I’ll be attending the Historical Novel Society’s North American Conference next month in Portland, Oregon. This is a three-day event starting June 22 and I’d be happy to meet any of my followers if you happen to be in Portland that weekend. I’m looking forward to this event – mostly because there’s a class on handling period firearms (and one called “Hooch Through History” with a hands-on workshop).
Here are a few pointers if you’re considering attending a conference.
- Wear business-casual. You’ll be meeting editors, publishers, and agents, so it’s not a good idea to wear that ratty t-shirt or that Elizabethan costume (except during the costume contest, of course)
- Be friendly. You will be meeting all those people, so be approachable and personable.
- Practice your pitch. Folks will be asking you “what do you write?” and you should have a short blurb memorized that will explain exactly what your book is about in one or two sentences.