Whether you're attending a writers conference, scored an 'informational' interview or found yourself waiting in line together for the bathroom, every once in awhile a freelancer might find himself in the position of a coveted one-on-one meeting with a publication editor. Hopefully, actually, if you're waiting in line for the bathroom you won't be pitching articles. However, for those meetings and conferences where the editor is all ears, you want to be prepared. I spoke to a few people who know how to get the most out of a one-on-one.

Freelancer and MBToolBox guest blogger Ann Logue has the following advice:

"1) Have some kind of an agenda for what you want to say. It may just be to introduce yourself so that she can put a face with a name, in which case, you should be prepared to give a little spiel about who you are and why you may be querying some day.

2) Follow up. That's the most important thing. The editors meet so many people that they won't remember much about what you said, but if you take the time to send the pitch or the clip packet, you will be in good shape.

3) Do not agonize too much. These brief meetings at conferences are important, but they are unlikely to make or break your career. If you don't meet with your dream editor, you still have a chance to get his or her attention by following up with a note that says, 'I'm so disappointed that I did not get to meet with you at the XYZ conference, but here is my pitch.' "

Freelancer Elaine Glusac has attended one-on-ones at meetings such as the Chicago Magazine Writers conference, and knows how to get the best experience possible:

"Whether you have ideas for the magazine or not, go prepared. Know the magazine, its departments and its readers.

As awkward as it feels resist the urge to small-talk, either in the beginning (because you're wasting pitching time) or at the end (when you're likely wasting the next pitcher's time).

If you've got ideas, lead with your best shot. If the editor shows interest ask how you should follow up (via email, phone, etc), with whom you should follow up (it may not be that editor), confirm which department/column or section you are to pitch, and find out what information s/he wants in the pitch letter. Everything is in the follow through, the written pitch you will send out after the one on one meeting. Find out how to do it, and quickly, because you still want time to talk about another idea. If the editor doesn't show interest or waffles, move on right away to pitch two. You'll both be relieved.

If you don't have any ideas, introduce yourself, tell the editor what you write about and ask if there's room in the publication for your specialities. More often than not this has led to editors pitching me on their magazines. These encounters don't always pay off (though it must be said nothing is a sure thing in these meetings, despite positive feedback) but they make the 10 minutes pass pleasantly.

Don't leave the editor with more than a business card and a good impression. No one wants to schlep your clips and resume around.

Finally, if you can't make it to the full allotted time, end the meeting early. The editor will appreciate the break and you can stop sweating. You'd be surprised how long 10 minutes can be when you have no chemistry."