Resources for Pitching

Jun
10
2009

: Image via Wikipedia

We talked about how to get pitch appointments last week, but what do you do when you actually have a pitch appointment and now you have to pitch? Eek! Yeah, that’s the scary part!

My favorite article on pitching is Virginia Kantra’s Guide to Perfect Pitch. She gives a great jumping off point for how to formulate the structure of your pitch. You can also use some of the stuff you did for your synopsis or blurb for your pitch.

I personally think that the most important part of pitching is practicing, which is a little hard to do by yourself. Sure, you can practice to your dog, but dogs don’t generally talk back. Editors and agents do! I had one pitch once where I had my whole schpeil memorized, but the agent kept interrupting to ask questions, and it threw me for a loop!

One opportunity to practice your pitching will be this Saturday at the Heart of Carolina Romance Writers meeting. Marcia Colette and Jenna Black are giving a presentation, and you’ll have a chance to practice, too. If you’re heading for Nationals, or you have a pitch appointment coming up, I highly suggest going! (You can go even if you’re not a member of HCRW. The first two meetings you attend are freebies.)

What are your best pitching tips and resources?

Written by Sonja in: On Writing |

Beth C.

heh, I used Virginia's Guide when I did my pitch in April. I managed to make a sale despite tripping over myself. I did not practice the pitch out loud...just in my head. So easy in there to say what you want/mean.

I'm going to Nationals but not pitching. Need to write the novel first. But good luck to anyone who pitches and see you Saturday.