So You're Pitching at the RWA Conference...

with Marilyn Forsyth

Image courtesy of sidelinedtrilogy.com

I can’t believe I’m about to air this publicly, but the first time I pitched at a conference and sat down opposite an agent, the opening words out of my mouth were ‘I’m not really sure why I’m here’.


Bah-bow! With a roll of her eyes, she replied, ‘Then you shouldn’t be here. ’Bye.’


Result: shortest pitch session evah! (But, dammit, she was right.)


What did I learn? That you should read everything you can find on the editor/agent you’re pitching to. Know what they’re after and ensure that’s what you’re offering them.

Also, act confident (even if you’re shaking in your boots). Editors/agents are people just like you, but even the nicest ones don’t have time to hold your hand through a 5-minute pitch session.

Image courtesy of forums.mtbr.com

Between that conference and the next, I studied up on pitching. I wrote notes outlining the GMC of my main characters and all the major turning points in my book, then whittled them down to a 3-minute oration which I memorised word for word. I was nervous as all get out but hid it well (I think…). After introducing myself to my requested editor, I launched into my speech. It was going well until, mid-recitation, she asked me a question. Boy, did that throw me! I had my trusty notes but I’d lost my place and spent the next precious 30 seconds trying to find it.


Result: I ran out of time to finish my pitch. I was asked to send 3 chapters (but I suspect it was a pity offer and I didn't hear from her again).


What did I learn? That there’s a huge difference between verbal and written communication. Practise your pitch until it sounds as natural as if you’re talking with a friend. The editor/agent knows your story will end happily; what he/she wants to hear is how and why your characters fall in love, and the conflict keeping them apart.


Keep your pitch to just over 1 minute. Yes, one minute. Don’t try to cover everything. Treat it like speed-dating—intrigue the editor/agent just enough to leave him/her hungry for more and wanting a second date i.e. a request for the full ms.

My Pitch dot points

My last pitch took place at the 2014 conference. With everything I’d learned from my previous attempts, I went in acting (and almost feeling) confident. I’d researched the publisher to ensure my book was a good fit, read up on what the editor was looking for, and honed and practised my pitch to within an inch of its life.


Result: A request for the full ms!


What did I learn? Persistence pays off. Yeah! Twelve months later, my dream is about to become reality. Early next year my debut book will be published by Harlequin Mira!

So, to summarise:

Image courtesy of tinaquaruss.wordpress

1. Look professional by dressing nicely, and try not to be too self-conscious.

2. Start with title, genre, word length.

3. Move on to elevator pitch/tag line, describe MCs and their goals/conflict (dot point notes on cards), and be prepared to confidently answer any questions about your book baby.

4. State how your book fits the publisher’s line and what gives it that point of difference.

5. Thank editor/agent.


Go get ’em! Good luck!


Do you have a story to share about pitching? Or any added advice? Love to hear it.

Public Domain

I Love to Love Buzzfeed Quizzes on Facebook (one of my many forms of procrastination). Who knew I was Vincent Van Gogh in a past life!

I Love to Laugh out loud. Check out my Pinterest page at https://www.pinterest.com/marilynforsyth/fun-stuff/ to see what makes me lol.


I Love to Learn by entering RWA writing competitions. The feedback I've received over the years has helped me achieve my ultimate goal. Big thanks to all you volunteer judges out there.