Post by Totems4jt on Jul 9, 2008 12:20:59 GMT -5
Jay Tavare.
Apr 30, 05 - 6:22 PM For Dazzle.
Dazzle Asks...
Hello Jay,
As a writer, I've done all sorts of work for people- letters, memos, resumes, I even wrote a poem for a guy's girlfriend, but I've never dealt with a professional editor and/ or literary agents.
I'm approximately five weeks away from a convention where besides a lot of PM partying . There will be AM studing, seminars etc.... We will also have an option, to meet with a selected agent and /or editor to pitch our book ideas. All of whom represent well-known publishing houses .. We were told NOT to bring manuscripts, and to realize there is a time limit on all appointments, but that's it.
So what are these people expecting? I mean do you just introduce yourself and start talking?
Just the facts - what? Hit only the areas of most interest? An oral synopsis? Should you have your manuscript completed, just in case?
Could you give me some pointers?
Thanks in advance,
Dazzle.
Jay Writes...
Hello Dazzle. Although no two seminars or conventions are the same, there are some things you need to know when trying to pitch your ideas... Now I should remind you people will charge you as much as 250 dollars an hour for this kind of advice but here is a gift for you...
You should always be able to pitch your idea in one or two lines. This is your Tag line.
e.g. "Aliens" (The Movie)...
A team of military specialist are sent to investigate the lack of communication from one of the colonies of researchers that live on a distant planet.
We both know there is a lot more to the movie but you should be able to narrow down your story to that amount of words. Also when you are talking about your project always remember you want to infect the listener with your passion. What is it about the story that moves you, forces you to think, brings you to tears or laughter. Make them a believer by knowing everything about your subject matter so do your homework! Don't be nervous, I know this is not easy but just relax and if you have done your homework then you should be having fun talking about your passion. The rest is really about your presentation. Eye contact and self confidence always make a good impression. I always think if I walk away from any experience only with one lesson learned I am grateful for it. So go and learn even if you feel uncomfortable. Don't be shy, introduce yourself and ask who they are and then tell them about your story. I hope this will help and although I may be late I usually just read a question that appeals to me on that day and I answer it so it's not personal just how I work. Go enjoy and be productive.
JT>
______________________________________________
Miss Davis
Apr 30th, 2005 - 6:26 PM Re: For Dazzle.
Hey Jay,
I'm sure Dazzle will appreciate the great and FREE advice. That was kind and helpful of you.
Holler!
Miss Davis
____________________________________________________
sami
Apr 30th, 2005 - 7:55 PM Re: Re: For Dazzle.
Heya! Great words of inspiration Jay! I'm sure when she get's back home...which ought to be 11pm my time, that she'll be thrilled. Grin. Super awesome!
A great way to come home to. Grin.
Oh! And Dazzle! Remember! Whoever said that imagining your audience in their underwear was a good idea was lying through their teeth! Doing that got me into trouble on multiple occassions! grin.
____________________________________________________
Running Red Fox
Apr 30th, 2005 - 9:22 PM Re: For Dazzle.
Congratulations Dazzle, I knew Jay would come thru for you. What a great welcome home present.
Jay, you are the best. Shine on.
___________________________________________________
Claire Valencia
Apr 30th, 2005 - 9:57 PM Re: For Dazzle.
Wow Dazz!!!
There Jay goes with his great timing! I think this man has a sixth sense or something (smile).
The advice is priceless and I'm sure Dazz will use it over and over...
Thanks again chief for caring and taking the time to share your wisdom.
C.V.
___________________________________________________
Dazzle
Apr 30th, 2005 - 10:43 PM Re: For Dazzle.
WHOA !!!! Just got home a little over an hour ago. Barely opened the suitcases, but just couldn't stay away, and WOW !!!
Jay, you can never be tardy when you're giving someone something that can endlessly assist them.
And timing, well, things happen when it's suppose to.
Okay, honestly, I was getting a little impatient . But Jaby, I didn't take it personally; and thanks - $250.00 an Hour info. - It really makes me feel special.
Dazz
____________________________________________________
Shygirl
Apr 30th, 2005 - 11:29 PM Hey Dazz
Look what u got for free Go ahead Jay kick that knowledge I know I am paying attention
____________________________________________________
Barbara
May 1st, 2005 - 10:07 AM Re: For Dazzle.
