Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Note: Check back often for updated information.

CONFERENCE BASICS

What is the Writers' League Agents Conference?

The WLT Agents Conference provides writers an opportunity to pitch their books to prospective agents and to meet editors. In addition, the Conference provides a full slate of breakout sessions on the craft of writing and the business of publishing, presented by agents, editors, authors, publicists, and other publishing professionals. The Conference is designed to assist writers at any stage in their career in learning the latest about the publishing industry so that they can better position themselves to succeed as writers.

Conference registration includes admission to all breakout sessions and the cocktail party, agent and editor consultations are sold seperately (see Agent Consultations for more information).

Why should I attend the Writers' League of Texas Agents Conference?

1. The Conference gives you the opportunity to meet face to face with agents and editors from publishing houses. Meeting an agent or editor can give you entry to agents you would not otherwise have; agents often put writers they meet at conferences ahead of writers who simply send queries.
2. Editors are the people who actually acquire books, so you can learn a lot by talking to the editors attending the Conference.
3. The Conference's breakout sessions can give you valuable information and insights into the ever-changing publishing industry, information that can help you succeed as a writer.
4. You can also meet and network with other writers and the published authors speaking at the Conference.

Can I still benefit from the conference if:
• I'm a beginning writer?
• I'm not working on a book?
• My book isn't finished?

Yes! With all of the changes in publishing, writers need to know a lot about the business, even before they have finished a manuscript or are ready to find an agent. The Conference is an excellent opportunity for getting an insider's look at the publishing industry and what is needed to succeed as a writer.

The Conference is also the perfect place to meet other writers, as well as authors and other publishing professionals. Many of our past conferees have formed critique groups and lasting friendships with writers they've met at the conference.

Even though you're not actively shopping a book, you might still wish to use your complimentary 10-minute appointment with an agent or editor to get feedback on your works in progress and whether it might make a good book; you can also ask general questions about working with an agent/editor.

REGISTRATION

How much does the conference cost?

The 2012 Agents Conference fees are listed in the graph on the main registration page. If you're not yet a member of the Writers' League of Texas, you can join before you register to receive the member discount.

What is included in the registration fee for a general conference ticket?

Conference registration includes admission to all lectures, panels, and breakout sessions (except those marked as part of the YA A to Z track), admission to the exhibit hall with complimentary refreshments, as well as admission to the Welcome Reception on Friday.

Early-Bird registrations (those received before January 1, 2012) include a complimentary 10-minute one-on-one consultation with an agent or editor. Appointments are scheduled based on the date your registration was received. For registrations received after January 1, consultations are no longer included in the registration price and can be added for $50 (limit one). The sooner you register, the better your chances of meeting with the agent or editor of your choice.

Do I have to join the Writers' League of Texas to attend?

No; we do offer rates for nonmembers. But by joining the Writers' League, you can save on your Conference registration and receive a full year's worth of benefits. Members of the Writers' League receive a $60 discount on the Conference fee, as well as member discounts on any class or workshop we offer throughout the year and other benefits. Regular membership costs $50 a year - you can save $10 by joining when you register for the Conference!

Why aren't agent consultations included for late/walkup registrations?

We finalize our list of agents as early as possible. Through April, we can invite additional agents to meet demand. After the end of April, many agents are no longer available, which makes adding agents extremely difficult. We also have space limitations at the hotel that cannot be adjusted within the final month.

How do I register?

Is there a registration deadline?

Registrations will be taken as long as spaces are available; see the registration fees on the registration page for deadlines. Please remember the following:

• The agent/editor consultations are assigned on a first-come-first-served basis according to the date of your registration. The earlier you register, the better your chances of meeting with your top choice of agents or editors.
• Late registrations are not guaranteed agent or editor consultations. If openings are available, late registrants will be assigned to available agents, again based on the date their registration was received.
• The conference might sell out if you wait too long to register.
• You save considerably on your registration if you sign up early.

AGENT CONSULTATIONS

What happens at the agent consultations?

Each attendee who registers by Dec. 31 receives a complimentary 10-minute meeting with an agent to discuss their book and get feedback from the agent. The consultations are held in a separate area of the hotel. Each session will be timed by a volunteer, who will notify you and the agent when your time is up. For registrations received after Jan. 1, 2012, consultations are no longer included in the registration price and can be added for $50 (limit one).

How are agent consultations assigned?

