Features . . . Perfect Pitch: Tips for editor/agent appointments Just the thought of pitching to an editor or agent strikes fear in the heart of many authors. Here are some of the things I've learned from giving numerous pitches and from watching others pitch. I hope some of them help you. 1) Think: I'm here to sell a product. I am a professional. Talking about my work is an amazing opportunity. Do not think: This is my baby. . .it's so hard to put her out there. What if they don't like her? Why am I doing this? 2) Do not: giggle, fidget, tap your pen on the table, mumble. Never mention how nervous you are. EVER. Do: make eye contact and smile. 3) First impressions can be key. Do: Smile upon entering. Learn how to shake hands properly (if you're a limp fish type or a squeezer, Google how to give a hand shake or something). 4) Don't worry too much. Your goal for the pitch is only to get them to request some of your work. The majority of the time they will, because it's all in the writing. I have never not been asked to submit. Remember that if they don't ask, it could be for the best...you won't be wasting your time or money submitting and waiting. 5) Keep your pitch SHORT and focus either on goal, motivation and conflict or something amazingly unique about your ms. They do not want to hear a list of all the plot elements or character traits you think are cool. I used to have a one-minute pitch for each ms. Now I pitch my historicals in a few sentences and my contemporaries in one or two sentences each. Since I started the few sentence pitch, I have seen by their reactions I've garnered more attention and interest. This makes them want to know more, vs you wanting to tell more. 6) Try to have a hook to start your pitch to grab her attention with your first sentence. How many times do you think they have heard, "My story is about. . ." or "TITLE is an XX word manuscript. . ." One way to start is with what makes your ms different from the others in your subgenre. 7) Be prepared: a. with another idea/work in progress to discuss. Sometimes they want to know you're not a one book wonder. Or they may have just taken on a story that they think is a lot like yours. b. to tell them how fast you write. Do you know how many pages you can write in a week? A month? I get asked this more and more. 8) Know in advance: WHAT you write. Your market/subgenre. A few things about the editor/agent. This will help you converse on their level, vs. coming across as uninformed about the business side of things. 9) If you don't know the answer to a question, don't get flustered or make something up on the spot. Simply say something like, "I'm not sure, I'll get back to you." Then follow up. 10) PRACTICE. Out loud is best. Consider practicing in front of a mirror or someone else. Reading over and over just isn't the same. I can't recommend memorizing either, if you're not an actress chances are you won't sound natural. 11) Don't read 100% from your notes. IMO, this makes you come across as unprepared, not familiar enough with your own work to discuss it. Don't memorize. Unless you are an actress, chances are you'll sound stiff and rote. 12) Try to remember that each pitch is a two way street. Yes, you have interest in them buying your book/representing you. But you also have an interest in knowing whether or not this is someone you'd feel comfortable working closely with. Back to the list of articles: click here