tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post7004704251079735217..comments2023-11-02T06:57:11.400-04:00Comments on BookEnds Literary Agency: Pitch SecretsBookEnds, A Literary Agencyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06287278822065839469noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-1470136779923080312007-06-17T16:10:00.000-04:002007-06-17T16:10:00.000-04:00I've known this for quite some time, but I'm caref...I've known this for quite some time, but I'm careful never to burst the bubble of a writer who runs out of a pitch session squealing, "She wants to see the first 50 pages of my manuscript! AAAAAHHH!" Congratulations are in order. This is one of the best parts of being a writer: the anticipation, the excitement, the high-energy that results from the conference pitch session. <BR/><BR/>Perhaps I'm jaded, but that's okay. I still think pitch sessions are extremely valuable. It loosens up new writers to banish their fears of the all-powerful editors and agents who are real people doing their jobs. Yes, they have the power to make dreams come true, but it probably won't happen during the weekend of the conference you attend. Listen to the questions they ask during your pitch, pay attention to their comments, and remember everything they said, then work on that to improve your story. Send the partial and keep up your hopes because that's the fun part. But be prepared if you're answered with a rejection. The experience is both sweet and sour, and it validates you as a writer.<BR/><BR/>I don't pitch to agents at conferences any more because I know I can query them with better results. I pitch to the editors. IMO, that's the greatest benefit of pitching at a conference because most editors require a writer have agent representation. If you don't yet have an agent (and even if you do), this is the way to go.Karen Duvallhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01839711547501582977noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-8647143915718004002007-06-16T17:03:00.000-04:002007-06-16T17:03:00.000-04:00I always figured it was a crapshoot and since agen...I always figured it was a crapshoot and since agents (and even editors) are human, dependent on an amazing load of random factors. Well, gotta keep trying!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-77180502893442003942007-06-16T10:16:00.000-04:002007-06-16T10:16:00.000-04:00Why pay to humiliate myself? I can do that for fr...Why pay to humiliate myself? I can do that for free!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-86508320968032203712007-06-15T17:43:00.000-04:002007-06-15T17:43:00.000-04:00Paid-for pitches at conferences...waste of time an...Paid-for pitches at conferences...waste of time and money?<BR/><BR/>I did 2 last summer locally and won't do it again.<BR/><BR/>The 1st: I didn't have a big enough platform for mommylit (MOPS leader and a mommy blog in the Rocky Mountain News). She told me she wasn't taking on any new clients anyway, unless they are big time. I wondered why she was taking pitches. Plus that hurt, but looking back I totally appreciate the honesty.<BR/><BR/>The 2nd (an editor at an indie press) requested a full of my women's fiction on the spot. He even mentioned changing the title and how well the book would fit with another on his list. I emailed it and never heard from him again.<BR/><BR/>My new approach: Even if you are DYING to pitch, be helpful without brown-nosing. Water, food, drink, compliment on something they have edited. BE NORMAL. Make casual contact at some point during the day and save my money by sending a good old-fashioned query AFTER the conference. Of course mentioning any conversation in passing.Stephanie J. Blakehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17997433466625207454noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-54246475537882580342007-06-15T17:07:00.000-04:002007-06-15T17:07:00.000-04:00You know I thought as much (about editors and agen...You know I thought as much (about editors and agents not wanting to reject you to your face). Doesn't that then reduce the importance of pitching at conferences?Beverley Kendallhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09175915580179121447noreply@blogger.com