The final slide vanishes, the applause fades, and the initial adrenaline surge dwindles. For many, this marks the end of their presentation. But for me, as a discerning, strategic writer, it’s merely the end of the beginning. The true opportunity, the fertile ground for converting interest into tangible results, lies in the often-overlooked, yet profoundly impactful, realm of post-presentation follow-ups. This isn’t about rote obligation; it’s about intelligent cultivation, transforming fleeting attention into lasting connections, and ultimately, accelerating my writing career. Skipping this crucial phase is like planting a garden and never watering it – the seeds of opportunity remain dormant, never blossoming into the collaborations, commissions, or contracts I envision.
I’m sharing with you how I dissect the art and science of effective follow-up. I’m moving beyond generic advice to provide an actionable framework designed specifically for writers. We’ll explore the ‘why,’ the ‘when,’ the ‘what,’ and the ‘how,’ ensuring every interaction is purposeful, professional, and propels your writing forward.
The Strategic Imperative: Why I Think Follow-Up Isn’t Optional
Before delving into the mechanics, let’s firmly establish the strategic necessity of robust follow-ups. For us as writers, presentations – whether webinars on niche topics, workshops on craft, or pitches for specific projects – are investment vehicles. We invest time, expertise, and mental energy. The return on this investment hinges almost entirely on what happens after the spotlight dims.
- Reinforce Your Expertise: A well-timed follow-up re-asserts your authority and passion without appearing pushy. It reminds attendees of the value you delivered and subtly reinforces your unique selling proposition as a writer.
- Deepen Connections Beyond the Surface: Presentations offer breadth, but follow-ups provide depth. They transform casual attendees into potential collaborators, clients, or advocates by opening channels for more personalized dialogue.
- Clarify and Address Unspoken Needs: Attendees may have questions that didn’t arise during the Q&A, or they might realize a specific need related to your presentation after reflection. Follow-ups create a safe space for these inquiries.
- Convert Interest into Actionable Outcomes: This is the ultimate goal. Whether it’s a new freelance client, a book deal inquiry, a speaking engagement, or simply an enduring professional relationship, follow-ups are the bridge from interest to tangible results. Without them, even the most impactful presentation often dissipates into forgotten fragments.
- Combat the Forgetting Curve: Human memory is fickle. The intensity of your presentation, while memorable in the moment, fades rapidly. Prompt, relevant follow-ups act as memory anchors, keeping you and your message top-of-mind.
The Immediate Aftermath: Seizing the Golden Hours
The critical window for initial follow-up is within 24-48 hours. Any longer, and the memory of your presentation begins to recede into the vast ocean of daily information.
1. Organize Your Contacts Meticulously
The moment my presentation concludes, before the energy completely drains, I dedicate a few minutes to organization.
- For In-Person Events: If you collected business cards, immediately categorize them. Note down any specific conversations you had with individuals on the back of their cards. Did Sarah from “Novel Nook” mention a need for historical fiction writers? Jot it down. Did John from “Content Creators Inc.” seem keenly interested in your approach to SEO writing? Make a mental or physical note. Use a simple CRM (Customer Relationship Management) tool, even a spreadsheet, to log these details.
- For Virtual Events/Webinars: Most webinar platforms provide attendee lists. Download it immediately. Cross-reference with any questions asked in the chat that stood out. Identify attendees who interacted frequently or asked insightful questions. These are your prime targets for personalized outreach.
2. The Generic “Thank You”: A Baseline, Not a Strategy
A general “thank you for attending” email to all attendees (if permitted by the platform/organizer) is a polite baseline. It should be concise, reiterating the core value proposition of your presentation and perhaps linking to a resource or recording.
Example (Baseline General Email):
Subject: Thank You for Attending “Mastering Narrative Hooks”!
Dear [Attendee Name],
Thank you for joining me for “Mastering Narrative Hooks” yesterday. I truly enjoyed sharing strategies for captivating your readers from the first line.
You can access the presentation slides [link to slides] and a recording [link to recording] if you’d like to revisit any points.
I appreciate your time and engagement. If any questions arose after the session, please feel free to reach out.
Best regards,
[Your Name/Writer’s Pen Name]
[Your Website/Portfolio Link]
[LinkedIn Profile Link]
This general email serves as a placeholder. The real work begins with personalized follow-ups.
Tiered Follow-Up Strategy: Tailoring Your Approach
Not all attendees are created equal when it comes to follow-up potential. A tiered approach ensures your efforts are concentrated where they’ll yield the highest return.
Tier 1: The “High Potential” Individuals
These are the attendees with whom you had direct, meaningful conversations, who asked highly engaged questions, or who represent direct opportunities (e.g., editors, publishers, potential high-value clients, strategic partners).
- Follow-Up Method: Personalized Email, LinkedIn Message, or even a brief phone call (if appropriate and contact info was exchanged).
