The June 2009 Conference was, once again, spectacular. There was an amazing group of agents, editors, illustrators, authors, and art directors waiting to critique, guide, challenge and enlighten the 240 participants. And there was plenty of talent on the attendee side as well. Both new and familiar faces were present to submit manuscripts and illustrations, in hopes of landing that book deal or finding the perfect match in an agent or editor. And it happened or is in the works already for some of the folks who were there!

This year, I attended Saturday only, but it was no different than Friday in that critiques, first page sessions, and talks were scheduled all day long. At the same time, items were available for bids in 2 separate auctions; participating  illustrators’ work was on view; and the Book Fair was open for perusing. As we rushed from one activity to the next, up and down the stairs in Stuart Hall, it couldn’t have felt more like being back in college and trying to figure out where our next class was. It was familiar, crowded, and wacky, and more than one of us – way more, actually – were periodically to be seen standing stock still trying to figure out what we were supposed to be doing next. 

Everyone, by the end of Saturday, is totally wiped out. But in a good way. If you want to be published in children’s books and are not attending conferences, you need to consider it – you’ll be amazed at the jolt of inspiration you’ll get.

It had been my thought when I started this to offer a few tips about attending a conference such as this, but I suspect they’ve all been written up somewhere online. Or maybe a few would help. Here’s the most important ones overall I can think of …

• Reduce your stress – The activity is non-stop, so it behooves attendees to minimize stress, and I suggest doing this by being totally prepared ahead of time – right down to what you will wear, directions, being all packed up and ready to go the night before. Be prepared by being somewhat familiar with the editors and agents who will be attending – come already having researched at least some of the author or agent’s web sites, their bios, what kind of books they’re doing, etc.,  (that is, if you didn’t do all this before you sent in your application!) When you have minimized your stress, you will also be much more able to hear your critiques.
• Have the right attitude – being optimistic is the best way to go. Every editor’s and agent’s view on your work will be a little different, and it is important to be open to all comments. The faculty are present to offer their input with the best of intentions in helping you further your work. Be prepared for both praise and criticism and for things you do and don’t want to hear. Listen carefully, ask questions, and let what is said sink in, as you will be revisiting their suggestions later. And later again. Stay positive.
• Follow-Up – Once home, write thank-you notes or letters to the faculty that you met with. Review the critiques you received and make additional notes while everything is fresh in your mind. Bring your experiences back to your writers’  groups, (you do belong to a writers’ group, right?), and share what you’ve learned with one another. This is another way to keep your critiques fresh in your mind, and to go over the feedback with the people who know you and your work the best. Plus, it’s a great way to figure who you may or may not want to meet with in the future, who may be most open to your particular style of work.
• More follow-up – get down to the re-writes, the edits, the next dummy or illustration revisions. Get ready to submit to those faculty members who expressed an interest or openness in seeing your work again. But don’t wait too long – the next conference will be here before you know it!!

If you want to get the most from your writing, join SCBWI, and find where your local SCBWI is and join them, too. (New Jerseyans, you’re here.) Get in the know about the big field of children’s books. Search out a children’s book writers’ (and/or illustrators’) group nearest you. The support, encouragement and shared information is invaluable.