March Meeting - Brad Cook on Pitching to Agents

March 29th 2014 Southeast Chapter Missouri Writers' Guild Meeting Minutes

All in attendance were welcomed and guests and new members acknowledged. A reminder was given regarding the mini-conference and the date of the event was announced as July 19, 2014 at the Cape Girardeau Public Library. A signup sheet was passed around for position openings to assist in the conference. Kudos were given to Steve Duniphan for his submission making the front page of the Banner Press.  A copy was passed around to be shared.  

The Basket Wars items donated were placed on a table before the group and an opener line or writing prompt for items displayed were requested to be included among the contents of the basket  

The guest speaker, Brad Cook, was introduced. He is a writer/consultant, and the 2014 president of the St. Louis Writer' Guild. Brad's personal genre favorite is historical fiction and he is the author of a blog found at www.thewriterslens.com.  In addition, Brad recently joined Blank Slate Press, a St. Louis based publishing company. The subject of pitching was presented.

Mr. Cook stated that he has yet to have a pitch he's presented to be turned down and he submitted to the group his top requirements to achieve a perfect pitch.  

1.  The hook - do not use your work's first line.

2.  Prepare an elevator pitch - 25-50 words encapsulating your entire work. Focus on the main theme and be sure to write it out. Create a "log line," which is a comparison of your work (i.e., Harry Potter meets Hunger Games), also known as "The Hollywood Pitch." It is recommended that you do some research on the agent/publisher you plan to pitch to, and then carve your Hollywood pitch in a genre the publisher/agent represents.

3.  Is your work complete? Agents prefer that your work is complete. If your project has more than six months worth of work until complete, do not pitch.

4.  Word count. Know your count and mention this information in your pitch.

5.  Genre. Ensure that your genre is mentioned.

6.  Main character must be mentioned.

7.  Main plot should be revealed and possibly one subplot.

8.  There is no need to have amazing credentials. Anyone can write - it's about the story and why you are the right person to write the story.

9.  Get rid of generalities and clichés. Focus instead on why your story differs, not why it's similar.

10.  If your piece is fiction, focus on the story. If nonfiction, focus on you, the writer—why are you the one to write this book? What’s your expertise? What do you plan to do after your book is finished (i.e., speaking engagements, support groups, etc.)?

11.  Practice, practice, practice in an engaging, conversational manner.  Do not read from a paper.

12.  What do you do during the actual pitch?  

a.  Do not use all your time, only use half so the agent can ask questions. Always expect the "gotcha question."      
    

b.  Do not ramble; time is too precious to waste.      
    

c.  Accept when your time has expired. Just stop.      
    

d.  Do not expect the agent to take anything from you. Feel free to place the first page of your piece in front of you. The agent may be compelled to at least read your first line. This could make or break the pitch.      
    

e.  Be positive—sell yourself.  "Fake it ’til you make it!"  

In closing, Brad reminded of the most important fact—rejection is not about YOU, personally. It is always about your writing and/or the industry. It just may not be time, which is out of your control. Additionally, Brad stated he firmly believes that pitching is the best way to be picked up by an agent. Your name and face connected to your book has a valuable impact. The agent is there looking for a book, and remember, you're there with a book and that is a very beautiful thing.  

The meeting was adjourned at 11:40 a.m. for pitching practice by those in attendance.