I'm a longtime reader of your blog though I only occasionally comment. After extensive use of google and reading your post topics on the sidebar, I found the blog posts I remember on twitter pitching (the devil), conference pitching (also the devil) and how to reference #mswl in a query letter. I couldn't find one on blog contests like pitch wars. I apologize if you did already address this and I missed it. Since you always have the best interest of writers in mind, I'm very interested in your opinion of the value of this sort of blog contest. Thanks so much!
I don't participate in pitch wars since I get more than enough good stuff via the incoming queries, but I know several agents who do, and have found things that way.
The real question here is "is there a downside to entering something like PitchWars?"
No, there isn't.
It doesn't preclude you from querying other agents.
It doesn't require you to sign with anyone.
It doesn't cost money.
And it might get your work in front of people who otherwise wouldn't see it.
I think of PitchWars like a networking cocktail party.
You don't know if anything good will come of it, but it's not going to hurt you to go.
Well, it's not going to hurt you unless you drink too much and do the hoky-poky into the punch bowl.
Which means, don't do anything stupid on Pitch Wars either.
What's stupid?
1. Not following the guidelines.
More than anything else, this marks you as difficult to work with.
More than anything else, this marks you as difficult to work with.
Now, I can hear each and every one of you having a mini-rodent wheel bout here. The truth is, if you're worried about following the directions correctly, you're going to do fine. It's the people who read the directions and say "I'm not writing no stinkin' synopsis, I don't care what they want" that are the problem.
2. Arguing with the editorial comments.
While it's entirely true that some comments are utterly wrong, were inspired by revenge, jealousy, sloth or lust, and only dunderheads read your manuscript, you don't actually get to say that.
If you get feedback you think as wrong-headed you say only one thing: thank you. And then you stop talking.
You might be surprised when you read the comments some time later to discover they've morphed (it's MAGIC!!) into something worth considering.
3. Being a thankless beast.
The folks doing PitchWars and the like are donating their time and expertise. Respect that.
The folks doing PitchWars and the like are donating their time and expertise. Respect that.
Bottom line: pitchwars might help, it won't hurt, and no one got anywhere without lacing up their rocketboots and leaving the safety of their front porch.