- Timing: Within 12-24 hours.
- Content:
- Reference the Specific Interaction: “It was great speaking with you after the ‘Building Powerful Protagonists’ session about the challenges of character arcs in YA fiction.” This shows you remember them personally.
- Reiterate a Shared Point of Interest/Problem Solved: “I especially appreciated your insights on the ‘flat arc’ and how it applies to coming-of-age stories.”
- Offer a Specific, Non-Demanding Value-Add: “Coincidentally, I recently drafted a short piece on ‘Five Nuances of the Flat Character Arc’ that might resonate with our conversation. Would you be open to me sharing it?” Or, “Given your interest, I’d be happy to share the comprehensive checklist for ‘Novel Outlining’ we briefly touched upon.”
- Propose a Low-Friction Next Step: “I’d love to continue our discussion on this. Would you be available for a brief 15-minute virtual chat next week to explore this further?” Or, “If you’re looking for writers with expertise in [mention their niche], I’d be happy to share my portfolio relevant to that area.”
- Proofread Meticulously: These are crucial interactions.
Example (Tier 1 Email):
Subject: Following Up: Our Chat on YA Flat Arcs – [Your Name] from “[Presentation Title]”
Dear Sarah,
It was a true pleasure speaking with you after my “Building Powerful Protagonists” presentation about the nuances of flat character arcs, particularly in YA fiction. Your point about reader expectations for growth, even subtle, was spot on.
Our conversation sparked a thought: I recently drafted a short essay exploring less conventional “growth” in flat-arc characters for a literary journal piece. I’d be happy to share it with you; I think it aligns with much of what we discussed.
Are you open to a brief virtual coffee chat sometime next week to delve deeper into these ideas? I’m curious to hear more about how you approach this in your work at Novel Nook.
Thank you again for your engaging conversation.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Website/Portfolio Link]
Tier 2: The “Engaged” Individuals
These are attendees who actively participated in Q&A, clicked on multiple links during the presentation, or showed general signs of strong interest without a direct one-on-one interaction.
- Follow-Up Method: Personalized Email (not mass blast).
- Timing: Within 24-48 hours.
- Content:
- Acknowledge Their Engagement: “I noticed your insightful question during the Q&A about integrating suspense into literary fiction.”
- Reference a Topic of Shared Interest: “Your question highlighted a common challenge for many writers.”
- Offer a Relevant Resource: “To expand on that, I’ve outlined some advanced techniques for subtly building tension in my latest blog post here: [link to relevant blog post].”
- Suggest a Broad Next Step (Optional): “If you have further questions on this, don’t hesitate to reach out.”
Example (Tier 2 Email):
Subject: Expanding on Your Q&A: Literary Suspense – [Your Name] from “[Presentation Title]”
Dear Alex,
Thank you for your engaging question during the Q&A session after “Crafting Compelling Narratives.” Your curiosity about weaving suspense into literary fiction without resorting to genre tropes was particularly insightful.
That’s a challenge many authors face. To elaborate on some of the points we touched on, I’ve just published a new article, “The Subtlety of Shadow: Psychological Tension in Character-Driven Stories,” which dives deeper into those techniques. You can read it here: [Link to blog post/article].
I hope it offers a valuable perspective. Feel free to connect if you have any follow-up thoughts.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Website/Portfolio Link]
Tier 3: The “General Attendee” (If Applicable and Permitted)
As mentioned, this is the very broad “thank you” email. It’s helpful for keeping you top-of-mind, but it shouldn’t be your primary follow-up strategy. Always prioritize personalization where possible.
Crafting Compelling Follow-Up Messages: Principles for Writers
The quality of your follow-up message is paramount. It must reflect your professional brand as a writer – articulate, thoughtful, and value-driven.
- Be Concise and Scannable: Respect their inbox. Get to the point quickly. Use short paragraphs and clear formatting.
- Personalize, Personalize, Personalize: This cannot be overstressed. Even mentioning the specific presentation or a general topic discussed helps. The more specific, the better. Avoid “Dear Attendee.”
- Focus on Value, Not Sales: Your initial follow-ups should be about building a relationship and offering continued value. Resist the urge to immediately hard-sell your services. Demonstrate your expertise, don’t just state it.
- Reference Your Presentation Explicitly: Remind them where they know you from. “Following up on my presentation on advanced storyboarding techniques…”
- Include a Clear Call to Action (CTA): This doesn’t mean “Hire me!” It means the next logical step. This could be:
- “Would you like to schedule a 15-minute introductory call?”
- “Download my free e-book on [topic].”
- “Visit my portfolio to see more examples.”
- “Connect with me on LinkedIn.”
- Proofread Religiously: A writer sends error-free communication. Full stop. Any typos or grammatical errors undermine your credibility instantly.
- Consider Multi-Channel: If you connected on LinkedIn, send a personalized message there in addition to email, especially if that’s their preferred communication channel.
