Advice from the Big Dogs

I was browsing through the Jerry Jenkin's guild website when I came across a section where members can ask questions. I thought about what question I'd ask for a few minutes and finally asked what I should do if I'm going to a conference and if I have one book that's already done, and an idea for a book I think is probably better.

The answer I received from Andy Scheer was about a page, and essentially said, "If you're writing fiction, bring samples of your work you've already done along with a synopsis and some phrase that would catch reader's attention. Be prepared to pitch your concept idea with an outline."

He also said I shouldn't be focusing just on agents at a conference. Conferences are rare times you get to see both editors (people who work for publishing houses) and agents. An editor will know more about what their house is wanting to sell, and you save yourself someone you have to work with if you don't have to hire an agent.