Armchair BEA: Networking—Leonicka does Festival of Trees

Bonus post! Networking is fun for me (under the right circumstances), so I’m happy to share another fabulous industry experience I had last month. Because she is an amazing human being, children’s literary agent Ali McDonald took me to the Forest of Reading Festival of Trees in May.

Oh. Em. Gee. Thousands of kids running around along the harbour screaming out of excitement for books. It was a beautiful sight. 

It was a little rainy in the morning so Ali and I had to huddle under umbrellas and awnings to stay dry as kids introduced the authors of their favorite books and explained why they wanted that book to win. I could always tell which book would win by how ear-splitting the cheers were. “Is that book good?” I asked the little girl behind me. “Yeah! You should read it. Even if you’re a grown up.” A glowing endorsement if I ever heard one. 

Between award presentations, Ali and I had lunch. Strengthening old relationships is as critical as forming new ones, y’all. I don’t even remember what we talked about but after several of these one-on-one chats, I totally feel comfortable asking her for professional advice. It’s great to have a mentor. It’s better to have several.  

Other highlights of the day included a lovely talk with Kari-Lynn Winters, a prolific children’s book author; a visit with Angela Wood, one of the founding members of Kids Can Press; and the best party ever at Groundwood Books.

Overall  it not only a fantastic day for making contacts but an eye-opening one in terms of my career path. I had always considered children’s publishing  a completely different realm that I could never understand. I was wrong. It is a different world but I could see myself thriving in it! I am now 100% sure that my career will include children’s books one way or another. Not bad for one day of networking, am I right?

Armchair BEA: Networking–Leonicka visits the EAC

As I mentioned in an earlier post, networking is serious business. Like any community, publishing depends on the relationships you form, and the best way to strengthen and solidify those relationships is to go out and meet people. Yes, in real life.

At the end of May, I went to a meeting and panel discussion hosted by the Editors’ Association of Canada Toronto Branch. The business portion of the event was a fantastic opportunity for me to learn more about the EAC and the resources it provides for editors. Tammy Burns, the publicity chair and an in-house editor, led the Q&A period for new and prospective EAC members. I had lots of questions about freelancing and this session was very helpful in answering them.

The highlight, however, was the panel discussion led by Keith Oatley and Raymond Mar. They discussed the psychology of fiction, specifically how fiction can change a person, what happens to the brain when reading, and the distinct personality traits readers have. I was blown away. The hypothesis, that reading fiction makes people more empathetic and better able to relate with people and the world around them, is revolutionary yet completely in line with everything I know about books and reading. The audience was fully engaged in the discussion and by the end of the night Keith coined a new writing aphorism to replace “show don’t tell”: Evoke don’t describe. Brilliant.

I had so much fun at this event and was even able to bond with other guests over the pin I wore. Networking is honestly one of the best parts of my job.

Another Networking Trick

In my previous post about networking I failed to mention the final trick up my sleeve. Honestly, I was trying to deny the power of my  secret weapon but it has served me well for 2 months and I’m sure it will for a few more years.

That’s right. My $16 Mockingjay pin has been the best icebreaker ever. Because it is a statement piece, everyone does a double-take when they see it. Those who have read The Hunger Games trilogy and recognize it give me a knowing smile and the awkwardness melts away. Those who don’t recognize it are fascinated by my “beautiful brooch.” “Is it an antique?” one woman asked me yesterday. My boss laughed when I recounted the story. “You should have told her it’s from the future!”

Anyone can use this trick to their advantage. Simply find a piece that suits your industry and personality.  If I were in gaming I’d probably wear Mario Kart Golden Mushroom earrings. If I were in animation maybe I would have a cool tote bag made of stills from Disney/Pixar films. Do you have any pieces that you use as icebreakers? Share in the comments!

Networking for Beginners

The first piece of advice anyone gave me when I entered the publishing industry was to network. Go to all the events, schmooze with all the people, and make a name for yourself.  I think I’ve gotten pretty good at one-on-one meetings with industry pros but disaster strikes when I try to “work a room.” The following are tips I repeat to myself in hopes I’ll be able to apply them.

 

 Prepare a 30-second introduction
Too often I rely on co-workers or friends to introduce me. When I go to an event alone I tend to freeze, unsure how to approach all those intimidating people. Having a little speech ready calms my nerves and gives me a pre-packaged ice-breaker. Here’s the basic template I use: “Hi! My name is ____.  What is your name? Nice to meet you! I am/was/will be ____. I am here because ____.  What brings you here?” From there I listen and learn as much as I can, hoping the conversation picks up on its own. 

     

Give out business cards

When I was 18, I ordered a pack of 250 business cards. Nearly 5 years later, I have about 200 left. Fail. My new goal is to give out at least 1 card for every 15 minutes I spend at an event. The trick, an HR manager shared, is to ask for the person’s card first. Then you can give them yours without feeling presumptuous (or in my case, silly).

Follow up

This step is so easy! A quick email saying “pleasure to meet you” reminds the person of who you are and gives you the opportunity to ask for a coffee meeting or informational interview. I love informational interviews; I use them to learn more about the industry, get insight on different career paths, and get job hunting advice.