Each agent is scheduled for a limited number of appointments, which are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. When you register, we note the date and time of your registration. The first person who registers is assigned his or her first choice, and then the second person who registers is assigned, and so on. When a registrant's first choice already has a full schedule, the next available choice is assigned.

I already have an agent. Do I have to meet with an agent at the Conference?

No, you do not have to meet with an agent. For writers who already have an agent, we offer the option of a 20-minute consultation session with an editor for $50 (see "Editor Consultations" below).

What if I want to attend the Conference for the workshops and the networking? Do I have to meet with an agent?

No, the meeting with an agent is optional. If you do decide to meet with an agent, we recommend that you use the time to talk to the agent about your plans for future projects, get feedback, ask general questions about working with an agent, or ask them for their opinion on where publishing is going, etc.

How do I decide on which agent to meet with?

Attendees will be notified when agents are added and when the lineup of agents is finalized. Agents will be listed as they confirm on the Agents page of the WLT web site. It is up to each attendee to review the list to determine which agents represent similar books. In addition to posting the agent bios and their interests, we will post a list of categories and which attending agents represent those.

We strongly recommend that you further research the agents who interest you by visiting agency websites, searching online for more information, and referring to such books as the 2011 Guide to Literary Agents and websites like Literary Marketplace or Publishers Marketplace. That will give you more information about the books and authors the agents represent.

How (and when) do I submit my agent selections?

After the full lineup of attending agents is posted, the Writers' League will notify you when the submissions process opens and give instructions on submitting your preferences. You will be asked to send an email listing your top 10 choices ranked from first (#1) to last (#10) to the Writers' League by a deadline in May 2012.

How important are my agent selections?

Your selections are very important! We assign your agent consultation based solely on your selections and the order in which you registered.

How many agents do I need to choose?

Submit your top 10 choices in order from your first choice (#1) to your last (#10).

Why do I need to list 10 choices?

While most people who attended last year’s conference were assigned one of their top three choices, we cannot guarantee that you will receive an appointment with any specific agent until we actually schedule the appointments. Because we schedule each attendee's preferences by the date of his/her registration, the agent who is first on your list may already be booked by the time your appointment is scheduled. Having 10 choices makes scheduling easier; we then look at the agent who is your second and third choice until we reach the first agent who has a slot available. Again, registering EARLY is the best way to ensure that you'll have a meeting with one of your top choices.

What is the deadline to submit my agent choices?

The deadline to submit agent/editor choices will be sometime in May 2012. The exact date will be announced closer to the time.

What happens if I miss the deadline to submit my agent choices?

You will forfeit your place in the scheduling process and be moved to a later slot. Appointments for registrants who submit their choices after the deadline will be scheduled after all of the registrants who met the deadline have been scheduled. Missing the deadline lessens the chances of your meeting with the agents at the top of your list.

When do I find out which agent I will meet with?

Each registrant will be notified by email of the appointment date and time and the name of the assigned agent or editor one to two weeks before the Conference.

Can I get an appointment with more than one agent?

Conference registration includes one 10-minute scheduled appointment with an agent. If extra appointments are available after all registrants have been scheduled, additional appointments may be available for $50 during the Conference. Attendees will be notified by e-mail before the Conference if additional appointments will be available and how to sign up for additional appointments.

I registered after April 30. Will I get a consultation with an agent?

We cannot guarantee a consultation for late registrations or walkup registrations. However, if agent appointments are available when you register, we will send you a list of which agents have openings, and you can make your selections.

Why aren't agent consultations included for late/walkup registrations?

If I can't be guaranteed a consultation with an agent, what's the point of attending the Conference?

You'll have the opportunity to visit with agents informally throughout the weekend, especially at the Saturday cocktail reception. Sometimes those informal meetings can lead to deals with agents. In addition, the Conference provides a full slate of breakout sessions on the craft of writing and the business of publishing. The Conference is designed to assist writers at any stage in their career in learning the latest about the publishing industry so that they can better position themselves to succeed as writers.

If I can't be guaranteed a consultation with the one agent I want to meet with, what's the point of attending the Conference?

You can learn a lot from a consultation with any of the agents at the Conference. In all likelihood, you'll have the opportunity to meet your favorite agent at some point throughout the weekend. Please keep in mind that after meeting other agents at the Conference, many past attendees ended up sending manuscripts to agents that weren't even on their top 10 lists!

Will I have opportunities to talk to agents outside my scheduled appointment?

