DO’s and DON’Ts for Interview Success
(Extracted from session with Stephanie Bond, RWA National 1998.)

• DO set reasonable goals for the appointment. You won’t walk out with a contract, but hopefully you will leapfrog past the slush pile.
  
  
• DON’T forget the editor / agent has his/her own agenda. Play up to it.
  
  
• DO dress like you’re going on a job interview – which you are!
  
  
• DON’T bring anything to give to the editor/agent at the conference except your business card; otherwise, you’ll come across as an amateur.
  
  
• DO arrive early for the appointment.
  
  
• DO take five deep calming breaths before you walk in.
  
  
• DON’T make a spectacle of yourself in a group appointment. Remember, you want to make an impression, but make sure it’s a GOOD impression.
• DO develop a good, warm handshake.
  
  
• DO take the initiative to get the interview rolling with an introduction and some chit-chat to break the ice.
  
  
• DO make a list of questions to ask the editor / agent.
  
  
• DO collapse your book into ONE or TWO sentences. Compare it to a TV show or movie if it is easier to get the point across.
  
  
• DO use notes when pitching your stories if it makes you more comfortable, but DON’T read from them.
  
  
• DO anticipate questions or problems and think of ways you’ll handle them.
  
  
• DON’T forget a smile is your best weapon.
  
  
• DO send a thank you note within a few days. Make it hand-written and postcard form for ease of reading.
  
  
• DO practice your pitch, and consider a dress rehearsal to become more comfortable. It’s IMPOSSIBLE to over-prepare.
  
  
• DO remember that this pitch is a personal commercial for you. Hit the highlights and teasers, like in a movie trailer.

How to synopsize your story in a sentence:

High Concept Formats

My book is a ______ story set in ______ in which the hero and heroine must ______ in order to _____.

A (hero’s occupation) and a (heroine’s occupation) come together when ______.

Movie and TV references.

Relate your story to a well-known or much-loved television series or movie.

Good luck!