Taste of Kiwi: Blog of Author Shelley Munro

It was a weird sort of a weekend for me. I attended the conference, but I have to admit I had trouble focusing on what the speakers were saying because of the personal stuff going on in our lives. I did, however, have a couple of real lightbulb moments – thank you Fiona Brand and Mary Theresa Hussey – and I think that once I return from holiday, it will be with renewed energy and inspiration for my writing.

I attended an early morning talk with agent Melissa Jeglinski from the Knight Agency. They read the first pages of manuscripts and she stopped them when she reached the point where she’d make a decision. The following is a summary of her dos and don’ts. For you experienced writers out there this is probably commonsense to you, but a reminder never hurts!

1. Don’t start your manuscript with a one-sided conversation. i.e. phone call. You’re wasting an opportunity to use characterization through dialogue.

2. It’s good to make the reader want more. i.e. intrigue them but don’t throw everything and the kitchen sink into that first page.

3. Add characterization rather than too much backstory. i.e. have your characters make an appearance early rather than giving lots of narrative first up.

4. Sentence length – don’t make those opening sentences too long and convoluted. You want the reader/agent/editor to understand the sentence. If they have to read it twice you have a problem.

5. You need a coherent flow of dialogue and narration. Don’t have all dialogue and no narration at the start of your story. Make the dialogue meaningful.

6. Don’t feel the need to give a detailed description of clothes etc in that first page. One or two details are fine but don’t describe everything in minute detail.

In a talk about Harlequin and the various lines editor Mary Theresa Hussey gave us a list of points that the editors use when they’re reading a submission.

1. Are the opening and closing lines strong? i.e. it’s that hook thing. Use strong hooks!

2. Do the characters make decisions? i.e. are they active rather than sitting back and letting things happen.

3. Do the conflicts come across as strong and interesting?

4. Are the characters compelling?

5. Does the story start in the right place? i.e don’t be tempted to slide in all that back story!

6. Do you want to read on?

If they can answer yes to all these questions, your manuscript is in good shape.

Mary Thesesa also mentioned that the Harlequin Intrigue line and the Harlequin Presents line are definitely looking for new authors, so if you’re interested in either of these lines get writing!

And two final things: If you’re interested in the new Harlequin YA line check out the prequel for Rachel Vincent’s debut story. You can download your free copy here.

Harlequin do regular podcasts that can be downloaded at this link or at iTunes. There are some additional ones coming any day now so keep checking back. The existing podcasts include editor inside information and interviews with authors.

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?