I'm signed up to attend a local writing conference-- with completed first novel in hand.
The top editor from my favorite publishing house will be speaking (and her publishing house accepts unsolicited submissions and pledges to read through the slush pile and respond within six to eight weeks).
My impulse is probably not very couth. Is there any dignified, professional, non-offensive way to make contact with her?
Thank you!
Do you REALLY need to hear that trailing around after her with a sidecar of pages is a bad bad bad idea?
Do you REALLY need to hear that leaping out from a dark corner screaming "manuscript available" while your Ipod plays the theme from Rocky is a bad bad bad idea?
Do you REALLY need to hear that accosting her at the lunch table by announcing the availability of your deathless prose which of course you just happen to have in a valise under the table is a bad bad bad idea?
Despite all evidence to the contrary, editors are human beings. The universal "dignified, professional, non-offensive way to make contact with her" is to say "hello". Then if you have a brain in your head you'll offer a compliment on a book she edited. Then you'll ask a question like 'come here often' or 'what's your sign' or even the very brave 'how do you like the conference so far'.
We all know you're at the conference cause you're a writer with a novel. Be cool.