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Takeaways from Writing My First Novel - Pitching
by Delicia A. Vaz
My manuscript is ready. Can’t I send it to literary agents? Not really. If you do, it’s likely to be ignored.
How do I query? Each agent or editor has a list of items they expect during an initial query. Typically, they want a query letter, synopsis and initial pages of the manuscript.
Why should I query? Your query is your sales pitch to agents and/or editors. You use it to grab their attention to your work. In short, your query needs to be catchy.
This is the sixth installment of my seven-part series—Takeaways from Writing My First Novel. Pitching is a stage where you send queries out to people who live and breathe in the literary world. You’ve spent months and/or years on your story. It’s time to pitch it to agents or editors who have experience with your genre. Prepare a robust list. You don’t want to send a sci-fi manuscript query to an agent who works with domestic thrillers.
Getting an agent or editor doesn’t happen overnight. This takes time—weeks, months, or years in some cases. Agents and editors receive numerous queries. Make yours excellent. Read about authors and their journeys to get a realistic idea of how long this process takes. A successful pitch which ends with you getting an agent takes you one step closer to the publication door.
Pitching requires planning and determination. You need to create a stellar sales pitch to turn the odds in your favor. Pitches can also be done in-person at conferences or workshops. In this article, I focus on written pitches. Here are my top five takeaways from this stage of the writing process:
1. Have a Riveting Query Letter
The query should be no more than one page. You run the risk of losing an agent’s interest if it is longer. They want certain details in the least amount of space. Here’s what you include:
i. A good introduction with a couple sentences about your idea. Your plotline from Preparation comes in handy.
ii. Your plot referencing the main character(s), the conflict, and the setting. Keep it to less than three-hundred words.
iii. Add your bio, any pertinent experience you have, or writing awards you’ve received. This should be less than one-hundred words.
iv. Thank the agent for their time and mention your readiness to send additional material.
There are many guides or layouts available online which you can review to help you create a query letter.
2. Create Synopses of Different Lengths
Submission guidelines dictate whether the agent or editor needs a one-page, two-page, or four-page synopsis. I’ve seen requests for three-page ones as well. Prepare them before you start querying. In some cases, the agent will respond to your single page query and ask for a synopsis. You don’t want to put a hold on your submission or keep an agent waiting because you don’t have an appropriate synopsis ready.
3. Build an Online Presence
Start building a following. Agents and editors are interested in seeing your interactions with people. Choose one or more social media platforms of your choice and begin posting. It’s better to get started as soon as possible. I waited until I had finished my book. In case I didn’t finish it or life decided to surprise me and deviate my course then I wouldn’t have unhappy followers.
4. Develop a Strategy for Submissions
Research agents and publishers who suit your story. Put them into tiers and send out queries. Adhere to their policies/guidelines on multiple submissions or unsolicited manuscripts. There’s a standard for a reason. It can take anywhere from a week to three months to hear a response. This doesn’t mean you wait for a reply before sending new queries. Try to send at least five submissions per month.
5. Rejections Don’t Indicate a Doomed Project
Don’t be disappointed by rejections. Continue your pitching efforts. If you receive multiple rejections, see if there’s a common reason for them. Use it to improve your pitch. You want to find an agent and eventually a publisher who is passionate about your project. Think of rejections as a way to find the right agent.
Concluding Thoughts:
I hope these takeaways guide your efforts. Pitching is labor intensive and requires a thoughtful marketing effort. Pitches, written or spoken, should be brief. Practice your elevator pitch for conferences or (virtual) meetings. Most agents and editors allow for resubmissions after at least six months have passed. Make your first attempt your best one.
In the final article of this series, I’ll provide a simple overview of the takeaways.
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