tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post654640428090510496..comments2024-03-18T09:09:59.625-04:00Comments on Janet Reid, Literary Agent: Rant: Pitch sessions are the spawn of SatanJanet Reidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00615380335938685231noreply@blogger.comBlogger77125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-46105348457692077042018-05-20T21:58:40.109-04:002018-05-20T21:58:40.109-04:00I just ran across this and lived, loved it. I atte...I just ran across this and lived, loved it. I attend conferences and the number one reason I've found myself and others going is to have a pitch session. I'm a bit of cynic though. I believe that some conferences realize that this is the case. They want their customers (the attendees) to go away happy. Nevermind the fact that the pages requested of them are not up to par. The folks go away stoked that an agent wants to see their work. My point is, I feel that pitch sessions are friendlier on the writer than a query letter, despite the nerves. You go away feeling that you got this close and are compelled to go to another conference to get that close again. It's almost predatory and self serving. What you are suggesting to do would be incredibly beneficial and accomplish more closely to what the end goal is which is getting out of the slush pile. I'd be in line for that. I'd forgo any pitch session to learn the hardest part, in my opinion, of writing--the business side. Thanks, <br /><br />Gary Smothers Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05159044364780864011noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-29490178171988456802015-05-21T09:51:11.972-04:002015-05-21T09:51:11.972-04:00Great post, but I see one tiny flaw in your logic....Great post, but I see one tiny flaw in your logic. Most of those terrified, bright-eyed newbies don't want help - they want validation, most likely by your jumping over the table to embrace them, babbling about how perfect their story is, how you've been waiting all your life for such a story, that you'll rep them and of course they'll be a bestseller in less than six months. Yes, I am a cynic who has been in the business way too long.<br /><br />Janis Susan May/Janis PattersonSusanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11286314155783213006noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-84206157361418985842015-05-20T17:00:59.917-04:002015-05-20T17:00:59.917-04:00I love you, Janet Reid. I did a 10-minute pitch se...I love you, Janet Reid. I did a 10-minute pitch session with you years and years ago (OK, not that long since we're both so young) and cried afterward. BUT you included kind words and everything you said was spot on and helped me immensely (except I still use adverbs, I guess). Great post!Kaye Georgehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05596677617002735674noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-52882538303092269082014-09-29T23:31:53.018-04:002014-09-29T23:31:53.018-04:00I don't know where I've been since you wro...I don't know where I've been since you wrote this blog, but I so much agree about pitch sessions. Thank you, Lord, for this agent's sound advice. I feel somewhat like a fool at pitch sessions; now I know why.Joan Holcomb of Nesting Goose NovelsAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-2779610740640150612014-06-05T14:39:48.984-04:002014-06-05T14:39:48.984-04:00I'm going to my very first writing conference ...I'm going to my very first writing conference next week and have signed up for a pitch session. I am terrified. I am your typical shy, introverted writer so this is a major thing for me. I don't think I'll throw up on anyone's shoes though! I really wish the Santa Barbara Writers Conference had, like you proposed, a query critique session rather than a pitch. I think that would be very helpful and far less stressful.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17747390684841549909noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-53946538924483978582014-03-03T07:19:36.986-05:002014-03-03T07:19:36.986-05:00NE-SCBWI does this at our conference--an agent que...NE-SCBWI does this at our conference--an agent query crit, instead of a pitch session. So, yay for NE-SCBWI for that! <br /><br />I have been to other conferences and read my query letter during their one-on-one pitch sessions. So, that's an option as well. (Not sure it was what the agents were expecting, but I did get requests from the experiences.)<br /><br />I do, however, understand the importance of writers being able to talk about what they are writing when someone asks. I love how the Book Doctors do their Pitchapalooza and help writers with this very thing. Heather Kellyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06699360166269376285noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-24751151773609549802014-01-19T16:12:48.081-05:002014-01-19T16:12:48.081-05:00The Unicorn Writers' Conference does this. The...The Unicorn Writers' Conference does this. They have agent review sessions of your first 40 pages, plus query letter review sessions. I think it's an outstanding idea. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-68894186886183276722014-01-19T12:54:23.241-05:002014-01-19T12:54:23.241-05:00You had me at "Pitch sessions are the spawn o...You had me at "Pitch sessions are the spawn of Satan". <br /><br />Love this idea. Already forwarded it to my chapter's retreat committee.Monica Epsteinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14970581656370043651noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-60865374142998613332014-01-19T06:01:14.516-05:002014-01-19T06:01:14.516-05:00"And here's where pitching just falls apa..."And here's where pitching just falls apart (closely followed by the writer) because the writer has most likley NOT prepared answers to those questions so they are left fumbling."