Episode 13 is all about getting ready for a writing conference -- an opportunity for writers to talk to an editor or an agent. At writer's conferences, there are meetings with prospective agents and editors, people who could potentially help you move your project or book idea forward.

So how do you talk to agents and editors at writer's conferences? I have four tips based on what I have learned over the last twenty years of trying to get a book published and working with new authors trying to get theirs published as well.

I remember my first time at a writing conference. It was the San Diego Christian writing conference. There was a lottery at this conference where you won the chance to meet with different people. I went there three years in a row, and I had an opportunity to meet with a few different agents, editors, and small publishing houses. Those opportunities were the number one reason I went to those conferences. It wasn't for the things that people were teaching from the...