Yes! Agents will be available at the Saturday cocktail party as well as at the breakout sessions.

Should I bring my manuscript to my appointment?

No. Most agents only want to hear your verbal pitch at the Conference; if interested, they will ask that you submit your manuscript after the Conference via email. Each agent will talk to many people about many manuscripts and could not take even the first few pages of every manuscript of interest. (Also, handing them a stack a paper will distract them from your verbal pitch!) Your goal is to be invited to submit your manuscript - this ensures the agent will read it when he or she has time and focus to do so!

How can I prepare for my agent consultation?

The best way to prepare is to develop and refine your verbal pitch. You want to deliver it perfectly even if you are nervous! Try to get your description of your book down to an "elevator pitch" - 25 words or fewer. Then have a longer description available when the agent says, "Tell me more." The Writers' League will offer optional pre-Conference workshops on developing your pitch to help you get ready. Also, we recommend that you take a look at these articles (pdf) from past issues of our newsletter Scribe.

What should I NOT do when talking with agents?

• Never, ever argue with an agent. If an agent tells you no, thank him or her for their time and move on. Listen to what he or she has to say and see what you can apply to your next pitching opportunity.
• Do NOT hand your entire manuscript to an agent! Because each agent will talk to many people throughout the weekend, they cannot take even the first few pages of every manuscript of interest.
• If an agent tells you your book is not right for him or her, don't take it personally - all kinds of reasons may be behind that decision. That's why we recommend meeting as many agents as possible throughout the weekend.
• If an agent says, "Send me pages/a proposal/your manuscript," you've won! Do NOT continue to try to sell the agent on your project. Be respectful of his or her time, say "thank you," and be sure you get instructions on how/where to send whatever the agent asked for!
• Do NOT go over your 10-minute time limit in your consultation.
• Do NOT pitch agents in the bathrooms or when they're having a meal in the restaurant or bar. Agents are people too - please be respectful of their down time.
• Do NOT monopolize an agent's time - while you may feel that you're "getting in good" with an agent by continuing past the pitch, their schedules for the weekend are extremely full and their attention is coveted by every other attendee.

What do I do if the agent I meet with is NOT interested in my work?

Do not take a "no" personally - all kinds of reasons may be behind that decision. That's why we recommend meeting as many agents as possible throughout the weekend. Occasionally, agents will update their categories list without telling us. If the agent you meet with says he or she does not represent your type of book, use the time to get information about why the agent is not interested and what you can do to make your idea more saleable. You can also talk about other ideas you have or ask for suggestions of other agents who might be interested.

If an agent tells you your book is not of interest, do NOT argue or try to persuade him or her. You want an agent who is just as enthusiastic about your work as you are. If the agent says no, thank him or her for talking with you, then use the rest of your meeting time to get information that can help you. Ask the agent what he or she thinks about your pitch, what can make the manuscript more sellable, and what suggestions he/she might have for other agents. Another approach is to talk about other ideas you have for future projects to get his or her reaction.

Remember that while you get one scheduled meeting with an agent, you have multiple opportunities for more informal pitching with all the agents. So if your consultation doesn't go how you hoped, make sure you know which other agents you'd like to talk with during the Conference.

I co-wrote a manuscript; can both writers attend the same agent meeting?

Yes, but only if both writers have registered for the Conference. If this is the case, please let us know who your co-author is when you submit your agent preferences.

Should I query the agents I want to meet with before the Conference?

No! And did we say NO? The Conference is your opportunity to query in person with your verbal pitch. You want the agent to form his or her first impression of your manuscript as you enthusiastically describe it at the Conference, rather than cold-pitching the agent beforehand. A flurry of queries before the conference may frustrate the agent and have a negative impact.

OPTIONAL ADD-ONS

KEYNOTE LUNCHEON

I want to attend the Keynote Luncheon. How can I purchase a ticket?

Tickets for the Keynote Luncheon on Saturday, June 23, will be available in advance for $35 each. Tickets will only be available to registered Conference attendees.

Who will be the featured speaker at the Keynote Luncheon?

