one at my very first HorrorCon "Animals in Horror Fiction." That was memorable.<BR/><BR/>How are moderators chosen? Do you sign up for the job, or is it assigned?<BR/><BR/><A HREF="http://www.staceycochran.com" REL="nofollow">Stacey</A><BR/><BR/>P.S. My wife and I sold the house over the weekend, btw. We're moving to North Carolina.Stacey Cochranhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14128613653591282474noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-1141749507358337702006-03-07T10:38:00.000-06:002006-03-07T10:38:00.000-06:00I'm going to rewrite the manifesto using these sug...I'm going to rewrite the manifesto using these suggestions---the no gum and candy rule MUST be included, along with many others.JA Konrathhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08778324558755151986noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-1141749409146526182006-03-07T10:36:00.000-06:002006-03-07T10:36:00.000-06:00Re: Propping up your books.When the audience who a...Re: Propping up your books.<BR/><BR/>When the audience who attented your panel (and liked you) is in the dealer's room, they might remember your name and book title. If not, they can look it up in the program book, and then ask the bookseller if they carry your title.<BR/><BR/>But that's two more hurdles to have prospective buyers leap through in order to make a sale.<BR/><BR/>Showing them your book cover makes your book much easier to find in the dealer room--the buyer won't have to ask, or have to remember your name, because visual memory (what we see) is stronger than auditory (what we hear---names and titles.)<BR/><BR/>Plus, when the buyer is in the deal room just browsing, they have a much better chance of picking up your book without making any title or name connection, because their subconscious remembers they've seen it before. <BR/><BR/>EVERY commerical on TV shows the product. That's the point. When out our publishers place ads for out books, the cover is usually the largest thing on the ad.<BR/><BR/>I don't think the difference between sales gained or lost is dramatic either way, but any time you have an opportunity to show off your book cover to a crowd, I suggest doing it.<BR/><BR/>The downside--potentially appearing cheezy--doesn't really make sense, especially if you're like me and hang out in a mall chain store for 8 hours, shoving your book into the hands of everyone who walks in. <BR/><BR/>I think a better rule of thumb than never doing it is seeing if other authors on the panel are doing it. If three people have their books up, and you don't, you won't appear confident--you'll appear forgetful. But if you're the only one with your book on the table, it looks odd.JA Konrathhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08778324558755151986noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-1141749157198458832006-03-07T10:32:00.000-06:002006-03-07T10:32:00.000-06:00NO gum.NO candy.I won't mention names - but - I h...NO gum.<BR/>NO candy.<BR/><BR/>I won't mention names - but - I have a pet-peeve about people talking with gum or candy in their mouths. <BR/><BR/>It's so unprofessional, too.Millenia Blackhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04946305818793386484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-1141741825148681902006-03-07T08:30:00.000-06:002006-03-07T08:30:00.000-06:00For some reason, your first few sentences reminded...For some reason, your first few sentences reminded me of "A Song For You." (I've been so many places in my life and time. I've sung a lot of songs, I've made some bad rhymes.) You could easily sing the lead-in to your blog entry. Excellent advice.Joan Reeveshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17622809465767116747noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-1141722890441544032006-03-07T03:14:00.000-06:002006-03-07T03:14:00.000-06:00Barry,I agree with not placing the books on the pa...Barry,<BR/><BR/>I agree with not placing the books on the panel. When I listen to a panel, I'm not really interested in the books they've written (although I'll make sure I know that before I sit in on the session). No, I'm more interested in people's stories, in the 'life of a writer', in the good and bad of getting published, in the discourse. I remember a panel on playwriting at LIM in Chicago last year that had a steady-as-you-go feel to it - until I compared playwriting in Ireland, its grass roots connection and universal appeal - and asked what had happened in America to that connection these days. That took the panel off on an entirely unplanned direction but one that generated audience participation and animated the entire session.<BR/><BR/>So - I see what you've written and I see the rules. But isn't it great just to throw all those rules out the window sometimes?<BR/><BR/>Best,<BR/>Pat.<BR/><BR/>...I agree with someone who suggested that panel members should leave a card - or a catchy one-pager about themselves on the table at the back of the room (assuming there is a table there). People who are interested can pick one of those up and peruse the links to your website and maybe your most recent book much later after they return home.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01906967600042588567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-1141711572327675422006-03-07T00:06:00.000-06:002006-03-07T00:06:00.000-06:00Joe -- great points, and great follow-up comments....Joe -- great points, and great follow-up comments. My only disagreement (see? It is entertaining when we disagree!) might be about bringing one's books to the panel. Bringing them along is fine, but I don't like when people prop them up on the table. Propped up books tend to separate the panel from the audience even more than the table is already doing, plus it always feels a little cheezy to me. But I admit this is just a question of taste, and I understand the theory that having the book propped up there helps audience members remember it better later. Still, when I'm in the audience, I respond most strongly to the panelists who are classy and confident enough to win me over with their insights, wit, and personality, without the use of props.