Tag: pitching ideas

Categories
Kids Lit

Pitch Opportunities

Last month we put together pitches – the 30-second “What is your book about?” Unless you happen to end up next to an editor or agent at a conference dinner, what can you do with them? 

1 X (formerly you know who) Pitch Events.

These were great during COVID!

Google “online pitch event,” and several sites will listed. Many are for specific genres of groups of authors. If you fit one of those, this is an excellent place to get noticed because editors watch for new and emerging voices. Read all the parameters on the group website. Some will let agented authors pitch, but some won’t. All have rules for how many times a day and how many titles may be pitched.

However, with the X (formerly blah blah) world in flux, many events or Pitch Parties are pausing or moving to other hosts. Just verify that the one you like is active.

2 In person planned pitching.

Short of tracking your preferred agent into the restroom (DON’T) or pouncing out from behind a potted palm, in-person events are increasingly adding pitch opportunities, sometimes at a luncheon where people with the same genre get a minute or 3 to pitch a book to one of the guest editor/agents. (Don’t talk with your mouth full.) It may cost the price of the lunch or a bit more.

At other times, conference speakers, agents, and editors will be available for a conversation of 10–15 minutes. Have your pitch ready Because these move very fast – think speed-dating your book.

Finally, sometimes agents offer an opportunity to pitch after the conference ends and get special consideration.

All About (hehehe) Hashtags

Every pitch event has categories they specifically use for their opportunity. But even if you are in a meeting in person, mentally defining hashtags will help you define and narrow your focus to make your pitch more impactful. Some samples:

  • Age Categories
  • #PB = Picture Book
  • #CB = Chapter Book
  • #MG = Middle Grade
  • #YA = Young Adult
  • Additional hashtags (ONLY if applicable)
  • #DIS = Disability subject matter
  • #LGBT = LGBTQIA+ subject matter
  • #ND = Neurodiverse subject matter
  • #OWN = Own Voices
  • #POC = Author is a Person of Color
  • Genres/Sub-genres
  • #F = Fantasy
  • #GN = Graphic Novel
  • #H = Horror
  • #HA = Humor
  • #HF = Historical Fiction
  • #M = Mystery
  • #NF = Non-fiction
  • #STEM = Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics
  • #SH = Superhero

It is worth having pitches in a file for use any time – and don’t forget to watch for the latest hot topics. That dusty idea from 7 years ago might be just right for now! Pitch it!

Multi award winning author Robin Currie holds a Master of Library Science from the University of Iowa but learned story sharing by sitting on the floor during more than 1000 story times. She sold 1.7 M copies of her 40 storybooks, writes stories to read and read again, and just dusted off a pitch for an editor of an old story whose time has finally come! (Cross fingers!)

Categories
Marketing Sense

Why Your Podcast Pitch Isn’t Working and What to Do Instead

Marketing sense

No matter how dignified we are, holding our just-published book in our hands for the first time makes us squeal with glee, and rightly so.

We’ve heard that the fastest way to “get the word out” is via interviews, so we visit social media groups and share our availability. Here’s where our momentum often stops cold.

Our approach is, shall we say…lacking? Isn’t it enough to reveal that we’re ready to be interviewed? Uh, no.

Recently I read a Facebook post by Max, “My book is hot off the presses! I’m ready to be interviewed. My topic is XYZ. I look forward to hearing from you.” That was his entire ‘pitch.’

Experienced podcasters won’t reach out to Max, and he’ll never know why.

Though he didn’t realize it, Max practiced passive marketing…an announcement to the world at large that he was available for interviews, expecting that same world to run to his door, eager to help him reach his goals. This is an easy trap to fall into for anyone.

The world isn’t trying to help us reach our goals. They’re busy trying to reach their own goals. They’re on the lookout for guests who will help them.

It helps to remember that hosts who interview us give us a GIFT…access to their audience. They’ve built that audience by serving them well, developing deep relationships and thus earning their listeners’ trust. Wise hosts do not take that trust lightly.

We must help potential podcast hosts see how we can help them serve their audience.

3 Steps to Significantly Increase Your Pitch’s Odds

Make a list of 10-20 podcasts: Research podcasts that serve the same / similar audience as yours OR who discuss the same / similar topic as yours. Do they host guests? Who have they recently interviewed? How might you be able to add to that discussion by offering a deeper perspective, an opposing view, or different (yet still helpful) information?

Analyze the podcast: Listen to 3-8 full episodes. More if necessary. Is the host well-prepared, or do they work best off-the-cuff? Is their program live or recorded (and which fits your communication style best)? Does the audience participate, and if so, is the feedback live?

How long is the program, and do guests stay on the entire time, or only for a segment? You want to be knowledgeable about the program, who’s in their audience, and the host’s goals for the program.

Write your pitch: Keep it short and on point. If you’re pitching via email, be clear. Podcast Guest Pitch is a wise title. Bonus points for adding a short value phrase or keywords.

Don’t be vague. Tie your message into the program’s main topic. What can you add to the conversation, and how will your contribution benefit the audience? You’re there to help the podcast host serve his or her audience. How can you do that, specifically?

Add your website link. If you’ve been interviewed before, add those links (within reason). This helps the podcaster know what to expect if they invite you.

 Above All, Keep Pitching!

Repeat the steps above often. As potential hosts respond (not all will), make a note of their questions or comments.

