I’ve been asked by my chapter to do a little talk on pitching next month. I said yes because apparently I have a weakness for teaching. I really do.
Am, I a pitching expert? No way! But I’m a very good student and I’ve studied up. As a naturally shy person who had to force myself to be able to speak publicly, I know if I can suck it up and appear confident, then anyone can.
I’ve pitched a handful of times and I’ve been reading up on pitching all over the agent/editor blogosphere to prepare. Plus, I’ve had the privilege of attending “Itching to Pitch” by fellow romance author D’Anne Avner twice. I think she does a great job of focusing on all the aspects of a pitch — not just what you say but how you present yourself.
I’m thinking the crux of my coffee talk is going to be this: According to Michael Hague, the biggest mistake authors make when trying to pitch is to try to tell their whole story.
Don’t think of it as a pitch. Think of it as a job interview with your story as your calling card. And — if it empowers you at all, consider that you can be the interviewer as much as the interviewee. 🙂
More later!
Apr 30, 2009 @ 11:33:16
That’s awesome! Wish I could be there..you know I’d make faces at you! 🙂
Congrats on the other stuff…whatever secrets you’re harboring! LOL
Apr 30, 2009 @ 14:22:46
I’m the same way–I hate speaking in front of people 🙂 I get tongue tied very easily. I can relay my thoughts through writing so much easier than speaking. I can be an extrovert when needed, but my nerves become pretty evident when in front of a group of people (talking too fast being the biggest one!). But it’s something I’ll have to keep practicing, especially if the book is ever published and I have to do signings!
May 01, 2009 @ 10:59:05
It sounds like a pitch is an even more abbreviated form of the synopsis–useful to think about even if you don’t plan to pitch in person.
May 02, 2009 @ 16:04:57
Hey! Thanks for the very nice plug! You made me smile. I’ve always said that “Itching to Pitch” is geared for the shy writer. It’s not only about your story, but how you present your story!
That last paragraph of yours is right on the money! It’s a two way street!