<BR/><BR/>But again, I confess that this is one of those points that might just be a question of personal preference.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-1141706430711539832006-03-06T22:40:00.000-06:002006-03-06T22:40:00.000-06:00Bill, is that my Richmond, as in the one I flew ou...Bill, is that my Richmond, as in the one I flew out of Sunday on my way to Calgary? Or another one?Sandra Ruttanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06109584805469336742noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-1141706351401363812006-03-06T22:39:00.000-06:002006-03-06T22:39:00.000-06:00Pat, I'd look out. He actually went off the alcoh...Pat, I'd look out. He actually went off the alcohol to gear up for LCC.<BR/><BR/>And I just interviewed him for Crimespree - he's the first of my "victims" to come away with blackmail material on me.<BR/><BR/>(Really, a very very nice guy. Disgustingly talented.)Sandra Ruttanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06109584805469336742noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-1141700485563103632006-03-06T21:01:00.000-06:002006-03-06T21:01:00.000-06:00Designer jock-straps, however, are acceptable.Designer jock-straps, however, are acceptable.Mindy Tarquinihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02970872751327021013noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-1141693123172390362006-03-06T18:58:00.000-06:002006-03-06T18:58:00.000-06:00Joe, you really hit on some important stuff here. ...Joe, you really hit on some important stuff here. I've sat through some brutal sessions over the years, listening to even the best writers display their weakness in public speaking. A good speaker really can sell their books. I've bought books I might otherwise never have (and have never regretted the purchase).<BR/><BR/>"Anonymous" makes a really good point here about contacting the moderators and other panelists beforehand, when possible. That's a kind thought, but I also think that the moderator or organizers must take on some responsibility here, too.<BR/><BR/>My wife and I are helping organize a writers conference here in Richmond for October, and over the years I've attended it, I've come to appreciate just how much a moderator can make or break a session (no matter how good the panelists). This will be the first year I actually moderate a session, and the prospect scares the beard hairs right off of my face. Hopefully, I'll have some folks on that panel who think along the lines of PJ Parrish, so they can bail me out if I tank!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-1141687429873038182006-03-06T17:23:00.000-06:002006-03-06T17:23:00.000-06:00Yes, Sandra, I'm looking forward to meeting Ali......Yes, Sandra, I'm looking forward to meeting Ali... and John Rickards (with some trepidation)..he's in DUBLIN NOIR with me and says in his bio that "he drinks an obscene amoount of Guinness" Given that March 17 is St. Pat's Day, do you think I'd better hide somewhere?<BR/><BR/>Slan, Pat.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01906967600042588567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-1141683478067879142006-03-06T16:17:00.000-06:002006-03-06T16:17:00.000-06:00Good suggestions so far--I'll incorporate them int...Good suggestions so far--I'll incorporate them into the final version. Keep them coming.JA Konrathhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08778324558755151986noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-1141681573393714752006-03-06T15:46:00.000-06:002006-03-06T15:46:00.000-06:00You need a hook handy for #8. If you have to read ...You need a hook handy for #8. If you have to read your answer you shouldn't be up there.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-1141681003889392422006-03-06T15:36:00.000-06:002006-03-06T15:36:00.000-06:00I've done panels as a political operative for othe...I've done panels as a political operative for other political operatives.<BR/><BR/>The most important thing I learned, Joe, is what you said already:<BR/><BR/>1. Be funny.<BR/>2. If you can't be funny, be brief.<BR/>3. If you can't be brief, get off the stage.<BR/><BR/>Nice post.<BR/><BR/>AdamAdam Hurtubisehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17193951132941597473noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-1141678180700838342006-03-06T14:49:00.000-06:002006-03-06T14:49:00.000-06:00And Pat, from what I hear, you have an exceptional...And Pat, from what I hear, you have an exceptional moderator there. I believe I'll get a chance to meet Ali at Harrogate this year. Just ban John Rickards from attending or asking questions and you'll be fine.Sandra Ruttanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06109584805469336742noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-1141678051486673652006-03-06T14:47:00.000-06:002006-03-06T14:47:00.000-06:00I'll come armed with questions to BoucherCon, Mark...I'll come armed with questions to BoucherCon, Mark.Sandra Ruttanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06109584805469336742noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-1141677374058318652006-03-06T14:36:00.000-06:002006-03-06T14:36:00.000-06:00You might want to add to your manifesto: No matte...You might want to add to your manifesto: No matter how big and famous you are, never talk "down" to an audience member.<BR/><BR/>I've seen big name authors and agents answer audience questions with the attitude that they really shouldn't be bothered with such nonsense. Non one's going to remember much of what they said, but they will remember the attitude. For an author especially, this could generate negative word of mouth and ultimately hurt sales.<BR/><BR/>Treat your audience (made up mostly of unpublished writers and fans who have paid to be there) with respect, and they'll remember you for it. Maybe they'll even buy one of your books.Jude Hardinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09994813046526310594noreply@blogger.com