My Experience with DVCon!

Hello Ebi! Hello Fam!

This past weekend I attended DVCon, (a significant extension of #DVPit which is an annual pitching event on Twitter, directed at un-agented, marginalized writers and illustrators). This two-day virtual writers conference (no pitching btw) consisted of numerous writers, agents, editors, etc., who imparted their experiences and wisdom on the literary world as it relates to the marginalized creator. I watched live workshops on YouTube and communicated with folks on Discord. It was the first conference of its kind, and from what I saw, it was more than successful.

My favorite panel was called: “Write or Wrong.” Five authors on their second or more literary agent answered questions and shared their thoughts regarding why they had to change agents, tips on finding a new agent, etc. I discovered that not everyone finds the right agent the first go around. As you know, I don’t have an agent yet, so looking that far ahead seemed foreign to me. But after listening to the authors share their anecdotes and disappointing encounters they’ve had as marginalized authors, I walked away feeling more confident about the literary process. (At least when it comes to choosing a literary agent.)

Here’s what I learned:

1. It’s okay to have more than one agent in your literary career.
2. Don’t let your desperation for wanting or having an agent, allow you to tolerate bad behavior from an agent.
3. Follow your gut, especially if the agent is not a good fit. Don’t ignore the red flags.
4. Example of a Red Flag: Microaggression – indirect, subtle, or unintentional discrimination against members of a marginalized group. One incident is a mistake; more than one is intentional.
5. It takes courage to move on. It does not mean that your writing career is over.
6. Believe in yourself and your work!
7. Make sure you can trust your agent with the reading and understanding of your contract.
8. Research possible agents, e.g., Google may share information on fraudulent behavior.
9. Ask your agent questions when deciding on representation, e.g., How do you see me growing? Is your agency positioned to do certain things for me?
10. Make sure everything is in writing.

As you can see, this was an eventful session. I hope DVCon happens again next year, and I have an agent! 🙂 Go to YouTube and search DVCon. I’m sure the videos from the event will be available for future viewing. It’s worth your time!

Ibukun! Blessings!

S-