One of the main focuses of many conferences and writer's groups is figuring out how in the world you are going to get noticed by agents and editors. What can you do on top of writing well that will set you apart from the pack? Stalking and bribes probably aren't the best way to go. We counsel writers to make connections with editors and agents at conferences and other events, and to make sure not to be a pushy bore.

An interview on Newsarama gives a great example of the good way to get editors to remember you. Air Force Major Matt Yocum heard about a fundraising auction at a conference with the prize being a lunch with Marvel comics editor-in-chief Joe Quesada. Yocum decided to win that prize, and when he did, he had a great discussion with Quesada about some of his ideas. Yocum followed up with Quesada at a convention and Quesada introduced him to other editors, and now Yocum is one of the writers for Marvel’s Giant-Size Avengers Special #1.

The basic pattern is being prepared, recognizing an opportunity, acting on it, not going into overkill, following through, and getting published. Most writers tend to have one weak spot. Identify and fix that weak spot (say, you forget to send in a ms even when the editor asks for it) and the chances of getting published rise exponentially.