5 WAYS TO "FIT A PITCH"

AT A WRITERS CONFERENCE

You've planned for this day . . . waited for this day; a day when you can pitch your book to a New York agent and/or a California producer. You've got ten minutes. TEN MINUTES! Are you truly prepared?

The questions you need answered depend on where you are in your writing journey. Are you pitching an idea? Is your manuscript complete? Is the book published? Do you have a marketing plan? Do you know who your audience is? This is not the time to shuffle your feet . . . know who you are! Know what you need. Know how to research to optimize your ten minutes.

You've spent a lot of time preparing your packet: synopsis, bio, platform, press release, etc., but what do you know about the person you're about to meet? I'm talking about getting to know the person, not just their client list. A little research will provide a wealth of information and help to make the most of their time and yours.

• )     VISIT THEIR WEB SITE - If their penchant is sci-fi and yours 1890 cookbooks, keep looking for a better connection. This should be a positive experience for both of you. 

• )     CHECK WHAT THEY POST ON SOCIAL MEDIA - Do you have other interests in common? Mutual acquaintences?

• )     READ THEIR BLOG - This may help you gain insight as to what they expect from the people they counsel. It may help you prepare a packet of information for them in the format they want and need. You may also find some of the questions you'd planned on asking are answered in their blog posts. What a plus to raise your level of questioning a notch. Let them know that what they wrote was a help.

• )     STUDY INTERVIEWS AND ARTICLES FROM OTHER SOURCES - This is a fly on the wall moment. You may find connections you never knew you had. Maybe attended the same school? Lived in a neighboring town. Have a passion for yoga. Your potential mentor may have also shared pet peeves with the interviewer. What a plus to know not to chew gum or wear the color purple.

• )     THE BIG TEN MOMENT - Have your packet prepared to offer (at the end of your meeting). In your mind, have the list of questions you'd like answered (in order of importance). No more than five -- but only present three. Begin with a smile and a sentence that begins something like this . . . "Say, I read in your blog that you . . ." And end with, "Me, too!" Isn't it nice to connect as kindred spirits and let the conversation flow from there?

Enjoy this experience and best wishes for a positive outcome!

Jo Ann V. Glim is a seasoned veteran of freelance writing and author of the book "Begotten With Love."  

To learn more:
VISIT: www.BEGOTTENtheBook.com
FOLLOW/Like: on Facebook or
AVAILABLE ON: Amazon.com/author/joannglim
BOOK TRAILER on YouTube

SEMINARS / CONFERENCES -- PLAN AHEAD

Whether you're a seasoned pro or newbie when it comes to attending conferences, there's an element of excitement and trepidation. Surroundings are unfamiliar and living out of a suitcase is not easy but the prospect of meeting new people and learning new techniques or just plain brain storming is a heady elixir.

Eric Sheridan Wyatt host of the podcast "More Stories" www.WordsMatteresw.com/podcast offers sound advice in the nearly thirty minute show, Conquering the Conference with Confidence. If you'd like to listen to the program, click the link above and under "search" type in episode 6.

Listening to this episode made me evaluate the importance of planning ahead . . . especially for a writers conference. How often do you have an opportunity to meet people who can help you promote your career? The podcast covers the conference itself but I'd like to add 5 points for preparation before you leave home:

#5 - Prepare your elevator speech. If you're new to pitching your idea or manuscript or book, consider how you would describe your story in 15 seconds. Give those listening some meat, give them some flavor, and leave them hungry for more. If you've used your spiel for a while, tape record it, practice it in front of a mirror and make sure it doesn't sound tired and trite. Enthusiasm begins with the storyteller.

#4 - If you've not already printed business cards, this is the time to do it. Make sure it has all your contact information including your social media and web site addresses. Choose fonts that are easy to read and don't place information too close to the bottom edge. People who use a Rolodex will lose part of your information when they file it away.

#3 - If you'll be displaying your book, ask if a skirt will accompany the table. Bring your own, just in case. Ask how many other writers will be sharing the same table. Space is limited so make your presentation count. Prepare a table top poster to attract readers to take a closer look. Think through what else will make your book "Pop." Do you have a marketing budget? Consider giveaways for those stopping to visit you. Sales begin with merchandising.

#2 - Consciously think about what you're going to wear. You want to be comfortable. You want to be warm (bring a sweater or jacket). You want to look professional. If you plan to dress in costume, make sure it represents your story. This is your chance to shine.

#1 - As Eric says in his podcast, plan ahead. Choose two courses of action for the breakout sessions. Leave plenty of time to network. Enjoy the meals and entertainment. I would add to it: Take a minute before going to bed to review what you did during the day and organize for the following day. Also, take plenty of pictures. Be sure to document who is in them. If they are new friends, be sure to get the proper spelling of their names. I always consider it a nice thank you when someone sends a picture through facebook and mentions where we were and what we were doing.

Speaking of doing . . . I'll be at the Florida Writers Association Conference in Orlando October 23rd to the 26th at the Lake Mary Marriott. I have a book signing on Saturday, October 25th at 10:30am (Table 2). You still have time to sign up and attend! I hope to see you there.

Jo Ann V. Glim is a seasoned veteran of freelance writing and author of the book "Begotten With Love."  

To learn more:

VISIT: www.BEGOTTENtheBook.com
FOLLOW/Like: on Facebook or
AVAILABLE ON: Amazon.com/author/joannglim
BOOK TRAILER on You