How to pitch to an editor or agent

Get ready for your pitch session!

• Be professional.
• Dress in business casual.
• Don't chew gum.
• Make eye contact.
• Be friendly, but not over-friendly.

• Have your elevator pitch ready, one to two sentences of your book. 
• (Love this idea!) Have something prepared like a one-page synopsis of your book to hand to the agent. Here's an idea: one sheet with summary of book at the top, bullet points of key features that would help it be marketable, ideas for marketing and a little bit about yourself.
• Do what feels right to you like practice your pitch or have notes in front of you.
• When the meeting is over say "thank you" and move on.

• Clarify what they are asking you to send, how and where.
• If they say "I wish I could take it on", ask "do you know of an agent or editor who might be interested?" Write down the names. After the conference contact the other agents or editors and say "so-and-so at the writers conference said you might be interested in seeing my work."
• They might say something about how the story isn't working. Now is your opportunity to talk to a professional. Ask what they think would be better or make it more marketable. They may not know without looking at the full work but it can't hurt to ask.

Use a writers conference as an opportunity to further your career!