A blackboard with the word PITCH written on it in chalk.
Writing conference season is upon us, and many include the opportunity to pitch to agents and editors. This might leave you wondering how to prepare a literary pitch.
This guide covers what literary agents and acquisition editors want to hear in pitches and the common pitch mistakes that turn agents and editors away. It’s everything you need to know to nail your conference pitch!
What do literary agents want to hear in a pitch?
Agents and editors need to hear a few basic elements in a pitch so they can determine if the project is a good fit for them.
Here are some important pitch tips:
Include your title, genre, word count, protagonist, and central conflict. These are the main elements an agent or editor is looking for to help them determine if your book is a good fit for them.
If your book is for children (including YA), include the age of your protagonist. This gives agents and editors a clearer picture of your protagonist and helps them gauge whether your book truly fits into the age category you say it does.
Be prepared with comp titles. These should be books published in the past two to five years from Big 5 publishers (or Amazon imprints). You can either work your comps into your pitch or have them ready if asked.
Keep it short and sweet. A handful of sentences is plenty. (No, really.)
Practice your pitch beforehand. Saying it out loud (preferably in front of someone) will help you feel more confident when you give your pitch.
Remember that agents and editors want you to succeed. Agents and editors taking pitches want to find a good fit as much as writers do. So take a deep breath and remember that they’re on your side!
What common pitch mistakes turn literary agents away?
Just as agents and editors look for some common elements in pitches, a few common mistakes are likely to make them pass.
Here’s what to avoid when pitching to agents and editors:
Don’t provide a full synopsis with every plot point. At this stage, agents and editors only need to know if your project is something that fits what they represent and is interesting to them. If they want you to send them a full synopsis, they’ll ask you for it.
Don’t go over your allotted time. The time limit varies a bit depending on where you’re pitching. Check the guidelines and make sure your pitch doesn’t go over. (Time it!) It’s better to play it safe and go under time, allowing agents and editors to ask follow-up questions.
Don’t pitch to agents and editors who don’t represent your genre and/or age category. This wastes your time and theirs. Research who will be accepting pitches and select ones who are looking for what you write.