Sunday, May 2, 2010

The Golden Rule: Connecting with Industry Pros

 At yesterday's Writers Express I promised to share a tip sheet with you on interacting with editors and agents. Here's the first paragraph of that article, and a link to the rest of it, at my blog site.
~Kathy Carlton Willis




Talking to Pros is more about simple courtesies than pitching a certain book idea.

Often at Christian Writers Conferences, conferees are so programmed to engage with industry pros that they end up going overboard and make a poor first impression. Whether we connect face-to-face, by phone, or e-mail, there is a certain code of conduct that should be followed. It’s all about respect and courtesy. The Golden Rule sums up how we are to treat editors, agents, and others in the industry. Make sure you treat industry pros the very way you would want to be treated in their shoes. By doing this, you will leave a lasting impression with them.

Here are some specific etiquette suggestions for you, as you connect with the pros:
CLICK HERE

Saturday, May 1, 2010

We're LIVE in Decatur, IL!

It's a beautiful, sunny day here in Decatur, IL where we are LIVE with the Writers Express Seminar. We've discussed where to find ideas. We've brainstormed with others to find new angles to ideas we want to write about. Linda covered the mechanics of strong writing, answering the question, "Is the serial comma still current?"

I shared the sweet simple story of my son's gift to me when he was four, "Just an Ordinary Rock" and talked about the difference in writing for devotionals, books, magazine articles and newspapers.

We role-played an enthusiastic, but poorly written query letter, which encouraged a great deal of laughter, but made its point. Before we break for lunch, Linda is pictured here discussing the elements of a book proposal.

Wow! That's just from the morning session, we still have the experts panel, writing for the web and much, much more to share this afternoon. Stay tuned!

Monday, April 26, 2010

We're on our way to Illinois!

'Join us in Illinois!'

Are you ready to expand your writing career? To take it to the next level, regardless where you are right now? Then, plan to join us as Writers Express heads to Decatur, Illinois at the end of the week.

There's still time for you to register and attend, find more information and registration form at CLASSEMINARS.org.

In addition to Writers Express on Saturday, May 1, CLASS will also hold the Basic CLASSeminar, Monday - Wednesday, May 3-5, and Author-Speaker Marketing Boot Camp, Thursday, May 6.

Launch your writing and speaking career and ministry with one, two, or all three of these incredible offerings. This could be the week that changes everything for you. Log onto CLASSEMINARS.org for more information.

Hope to see you there! Ready or not, Illinois, here we come!

Saturday, April 17, 2010

What People Are Saying

Hear what people are saying about the Writers Express seminar: 

So grateful for the Christ-centered emphasis and practical application. The content of this one-day seminar far surpassed my expectations. - Sharon Brisken

The speakers gave us a wealth of information and were available for specific questions. - Edie Melson 

A jam-packed day of expert advice, like getting a three-day conference in one day. - Rhonda Hensley 

Inspiring! - Kim Johnson

Writers Express Spartanburg, SC


Recently Writers Express came to Spartanburg, SC for a fun, information-packed seminar. We presented to a packed room at the Holiday Inn Express. Craig von Buseck of CBN.com and authors Vonda Skelton and Edna Ellison joined us as we guided eager writers to take their writing journeys to the next level.
Communicating your message in a clear and concise manner is important, whether writing or speaking. CLASS Writers Express focused on writing, beginning with the mechanics of good writing. Whether writing a family history or writing the next best seller, it is important to master proper use of language in order to communicate effectively.