Pitch Perfect: How to Make the Most of Face Time with an Agent
11:22 am - by anitamumm
One of my favorite things about fall is that I always have several writers conferences to attend. (Next up: Castle Rock Writers in Parker, CO, November 6-7.) In that spirit, I’m due for a post about the most fear-inducing activity writers face…worse even than writing a query letter…you know what I’m talking about: PITCHING.
In my literary agency days, I was often asked to take pitches, and for me, that face-to-face interaction was so refreshing after the relative anonymity of the slush pile. But I also knew how hard it was for the person on the other side of the table: ten minutes to make someone else believe in your dream is a lot of pressure. So, is it easier to get a manuscript request in person? Absolutely. Agents are more likely to take a chance on a project after direct contact with the writer. So take a deep breath and go for it—every time you get a chance.
Now, as an indie editor, my role has shifted to one I enjoy just as much: coaching writers on how to make the most of their time in front of an agent. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced pitcher, here are some tips to help you avoid the jitters at your next appointment:
• Relax and be comfortable. Agents hate making people nervous (really!). Remind yourself that they are regular people, and they’re just as eager to find their next client as you are to be that client! They might be nervous, too.
• Do your homework. Research the agents you are pitching so you can show you know something about them. Agents like to know you are interested in their agency in particular (not just any agency).
• Along those same lines, be prepared for the agent to close the pitch session with this: “What questions do you have for me?” It’s a great chance to show your professionalism and satisfy your curiosity about the agent or the publishing business.
• Get ready to elaborate. Agents will usually ask for more information once you have delivered your initial spiel, so try to anticipate some of them in order to avoid that deer-in-the-headlights look. Here are some that I often asked writers during a pitch session:
Is this your first book? Are you working on anything else?
Where do you see your novel fitting in the market? Who is your target audience?
Does your book have series/sequel potential?
Where did the idea for this book come from/what made you just have to write this book?
What do you love most about your story? About your main character(s)?
What does your writing process look like? What do you enjoy most about writing?
• If you have extra time after your pitch, use it! For example, mention you have another novel completed and you’d love the agent’s take on which might be more marketable. Just give a very quick nutshell version—some agents might get annoyed if you’re clearly trying to pitch two novels at once.
• What if the agent turns you down? This is the worse-case scenario, but it can happen. If an agent knows your book isn’t her cup of tea, she’s actually doing you a favor by being up front. Don’t be discouraged. Use any remaining time to ask for advice about improving your pitch—so that when you do get in front of the right agent, it will be right on target.
BEST OF LUCK!
3 COMMENTS:
Elissa
Excellent advice. I like the insight about what questions an agent might ask a writer. It's also nice you covered what to do if an agent isn't interested. I can see that being a very awkward few minutes if the writer feels blindsided. Asking for tips on improving one's pitch sounds like a perfect back-up plan.
October 24, 2015
<a href="http://wordcafeblog.wordpress.com" class="url" rel="ugc external nofollow">Anita Mumm</a>
Thanks, Elissa. I’m glad the post was helpful and I appreciate your feedback. I hope your writing projects are going well, and good luck if you’re pitching in the near future!
October 24, 2015
chatebooks
Great post! I think it's important especially for new authors to know the hows and whys of hiring a literary agent and what role he or she will play in the book's success. Again, thanks for this article! https://www.chatebooks.com/blog-a-literary-agent-should-be-your-partner-in-crime
January 21, 2016