10 minute pitch sessions

Neeli · Aug 25, 2007

I have an appointment with an editor for a 10 minute pitch session at a conference I'm attending in September. Oridinarily I would not even consider taking the appointment because my work is not ready to submit yet. I'm in the editting/rewriting/polishing phase. But since my first twenty pages and synopsis is a finalist in the contest sponsored by the conference promoters I get to talk to the editor who is judging my category. This editor may or may not remember my story, I am told.

My question is, under these circumstances, how should I best approach this interview, and what is the best use of my time with this editor? My hope was to ask if I can send the editor my full manuscript as a "requested manuscript" when it is ready. Is that reasonable? I expect to have it ready in 6 to 12 months--though I really have no idea how long it will take because it is my first novel (probably shouldn't say that though).

If the editor does not remember my story, I assume I'll do a standard pitch session: byline and oral short synopsis of plot. Then ask.

If the editor does remember my story, then I'm a little stumped. What should I/we talk about? Seems a little blunt to ask to send her my full ms straight away. Maybe I should talk about the potential market for it (which would be a lot of hot air on my part, I'm afraid, since I'd just be guessing.). This publisher has published novels like mine in the distant past (70s), but currently this editor buys a lot of vampire stuff and anime-like stuff that's not much like my story. I see my story as something new in the classic style for the people who are tired of the same-old vampire, sorcery, or dragon-theme fantasy.

Or should I ask for more detailed feedback about my story--where I could improve the writing, the plot, etc?

Also, this editor has recently worked for two other top publishers in the genre--should I ask her about these other publishers? Does she know any editors who might be interested in my story at those publishers?

I really appreciate any advice you might have. Thanks!

M.

Cathy C · Aug 25, 2007

I read over the guidelines for the contest and was surprised that they didn't require a completed, ready-to-submit manuscript for the contest. Usually, that's the case when the final round judges are editors and agents in the genre.

However, since there was no such requirement, then personally--I'd take the time to eke out any additional information you can from the person you pitch to about their thoughts on the plot, characters and flow. What you might do is talk about some of the character details or subplots that might not have appeared in the synopsis, but enrich the story . . . tip it over from "pretty good" to "wow!" Maybe you didn't mention a mini-adventure to get a necessary component to win the day, or that the heroine is also trying to feed five siblings after her parents died (or whatever.) Something that will not only remind the editor/agent of the storyline, but ADD to it. Excite the person like you would if you were telling your best friend about an AMAZING new book you just read. Sometimes, it's in the details that will make or break a request for a full.

But, then comes the issue OF the full. Are you willing to send it if the agent or editor is really hot to see it? Six months or a year is far too late in this business to hope that a) the line/imprint the agent/editor is considering the book for still exists; and b) that the person will still work where they do now. Perhaps, but you can't count on it. So, if you get a request, are you willing to give it a try, even if you don't quite think it's done? "Done" is such a relative thing to authors. We can fiddle with a book for years, even after it's close enough to acceptable that someone will buy it.

Think about it seriously. Then, if you really aren't willing, you might consider contacting the contest people and offering the slot to someone whose books IS ready. It's a courtesy that will win you points with both the editors/agents and the contest personnel. Just something to consider, and good luck!

Neeli · Aug 25, 2007

Thanks for your advice Cathy C.

I'd be embarrassed if anyone read the full right now. I wrote some of it two years ago when I first started writing and haven't gotten back to it. It has lots of problems, not the least of which is POV. I need to go and do "agricultural work" as Uncle Jim calls it: planting and pruning. There's no question it would be rejected as it is now.

I never expected to go so far in the contest, so I entered despite having a finished story that wasn't ready to submit. And I thought I'd work on it over the summer, but I got so discouraged by my crit groups response to it that I had to put it away and work on other things.

I did let the person in charge of the pitch sessions know that my ms isn't ready, and she assigned me a spot anyway. From your comments I think maybe I should lean more towards getting feedback.

allenparker · Sep 11, 2007

My suggestion

If it were me, I would take the ten minutes and find out what I could from the agent. I would not even attempt to pitch the book, but rather would concentrate on finding that little known secret the agent is harboring in her brain that would open the door for me to multiple sales across many years of writing.

She may not give it to you, but the chances are better than pitching a book you know is not ready.

Sometimes, it is better to learn than to sell.

10 minute pitch sessions

Neeli

The Khatun

Cathy C

Ooo! Shiny new cover!

Neeli

The Khatun

allenparker

Naked Futon Guy