My First Pitch

My blog is about my writing process. The ups, the downs, the attention to detail required to achieve my goals. Although I’ve been writing stories since I could hold a pencil, I began writing seriously in 2007. I completed my first novel in 2009. Since then, my primary goal is to become traditionally published. That is easier said, than done; and sometimes it can be a bit much.

For example: I may have mentioned that I’m having my author website redesigned to be more engaging for followers, and more appealing to future agents. Somehow I thought I would give a few preliminary instructions to the designing team, go my merry way, and then be informed at the end: “Madam, your website is complete.”

Nothing could be further from the truth. I realized last night there are things I should upload to the team that will expedite the creative process; and although I read the initial email, I missed the link entirely. I am now officially overwhelmed, and seriously questioning my life choices. To add fuel to the fire, I awoke this morning with a throbbing migraine, and the realization that I have two appointments scheduled for today, at 10:30am and 4:30 pm. I would have to cram things in-between, or after those hours. I chose to cancel both appointments, and set myself to the task of creating content to upload. In the meantime, allow me to share a video. I’ll comment after.

My Experiences and Lessons

Have a polished ‘elevator pitch.’

You’re a writer. You find yourself riding in an elevator with someone, who in the literary world, is analogous to the music industry’s Quincy Jones. You realize, you will never get this opportunity again; and you go for it. If the elevator was in a high-rise hotel, you’d have the length of time it would take to ascend from the ground floor to the penthouse, to ‘pitch/sell’ the concept of your book. In the space of that time, you must:

1. Introduce yourself.

2. Focus on the High Concept of your book.

3. Who is the Target Audience?

4. Why is your book Unique?

5. Deliver the Hook, but not too much. Stop when the ancestors say: ‘That’s enough.’

6. State your comparable market.

Be aware. A ‘pitch’ is not limited to an elevator. In August of 2019, I attended the Writer’s Digest Conference in New York City. Stretched over a long weekend, the itinerary included book signings, lectures, meet-&-greets, net-working; but the highlight of the event was the ‘Pitch-Slam.’ Depending on your genre, each participant signed up for a 1.5-hour time slot. When your appointment came, you entered this huge conference room, where 10-20 conference tables were set up. Behind which sat a cadre of agents from every literary agency across the country (or so it seemed); all looking for new and established talent. The task was clear: I had exactly 3 minutes to pitch my book to an agent within my genre; as often as I could within my hour and a half time slot. I was extremely nervous, but did my very best. In the end, one agent rejected me outright (more on that below); however, two other agents requested more material; and one agent requested my full manuscript. Not bad for dipping my toe in the turbulent waters of the submission process.

Know your Target Audience

Whether you’re at a conference, or submitting your book online, via email, or QueryTracker; it behooves you to know your target audience.

1. What is the genre? If your protagonist is middle to high school aged, that’s Young Adult. Don’t submit to an agent who is seeking books on Women’s Issues. Don’t submit Horror/Witchcraft to an agent who represents Religious/Inspirational

2. Who will most likely be drawn to read your book? If you write fiction, is it Literary Commercial, or Speculative Fiction? Know the example of each, because there is a market for each. One is not better than the other. It is simply the style in which you write, and there is a reader for each style. The agent knows this. They just want to see if you know.

3. Ditto for Non-Fiction. Is it Memoir or something else? If Memoir, what matter of memoir? There is a plethora of remaining categories that fall under the umbrella of Non-Fiction, e.g., History, Science, Self-Help, True Crime, or Expository Non-Fiction, which is the genre of my current book, ‘YAHUAH’S HEAVENLY CALENDAR: Learning To Count the Days.’

Choose Your Agents Well

Most literary agents have a Manuscript Wish List, or MSWL; which can usually be found on their personal web pages. This page will also inform if the agent is currently accepting submissions. If your book’s genre falls under the agent’s MSWL, then proceed with the submission; provided the agent is ‘accepting submissions.’ The general rule of thumb is one agent, per agency, per submission. If you’ve submitted to agents at other agencies, and they’ve requested more material, it is considered good practice to make all agents in possession of your manuscript aware. I prefer to query only 1-3 agents at a time. I find that number easier to track where I am in the process. Then be patient. My mindset is: Submit and Forget. Of course I’m tracking things on QueryTracker, but I’m not losing my mind if I haven’t heard anything in a month. Rather, I’m researching my next project, or I’m re-editing an old project. I’m blogging, updating and engaging my followers. That time allows me to explore options for my next project. When rejection comes, and it will; no problem. I replace that agent with another who has already been vetted, and is standing in the wings. No contact in 3 months? I assume it’s a rejection, and they are replaced. I will invest 9 months towards the submission process for any one book. That’s 3 rounds of queries per year. After that, I set it aside, and work on something else. But that’s me.

Your Motivation

This is self-explanatory, and your opportunity to let your light shine. What motivated you to write this story, and why does the world need to hear it? Think about this. You’ve already had this conversation. In the quiet moments of your mind, in the secret places of your heart, you’ve already affirmed yourself. Now write it. If you’re pitching, open your mouth and declare it.

The Bookshelf

So, I’m pitching to the first agent I’d chosen at the 2019 WDC in New York. I hit all the points I wanted to make, within the suggested timeframe. I was confident, pleasant, and displayed the right amount of excitement, and appreciation for the opportunity. When it was her turn to ask specific questions, I was relaxed, and eager to respond. This was Number One’s question:

‘If I walked into a bookstore and headed towards the fiction aisles, between which two authors would I most likely find your book?’

I replied ‘Colson Whitehead, The Nickel Boys; and Antwone Fisher, Finding Fish.’

I chose these two authors because I’d read their books, and decided that the themes of both books were not dissimilar to my own novel; which also happened to be about a young teenage protagonist forced to grow up under extremely harsh circumstances. She also endured conditions that challenged her sanity, and threatened to change the very essence of her character; had it not been for the core values instilled in her during her formative years. I was naïve in my answer. I did not understand the nuances hidden in Number One’s question. This was a new experience for me.

I remember her eyes focused on me like a hawk zeroing on prey far below. And then she proceeded to rip me a new one - within earshot of anyone in the immediate vicinity. She reminded me that Colson Whitehead was the recipient of two Pulitzer Prizes; and that he has written for The New York Times. She strongly encouraged me to perfect my craft before I sought to place myself on his level. She was so focused on setting me straight, she forgot all about Antwonne. Although she didn’t say ‘How dare you!’ Nevertheless, I felt the words hovering in the air above my head, like some dark, foreboding cloud. I was taken aback because it was uncalled for. I thought to myself: ‘This Bee don’t know me,’ and laughed inside my head.

Outwardly I smiled, thanked her for her time, and moved on to agent Number Two; who requested my full manuscript, which is a big deal. So, I’m sharing this to say:

Number Ones are out there. Do not let them dim your light, your vision, your joy. Affirm yourself. Believe in your story, because the world needs to hear it.

Do you have a story to share about a Pitch experience? Comment below, and don't forget to Like, Follow, and Share.

Thanks Everyone!

NeorahYah Germaine