![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small}
Pitches
Since we're in the middle of writer convention season, it may be time to remind authors about pitches. I did discuss pitches in a general sense before (no, editors won't hurt you and yes, you are a worthwhile human being whether we say yes or no) but it couldn't hurt to get into specifics.
Have the basics down – title, genre, number of words. Not only does every editor want to know, it gets your vocal chords going and more words can follow. (I remember scoffing at someone who carefully wrote their name down for the pitch until she asked, “Are you going to introduce yourself by your pen name or real name?” I sat and puzzled over that for a few minutes.)
Make sure your story is going to the right market. If you aren't sure, do you have alternatives to suggest to the editor? I had an editor who said no to Story 1, no to half-written Story Idea 2 and finally (we were probably both desperate by then) yes to the half-baked Story Idea 3 I came up with on the spot. Another one couldn't use the one I thought I would pitch but was interested in another one I was sure she'd hate. Now that I'm on the other side of the fence I'd be particularly interested in an author who has a lot of solid ideas to offer or the ability to revise the original story.
Interact. Answer the questions. Ask questions. Get up when your time is over because there is probably either another eager author or lunch waiting for the editor when you are done.
At the end, ask what you should send them and be sure to 1) pick up the editor’s business card or address and 2) do NOT lose the card. I had a self-destructive streak that had me losing business cards right and left after a pitch.
Have the basics down – title, genre, number of words. Not only does every editor want to know, it gets your vocal chords going and more words can follow. (I remember scoffing at someone who carefully wrote their name down for the pitch until she asked, “Are you going to introduce yourself by your pen name or real name?” I sat and puzzled over that for a few minutes.)
Make sure your story is going to the right market. If you aren't sure, do you have alternatives to suggest to the editor? I had an editor who said no to Story 1, no to half-written Story Idea 2 and finally (we were probably both desperate by then) yes to the half-baked Story Idea 3 I came up with on the spot. Another one couldn't use the one I thought I would pitch but was interested in another one I was sure she'd hate. Now that I'm on the other side of the fence I'd be particularly interested in an author who has a lot of solid ideas to offer or the ability to revise the original story.
Interact. Answer the questions. Ask questions. Get up when your time is over because there is probably either another eager author or lunch waiting for the editor when you are done.
At the end, ask what you should send them and be sure to 1) pick up the editor’s business card or address and 2) do NOT lose the card. I had a self-destructive streak that had me losing business cards right and left after a pitch.
For print houses, check to see if the editor's card has an email address on it, and ask if it's all right to send your submission electronically -- don't assume she'll accept an electronic submissions just because she uses email.
And be sure to thank the editor for her time.
Treva Harte