Here are some things I noticed:
- It's fast (if you have a better computer than me).
- You have specific instructions (to which no one apparently pays any attention).
- You can pitch wearing jammies.
- Make-up is not necessary--nor is brushing your teeth or washing your hair.
- You get to read what other writers are pitching.
- The response time is quick--just two weeks.
- It's free.
I tried it again on a second pitch. My laptop finally awakened and I hit "send" but nothing happened. At least I thought it didn't. So, I retried sending my info three times. Guess what? It went through. All. Three. Times. I'm sure that agent thinks I'm an idiot or was trying too hard to be noticed. Gah.
Previously, I've pitched my novel in person at a far-away (and two nearby) conferences. I paid for airfare, hotel, bought new clothes, had my hair and nails done and broke out in hives. Seriously. That being said, once I was in the room with the agent or editor, I settled down, smiled, joked, and they got to see my sparkling personality (which is lacking in an online pitch). You also get to talk for 5-10 minutes. In addition, at the conferences, you also glance at one another across the room at lunch, during presentations or while having a glass of wine when it's over. Therefore, you get to make an impression several times. For that reason, my guess is it's easier to leave a lasting impression (and a business card) when you pitch in person. However, I will pitch online again because of the reasons I listed above.
I'm just now getting back to my novel after two years of setting it aside due to our family tragedy. It's good to get back to it but I will continue to write children's picture books for the sheer joy they bring and the look on those kids' faces.
Have you pitched? Online or in person? Please do tell.
I think authors try to take advantage of the three line part by making their sentences on. I know it did it. I thought, 'ah-ha, I'll be sneaky and combine two sentences to makes one'. It worked for me.
ReplyDeleteI like the online pitch better because I stuttered my way through my live pitch so badly the agent interrupted me and just started asking questions. I felt like she was just doing it to get the whole thing over with, whereas in an online pitch, I know they are actively acquiring.
Congrats to you on landing a contract, Allison! I noticed several included three paragraphs instead of three sentences and wondered if that would hurt their chances.
DeleteI had that same thing happen to me, Allison - the agent interrupting. Wonder if it was the same agent? I'll have to give the online thing a try. Life is SO busy these days. But I'm getting older each day. Must get a contract before I croak.
ReplyDeleteBefore you croak? You're just a few years older than me! Tee hee. I think you'd like it, Shirley.
DeleteWhere did you do your online pitch Beth? I think I'd like online better because I'm so nervous in person I can hardly pull anything from my frozen brain.
ReplyDeleteI did it through Savvy Authors, Madison. Try it! They're taking pitches all week in a variety of genres. Agents are all asking for different things like 3-line pitches to 25-word pitches to 100 words. I think we should do as they ask and not push the envelope too much. Good luck!
DeleteI think pitching in person is better, if for no other reason because it's hard for an agent to say no to your face. That said, those opportunities are few and far between unless you have the time and resources to travel to a lot of conferences, so pitching online is a quick and easy alternative.
ReplyDeleteI agree, Sharon. I think it's a great alternative.
DeleteI've not pitched on-line, though the process has been going on for several years. I've always pitched in person without any problem. But then an agent once told me I didn't need her, that she had watched me work a room and I'd do fine on my own LOL
ReplyDeleteIt's a new process to me, Kelly. Funny about the agent saying that to you. I can work a room as well but would prefer someone else handle contracts and foreign negotiations. :) I'm much better at in-person pitches now, thank goodness. I almost enjoy them.
ReplyDelete