Definitely a very great and a very useful answer that can be applied to about everything that you do! I`ve been reading in various places lately that say "don`t think of it as nervousness but as EXCITEMENT." I read a quote by Stedman Graham that says (i like this one):"Once you know who you are, nothing can stop you." Very happy you got to go to NYC and got to meet the happy alias player. Jay, that was a wonderful answer, thank you...
Barbara
____________________________________________________
Christi
May 1st, 2005 - 11:04 PM Re: For Dazzle.
Oooooooo...Wee Dazz,
Congrats! I know how much it means to you to hear from the Chief. As usual his words are literally pearls, and worth the money. LOL
Thanks Chief
Christi
____________________________________________________
Fontenel
May 2nd, 2005 - 12:44 AM Re: For Dazzle.
Hello Dazzle:
I know how excited you were to see the Great Chief answer your question. Girl you deserve it I'm glad to hear how you and RRF had such a great time meeting each other. I can't not wait until the JTTP so we all can meet soon..Peace to you my friend..Fontenel
____________________________________________________
FirstBorn
May 2nd, 2005 - 9:30 PM Re: For Jay
Hello!
I am a newbie here. This is not a question, just wanted to say that I will definitely use the advice that you gave Dazzle about conventions and seminars. This coming June in NYC at BOOKEXPO AMERICA I will have to pitch my already published book in front of 2,000 booksellers and bookbuyers. And I'll have to do this at at least 2 more book fairs this year! Help! I am already shaking, but this feeling is not excitement. It is pure FEAR! It will be very difficult for me as I am not used to "pitching me" or bringing attention to myself. I just want to make a living at something I love doing. I just know that I am a **** good writer and do not know why other people can't see it!(Smile) Excuse my mania. But that's business. I'm practicing my 30 second introduction, so I'll be ready. Thanks for the info.
Firstborn.
____________________________________________________
Shuandalyn
May 3rd, 2005 - 7:22 AM Re: Re: For Jay
Hey Dazzle and Firstborn, I wish you both success!
Jay, thank you for the great advice! You Rock The Kasbah!
Apr 30, 05 - 6:22 PM For Dazzle.
Dazzle Asks...
Hello Jay,
As a writer, I've done all sorts of work for people- letters, memos, resumes, I even wrote a poem for a guy's girlfriend, but I've never dealt with a professional editor and/ or literary agents.
I'm approximately five weeks away from a convention where besides a lot of PM partying . There will be AM studing, seminars etc.... We will also have an option, to meet with a selected agent and /or editor to pitch our book ideas. All of whom represent well-known publishing houses .. We were told NOT to bring manuscripts, and to realize there is a time limit on all appointments, but that's it.
So what are these people expecting? I mean do you just introduce yourself and start talking?
Just the facts - what? Hit only the areas of most interest? An oral synopsis? Should you have your manuscript completed, just in case?
Could you give me some pointers?
Thanks in advance,
Dazzle.
Jay Writes...
Hello Dazzle. Although no two seminars or conventions are the same, there are some things you need to know when trying to pitch your ideas... Now I should remind you people will charge you as much as 250 dollars an hour for this kind of advice but here is a gift for you...
You should always be able to pitch your idea in one or two lines. This is your Tag line.
e.g. "Aliens" (The Movie)...
A team of military specialist are sent to investigate the lack of communication from one of the colonies of researchers that live on a distant planet.
We both know there is a lot more to the movie but you should be able to narrow down your story to that amount of words. Also when you are talking about your project always remember you want to infect the listener with your passion. What is it about the story that moves you, forces you to think, brings you to tears or laughter. Make them a believer by knowing everything about your subject matter so do your homework! Don't be nervous, I know this is not easy but just relax and if you have done your homework then you should be having fun talking about your passion. The rest is really about your presentation. Eye contact and self confidence always make a good impression. I always think if I walk away from any experience only with one lesson learned I am grateful for it. So go and learn even if you feel uncomfortable. Don't be shy, introduce yourself and ask who they are and then tell them about your story. I hope this will help and although I may be late I usually just read a question that appeals to me on that day and I answer it so it's not personal just how I work. Go enjoy and be productive.