"Why This is the Best Time Ever to be an Author" with Editor Alan Rinzler. Alan Rinzler has edited and published Toni Morrison, Hunter S. Thompson, Tom Robbins, Shirley MacLaine, Lorraine Hansberry, Clive Cussler, Andy Warhol, Robert Ludlum, Jerzy Kosinski, Bob Dylan, and others. He began at Simon and Schuster in 1962, then went to Macmillan and Holt as Senior Editor. He was Director of Trade Book Publishing at Bantam Books, Associate Publisher and Vice President of Rolling Stone Magazine, and President of the Rolling Stone Book Division Straight Arrow Books. He was also West Coast Editor for the Grove Press, Editor of the Berkeley Monthly, and for 19 years Executive Editor of Jossey-Bass, the San Francisco imprint of John Wiley & Sons.

Is there a deadline for purchasing Keynote Luncheon tickets?

Yes. Because we have to tell the hotel in advance how many guests will be at the luncheon, we require tickets to be purchased in advance. In the event that we have additional seats, tickets will be sold at the Conference Registration Desk for $40 on Friday and Saturday morning on a first-come, first-served basis.

PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOPS

What are the Pre-Conference Workshops?

The Pre-Conference Workshops are optional 90-minute workshops on Friday, June 22, from 3:30 - 4:45 PM. Each workshop will be taught by an agent or editor and will focus on topics such as pitching your manuscript, writing query letters or book proposals, and other topics that can help you prepare for the Conference.

How much do the Pre-Conference Workshops cost?

The registration fee is $50. Advance registration is strongly suggested in the event that the workshops sell out.

How do I sign up?

When the Pre-Conference workshops become available for purchase, we will include a link here.

EDITOR CONSULTATIONS

What are the editor consultations?

Conference goers can also sign up for a consultation with an experienced acquisitions editor for an additional fee. The editor will critique up to five pages of a book, book proposal, and/or synopsis, providing you with valuable feedback and ideas to help you improve your odds of finding both an agent and a publisher.

How much do the editor consultations cost?

Editor consultations are $50 per session.

How do I sign up?

Attending editors will be announced in late fall or early spring. At that time, we will open registration for the critique sessions.

I registered after April 30. Will I get an editor critique?

We cannot guarantee a consultation for late registrations or walkup registrations. However, if editor consultation appointments are available when you register, you may sign up for one.

What should I NOT do when talking with editors?

• Never, ever argue with an editor. Listen to what he or she has to say and see how you can apply that to your work.
• Do NOT hand your entire manuscript to an editor. They will not read your manuscript.
• Do NOT go over your 20-minute time limit in your consultation.

GENERAL CONFERENCE

When and where will the conference be held?

The 2012 Agents Conference will be held June 22-24, 2012, at the Hyatt Regency Austin, 208 Barton Springs Road, Austin, TX 78704. You can make your hotel reservations online or by calling the hotel directly at 512.477.1234.

Why do I need a name badge?

Name badges give you access to all Conference workshops, events, and your agent appointment. You cannot attend any Conference-related event without it.

What if I lose my name badge?

If you lose your name badge, ask for a replacement badge at the Conference Registration Desk. Replacement name badge will cost $10 and may take up to 30 minutes to produce.

Are meals included in my Conference registration?

No. Coffee and light refreshments will be provided on Saturday and Sunday mornings and Saturday afternoon. Light appetizers will be provided at the cocktail reception Friday. The hotel has a restaurant and a coffee shop onsite, and several restaurants are within walking distance.

Keynote Luncheon tickets for Saturday, June 11, will be available in advance for $35.

Who should I contact if I have a disability and/or special needs?

Please notify us of any disabilities or special needs when you register for the Conference or no later than May 13, 2011, by e-mailing the Writers' League office with specific details on the type of assistance you would like to request.

Will there be panels or lectures at the Conference?

Yes! Take a look at last year's Conference schedule to see what to expect.

How will I know which panels and lectures I can attend?

Once the schedule of panels and lectures is finalized in the spring, a full Conference schedule will be posted online. You will also receive a registration packet with a Conference program when you check in. You can review the choices for each session and attend those of most interest. Admittance to panels and lectures is dependent on space limitations of the venue. Be aware that some panels/lectures will be more popular than others. If there is one you just can't miss, you may need to arrive early. You may move from session to session, if you like.

What should I expect at the Friday Welcome Orientation?

The Friday Welcome Orientation will take place at the hotel from 5:00-6:15 p.m. This session will familiarize attendees with information concerning the 2012 Conference.

What if my plans change and I can't attend? Can I get a refund?

Our refund policy for the 2011 Conference allows for:
Through December 15, 2011: 100% refund available.
December 15, 2011- February 15, 2012: 50% refund available.
March 1 - June 25, 2012: No refunds made.

