By Edie Melson @EdieMelson

I think this topic is in the top three things writers worry about after signing up for a writing conference—especially for first-timers. The questions range from, “Do I need to sign up for one of these if I’m not ready to pitch” to “What should I do to ensure I get a contract?” While all these questions are relevant, remember this foundational truth: A 15-minute appointment is not just about pitching—it’s about connection, clarity, and next steps.

There isn’t a question that’s irrelevant, and I’ll do my best to answer the most important ones. However, I’ll probably miss some. Be sure to leave any questions here on this post or—even better—post your questions to our Facebook group, Blue Ridge Conference Writers.

What a 15-Minute Writing Conference Appointment Is Really For

1. Why should a brand-new writer sign up for a 15-minute appointment? Because these appointments give you direct access to publishing professionals—and the chance to begin building long-term relationships. You are laying the groundwork for life-long relationships. These will be important as you get ready to publish.

2. Won’t I waste someone’s time if I’m not pitching? Absolutely not! For the most part, a faculty member’s favorite type of appointment is when someone sits down and asks for advice. Our faculty has years of experience and they are here to help other writers.

3. What should I bring to a 15-minute appointment? This one depends on where you are in your writing journey.

• If you’re brand new, bring your business card and your questions.
• If you’re trying to decide what direction to go with your writing, bring your options. For example, “I have several ideas for a book, which of these would you recommend I concentrate on?” or “I have this idea and don’t know who I should pitch it to?”
• If you’re presenting a project (pitching), you need your business card, a one-sheet that represents your project, and a sample of your writing in that project. I also print two or three full proposals because, occasionally, an editor or agent will ask to take one with them. They also might ask to look through your proposal and give you quick suggestions.

4. How do I decide who to make an appointment with? This is where doing your homework is going to pay off. You should have studied the conference website, gone to the websites of those you’re pitching to, and even look at what they have published (editors) or the authors they represent (agents).

5. Can I make appointments with editors and agents even if I’m not pitching. Absolutely. Again, our faculty is happy to help writers make plans.

6. Is there anything specific I should ask if I’m pitching a project? Yes. At the end of your appointment, be sure to ask one of these questions (depending on where you are).

• “What do you wish someone had told you at the beginning (or where I am) in your writing life?”
• “What are my next steps in my writing life?”
• “When I have something ready, can I send it to you?” The answer to this is solid gold if you can get a yes. That means what you send won’t be relegated to the slush pile.
• “Would you be interested in receiving my proposal?” Or “Can I send my full proposal to you?”

7. “How can I pray for you today? These faculty members are pouring out their time and energy by being here. Asking how you can pray for them is a huge blessing. You don’t have to stop and pray during your appointment, but asking and praying later is a big deal.

8. Practice what you’re going to ask/say before you go. Make sure you can tell enough about you that’s relevant. Practice your pitch so you don’t spend the entire time explaining your project.

9. Watch your time. Yes, we will again have a time-keeper at our conference, but you still want to make the best use of those 15-minutes.

Questions and Behaviors, You Should Avoid at a Writing Appointment

1. Don’t spend the entire appointment talking. Be ready to listen more than you speak. The greatest value in these appointments comes from the insight you receive, not the information you give. Even experienced writers can make these mistakes—confidence should never replace preparation.

2. Don’t show up without doing your homework. It’s is fine to let the person you’re meeting with that you aren’t really sure about this whole publishing thing. Here’s an example of what to avoid. Early on in my writing journey a friend of mine sat down in front of a romance editor and told her that although she didn’t read romance, she really thought she could write it. Yikes! The editor was very gracious, but it was a huge faux paus.

3. Don’t say, “God gave me these words and I’m not going to change a thing.” Yes, we are believers who write. We know God inspires our ideas and the way we present them. However, unless God has told you He’s using you to write an addendum to the Bible, those words and ideas will need to be edited. No one is perfect and no one’s words are perfect. God provides us with godly mentors, editors

4. Don’t say, “God told me you were going to publish my book.” God may have inspired you to pitch to a specific publisher, but unless God told THEM they were going to publish your book, this comes off as egotistical and dictatorial.

5. Don’t say, “There has never been another book like this.” This is problematic in several ways. First, just like the Bible says, there truly is nothing new under the sun (Ecclesiastes 1:9). You may have a fresh take on an idea, but I guarantee it’s probably been published or at least pitched. The second problem is this statement shows you haven’t done your research. If you’re pitching a manuscript, you should have a list (or at least one) of similar books.

6. Don’t say, “This is a guaranteed best-seller.” No one can guarantee that. This is a statement that make a writer look ignorant about the industry.

Bottom Line

A 15-minute appointment is one of the most valuable opportunities at a writing conference—and every writer should take advantage of it. So much of this industry is word of mouth. I’ve had editors turn down a project and then recommend I send it somewhere else because it would be a better fit. We can’t have this advantage if we’re not willing to sit down and spend time with the professionals who have volunteered to help us.

Read the other Mentoring Moments posts here:

WEEK 1: Make The Most Of A Writing Conference

WEEK 2: Six Tips to Prepare for the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference

WEEK 3: Paid Mentoring – Preparing the Writer for The Blue Ridge Conference

WEEK 4: Paid Faculty Critiques at BRMCWC

WEEK 5: Business Cards for Writers: What to Include Before Attending a Writing Conference (2026 Guide)

WEEK 6: Preparing For The Conference: The Elevator Pitch

WEEK 7: Preparing For The Conference: The Fifteen Minute Appointment

Edie uses the truths God has taught her as an author, photographer, and blogger to encourage others. She’s learned to embrace the ultimate contradiction of being an organized creative. As a sought-after speaker, she’s empowered and challenged audiences across the country and around the world. Her numerous books reflect her passion to help others call on God’s strength during challenging times, often using creativity to empower this connection. Edie is also the executive director of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference and board member of the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association.

She and husband Kirk have been married 44+ years with three grown sons and four grandchildren. They live in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and can often be found with their big black dog hiking the mountains. Connect with her at www.EdieMelson.com and through social media.