Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Writers Resource: Business Cards for Conferences

Society for Children's Book Writers and Illustrators LA Conference LogoThis August I will attend my first ever in-person writing conference at the Los Angles based SCBWI.  (I say "in-person", because my first real conference was last summer at the virtual WriteOnCon.)

As I've been doing my research on what to expect and how best to prep, I stumbled upon one reoccurring theme:  business cards.  It seems like anyone and everyone who has attended a conference recommends having a business card.

Why have a business card?  There are two main purposes:

1) Networking with other writers
2) Networking with agents (and perhaps publishers, depending on where you are in the process)

business cards for writers
There will be hundreds of other children's book writers attending the conference, which means hundreds of names, faces, blogs and work-in-progress titles to remember. A business card is a simple and hassle-free way to exchange info and hopefully keep in touch with other like-minded individuals after the conference ends.

To this end, a business card should include the basic  information you want to share with other writers: your name, email address, blog/website/twitter handle, and a short blurb about the genre you are focused on. You can also include a telephone number, but there's no need to add your address unless you're feeling really friendly.  :-P

Okay, seems easy enough.  But what about agents?  Do they really want a business card from me? And if I do happen to have the opportunity to give them my card, what information do they care about?

These were exactly the questions I posted to my fellow aspiring writers on AgentQuery Connect (check out my two posts about this resource if you have not already.)  They gave me some fabulous advice, but perhaps the best suggestion came in the form of a blog post from agent Lauren Ruth.

Business card for writersI considered posting a number of different resources about writers' business cards, but in all truth Lauren Ruth's was the best.  In addition to reading it in its entirety, I highly recommend reading through the comments - there are some great thoughts and ideas that built on Ms. Ruth's suggestions. It's a must-read post for anyone trying to figure out what to include on your business cards.

Regarding where to go to make your business cards, there are a number of online resources that are easy to use, reputable, and cheap.  Below are a few links.

Vista Print - they offer 250 free cards - who doesn't love free? I can also vouch for this company from personal experience.

Zazzle - if you're not into the photo idea Lauren Ruth suggests, this site offers some fun writing-themed graphics

Uprint - In addition to the traditional card, they offer unique die-cut designs, and have a section focusing on business cards for writers

Happy writing!  And if you're planning to attend the LA SCBWI conference please let me know - I'll have a business card waiting for you.

20 comments:

  1. I continuously continue coming to your website once more simply in case you have posted new contents. business cards printing

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi friends You can download Some Best Business card Designs here
    Free Business cards Templates Download

    ReplyDelete
  3. SAP Certified Application Associate - SAP SuccessFactors Learning Management 1H/2020 exam is very hard to pass in the first attempt but the demand of SAP Certified Application Associate certification is increasing rapidly. Most of the people want to pass SAP C_THR88_2005 exam and I recommend they should use SAP C_THR88_2005 Questions for better exam preparation. Certsdeals is offers updated SAP C_THR88_2005 dumps pdf questions for SAP Certified Application Associate - SAP SuccessFactors Learning Management 1H/2020 exam.

    ReplyDelete
  4. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  5. The NIKSA knee ice pack is filled with low freezing point gel that can reach (-13°F), the ice pack gel is still soft and elastic after freezing, and the rich ice pack gel inside is 30% more than other ice packs, which can maintain twice the low point. Reusable injury ice packs made from premium materials are reusable and durable.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Keep up with the latest Celebrity Style trends and get tips on how to achieve the looks you love.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Find a variety of free Knitting Patterns for beginners and experts alike. Whether you're looking for something quick and easy, or more complicated and detailed, we have the perfect pattern for you.

    ReplyDelete
  8. If you're in need of an Automotive Locksmith, check out our blog for tips on finding a reputable one in your area.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Stay up-to-date with the latest Fashion trends from the comfort of your own home. Get tips and tricks on how to rock the latest trends.

    ReplyDelete
  10. When it comes to financial planning, it's important to have a clear understanding of your options. This blog will provide you with information on a variety of financial topics, from budgeting to investing. Stay up-to-date on the latest financial news and learn how to make smart decisions with your money.

    ReplyDelete
  11. If you are looking for some Paid Advertising ideas to help grow your business, then you have come to the right place. In this blog post, we will share with you some of the best paid advertising ideas that you can use to grow your business.

    ReplyDelete
  12. If you're looking for advice on how to get started with Law journals, you've come to the right place. In this blog post, we'll cover everything you need to know, from what to write about, to how to format your submissions.

    ReplyDelete
  13. If you're planning on doing any Plumbing work around your home, it's important to keep safety in mind. In this blog post, we'll share some tips to help you stay safe while you're working on your plumbing.

    ReplyDelete
  14. This Wood working project is a great way to get started with wood working. It is a simple project that can be completed in a weekend.

    ReplyDelete
  15. poker game development companyDecember 15, 2022 at 12:03 AM

    This post was awesome thank you for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Thanks for sharing this great blog site. Very interesting and informative. Good job! Get the best Car removal deal here.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Wow. You have observed such great points and much like to read articles like these. Thanks for sharing.
    Car removal Perth

    ReplyDelete
  18. Places to stay and visit https://www.placestostay.lk/

    ReplyDelete