Can I bring my book/flyers/etc. to sell or give away?

If you are interesting in selling books or promoting books or services at the Conference, you will need to purchase a table in the exhibition hall. For details, see the Exhibitors page.

Can my spouse/child/friend stay in the hotel with me?

Yes. You may bring whomever you want to accompany you on your trip, and they can stay at the hotel with you, but they cannot attend Conference events.

Can my spouse/child/friend, etc. come to the workshops?

No. All conference events require paid registration.

Can my spouse/child/friend, etc. come to the Welcome Reception?

No. All Conference events require paid registration.

I am not attending the Conference. Can I still come to the cocktail parties/exhibition hall?

No. All Conference events require paid registration.

HOTEL & TRAVEL

When and where will the conference be held?

The WLT Agents Conference will be held June 22-24, 2012, at the Hyatt Regency Austin, 208 Barton Springs Road, Austin, TX 78704.

How do I make hotel reservations?

You can make your hotel reservations online or by calling the hotel directly at 512.477.1234.

Is there a discount on hotel rooms for Conference attendees?

Yes, we reserved a block of discounted rooms for Conference-attendees at the Hyatt Regency Austin.

Do I need to check in with the Writers' League when I arrive at the hotel?

Visit the WLT Conference registration desk in the hotel's foyer to pick up your Conference totebag, program, and name badge before attending any Conference events.

I am attending a pre-Conference workshop. When should I arrive at the hotel?

The Conference registration desk will open at 1 p.m. Friday, June22. If you are attending a pre-Conference workshop at 3:30 p.m., we recommend that you check in at the registration desk to pick up your packet and name badge between 1 and 2 p.m., to help avoid long lines.

I am not attending a pre-Conference workshop. When should I arrive at the hotel?

The first general Conference event is the Friday Welcome Reception beginning at 5 p.m. You need your name badge to attend, so you must check in at the Conference registration desk. While the registration desk will open at 1 p.m. Friday, June 10, please wait until 3:30 p.m. and allow those attending pre-Conference workshops to check in first.

Where can I park? How much will it cost?

The Hyatt has more than 500 parking spaces in its surface parking lot. Conference attendees will receive a weekend coupon for discounted self-parking at $6 per day. Please note the following:
Guest with hotel rooms should park in the card-access-only parking lot near the valet-parking area.
Guests not staying at the hotel may use the discounted self-parking lot. If the self-parking lot is full, overflow parking options on Saturday are at the following locations:

• The Austin Chamber of Commerce parking lot (on the west side of the drive leading to the hotel)
• The top floors of the Embassy Suites parking garage across Barton Springs Road
• Limited street parking may be available on Barton Springs Road or along Lady Bird Lake Trail, the road that runs from Riverside near RunTex and under the South First Street Bridge.
• The empty lot across from Zax at the intersection of Riverside and Barton Springs Road, west of the hotel.
• The Long Center parking garage, at Riverside and South First Street (approximately a two- to three-block walk); $7 per car

When should I schedule my flights?

If you are attending a pre-Conference workshop, you will want to be at the hotel by 1 p.m. Friday, June 22, to have plenty of time to check into the hotel, check in at the Conference registration desk, and be at your workshop on time. Keep in mind that traffic in downtown Austin can be quite busy on Friday afternoons and allow extra travel time.
If you are not attending a pre-Conference workshop, you will want to be at the hotel between 3 and 4 p.m. to allow time to check into the hotel, check in at the Conference registration desk, and be at the Welcome Reception, which begins at 5 p.m. This party is your first opportunity to interact with the agents who attend the Conference. Keep in mind that traffic in downtown Austin can be quite busy on Friday afternoons and allow extra travel time.

All Conference events will conclude on Sunday, June 24, around noon .

Are there any restaurants near the hotel?

There are many restaurants within walking distance of the hotel.

What is there to do at night in Austin?

Austin has many, many night-time attractions. Check out Austin-area activities and travel information.

SPONSORS & EXHIBITORS

How can I become a sponsor or an exhibitor?

If you are interested in becoming an exhibitor, please see the Exhibitors page for details and an application form.
For information on sponsorships, please see the Sponsorships page for details.

I've read the FAQ, but I still have questions! Who can answer them for me?

You can contact the Writers' League with any questions you have about the Conference or other League programs by calling 512.499.8914 or by emailing the Writers' League office.

Writers League of Texas

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

2012 Agents Conference: FAQs