How to Successfully Pitch Literary Agents at Writers’ Conferences

Pitching your book to a literary agent can be one of the most nerve-wracking yet rewarding experiences at a writers’ conference. At events like the Blue Pen Writers’ Conference, you have the opportunity to skip the slush pile and present your work directly to agents. But how do you make the most of this chance? This guide will help you prepare to pitch literary agents at writers’ conferences.

What Is a Pitch Session?

A pitch session is a scheduled meeting during which a writer presents their work directly to literary agents or editors from publishing houses. Often available at writers’ conferences, these sessions offer the rare opportunity to skip the traditional submission process and instead deliver a verbal summary of a manuscript. During the session, writers aim to capture the interest of the agent or editor, hopefully resulting in a request for the full manuscript.

Pitch sessions can be conducted in person at conferences, allowing for face-to-face interaction, or online through video calls. Whether in person or virtual, these sessions are usually brief—about ten minutes on average—but they offer invaluable feedback and the chance to engage directly with industry professionals. This interaction allows authors to answer questions, clarify details, and gauge the agent’s reaction in real time, providing a sense of whether their book concept resonates.

In addition to being a potential career-defining moment, pitch sessions are invaluable learning experiences. They challenge writers to succinctly articulate their story’s appeal and to understand how their work fits within the current literary market. Whether or not a deal is made, the insights gained during a pitch session can be instrumental in refining both the manuscript and the author’s overall approach to the publishing industry.

Tips for a Successful Pitch

As you prepare to pitch literary agents or editors, consider these tips to put your best foot forward and make the most of the opportunity.

1. Value the Experience

Pitching your manuscript to a literary agent in person is a rare and invaluable opportunity in today’s digital age. With the prevalence of one-click submissions, having an agent’s undivided attention is a unique chance to make a lasting impression. Beyond the potential career boost, this experience is also a tremendous learning opportunity.

Crafting an elevator pitch forces you to distill the essence of your story into a concise, compelling narrative, offering fresh insights into your manuscript. This process not only refines your pitch but also enhances your understanding of your work, making you better equipped for future promotional activities.

By appreciating the inherent value of the pitch session—both as a career step and as a learning experience—you can alleviate some of the pressure and approach the opportunity with a more relaxed and open mindset.

2. Keep Your Pitch Short and Focused

A successful pitch is concise and to the point. Aim to keep your pitch under 90 seconds. This brevity ensures that you leave enough time for a meaningful discussion with the agent. Remember, a strong, concise pitch demonstrates that you know how to position your book effectively. The goal is not to tell the entire story but to spark the agent’s interest.

3. Practice But Don’t Memorize

Rehearse your pitch several times before the conference. While it’s important to be familiar with what you want to say, avoid memorizing your pitch word for word. A memorized pitch can come off as robotic and lack the natural enthusiasm that can make your story stand out. Instead, focus on the key points and practice speaking about your book in a conversational tone.

4. Tease, Don’t Tell

Your pitch should be more of a teaser than a full synopsis. Avoid giving away the ending or trying to cover every plot detail. The objective is to intrigue the agent enough that they want to learn more. Think of your pitch as a hook that leaves the agent curious and eager to read your manuscript.

5. Highlight the Main Conflict

One of the most important aspects of your pitch is to clearly define the main conflict of your story. Start by introducing your protagonist, outlining what they want, and identifying the obstacles in their path. Clarify the stakes by explaining what’s at risk if they fail. Conclude by posing the central question that drives the narrative forward—this creates suspense and piques the agent’s interest.

6. Prepare Questions for the Agent

Don’t just prepare to talk about your book—be ready to engage in a dialogue with the agent. Think of a few questions you might want to ask, whether they’re about the publishing industry, the agent’s interests, or feedback on your pitch. This can help you gain valuable insights and also show the agent that you’re serious about your writing career.

7. Stay Calm and Enjoy the Experience

It’s natural to feel nervous before pitching to a literary agent, but try not to let stress take over. Remember, agents are book-lovers just like you, and they’re at the conference because they’re eager to discover new talent. Take a deep breath, be yourself, and enjoy the opportunity to share your story with someone who could help bring it to life.

Pitch Sessions at Writers’ Conferences

If you haven’t yet signed up for your in-person pitch sessions at the Blue Pen Writers’ Conference, now is the time! You can book pitch and critique sessions during registration or any time after you’ve registered.

Pitching to a literary agent at a writers’ conference is a significant step in your writing journey. With the right preparation and mindset, you can turn those precious few minutes into a promising opportunity for your writing career. Remember to keep your pitch short, focused, and engaging, and don’t be afraid to show your enthusiasm for your story. Good luck!