I've got a pitch session with an agent at an upcoming conference. This is the first one I've ever had, so I would love any advice anyone (agent or otherwise) has to offer.
If you don't already have simple business cards, see if you can get some. They don't need to be fancy - name and contact info (mine has my email and website, but no phone number) on the front. Leave the back blank so that when you give one out you can make a note on it if you need/want. (These are handy not just for a pitch session but for the rest of the conference as well.)
I've seen quite a number of agents saying they dump these when they leave the pitch session, but Aggy's suggestion of stapling it to the pages makes it more useful and is a good idea. And yes, having them for other people at the conference is a good idea, as well.
Make eye contact. Smile. It's okay to be nervous, but don't make a big deal out of it. If you stumble over something while you're presenting your pitch (which should roughly follow the info on the page you handed the agent) just keep going. This is such good advice. Not a lot different from a job interview.
Remember that your book is unique and wonderful, but it may not be what the agent is looking for. If they don't ask to see more, don't be upset or angry. Don't oversell your work or make promises the agent will know are false (things like 'I'm going to be the next Stephen King.' or 'This is the next great American novel.') and don't be self-deprecating either (things like 'No one's ever heard of me, but that's okay. I'll just sit here in the corner and write.'). I've run into both in other authors and neither is attractive. I bolded the above because this is another thing I see agents mention a LOT. They really don't like to see authors who put themselves down. Be confident (but not overly-so, as Aggy says). You've written and polished a book! That's something to be proud of.
Have fun. Remember that this is a good opportunity but it is not your only opportunity.
And best of luck.
Sat Nam! (Literally "Truth Name"--a Sikh greeting)
You go in with a smile on your face, walking with dignity, wearing clean professional looking clothing. You go in with the understanding that you have something to give the agent. You are NOT on the take. You are not needy. The agent is a potential partner and potential friend.
Blessings,
Siri Kirpal
I have better odds of landing an agent with an in-person meeting than through the slush pile.
Why do you think this?
Why do you think this?
Probably because goats are hard to come by, and famously uncooperative at being sacrificed.
caw
It's a lot easier to dismiss someone or something when it's a scrap of paper (or an email) than it is a person sitting in front of you.
I'm not saying a a pitch-session is going to lead to anything, only that if your odds of landing an agent through a query is 100-1, the odds for landing an agent via pitch session is 90-1.
That's just the impression I've gotten reading various sources.
Let me tell you something. It's much, much, MUCH MORE DIFFICULT to be rejected in person. I know from personal experience because it happened last year. At RT Booklovers Convention, I went to their Pitch-A-Palooza, which is essentially speed querying. You have five minutes to pitch to an editor or agent, and at the end of your pitch you automatically know if they want to see more. It only happened once, but hearing that friendly but apologetic tone in person when an agent had to say "no" cut deep (I was having enough issues over attending but that's another rant for another time) and was a bit more harsh than getting a rejection in my email. You smile, groan in disappointment, but remain professional and cordial, and thank them again for their time but inside? You are DYING. Even worse than the last form rejection you'd gotten in the mail. Because you could actually see their face and hear their voice, and you don't have to imagine these things. THEY SAID "NO" RIGHT TO YOUR FACE HOW DARE THEY CAN'T THEY SEE YOUR GENIUS WELL IT'S THEIR LOSS etc.It's a lot easier to dismiss someone or something when it's a scrap of paper (or an email) than it is a person sitting in front of you.
Thanks everyone for your input.
The pitch went very well and the agent requested my full manuscript.
Obviously that's not an offer of representation, but it's a start.
Not necessarily. RT Booklovers Convention has several opportunities to pitch but there's never an additional fee to attend. One session you have to schedule a block of 15 minutes, the other is a first come-first served speed session where you can see as many agents and editors you can; you're given five minutes with each person you see. Again, no additional charge.The conferences profit most from pitching sessions, both using them as draws and gaining from the additional revenue they bring in.