Agent/Editor Appts. and Volunteering

[Beki]

It's quite probably me non-medicated brain that's having trouble here, but I can't find out where or how to register for an agent/editor appointment at National.  Info exists in the FAQs but I'm not finding anything with dates, times or names available, etc.  Does it come up automatically upon registration, perhaps?  Does anyone know?

I'd also like to volunteer for some jobs at National, but never have done it before and am nervous. Anybody else done it and what do I need to know OR what can you tell me to push me into it?  Thanks for all help!

[Roben]

Beki, the appointments times will be announced. It's much later in the year, I'm thinking April. RWA will make an announcement and say that the grids are up and available for download. But either way, it's after the GH results which are at the end of March. Then it works something like this, it's usually a Monday and the current Golden Heart finalists get first pick. The next week the pubbed and prior GH's get second pick, the PRO's get third pick, then fourth pick is for anyone else. I'm PRO so by the time it gets to me there's hardly anyone left. : )

Print up the grids and make your selections and highlight them. You'll be able to see who is accepting what sub genres. Then get up really early, turn your computer on, and be prepared for a logjam. Keep your grids handy in case your choices all start being snapped up. The spots become available at 9am CST and for me that's early. Just remember everyone is jamming the network and it often collapses. One year it took me until noon to get on the darn site.  I doubt they'll ever be able to accomodate the rush. : )

Volunteering is good. I've worked in several areas. The past two years I didn't because of a knee injury and then surgery. I didn't want to risk being assigned to something where a lot of walking or standing was involved.

This year I'll volunteer again. If you go to members only and track through you'll find the volunteer section. It usually goes up a bit later than registration, which I believe has just opened. I haven't signed up yet, so I'm not sure if volunteering is up there yet. You just mark in your choice and choice of hour and you'll get a response, then it will show up on your account.

I've worked registration desk, another desk where you coordinate the packets for the guest speakers, and preparing the luncheon rooms by putting out the free books on the chairs. It's always fun because you get to talk to a lot of people you wouldn't ordinarily get the chance to speak with.

[Sue]

I've done set up in the book store and it was definitely worth doing. 

[Jill]

Last year I tagged along  with Katy and helped sort out all the boxes full of books for the Wed evening signing. I would do that again if I could.

[Katy]

Last year I tagged along  with Katy and helped sort out all the boxes full of books for the Wed evening signing. I would do that again if I could.

I'm thinking about doing it again too. And maybe this year I'll be able to talk... (I completely lost my voice for no reason I ever figured out. Strange, but true...)

[Beki]

Thank you all so much for the input.  Strange how these details get past me.  And I think I will sign up to volunteer; sounds like a good opportunity to meet some other people and since I'm an odd duck who doesn't talk much unless spoken to, well, perhaps that will help?  Can't wait to see you all in Nashville!