Comments on: What to look for in a writers conference http://www.alanrinzler.com/blog/2008/05/15/what-to-look-for-in-a-writers-conference/ A veteran publishing insider's views on how to get published in today's marketplace Fri, 03 Feb 2012 21:53:12 -0700 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.4 By: Alan Rinzler http://www.alanrinzler.com/blog/2008/05/15/what-to-look-for-in-a-writers-conference/comment-page-1/#comment-13 Alan Rinzler Fri, 23 May 2008 05:47:05 +0000 http://alanrinzler.com/blog/2008/05/10/what-to-look-for-in-a-writers-conference/#comment-13 Dear George, I agree that there are no positive benefits in pursuing an agent or editor who is insensitive about responding in a timely manner to your submissions. My advice: Forget them and move on. I'll bet other readers of your comment might think three out of six is actually a pretty good percentage. Michael Larsen and Elizabeth Pomada, the organizers of the San Francisco Writers Conference and agents themselves, would probably be as indignant as you are, however, and might appreciate hearing about your experience. Also keep in mind that the book biz is a small world and those no-shows may pop up again with a whole new attitude if you turn a different corner in your pursuit of publication. So why burn bridges when yesterday’s snub may turn into tomorrow’s eager interest. Good luck, Alan Dear George,

I agree that there are no positive benefits in pursuing an agent or editor who is insensitive about responding in a timely manner to your submissions. My advice: Forget them and move on. I’ll bet other readers of your comment might think three out of six is actually a pretty good percentage. Michael Larsen and Elizabeth Pomada, the organizers of the San Francisco Writers Conference and agents themselves, would probably be as indignant as you are, however, and might appreciate hearing about your experience.

Also keep in mind that the book biz is a small world and those no-shows may pop up again with a whole new attitude if you turn a different corner in your pursuit of publication. So why burn bridges when yesterday’s snub may turn into tomorrow’s eager interest.

Good luck,

Alan

]]> By: gwdrake http://www.alanrinzler.com/blog/2008/05/15/what-to-look-for-in-a-writers-conference/comment-page-1/#comment-12 gwdrake Thu, 22 May 2008 20:28:31 +0000 http://alanrinzler.com/blog/2008/05/10/what-to-look-for-in-a-writers-conference/#comment-12 Alan: I want to express my gratitude for your prompt response to my submittal following the SF Writers Conference. I had six agents/publishers/editors express an interest during the event, but only three responded at all to my submissions. Not even a formal rejection, nor return of the SASE with contents. One of the culprits was a respected New York Agent with a book of her own. I've already followed up with a separate letter of inquiry--all quite polite and proper. How do you suggest I proceed? I don't want to enter into any kind of diversion from my goal of getting published, but this kind of inconsideration does infuriate me. I'd like, at least to notify the organizers of this betrayal of the conference's good name, but don't relish getting into a pissing match with no apparent positive benefits in it for me. George Alan:
I want to express my gratitude for your prompt response to my submittal following the SF Writers Conference. I had six agents/publishers/editors express an interest during the event, but only three responded at all to my submissions. Not even a formal rejection, nor return of the SASE with contents. One of the culprits was a respected New York Agent with a book of her own. I’ve already followed up with a separate letter of inquiry–all quite polite and proper.

How do you suggest I proceed? I don’t want to enter into any kind of diversion from my goal of getting published, but this kind of inconsideration does infuriate me. I’d like, at least to notify the organizers of this betrayal of the conference’s good name, but don’t relish getting into a pissing match with no apparent positive benefits in it for me.

George

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