Our big, big May meeting is right around the corner, and I can’t wait. We have invited two agents to listen to pitches and two fantastic speakers with lots of information to share, and of course . . .
Our Annual Auction!
Ready or not, hear it comes, and I hope you’re already searching your closets, drawers, under your beds, storage rooms, etc. for gently used (or NEW!) items to donate.
Remember:
- This is our main fundraiser for the year!
- The success of the auction will determine what speakers we are able to get next year!
I thought we’d start having a little fun by sharing photos of auction items we plan to donate. I’ve already shared a couple of items on the Ozarks Writers League Facebook page. Come on! You, TOO, can tantalize us with your photos on Facebook!
Also, if you are able to contact local businesses for gift certificates, etc., that would be much appreciated. I’ve contacted several in the Branson and Eureka Springs area, and have already gotten a donation from the Crescent Hotel! Let the business know their donations will be posted on Facebook and this blog. If you are able to get donations, be sure to let me know so I can post it here.
Now, on to our guests!
Two agents will arrive in Branson to listen to pitches by members:
Gordon Warnock with Foreword Literary.
Specific genres Gordon represents include: Memoir, Cookbooks, Political and Current Events, Pop-Culture, Humor, Career, Self-Help, Pets, High-Concept Commercial Fiction, New Adult, Graphic Novels, and Contemporary Realistic YA (that means no vampires).
He does not represent: Religious Fiction, Genre Fiction, New Age, Children’s, Middle Grade, Collections of Essays, Short Fiction or Poetry.
Gordon will not require any materials for the pitch session.
Michelle Witte with Mansion Street Literary Management.
Michelle is interested in:
- Young Adult –
- Middle Grade –
- Children’s Non-fiction –
Please click on the agent links for additional information on what each agent is interested in. OWL members will be assigned approximately 10 minutes to pitch completed novel to one of these agents. Contact Jan Morrill at jymorrill@gmail.com to request a time slot.
Our guest speakers for May:
Dianna Graveman is a partner at Treehouse Publishing Group and the founder, writer, editor, and designer at 2 Rivers Communications & Design. In the morning session, she will be speaking on communicating effectively online. Learn tips for using Linkedin, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and other applications to build your business, network with others, or market your book. Online press releases, media kits, infographics, easy-to-build websites, blogs, book trailers, and more will be discussed, as well as lesser-known applications for managing and monitoring your online presence.
Mari Farthing is Senior Editor at Buzz Books. A technical writer and editor for 20 years, Mari branched out into freelance writing and editing ten years ago. Mari joined the staff of MetroFamily Magazine in 2004, where she earned several industry awards for writing and editing. She has been the Editor of MetroFamily Magazine since 2008.
For members making pitches, Mari asks that you review the submissions page on the Buzz website (http://buzzbooksusa.com/submissions) so you’ll be clear on the types of submissions Buzz is looking for. She would like to see a printed a one-page synopsis of the work you’ll be pitching. Please include your basic contact information.
In the afternoon, Mari plans to speak about editing–self editing, working with others (workshopping, early readers, etc) and working with a professional editor. She welcomes questions and feedback.
Here’s the agenda for May:
| 8:30 | Registration |
| 9:00 | Announcements |
| 9:10 | Agent Panel |
| 9:45 | Dianna Graveman |
| 10:30 | Break |
| 10:45 | Dianna Graveman continues |
| 11:30 | Break for lunch on patio |
| 12:00 | Auction begins in auditorium |
| 2:00 | Announcements |
| 2:10 | Mari Farthing |
| 3:00 | Meeting ends |
| 3:15 | Board meeting |
Boxed lunches will be served on the patio again this year. Stay tuned for a future blog post and email with additional information on what will be served and how to sign up.
Also, volunteers are needed (and much appreciated) for the May meeting to help set up the auction OR to set up/tear down tables for lunch OR to monitor/time the pitch sessions. Contact Jan Morrill at jymorrill@gmail.com if you’d like to volunteer.
As you can see, we have an action-packed meeting schedule, so mark it on your calendars:
OWL President's Blog 