Pitch Sessions
Writefest will not have pitch sessions in 2020. We hope to bring them back next year.
Pitch Session FAQ
How do i Purchase a pitch session?
In order to purchase a pitch session, you must first purchase a Full Event, Weekend, or One-Day pass to Writefest. In the confirmation email you receive from Eventbrite, you will find the link and password to our Pitch Session portal. If you have purchased a festival ticket but have not received a confirmation email, please contact us.
The deadline for sign-up is Friday, May 24th. Each pitch session is $50.
The deadline for sign-up is Friday, May 24th. Each pitch session is $50.
when will pitch sessions take place?
Pitch sessions are assigned throughout the weekend festival on Friday and Saturday, between the times of 1:30 PM and 5:00 PM (though 5:30 PM on Saturday). There is a section on the pitch session registration form where you can indicate if you will only be attending one day of the festival; your pitch session will be scheduled accordingly.
You will receive your pitch session time and location when you check in at the weekend festival, so please ensure that you arrive and check in well before 1:30 PM. Pitch sessions will take place in a dedicated room in the Anderson-Clarke Center, where Writefest is being held.
Please arrive 5-10 minutes early for your scheduled pitch session. Do not be late.
You will receive your pitch session time and location when you check in at the weekend festival, so please ensure that you arrive and check in well before 1:30 PM. Pitch sessions will take place in a dedicated room in the Anderson-Clarke Center, where Writefest is being held.
Please arrive 5-10 minutes early for your scheduled pitch session. Do not be late.
Do i need a completed manuscript to pitch?
Yes, the manuscript must be complete if you are interested in signing with an agent. Literary agents do not typically take on incomplete manuscripts.
However, if you do not have a complete manuscript but would like to test your pitch, you may do so -- but you MUST let the agent know before the start of the session.
However, if you do not have a complete manuscript but would like to test your pitch, you may do so -- but you MUST let the agent know before the start of the session.
How do I pitch?
The pitch session is a five-minute meeting with an editor or agent during which you summarize your story in three to five sentences. The pitch describes your story at its bare bones; it's your hook to pique the agent’s interest to learn more. The typical formula of a pitch includes title, genre, word count, style, and a brief description of your protagonist and their growth or change through an obstacle. Save your more intricate details of the plot and character for when the agent asks. Always be succinct and concise with your answers.
What should I do to prepare?
First and foremost, research the agents and editors. Make sure you choose to meet with an individual aligned with your genre and style. Below is a list of editors and agents who will be attending Writefest this year, their interests, and links to their publishing house or literary agency.
Second, practice, practice, practice! Practice your pitch to the mirror, family, friends, anyone and everyone! Get feedback. Know what you might fumble on and how you might recover. Know the details of your story inside and out—so if an agent asks questions, you immediately have answers.
Lastly, there is not particular dress code, but something over the top may end up distracting from your pitch. Dress comfortably and act professionally. You can't go wrong with business casual, but a more informal look likely won't hurt your chances, either.
Second, practice, practice, practice! Practice your pitch to the mirror, family, friends, anyone and everyone! Get feedback. Know what you might fumble on and how you might recover. Know the details of your story inside and out—so if an agent asks questions, you immediately have answers.
Lastly, there is not particular dress code, but something over the top may end up distracting from your pitch. Dress comfortably and act professionally. You can't go wrong with business casual, but a more informal look likely won't hurt your chances, either.
What happens after?
If there is time, you can ask questions about the agent or the company, but make sure the questions are something that shows you’ve done your research about the agent/editor, their agency/publishing house, and your genre.
Do not give the agent/editor anything. If you have business cards, only give one out when asked for. If the agent/editor requests for materials, take notes on what information they want and the exact format.
Do not give the agent/editor anything. If you have business cards, only give one out when asked for. If the agent/editor requests for materials, take notes on what information they want and the exact format.
Acquisition Editors
We will be announcing attending acquisition editors soon.
Literary Agents
We will be announcing attending literary agents soon.