Leverage Content for Enhanced Follow-Ups
As a writer, your content is your currency. Use it strategically in your follow-ups.
- Relevant Blog Posts/Articles: Did you discuss a topic in your presentation that you’ve explored in depth on your blog? Share the link.
- Free Resources: A checklist, a template, a short guide, or even a curated list of external resources related to your presentation topic. This positions you as a helpful expert.
- Webinar Recordings/Slides: Always offer access to these, even if you mentioned it during the presentation. It allows attendees to revisit your insights at their leisure.
- Case Studies/Portfolio Samples: If your follow-up is for a potential client, strategically offer a sample of your work that directly addresses their stated needs or aligns with the presentation’s theme. For example, “You mentioned struggling with crafting compelling villain backstories. Here’s a case study on how I developed a complex antagonist for a recent fantasy novel.”
The Long Game: Nurturing Relationships Beyond the Immediate
Initial follow-ups are crucial, but sustained engagement yields the most significant long-term benefits.
1. LinkedIn: Your Professional Networking Hub
- Connect Purposefully: When sending a LinkedIn connection request, always add a personalized note referencing your presentation: “It was a pleasure attending your presentation on [topic]. I especially enjoyed [specific point] and would love to connect.”
- Share Value-Driven Content: Don’t just connect and forget. Regularly share relevant articles, tips, or insights related to your expertise. Be a resource, not just a static profile.
- Engage with Their Content: Like, comment meaningfully, and share their posts. Show genuine interest in their work.
- Direct Messages: Use LinkedIn DMs for follow-ups, especially if you met them through a professional event.
2. The Power of the Newsletter
If you have a newsletter, encourage sign-ups during your presentation and in your follow-up emails. Your newsletter becomes a consistent, non-intrusive way to stay connected, share new work, offer insights, and remind subscribers of your expertise. Ensure your newsletter provides genuine value – exclusive content, writing tips, industry updates – not just self-promotion.
3. “Check-In” Moments: The Gentle Re-Engagement
Periodically, a few weeks or months after the initial follow-up, a subtle check-in can rekindle a connection.
- Timing: No hard rule, but avoid being incessant. Think quarterly or when you have something genuinely relevant to share.
- Content:
- “I recently published an article on [related topic] that I thought might interest you, given our previous conversation about [specific point from presentation/chat].”
- “Just wanted to see how [project/concept they mentioned] is progressing.” (If you had a specific conversation).
- “I’d love to hear your thoughts on [recent industry development/trend] regarding [your niche].”
- Avoid: “Just checking in,” or “Any updates?” – these are vague and low-value.
Example (Gentle Check-In):
Subject: Quick Follow-up from “[Presentation Title]” – Thoughts on [New Trend/Article]
Dear Sarah,
Hope this email finds you well.
Following our interesting discussion after “Building Powerful Protagonists,” I wanted to share a new piece I’ve written on the emerging trend of “deconstructed heroism” in contemporary YA fiction. I touched on this briefly during my presentation when we discussed challenging archetypes.
[Link to article]
I’d be genuinely curious to hear your perspective on this trend, especially given your work at Novel Nook. No pressure at all, just thought it might spark some interesting thoughts.
Warmly,
[Your Name]
Common Pitfalls to Avoid in Your Follow-Up Strategy
Even the most well-intentioned follow-ups can fall flat if basic mistakes are made.
- Being a Ghost: No follow-up is the biggest mistake.
- Being a Pest: Over-doing it. Multiple emails in quick succession without new value. Read their cues. If no response after 2-3 genuine attempts, archive for later.
- Generic Blasts: Sending the same bland email to everyone. People can spot a mass mailing a mile away.
- Asking for Too Much, Too Soon: Don’t immediately ask for a referral, a job, or a favor. Build rapport first.
- Ignoring Their Preferences: If they indicated a preferred method of communication (e.g., LinkedIn over email), respect that.
- Lack of Proofreading: As a writer, this is your cardinal sin.
- Forgetting a Clear CTA: Without a suggested next step, your follow-up lacks direction.
- Not Tracking Your Efforts: Use your CRM or spreadsheet to log when you followed up, what you sent, and any responses. This prevents sending duplicate messages and helps you analyze what’s working.
- Making It All About You: Frame your message around their needs, their interests, or how you can help them.
Final Thoughts: Consistency and Authenticity
Effective post-presentation follow-ups are not a one-time sprint; they are a long-term marathon fueled by consistency and authenticity. As a writer, your brand is built on your words and your ability to connect. Approach each follow-up not as a chore, but as an opportunity to extend the value you provided in your presentation, deepen a connection, and strategically position yourself for future opportunities. The true measure of a successful presentation isn’t the applause at the end, but the meaningful conversations and concrete outcomes it generates in the days, weeks, and months that follow. Make every post-presentation interaction count.