This year, as a publisher, I plan to meet with authors from around the country who wish to submit novels for consideration. Annually, hundreds of editors, agents, and publishers do the same thing in search of new works to publish and promote.

I can assure you that in my case, I am probably equally, if not more, anxious to meet writers as they are to meet with a publisher. As a writer, I had never taken the opportunity to meet one-to-one with a literary agent or editor from a publishing company. As you decide to become more active in pursuing publication, it is strongly advised to attend conferences such as EPICon, Romantic Times, or any local/regional convention where appointments are scheduled. From previous experience, I can tell you that seeing an author in person makes a lasting impression that outshines any e-mail conversation. I note the sincerity and enthusiasm of each writer I meet, and often can tell when one does submit something to me.

Little things do mean a great deal in this business, and though some editors and agents meet with hundreds of writers annually, it is possible to make a lasting connection through a brief encounter. Watching recent American Idol auditions, for example, I was surprised to see instances where Simon, Paula, and Randy had recognized singers who had auditioned in the past. Considering they must see thousands of people in a season, to be remembered says much, even if you don't make the cut. Now, once you secure an appointment, you want to be sure that lasting impression is positive. In most cases, you like only have 10-15 minutes to wow somebody looking for that next big seller, so make every second out. An appointment is like a job interview - you have to be your absolute best: confident, attentive, and prepared.

That said, here are a few tips to consider to help turn those precious few minutes into a possible long-term relationship:

Dress for Success: You don't have to wear Prada or coif your hair into a librarian's bun, but do dress as you would for a job interview. Nice outfit or dress, clean fingernails, well-kept hair and a beautiful smile is suggested attire for such a meeting. Keep your posture straight and maintain good eye contact. This is the visual the editor or agent will walk away with at the end of the day, and you want to be sure your work is associated with that person.

Do your Homework: Most agents and publishing houses offer their information over the Internet, so do your research. Wherever possible, find out what types of works the agent has represented, and what the publisher has recently released. Does your work compare? Is your work along the lines of what they want? If you are a science fiction writer meeting with an agent/editor only interested in historical romance, you are likely wasting your time. While it may be possible that somebody would be kind-hearted enough to pass along your information to somebody interested in science fiction, it is a good idea to check in advance, otherwise you are merely taking up time that can be better spent elsewhere, for both of you.

Be Prepared: The old Boy Scout motto applies here. This is your time to pitch your baby, so make sure you know your story intimately, beginning to end and back. Introduce the finer points of the story its appeal to the agent/editor's target audience. Offer any background information on the story's concept, and whether there is series potential (esp. if you write mystery, romance, or sci-fi). Have sample chapters on hand in case they are requested; oftentimes if there is interested, the work should be completed, so make sure it is or that it can be finished in a reasonable amount of time. Have a business card on hand to give out, and make sure you get one in response.

Follow Up: Your contact obviously will not end with the meeting. After your appointment is through, take note to follow up with a polite note to the agent/editor, thanking him/her for the opportunity to meet. Even if there was no interested in your pitch, this is a common courtesy that may work to your advantage in the future. If you do happen to write another work, you have at least one contact for when the search begins again.

Keep a professional profile, know your material, and know the industry, and you will make a good impression on every agent and editor you meet.