Etiquette with Pros

One question most con-goers ask is, “How do I talk to authors, artists, and other guests?” Getting to know them takes a few common sense rules of etiquette that will make the experience more enjoyable for everyone.

Remember that the guests are only human. Just because they write fantastic books, create amazing artwork, or dazzle you with their great knowledge, they aren’t necessarily ready to be on stage at any moment. The guest may have just had a lousy night’s rest or be suffering from something the ConCom fed them for lunch. Be nice.

Don’t try to impress them with your latest story ideas or some pet project. Most of them get paid to edit or critique material, so don’t ask for freebies. And don’t make the mistake one con-goer made when he tried to discuss with a main guest the wage differences between British and American actors. We promise you, as brilliant as they may be, the guests don’t know everything.

When you want to introduce yourself, choose a good moment when they aren’t obviously busy. If they are in a conversation with someone else, wait patiently for them to finish. Try to say something nice before you fire away with criticism. Remember—they may be as shy of meeting you as you are of meeting them!

Most importantly, don’t monopolize! Share these marvelous people with others. Rather than saying everything all at once, try briefly talking to them on several different occasions. Even your mother would rather hear from you for three minutes each week than to have you call once a year and talk for three hours.

Just remember to be courteous. The guests are expecting you to approach them—that’s why they came!