JT>
______________________________________________
Miss Davis
Apr 30th, 2005 - 6:26 PM Re: For Dazzle.
Hey Jay,
I'm sure Dazzle will appreciate the great and FREE advice. That was kind and helpful of you.
Holler!
Miss Davis
____________________________________________________
sami
Apr 30th, 2005 - 7:55 PM Re: Re: For Dazzle.
Heya! Great words of inspiration Jay! I'm sure when she get's back home...which ought to be 11pm my time, that she'll be thrilled. Grin. Super awesome!
A great way to come home to. Grin.
Oh! And Dazzle! Remember! Whoever said that imagining your audience in their underwear was a good idea was lying through their teeth! Doing that got me into trouble on multiple occassions! grin.
____________________________________________________
Running Red Fox
Apr 30th, 2005 - 9:22 PM Re: For Dazzle.
Congratulations Dazzle, I knew Jay would come thru for you. What a great welcome home present.
Jay, you are the best. Shine on.
___________________________________________________
Claire Valencia
Apr 30th, 2005 - 9:57 PM Re: For Dazzle.
Wow Dazz!!!
There Jay goes with his great timing! I think this man has a sixth sense or something (smile).
The advice is priceless and I'm sure Dazz will use it over and over...
Thanks again chief for caring and taking the time to share your wisdom.
C.V.
___________________________________________________
Dazzle
Apr 30th, 2005 - 10:43 PM Re: For Dazzle.
WHOA !!!! Just got home a little over an hour ago. Barely opened the suitcases, but just couldn't stay away, and WOW !!!
Jay, you can never be tardy when you're giving someone something that can endlessly assist them.
And timing, well, things happen when it's suppose to.
Okay, honestly, I was getting a little impatient . But Jaby, I didn't take it personally; and thanks - $250.00 an Hour info. - It really makes me feel special.
Dazz
____________________________________________________
Shygirl
Apr 30th, 2005 - 11:29 PM Hey Dazz
Look what u got for free Go ahead Jay kick that knowledge I know I am paying attention
____________________________________________________
Barbara
May 1st, 2005 - 10:07 AM Re: For Dazzle.
Definitely a very great and a very useful answer that can be applied to about everything that you do! I`ve been reading in various places lately that say "don`t think of it as nervousness but as EXCITEMENT." I read a quote by Stedman Graham that says (i like this one):"Once you know who you are, nothing can stop you." Very happy you got to go to NYC and got to meet the happy alias player. Jay, that was a wonderful answer, thank you...
Barbara
____________________________________________________
Christi
May 1st, 2005 - 11:04 PM Re: For Dazzle.
Oooooooo...Wee Dazz,
Congrats! I know how much it means to you to hear from the Chief. As usual his words are literally pearls, and worth the money. LOL
Thanks Chief
Christi
____________________________________________________
Fontenel
May 2nd, 2005 - 12:44 AM Re: For Dazzle.
Hello Dazzle:
I know how excited you were to see the Great Chief answer your question. Girl you deserve it I'm glad to hear how you and RRF had such a great time meeting each other. I can't not wait until the JTTP so we all can meet soon..Peace to you my friend..Fontenel
____________________________________________________
FirstBorn
May 2nd, 2005 - 9:30 PM Re: For Jay
Hello!
I am a newbie here. This is not a question, just wanted to say that I will definitely use the advice that you gave Dazzle about conventions and seminars. This coming June in NYC at BOOKEXPO AMERICA I will have to pitch my already published book in front of 2,000 booksellers and bookbuyers. And I'll have to do this at at least 2 more book fairs this year! Help! I am already shaking, but this feeling is not excitement. It is pure FEAR! It will be very difficult for me as I am not used to "pitching me" or bringing attention to myself. I just want to make a living at something I love doing. I just know that I am a **** good writer and do not know why other people can't see it!(Smile) Excuse my mania. But that's business. I'm practicing my 30 second introduction, so I'll be ready. Thanks for the info.
Firstborn.
____________________________________________________
Shuandalyn
May 3rd, 2005 - 7:22 AM Re: Re: For Jay
Hey Dazzle and Firstborn, I wish you both success!
Jay, thank you for the great advice! You Rock The Kasbah!