by Lena Nelson-Dooley
When I wrote and sold my first two books, I didn’t know much about publishers or agents or anything. We didn’t have an organization like ACFW.
After the organization started having national conferences, that changed in my writing life. I was able to actually meet editors face-to-face. I ate meals with them, and many of them have become my friends, even though they’ve not published any of my work.
Unplanned meetings in the elevator when you can just visit with an editor. Maybe a group casually sitting in the hotel lobby or sharing a cup of coffee. Participating in the Late Night Chats. Perusing the books in the bookstore. There are a lot of places where you can get to know publishers besides at your 15-minute appointment.
The more national conferences I attend, the better I get to know many of them. We are friends and chat amiably. These chance encounters enhance your private meeting about your book, because the editors have seen you in many situations.
So I try to always be myself wherever I am at conference. Our personalities are what make us unique, and we shouldn’t try to hide them behind a wall.
Remember editors are real people. Editing is their job. They wouldn’t have a job without authors writing books. So connect with the publishers at conference. You’ll be glad you did.
Lena Nelson Dooley
Bio:
Lena Nelson Dooley is a multi-published, award-winning author. She is the current president of DFW Ready Writers, the local Dallas-Fort Worth ACFW chapter. In addition, she has hosted a critique group in her home for over 20 years. More than a dozen authors from that group have become published authors. She writes full time. Lena has been a speaker at ACFW conference, both regional and national. In 2006, ACFW honored her with the Mentor of the Year award. She also has spoken at local ACFW chapters in Texas and Oklahoma. She also speaks at women’s groups and other writing groups.
Lena has two Christmas novella collections releasing simultaneously:
Christmas Love at Lake Tahoe (with Jeanie Smith Cash, Jean Kincaid, and Jeri Odell) – Love Hits the Slopes at Christmastime – Romance ramps up the lives of four career girls Who will rescue Bethany from the frozen slopes? Can Scarlett risk her heart to a daredevil? Will Stephanie succeed in business but fail at love? Will Michaela’s heart fall to a pining forest ranger? Will love lodge in hearts this Christmas?
Wild West Christmas (with Kathleen Y’Barbo, Darlene Franklin, and Vickie McDonough) – Christmas Courtships Corral Four Sisters in Texas – The AMes sisters’ romances are a seasonal sensation. Cowhand Charlsey falls for a dandified tenderfoot. Sharp-shooting Lucy ricochets between two men. Horse trainer Sarah refuses to be reined in by a suspicious drifter. Tracker Bess is stalked by a cautious Texas Ranger . Could Noel nuptials be in store for these Texans?
Lena Nelson Dooley – Characters who grip your heart
Author – Speaker – President DFW Ready Writers
www.lenanelsondooley.com
lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com – Author interviews/Free books
www.bustlesandspurs.com – Regular Blogger
www.facebook.com/lena.nelson.dooley