If you’re nervous about signing up for an appointment with an editor, you’re in good company. Most writers find that their hands get sweaty and their hearts begin to pound at the thought of meeting an editor face-to-face. But as with anything else, it gets easier through the doing—and through going into the experience prepared to "put your best foot forward." How?

1. Do your homework. Find out as much as you can about the editorial needs of the magazine or publishing house before the conference by clicking on Faculty and then the link to the agents, book editors, or magazine editors as well as visiting their website and requesting their guidelines if they are not posted on their website. It is also wise to request a sample copy of the magazine (or a book catalog). Be sure to enclose a SASE (self-addressed stamped envelope) and sufficient postage as noted in Sally Stuart’s Christian Writers’ Market Guide. Carefully study the material you receive.

2. Bring a manuscript targeted to his readership and editorial needs—not to what you think his needs should be. It’s very unwise to tell an editor, "God told me to write this and to submit it to you." Yes, God does speak to us, but He may not have spoken the same thing to the editor. A "God told me" attitude or hard-sell approach is not going to help you make a positive impression.

3. Make sure your work looks professional. Use a Courier, Times, or a Roman font in at least 12 or 13 points. Double space your manuscript and leave at least a 1" margin on all sides. Bring a SASE in case the editor wants to take the manuscript with him. Always keep a copy for your files. If you are presenting a book manuscript, in addition to a OneSheet (click here for a sample), we recommend you bring a complete proposal and the first two or three chapters.

4. Editors are speed readers but don’t expect them to read your entire manuscript. They can often tell from the first paragraph whether or not it’s for them. If they aren’t interested in what you’ve brought, that doesn’t mean they won’t be interested in another idea you may have. Talk to them. Get to know them. They really won’t bite.

5. Be considerate. We’re packing a lot into these three days and are running on a tight schedule. Please don’t cut into another writer’s appointment time by taking more time than has been scheduled for you. And please be understanding of our need to schedule appointments during workshops. There is just no other time available. You do not, however, need to miss an entire workshop to keep your appointment. Feel free to get to workshops late or to leave during them and to return. And remember the conference is being taped!

6. Relax. The editors at this conference also love the Lord and are seeking to serve Him the same as you are. Trust the Lord to open the right door at the right time for your work.

7. After the conference, be sure to follow through on ideas or manuscripts you discussed with editors that they expressed interest in considering. Write and thank them for their time and interest. Let them know when they can expect to receive your manuscript on speculation (interest expressed at a conference doesn’t guarantee a sale), and then don’t procrastinate!

1. Be prepared to present your idea in ONE sentence. This shows the editor that it’s tightly focused.

2. Be prepared to answer these questions (either verbally or preferably in a written proposal):

3. For nonfiction bring your table of contents, a chapter-by-chapter synopsis, and two or three sample chapters. For fiction bring a 1-3 page single-spaced synopsis in present tense and the first several chapters.

4. If the editor says it’s not right for his house, determine not to get defensive or discouraged. This same editor may be able to give you some excellent pointers on how to improve your manuscript and/or market it—if you’re listening.

© 2001, 2011 Marlene Bagnull

Click here for a sample one-page book proposal.

Be sure to check the faculty bio pages
for the greatest editorial needs and overworked topics.