With the Romance Writers of America conference coming up in July, I thought it was a good time to discuss pitches. Many of you, me included, have probably applied for appointments and now need to prepare for your pitch. Yes, I’ll admit the nerves get a bit of a workout, but preparation is the key. I’ve started to think about my pitch now.
Here are a few tips:
1. Prepare beforehand and summarise your book in a few sentences. Know your market and do a little research. If you have an agent appointment who do they represent? Have you read books by these writers? Is there an online article detailing the agents/editors likes and dislikes. You’ll be surprised at the articles that will pop up with an online search. When you’re reading check the acknowledgements in the front of the book. Many authors thank their editors and agents, which will give you a feel as to what type of book they enjoy.
2. Practice your pitch with a friend.
3. The agents and editors are probably just as nervous as you are about the pitch. Start with a smile and introduce yourself. Don’t forget to breathe. Write yourself some notes to jog your memory, just in case you freeze, and take them in with you.
4. As well as pitching, ask questions. It’s an ideal opportunity.
5. Speak clearly and not too quickly. I know I have a tendency to talk really fast if I’m a bit nervous. Be enthusiastic about your book – it’s a masterpiece, after all, and once you’ve pitched the agent/editor will want it. They’ll be excited about receiving your partial/full manuscript in the mail. Right? The point is – if you’re not excited then why should they want your book?
6. Don’t take your manuscript with you to hand to the editor/agent. The only thing you should take are your notes and a business card.
7. Most agents/editors prefer you to pitch only finished manuscripts.
8. Concentrate on pitching one book, although if you have time, it’s okay to mention others. The agent or editor will ask questions if they’re interested.
9. Dress – I probably don’t need to say this but treat the pitch like a job interview and dress accordingly. An editor/agent pitch is not the time to wear scruffy jeans and a short, tight T-shirt.
So what goes in a pitch?
One of my favorite articles about pitching is by author Kathy Carmichael. She has an excellent article on her website, along with a nifty pitch generator, which will help with your basic pitch.
Agent, Kristin Nelson also has some excellent posts about writing pitches/blurbs. The first post is Pitching and All That Jazz. Here’s another post for a contemporary romance and one for romantic suspense. Kristin’s posts can also be used for writing query letters and blurbs. I’ve only linked to a few. She has others and it’s definitely worth heading over to her blog.
CJ Lyons has a guest post over at Title Magic about perfecting your pitch.
Finally, Australian author, Paula Roe has a very good article describing the pitching process.
Do you have any pitching tips to add?
