Writers’ Conference Prep 101––Part III
Attending a writers’ conference is almost mandatory in order to advance yourself personally, and professionally. But you need to know what to expect. That’s why I’m writing these posts. I’ve attended numerous conferences, from a local one-day, to a multi-day conference far away. I’ve learned a lot, and hope to pass some of that along to you. Click to Tweet #amwriting #conferenceprep101
This week, we’ll focus on the Business Card. It’s a must, especially at the larger conferences. You’ll meet so many people, you won’t remember them all, and they won’t remember you––unless you give them a business card.
Mine’s currently being revised to reflect the series I’m writing. But here’s what my draft looks like that I would use in a pinch. It has my current professional picture, and the main information needed to get in touch with me. Plus, it mentions Meghan’s Choice, and that it’s part of a series.
The “blue” card would be my “general” card I’d use. If I were needing to market my series, I’d use the draft card I’m working on. My “pink” card is something I’m tinkering with at present––to reflect the Known by Heart series. Both of these business cards will probably change, once I have a real picture of what my book covers will look like…what pictures are used, etc.
If you don’t want your cell phone number on your business card, that’s fine. But while you’re exchanging business cards with other authors, agents, and editors, you’ll want to make sure there is at least your email or your website on your card. You never know when someone important will want to get in touch with you.
Designing your business card has to do with how you want to present yourself. Do you have a tagline for your writing? Is your book part of a series? If so, what is it’s overarching theme? Mine’s a train, or a heart. Should I use both? For now, I am. We’ll see. Once my book covers are done, I can design a business card to reflect the same color scheme.
I use the blue for this website, using a background photo from the Sea of Galilee in the early morning hours. I love that photo. It’s one I took out of my hotel window while visiting Israel in 2014.
Attending a writers’ conference can be daunting the first time, but there’s nothing like it that will help you gain contacts, experience, and confidence. Click to Tweet #amwriting #conferenceprep101
Donna L.H. Smith 