Pitching your novel

Pitching can be defined as short verbal promotion of your book to a publisher or agent. The pitch can be face to face or on-line. It’s usually is between three and ten minutes. In some instances, the pitching appointment is a set time and you may need to alter your pitch to fit.

Elevator pitches are very quick and so named to capture the scenario of entering a lift with a popular publisher. You have just moments to convince them they need to accept your book for publication before the lift stops at the next floor. Pressure indeed.

The Australian Society or Authors and Romance Writers of Australia organise pitching sessions which get hopeful authors in front of people in the publishing industry. The ASA have courses for authors to learn all about pitching and also offer Literary Speed Dating sessions. The RWA offers pitching sessions as part of their annual conference.

But do you want or need to pitch your book to a publisher? Many writers decide to self-publish so don’t need to pitch their novel. However, if you would prefer to have your novel traditionally published, or you want an agent, then pitching is essential.

There is considerable information on line about how to formulate the perfect pitch. If you Google Author Pitching Formula a variety of web sites appear. I have done a pitch and used a formula but it went out the window in the actual interview. I would suggest doing the research and picking out the formula that suits you and your novel and construct it according to the time constraints of the publisher/agent.

At the minimum the pitch should cover:

• That the book you are pitching is completed, fully edited and formatted and ready for submission.
• The title (even if it’s a working title)
• Word count
• The specific genre and target audience
• A brief description of the main characters
• The conflict and resolution
• Why it’s different from anything else.
• With longer pitches you can include your author credentials and experience
• What target market you envisage for your book
• What books are similar to yours.

When you’ve written, re-written, practiced, timed and learnt your pitch off by heart take a course in deep breathing and mindfulness for anxiety and you’re ready to pitch.

Two articles from Romance Writers of Australia, Hearts Talk magazine provided some interesting and helpful ideas.

Rachel Sweasey The Importance of Pitching June 2023 suggests for Zoom pitching appointments

• Practice looking calm and happy prior to the pitch. Smile maintain eye contact.
• Be on time
• Be prepared
• Dress in the same style as your Author bio picture so the publisher/agent can put a face to your picture on your submission.
• Have answers to expected questions on post-it notes stuck to the edge of your screen to act as prompts if you dry up. This way you won’t have to shuffle through notes and can maintain focus on the interviewer.

Amy Hutton Pitch Perfect April 2023 suggests:

• Have a solid synopsis
• Learn the pitch by heart
• Make sure you know what a particular editor/agent is looking for before making a pitching appointment.
• Allow time at the end of the pitch for questions
• Have answers prepared about your character, themes, yourself and your writing history
• If you have time include courses, groups and workshops you’ve attend
• Also include your social media and marketing experience

Pitching is a difficult, nerve-wracking experience but it can get your book read rather than being left to languish at the bottom of a slush pile.

The art of pitching is different to presenting your book to potential readers. This is also a great skill to learn for both traditional and self-published authors. I will address author presentations in my next blog.

Good luck

Cheers

Elsie King © 2023

Photo attributed to Creative Commons 2023