<br /><br />So true. I just recently spent a week trying to write my first ever synopsis (for my fourth novel), and learning the answers to those questions was a big part. I knew what was happening in the story, but not why the hero was doing it. The more I tried to force the story into the synopsis model I was using, the more I realized how inappropriate that model was. But it forced me to realize what the correct model was, and after that I understood my book a whole lot better. Now I can actually answer those questions. (Plus I'm doing a blog post series on the experience, one for each stage of the model and how it did and didn't help.)<br />And I completely agree with your whole point. Not having been to a conference or pitch session, I have no direct experience, but it sounds needlessly adversarial. A more advisory approach would certainly help.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-42138148111154008512014-01-18T17:06:18.508-05:002014-01-18T17:06:18.508-05:00Last year, I proposed doing a variation on what yo...Last year, I proposed doing a variation on what you're suggesting at the RMFW Colorado Gold conference. The organizers took me up on it, and I spent six hours (in 20 minute sessions) working with authors before their pitch sessions, to focus them on the right way to have the conversation.<br /><br />Know the genre, the stakes, what the book is about.<br /><br />It worked. The writers were happy - the agents were requesting material (and not just from habit, from what I understand) and the conference is letting me do it again this year.<br /><br />It's only a drop in the bucket - but the idea came from the fact that (after reading your blog and getting my own book deal) I wanted to do something to help address this need. You get the credit for the germ of that idea back then, as well as now.<br /><br />All of which to say: I hear you, and you're right, and at least a few of us are out here trying to help!Susan Spannhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03770560542416086762noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-80740930251176041952014-01-18T09:28:57.961-05:002014-01-18T09:28:57.961-05:00I'm the DFWcon organizer for 2014. We have imp...I'm the DFWcon organizer for 2014. We have implemented these small group workshops with writers and agents last year and received an outpouring of support. However, many writers still demand the traditional pitch session. We offer 10 minutes - but encourage writers to use the time as a consultation rather than just a pitch. The biggest challenge we have found is educating writers on how to prepare for consultations. It is a work in progress and change doesn't happen in a night...Wonderlandhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07929338129038450328noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-76443185596949439152014-01-17T13:01:24.732-05:002014-01-17T13:01:24.732-05:00At The Writing and Illustrating for Young Readers ...At The Writing and Illustrating for Young Readers conference (WIFYR) in Sandy, Utah, they don't have pitch sessions. The teachers pick a few from each class who they feel are the closest to publishing. The agent or editor reads five pages and then they meet to discuss it with the writer. All participants get to send their work to the agent or editor for special consideration, but during the conference it's only those few and the representative already knows what the book is about. it's more effective. A lot of great writers have met their agent or editor at WIFYR. Fantastic conference! Volunteering this year. Michelle Hubbardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17519397399832446292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-65317917362351181672014-01-16T23:18:28.761-05:002014-01-16T23:18:28.761-05:00Fantastic! Pitch sessions always seemed counterpro...Fantastic! Pitch sessions always seemed counterproductive and simply one more bucket of cold water to throw on those who will no doubt have many dunkings to come before anyone takes a serious look at their stuff. Yes, there have been some successes as there always will be, but I believe many more could be successful if following your idea. You are right, conferences are supposed to help writers; they're not supposed be a combination speed-dating/telemarketing call centre. I have sent this to our local writers conference (Surrey Writers Conference) which is a great conference, hopefully they will at least pilot a test session.Colinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04848989563495851327noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-39645464198626603482014-01-16T22:01:34.759-05:002014-01-16T22:01:34.759-05:00Killer Nashville did away with pitch sessions on t...Killer Nashville did away with pitch sessions on these very grounds. They now have roundtables where attendees read either the first 2 pages of their WIP or query. Even then the stress level still just about set of the fire sprinklers, but everyone had a few minutes to get ready for their turn and it was fun to hear everyone's first pages. <br /><br />I think it went very well, that handsome devil Mr. Sherman can give you his opinion. <br /><br />And I am a survivor of a shark session. Twas awesome and a world of help.<br /><br />And Steve Ulfelder, I see what you did there . . .Terri Lynn Coophttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07290316565247120848noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-3249775575389536132014-01-16T21:49:06.120-05:002014-01-16T21:49:06.120-05:00Sounds good to me. I'd love to sit and visit w...Sounds good to me. I'd love to sit and visit with you.