Our Appointment Process

I’ve never forgotten my first writers’ conference . . .

It was a huge sacrifice financially. I was beyond nervous!

My first experience at the conference – a panel of editors – only heightened my anxiety. Even though I’d not forgotten the shorthand I learned in high school (yes, I know that dates me), I couldn’t begin to write down everything the editors said they were—and were not—wanting to see.

Trying to choose was even more stressful. And there was no guarantee that those I chose would want to meet with me.

At the Write His Answer Conference you have access to the editorial needs pre-conference, and YOU get to choose who you want to meet with!

There’s no need to make last-minute decisions once the conference begins. Instead, you submit your appointment requests  pre-conference.The earlier you register, the better opportunity you’ll have of getting your top choices.
 

How Our Appointments Work
 

We are so excited to offer virtual group appointments again this year! For each of your THREE (3) free appointments (one additional appointment if you were among the first 30 to register), you'll be scheduled, along with one or two other conferees, for a thirty-minute session with the faculty member you have chosen. Each conferee will pitch a project and receive input from the faculty member. Take advantage of the pre-conference practice-your-pitch sessions (info coming after you register) so you can keep it short. You'll benefit most by allowing the faculty member plenty of time to respond. And one more thing . . . you'll learn as the other conferees take their turns. 

This year we are offering 9 Learning Labs, 9 Continuing Sessions AND 63 workshops – all LIVE. No pre-recorded workshops! Because we have more computers available this year, appointments will be scheduled during all of the above.

Yes, that means you will need to miss the first or last half hour of a continuing session or workshop, BUT remember the videos will be available to view at NO additional charge through December 31, 2024.

                       So . . . how many appointments will you be able to have?

THREE, unless you’re among the first 30 to register,

                         who will receive a bonus FOURTH appointment.
 

For those not with us last year, this is really new, right? Please don’t be afraid of change. Give it a fair go! Pray for the others in your appointment as you wait your turn. Consider this for what it is: a GREAT opportunity to make new friends and build ongoing relationships with other writers. We need each other!
 

Less really is more! Here’s why:
 

1. We’re offering FREE pre-conference webinars to better prepare you to meet with an agent or editor. These training videos will be available for you to view at your convenience. 
   
   Nonfiction One Sheet – Marlene Bagnull (Click here for sample.)
   Marlene’s “Who, ME?” webinar offers much encouragement in addition to what to include and why this information is needed to interest an agent or editor in your book. https://youtu.be/RMCGbbq4BlQ 
   
   Fiction One Sheet – Darcie Gudger (Click here for sample.)
   First impressions are everything. Like a resume for that dream job, your one sheet needs to leave a lasting impression on agents and editors who require them. Since expectations change like the weather, come learn how you can craft that unforgettable, colorful fiction one sheet. https://youtu.be/Zl3GMbSUd6M
   
   The Weight of the First Page – Linda Glaz
   Learn to put POP! and action onto the first page of your work, in a manner that keeps a potential reader … well … reading.
   https://youtu.be/cZZwce3ohf4?
   
   Pitching to Industry Professionals – Linda Glaz
   Learn how to construct the much-needed Pitch. https://youtu.be/XwQZkOwtju4   
    
2. We’re also offering FREE “Practice Your Pitch” Zoom meetings – nonfiction with Karen Whiting and fiction with DiAnn Mills. Links available after you register for the conference. 
    
3. Book editors and agents will receive your one sheet and the first page of your manuscript before the conference. If you’ve requested to meet with a magazine editor, you will submit a 50-100 word summary and the first page of your manuscript. This will introduce your work to the editor or agent, who will then meet with you for an appointment to hear your pitch. At that time, the editor of agent will tell you if they want to see more.
    
4. After hearing your pitch, the faculty member will provide helpful feedback while you’re being covered with prayer from the others in your group.
    
5. Meet our authors in the round tables during Wednesday’s dinner. Some also will be leading a critique group Thursday, Friday, or Saturday afternoon..
    
6. Lunch and dinner round tables Thursday through Saturday will give you an opportunity to get to know editors and agents you were not able to meet with.
   
   
7. For in-depth help with a manuscript, see who is available for paid critiques. They will take place via phone, facetime, or zoom after the conference.

Now for some important how-to info

If you want to know what God wants you to do,
ask him, and he will gladly tell you, for he is always ready
to give a bountiful supply of wisdom to all who ask him;
he will not resent it.
James 1: 5 TLB

Before you complete your Appointment Request form (again, you’ll find the link in your registration acknowledgment):

• Carefully and prayerfully study Barb Haley’s charts of editorial needs and agent interests along with the specific info included with each bio. Click here for editors, and click here for agents.
   
• If provided, visit the link with writers’ guidelines for the faculty you are interested in meeting.
   
• Study the publisher’s online catalog if available.
   
• On your Appointment Request Form list the editors and/or agents you are interested in meeting in priority order. Depending on how early you register, your top pick(s) may already be full, so it’s a good idea to provide at least five or more names. 

And Deadlines

Appointment requests received by July 15 will be booked in the order you registered. After July 15, appointments will be booked in the order Barb Haley receives them. All appointment requests MUST be received by July 26. Extended to August 1 – FIRM for those who register after July 25
 

Before the start of the conference, Barb will let you know who you will be meeting with. If you do not get your first choice(s), do not despair. The Lord knows the plans He has for you and your writing (Jeremiah 29:11). Just as you are trusting Him for salvation and life eternal, you can trust Him with the manuscript you feel called to write.
 

No later than July 26, Extended to August 3- FIRM for those who regisgter after July 25 you will need to email Barb your one sheet and first page if you are meeting with a book editor or agent. If you are meeting with a magazine editor, send a 50-100 word summary and the first page. Please email submissions to haleybarb@yahoo.com one at a time with the name of the faculty member you will be meeting in the subject line of your email.
 

Be watching for an email just prior to the conference with the day and time of your appointment(s).
 

Before the conference – Be sure to take advantage of the FREE webinars and Zoom meetings so you’ll be well prepared for your appointments.
 

Trust GOD from the bottom of your heart;
don't try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for GOD's voice in everything you do,
everywhere you go;
he's the one who will keep you on track.
Don't assume that you know it all.
Proverbs 3:5-7 MSG

Still anxious? Order the hilarious video of my bloopers,
Put Your Best Foot Forward.