I write a monthly column on platform development including how to pitch and how to get the most out of a writer’s conference, but since the Willamette Writers Conference is coming up this weekend (!!!), here’s a quick pitching primer reminder for the folks I look forward to seeing there:
Within ten seconds of your verbal pitch or one half page of written text, I need to know (or the person you are pitching needs to know):
1. What is your very specific book topic
2. Who is the very specific market for this topic and how big is it (the number)
3. Why the timing is perfect for this book concept
4. Why you are the very best person to write it (include quick proof)
5. What your current platform is right now (not what it will be in the future)
These are all of the things that agents and editors are listening for right up front, so be extremely concise.
For more information about pitching, please see chapters 22 and 23 of Writer Mama.
You can also read month’s January-July of my Willamette Writer’s column on Writers on the Rise:
http://writersontherise.wordpress.com/tag/wotr-columns/platform-development-101/
There is actually still plenty of time to nail your pitch. And that’s what you want to do, if at all possible.
Good luck!
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