Questions can mean you’ve left out information they want before deciding, or they’re intrigued and want to confirm you’ll be a good fit. Respond professionally, don’t over-promise, and if you’re not sure about something, simply say so.

If their answer is “no,” decide whether to keep them on your list. Today’s “no” might mean “never,” but it could also be tomorrow’s “yes.” BIG difference.

And if you sense you’re a natural fit but the host doesn’t see it yet, follow up without harassing them. They may have a bad day when you originally contacted them.

Podcasters are human, too, or so I’m told. 🙂

Patricia Durgin

Patricia Durgin is an Online Marketing Coach and Facebook Live Expert. She trains Christian writers and speakers exclusively, helping them develop their messaging, marketing funnels, conversational emails, and Facebook Live programs. Patricia hosted 505 (60-minute) Facebook Live programs from 2018-2020. That program is on indefinite hiatus. She’s also a regular faculty member at Christian writers and speakers conferences around the country.

Website: marketersonamission.com
Facebook: MarketersOnAMission

Categories
Child's Craft

Your Fifteen Minutes

Whether you write for children or adults, or both, meeting with industry professionals at writers’ conferences is essential.

But what do you do with that fifteen-minutes slot?

I asked several editors that question a few months ago. Here are some of their suggestions. But don’t try to do ALL of these in one session. Focus on those that apply to you and your writing.

  • Most editors do not bite.
  • Come prepared with a few questions to ask the editor.
  • Familiarize yourself with that publisher or agency BEFORE the conference. Study their website.
  • Be truthful. If you don’t have a book published say so.
  • Be prepared to talk about yourself and your writing. Your passion should shine through.
  • Feel free to ask for general help in plotting your writing course.
  • Leave contact info with them such as a professional business card or a one-sheet.
  • Decide in advance on your reason for the appointment. Do you have a book idea to sell? Do you need advice? Do you want the editor/agent to glance at a proposal and give you tips on how to improve it? Do you want to brainstorm a story idea? Would you like recommendations for other publishers to submit to?
  • Pitch only one project unless the editor/agent asks for another one.
  • Ask him/her what they are looking for, or what literature they love and hate.
  • Pitch your story in less than five minutes Then stop talking and listen.
  • Know your genre, theme and target audience.
  • Watch the time—be courteous and don’t make others wait.
  • Ask, “If I incorporate your suggestions would you be willing to review my proposal/manuscript?”
  • Be grateful and gracious.
  • Be flexible. Sometimes things happen!
  • Follow up with a SHORT email thanking them for their time.
  • Anticipate some questions such as: How does your story end? What published author’s style would you compare yours to? Who are your favorite authors in your genre? Is this part of a series? What are the subsequent books about? Do you participate in a critique group? Have you pitched this to others? What response did you get?
  • Be yourself—your best self. Be open, humble and genuine.
  • If the editor/agent is reading your material be silent and let them read.
  • Answer their questions the best you can without defending your work.
  • Trust the Lord to open the right doors and forge the right relationships for you.

Jean Hall lives in Louisville, Kentucky. She is represented by Cyle Young of Hartline Literary. Her premier picture book series Four Seasons was recently signed by Little Lamb Books. Jean is a member of the SCBWI, Word Weavers International, and the Kentucky Christian Writers. Visit Jean at www.jeanmatthewhall.com, on Facebook at Jean Matthew Hall, and on Twitter as @Jean_Hall.

Categories
Magazine and Freelance

Looking for Article Opportunities

Writers just beginning to write articles look around them and the big question becomes, “I know some of the basics of writing articles but how do I find places to submit my work?”

Article writing can come in many forms these days. Just look around you. Everything that has words on it has been written by someone—magazines and blogs, of course, but also placemats in restaurants, stories on sides of products such as kid’s meal boxes, flyers, newsletters, and more. So be creative and think outside the box.

Articles require research and it is sad not to be able to use and reuse your research for other things. Don’t spend time in extensive research without looking for ways you can use your material for other articles or projects.

For example, you may have just submitted an article on cats and what great pets they are for a general interest magazine. Why not create a fun quiz for kids about the quirky habits of cats? Or make a list of fun facts about cats? Those are things you could submit to another magazine or pitch to cat product manufacturers as something fun they could put on the side of their products. You could also write a children’s story that incorporates some of the things you learned.

Perhaps you have done an article for a local magazine and learned a lot about your area. Create a placemat with games and fun facts that you could pitch to local restaurants. Better yet, offer to customize the placemats by including a few fun facts about that specific restaurant. Some restaurants have the history of their businesses on the placemat. Here again, writer opportunity!

When you see a possible market, be bold and don’t hesitate to approach a business or editor with an idea as to how you can help. Introduce yourself as a writer and tell him or her that you noticed they used written materials. Offer to send samples or a list of ideas. Then make sure you follow up.

Bottom line, be attentive as you go through your day and make note of written items you see. There may just be a writing opportunity right in front of your eyes.

 

Linda Gilden is an award-winning writer, speaker, editor, certified writing and speaking coach, and personality consultant. Her passion is helping others discover the joy of writing. Linda recently released Articles, Articles, Articles! and is the author of over a thousand magazine articles and 17 books including the new LINKED Quick Guides for Personalities. As Director of the Carolina Christian Writers Conference, Linda helps many writers take the next step in reaching their writing goals. Linda’s favorite activity (other than eating folded potato chips) is floating in a pool with a good book surrounded by splashing grandchildren—a great source of writing material! www.lindagilden.com