<br /><br />http://joycelansky.blogspot.comCatch My Wordshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06338761214938263819noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-62134916017259102752014-01-16T20:52:03.025-05:002014-01-16T20:52:03.025-05:00This is exactly what Backspace did (I saw you ther...This is exactly what Backspace did (I saw you there twice). They did query and first 2 pages critiques and they were fabulous. I wish they hadn't gone to Acapulco or wherever. ;)Whidgethttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12955663755994838839noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-51822906980047424252014-01-16T19:43:24.236-05:002014-01-16T19:43:24.236-05:00I attended a conference this fall that provided ea...I attended a conference this fall that provided each attendee an opportunity to send in a query, synopsis, and the first ten pages of a project in advance. At the conference, we were given fifteen minute sessions with an agent, an editor, and a published author to discuss our submitted material. They had everything in advance and made notes to help the attendees improve their writing. While we waited for our turn, we met in critique groups to get input from other writers. It was the most worthwhile conference I've ever attended and would gladly spend my hard-earned money to go to more like this in the future.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12936450198320450449noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-73781635346210144882014-01-16T18:15:18.977-05:002014-01-16T18:15:18.977-05:00I'm the Volunteer Coordinator for the Willamet...I'm the Volunteer Coordinator for the Willamette Writer's Conference. I'll pass this on to our conference chairman as we are always looking for better ways to do things and the number of people wanting to book agent consults seems to be slipping, in part perhaps to the increasing number of people going the self-pub route. Something like this might give people more confidence.<br />I just wonder if other agents would prefer to be handed a query letter. I suppose we could do a survey of those attending prior to this year's conference.Don Westonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03627678979516051660noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-71199885433131922202014-01-16T17:04:53.495-05:002014-01-16T17:04:53.495-05:00This is the very reason I always hated pitching. I...This is the very reason I always hated pitching. It made writers uncomfortable and the editors and agents, too. I always approached editors at other times, like after they just gave a workshop. I sold my first book this way. Great post!Debra Mullinshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01447803742046786264noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-89276371195792944902014-01-16T17:03:29.255-05:002014-01-16T17:03:29.255-05:00Hi Janet! It's been a while since I've vis...Hi Janet! It's been a while since I've visited your blog but I can see I'm missing out on a lot. I'm a committee chair with agents/editors and I'm going to look at taking up your suggestion. My conference did a query clinic session and it was well-received and the two agents who did it loved it as, like you, they did not like pitching.<br /><br />However, before I leap all over this , I'm going to email the agents and editors who are attending our conference and see what they think about your suggestion.<br /><br />If you are interested in my progress, I'm happy to keep you informed. Cassie Knighthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10608838344675292277noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-30513820596164778932014-01-16T13:20:23.269-05:002014-01-16T13:20:23.269-05:00I couldn't agree more. I have been thinking of...I couldn't agree more. I have been thinking of going to a conference just to benefit from the contact with the agents at the pitch session. I have had my doubts about them though, and I love that you let us know what the other side is thinking. Writing is a business and you have to be ready and polished on your presentation, but I like your way much better.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09471177018723836565noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-9854437659483108132014-01-16T12:48:07.451-05:002014-01-16T12:48:07.451-05:00This is fan-freaking-tastic. Would it be creepy if...This is fan-freaking-tastic. Would it be creepy if I said I wanted to hug you?Rachel Stoneshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17059902415568261343noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-3038541011304634472014-01-16T12:46:18.322-05:002014-01-16T12:46:18.322-05:00I'll definitely send this to a couple conferen...I'll definitely send this to a couple conference coordinators I know. Thanks so much! Christinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00781706524156351106noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-59332793256923178622014-01-16T11:42:32.448-05:002014-01-16T11:42:32.448-05:00Very good points. I might be more inclined to make...Very good points. I might be more inclined to make an effort to attend conferences if I knew I could sit with an agent and talk THROUGH something instead of mad-dash try to SELL something, especially as I'm not that strong a public speaker.Deniz Bevanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17134553551048836979noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-36679994707033756182014-01-16T11:09:53.391-05:002014-01-16T11:09:53.391-05:00Everything you say here is true. You're the SH...Everything you say here is true. You're the SHARK, so that's a given. Being a fairly new author, one published novel, a self-published short story, and a second novel in the editing stage, I was overwhelmed with enthusiasm when I had my first chance to pitch to an agent at a recent writers conference. And there was no vomit and no dancing on the table nekkid.<br /><br />But I would liken the experience of, say, sitting down with the Queen of the Unknown Universe, to the likelyhood of getting an audience with POTUS and asking for a pardon. Both are extremely busy and an alottment of 3 to 5 minutes to discuss a writer's future just doesn't seem fair.<br /><br />Speaking for myself, I do want the attention and HELP. <br />That's why I went for advice from the Query Shark. (Still waiting).<br /><br />Maybe I should just take that leap of faith and trust the my query is good enough. Here's hoping.<br /><br />Thanks for the encouragement of having a better, more successful, agent/client relationship.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00899263875524443741noreply@blogger.com