Can't help but wonder whether this is a good idea...

[Tecdavid]

I'm planning on visiting the Wigtown Book Festival this Saturday coming. There aren't really any events or authors associated with Sci-Fi or Fantasy, but I thought it'd be wise to attend a few festivals and gatherings nonetheless (They'd give me something more to mention in my blog, for one thing).
But something was suggested to me... I was told to print out a few copies of my WIP's first chapter, complete with my name, e-mail address, blog address, copyright notice, and to carry them around for two reasons:
1) If I find the chance to speak with anyone in the biz, they might just take an interest.
2) I could leave them around, upon tables or such (where able to), in case "the right person happens to come across it".

Now, I was pretty intrigued by this idea, and was just wanting to know whether anyone thinks it's a decent one. (Point 2 is what I wonder about the most). Has anyone tried something similar before? Would it merely be a nuisance?

Oh, and while I'm asking, has anyone actually been to Wigtown, or attended its book fair, before? What's it like?

 

[Jo Zebedee]

Can't help you with the print out, although I'm planning to get some business cards done up at some stage (vistaprint are pretty cheap, I've found), but if I lived where you were, I'd definitely go down to Wigtown. But, as far as I was aware, it's like a Hay-on-Wye type festival, and therefore more for readers than aspiring writers?

 

[Tecdavid]

You're right about that, Springs. I phoned up to ask whether there would be anything for new writers, and I was told there wouldn't be many... or any. Still, an opportunity to speak with an established author, or somebody else in the business, might just present itself.
And don't worry, I already know how I'd deal with the printing.

 

[Abernovo]

Well, I suppose having a couple of copies available is never a bad idea. The fabled meeting the right person whilst walking down the street can happen. That said, they're probably just as likely to ask you send it to them, for fear of starting a precedent in accepting one manuscript by hand.

However, think how much you'd kick yourself if you met someone interested and didn't have something ready, and they asked for it.

As to Wigtown itself, I can't help you. Doesn't it have Scotland's largest second hand bookshop? Useless info, but that's about all I know.

 

[Boneman]

Well, the publishers do it, so why not? At fantasycon in the free goodybag (a little different, I grant, but only a little) I had the first chapter or so of Tad Williams, James P Blaylock, Kim Newman and our very own Kissmequick... Okay they're done professionally, look like a book etc, but if you did talk to anyone who said 'what's your book about' you can either 'tell' them, or 'show' them, and we all know about telling and showing. Not having a few copies in your bag can only lead to a missed opportunity, but having them in your bag... well, I'd say do it! And good luck.

 

[Brian G Turner]

I was told to print out a few copies of my WIP's first chapter, complete with my name, e-mail address, blog address, copyright notice, and to carry them around for two reasons:
1) If I find the chance to speak with anyone in the biz, they might just take an interest.
2) I could leave them around, upon tables or such (where able to), in case "the right person happens to come across it".

It sounds like a good idea to go - but I would advise you drop the marketing mindset - the idea of leaving your work lying around smacks of desperation and not professionalism, and I think would be unwelcome.

IMO you should just go to enjoy and socialise - at the most bring a few business cards with your contact details on if required.

 

[Kissmequick]

I'd broadly agree with Brian

It won't hurt to have a couple of partials on standby in case (though you can lose the copyright on the front - it smacks of paranoia tbh. You automatically have copyright as soon as you get the words down) and maybe business cards.

But I'd prepare a pitch,just in case you get the chance - and by pitch, I mean something you can reel off in 30 secs that makes people go 'ooh, I'd like to read that!' not a 20 minute dissertation lol. Encapsulate your book (helps if you can give an angle on where in the market it is). Practise on a few people. For example, at Fantasycon a few people asked about my book. Rather than bore them to tears, I said 'It's like Bladerunner, only with mages instead of replicants'. Now that's not a proper pitch (or perhaps just the start of one) - but it's the kind of thing I mean. Short, sweet, gives a flavour. Google 'elevator pitch' to get an idea.

If you get the pitch right, then perhaps someone will ask for materials. Then you can say 'I have some here'. But they're more likely to ask you to email/snail mail tbh. There's only so much you can carry!

 

[Tecdavid]

Thanks, everyone.
I'm glad to hear everyone thinks it'd be a sound idea to carry a few around, in case I find the chance to speak with anyone. And I see what you mean, Brian. I was a bit unsure about that particular point.

 

[Boneman]

You could always print up a load of bookmarks, with details of your website, the book etc. I got tons of those at cons, and they're useful to pick up. If there's a bar, maybe beermats? (That last one may be a step too far...)

 

[Kissmequick]

If you have a book for sale (ie published in some format) then those are not bad ideas. But a book you're looking to get repped on (I'm assuming from the OP anyway)?

 

[Dozmonic]

Be prepared with a single sentence and a 4 sentence synopsis, just in case. Somebody asks what your book is about, telll them the single sentence. If they look interested, hit them with the 4 sentence. If they're still interested, tell them they have to read it

If at any point they're not interested, you've not wasted your time or their's and you don't seem like you have the over enthusiasm a chugger (charity mugger, those annoying *(£&$ on the street!)

 

[JoanDrake]

Idea 1 isn't at all bad but I would forget idea 2. I agree with Brian.

 

[Grinnel]

This is one of those movie tropes that everyone hates; the screenwriter who is always trying to trap a writer, producer, or director with a script.

It seems that if I were a publisher, editor or agent, my worst nightmare would be everyone and his brother trying to foist unwanted manuscripts on me.

I would suggest that if you get in a conversation with any of them, just find out the best method of sumbitting to them, or if and when they have an' open house' coming up.

 

[Dozmonic]

It's recommended by established authors:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wS9J_ewolrY&list=PLB8805E531190AEEF&index=5&feature=plpp_video

 

[Biskit]

But I'd prepare a pitch,just in case you get the chance - and by pitch, I mean something you can reel off in 30 secs that makes people go 'ooh, I'd like to read that!' not a 20 minute dissertation lol.

Sometimes known as the 'elevator pitch' - I was asked to email one of these by John Berlyne (Zeno Agency).

I didn't do very well. You need to work at it, and then work some more. Don't cram so much in that you have to gabble like the 'terms and conditions apply' voice-over on a radio ad.

 

[Tecdavid]

Well, folks, I gave it a shot. I only attended a single day, although it was a little quieter than I'd expected. Still, I got the chance to speak with two authors, both of whom spoke with me for a few moments and gave me a little advice (Which was very good of them). One took a copy of the excerpt I brought along, but whether or not he'll think anything of it (or even read it) remains to be seen, I suppose.

 

[Boneman]

Unless you cornered him with a shotgun, I don't think he'd have taken it just out of politeness, so good on you for trying. Although... it occurs to me he could have liked the idea and it will appear under his name next year...

 

[Tecdavid]

You know what, maybe I will need that shotgun...