Writers behaving fabulously…

So, it’s May… and for most writers who spend any time visiting online blogs, you likely know that means it’s the month for Brenda Novak’s Online Auction for Diabetes Research.   During the month of May, this auction offers some incredible opportunities and items donated by a huge number of folks within (and without) the publishing industry.   If you haven’t been there before, hightail your behind over now to check out the items. I GUARANTEE you’ll find something to covet. 🙂

But since this is a writing focused blog, I’d like to point out specifically where opportunities lay in wait for you, the writer.   There are some opportunities in this auction you won’t find ANYWHERE else. If your budget allows (and don’t be afraid to look, you might be surprised) , you could make connections that could serve you long into the future.

Some of the best items for you to look through:

Agent Evaluations | There are some terrific agents in the Agent Evaluations category.  From Donald Maass to Kim Lionetti of Bookends, you’ll find SIXTY offerings here.

Also in the “For Writers” category, you’ll find author critiques, including critiques from authors such as Kasey Mackensie, Annie Solomon, Deb Dixon (of GMC fame!),  Regency author Candice Hern, NY Times Bestselling author Katie MacAlister AND her agent Michelle Grajkowski, Anna Campbell, and more.

And EDITOR Evaluations!  Some of these offer a 24 hour response …and if you’ve ever sat on your hands waiting for feedback, you know how tremendous that is.  You’ll find editors such as Hilary Teeman at St. Martin’s Press, Shauna Summers at Bantam Dell, Esi Sogah at Avon Books, May Chen of Avon/Harper Collins, Deb Werksman at Sourcebooks, and dozens more offering critiques, evaluations, phone calls, follow-ups and more.  Oh, yes, and an edit of your 100,000 book by Evil Editor.

You’ll also find  conferences/conventions to bid on – including an all-expense paid trip for RomantiCon,  WRITE AT SEA, 2011 RT Convention,  and more… Items are added throughout the month of May, so check back.  A full convention or conference can cost a pretty penny…these bids can be a steal at times!

You’ll also find networking opportunities with editors, authors and agents, writing classes, workshops, promotional opps, writing books, and so much more.

There are trips, books, baskets, gifts, collectibles, jewelry, a whole category of COACH purses, and…well, really, I could go on.

There is also an entire category from Kensington Books dedicated to Kate Duffy. This category includes:

• • a Day at Kensington (as as of right now, that’s only bidding at $181.00…seriously?? Wow),
  • lunch with Alicia Condon, the editorial Director of Brava Books,
  • evaluations of proposals,
  • autographed books
  • and a cover critique/marketing advice from Laurie Parkin.

Now, we’ve also talked about branding a lot recently, and my post last week (I think) talked about how YOU portray your brand on a personal level.   All of these opportunities available in Brenda’s amazing auction are potentially career-changing connections.  I’ve read in places that some people believe the phone calls, the connections they’ve made through this very way changed their career, changed their writing…and there are definitely the stories of those who’ve made sales, gotten agents and more through this.

Remember that though you’re bidding on an auction, this is still a networking opportunity.   Whatever you win, be it an evaluation, critique or meeting, be sure to take your Branding A Game with you.  Be professional, courteous and appreciative of the time the person is giving you… not only are they giving you their attention, but they did it for charity.

Which brings me to another point I always think about this time each year.  I’m always amazed, humbled and proud to be a part of the publishing industry.  It’s auctions like Brendas…and another one I just learned of called Do the Write Thing for Nashville that show how amazing people in this small world are.   These are busy folks, giving of their time, their energy, their expertise, and their pocketbooks, to help a worthy cause.

So, go forth and bid.  You’ll be glad you did.