How many of you will pitch a story at some point this year? Are certain terms and numbers—elevator pitch, thirty seconds, twenty-five words, hook—circulating your mind, making you dizzy?
If so, you’re not alone!
There are several ways you can pitch to agents, editors, and publishers. Online in the form of a chat room, in an e-mailed query, or in person at a conference. However, for today’s discussion, we’ll address the face-to-face pitch session that takes place during a conference.
Conference To-do List–Check, check, check!
- Be Informed.
Before you present your story to a literary consultant, be sure to do your homework. Visit their website and, using their submissions guidelines, see if they are publishing your genre. For example, if they aren’t accepting poetry, do not try to pitch your book of poetry. This will save you time and will avoid the appearance of being a new writer, as well as an immediate strike out.
- Be Prepared.
- Memorize an Elevator Pitch. The elevator pitch is a summary two to three sentences in length that tells the genre and the main concept of the book. It’s used to pitch, or present, the book to an agent or editor in situations where you might have no more than thirty seconds to make an impression. Here are several links with tips to help you create the perfect pitch.
- Alton Gansky http://altongansky.typepad.com/writersconferences/2013/03/pitching-agents-and-editors-at-blue-ridge-.html
- Winnie Griggs http://community.harlequin.com/showthread.php/158-Honing-Your-Pitch-with-Winnie-Griggs
- Karen Ball http://www.stevelaube.com/do-you-have-perfect-pitch/
- Present a One Sheet or Sales Sheet. The one sheet is a one-page document used as a marketing tool to promote your book, but it also gives the agent or editor an overview of who you are and what your story is about. Click on the links to learn more and to see several samples of one sheets.
- Mary Keeley http://www.booksandsuch.com/blog/how-to-create-a-compelling-one-sheet/
- Rachelle Gardner http://www.rachellegardner.com/what-should-i-bring-to-a-conference/
- Business Cards. This is a pretty easy item to create in preparation for a conference and one that has many benefits. It’s an inexpensive tool for making connections and gives the impression of professionalism. In case you’re not sure where to go for cards, here are a few sites I’ve used or heard good things about when ordering business cards.
- VistaPrint http://www.vistaprint.com/?no_redirect=1&xnav=logo
- MOO https://www.moo.com/us/products/business-cards.html
- Zazzle http://www.zazzle.com/businesscards
- Print Runner http://www.printrunner.com/
- Be Yourself.
Anyone who has ever pitched a story knows the tightening of the chest or the deep breathing exercises that happen before the appointment. Thoughts run through your mind. Will I remember my pitch? What happens if I can’t breathe? Don’t worry! Agents and editors are interested in what you’ve written, and they want to get to know you a little better, so relax. Be yourself. They are there to help.
Just know that no matter what happens during your pitch or appointment with the literary consultant, YOU DID IT! And it only gets easier from there!
Are you planning to pitch your story this year? Let’s hear your pitch!
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Tanya Eavenson enjoys spending time with her husband, and their three children. Her favorite pastime is grabbing a cup of coffee, eating chocolate, and reading a good book. Tanya is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Word Weavers International, and writes for Christ to the World Ministries. You can find her at her website http://www.tanyaeavenson.com/ on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Google, or on Amazon.
Blurb for RESTORED:
Sometimes love arrives when you least expect it.
Dr. Steven Moore is known nationally for saving lives. If only he could save his own. Unable to deal with his cancer prognosis, he retreats to a happier time in his past—to the woman who once stole his heart.
Four years after the death of her beloved husband, bookstore owner Elizabeth Roberts still struggles to sustain her faith and joy in the Lord as she raises her two sons. She strives to find a way through her family’s grief, never suspecting a man from her past might offer hope for her future.
But how can there be a future when he’s only come to kiss her and says good-bye?
Buy Links:
Amazon: http://ow.ly/YhprC
iTunes: https://itun.es/us/0XoMab.l
Barnes & Noble: http://ow.ly/YhpB1
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