This year I’m jumping a massive fear hurdle. In April I’m heading down to London to an event by Writers & Artists at Bloomsbury. I’ll join four literary agents who’ll enlighten me on How to Hook an Agent. The talks will include; how to know when your novel is ready, advice on how to pitch your novel, and the agents will tell us what submissions have appealed to them, with examples. This is followed by the opportunity for networking, and I’ll have my first one-to-one pitch session. Eek!
I can’t tell you how excited I am. Thanks to Ari Meghlen for her fantastic critiquing, and thanks to Judith Barrow for her Creative Writing workshops and her unwavering belief in my work. I’m finally ready to charm the pants off of the unsuspecting agents by revealing my first novel in the Shadow Knight Series. (Gulp)
All bravado aside, I’m dreading this verbal pitch. I’ve tweaked my original pitch to an unrecognisable mush of words. I could always wait for the event and see what the professionals have to say, but we all know I need to walk in there prepared.
Instead, I’ve turned to my fellow bloggers for advice which I’m happy to share with you.
A pitch should address five specific elements.
- What is the title, genre, and word count?
- What is the setting?
- Who is the protagonist?
- What is his conflict?
- What does she have to do to overcome this conflict?
An important question to consider is what makes your book different from similar books within your genre. In business terms what is its USP – Unique Selling Point. Identify that and you’re on to a winner.
Remember that a one-to-one pitch is a two-way conversation, therefore it’s likely that you’ll be asked questions. They could be:
- Tell me about yourself?
- What else are you working on?
- Why do you write?
- Where did this story come from?
- How does your book fit into the market
- What authors do you compare to?
- Who are your favourite authors?
At conferences and events, there’ll be the chance to ask them questions too. They might be:
- About the industry
- The process of the transition from writer to published writer
- Their style as an agent
- About the craft
The most important piece of advice that I’ve found is that practice makes perfect. Pitch aloud, in the mirror, and to anyone willing to listen. Until the pitch sounds natural, not stunted. Until the words flow without thought or hesitation.
Remember, agents are normal people. Relax, smile and enjoy the event. Even if all you’re doing is learning from your mistakes for future success. We’re only human after all.
Have any of my fellow writers pitched to agents? If so, do you have any additional advice to share? I’d love to hear from you, don’t be shy and comment below. 🙂
Good luck. I’ve queried agents, but never pitched.
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Thanks, I’ve been querying for a year with no success. This is the next step, to get get some feedback. Any luck with your queries?
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I’m Indie publishing now. When I was querying, I got requests for partial or full manuscripts, but no offers to represent. It’s a long process.
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Yes it is a long and arduous. Great news about indie publishing, I wish you the best of luck.
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I didn’t know you could pitch; that’s even worse to admit 🤣🙈
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Haha, I’ve only recently discovered this too. Yes, at writing conferences. 😀
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Really happy for you.i’d love to read your story sometime. I don’t believe in luck so I’ll just say I know you’ll do your best.
Just a thought I’ll pass along that I’ve read elsewhere. You might be prepared to add a sixth element to the original five. What will be the consequences if your MC fails to overcome the conflict?
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Great element, and one I’d taken for granted. Thanks
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oooh, great question!
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Excellent post, Lorraine; some great points shared. Sure you’ll nail it – you know your writing is good.x
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Thanks Judith
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Nice Post
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Thank you
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Thank you for sharing your tips. Good luck with your pitch! 🙂
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You’re welcome and thank you
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I agree. Many writers would keep this to themselves…. so I thank you too for sharing!
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Lorraine, thanks for sharing those tips! And best wishes to you!
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Thanks Josiah.
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You are welcome!
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Sweet of you to share those tips and best of luck to you!
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I am so pleased you entrusted me to read your manuscript hun, it was lovely being given permission to enter this world you had created.
You can totally do this! It is awesome you are jumping over that fear hurdle and I know you will learn loads at that conference and fingers crossed for you that the representation is coming soon!
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You’re amazing Ari, your encouragement means the world to me, as did your feedback on my MS.
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😁
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How exciting to have found you here … and to read this post about your journey. What a treat to learn these tips; bless you for sharing and the very best of luck. I shall be following 🌸
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