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Suggestion on attending a writer's conference

What suggestion do you have for me attending my first writer's conference? How many copies of my manuscripts should I take? Should I take manuscripts that is incomplete? What is the approach for me in approaching a literary agent to get the contract?

Thanks for your input.

Dr. Willie White

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Comment by John Kremer on April 2, 2013 at 2:07pm: The best choice generally is to attend a writer's conference near you.

Take 5 or 10 manuscripts. Quite honestly, most agents and editors will want you to send them something if they are interested (rather than you giving them a manuscript to carry home on the plane).

For the agents, you are better off making a one-page summary of your book (and how it compares to other bestsellers in your genre). The agents will take this summary. It's a good way to keep you and your book in front of them until your manuscript arrives at their offices (or to give to agents who, at first, reject your idea).

But you might want to share some manuscript copies with other writers you meet at the conference.

At most writers conferences, they set aside time for agents to meet with writers. That's when you approach them. Unless your work is exceptional, and noticeable as such right away, most agents won't offer you a contract until they get home and have a chance to review your manuscript in more detail.