Thursday, September 08, 2011

Anticipation

I've got Carly Simon's "Anticipation" song going through my head (and now you do, too!). Why? Because I have a pitch appointment with an agent at the writing conference this weekend. It will be my first ever, and I admit, I'm feeling a bit intimidated.

I've been AWOL from Blogland for awhile. I have a good excuse - promise. :-) I'm preparing for my conference, editing, trying to wrap up freelance projects before I leave tomorrow, and...being nervous. In fact, I've felt out of sorts for the past three days with too much going on in my brain.

I think I need to stop by Lucy's booth and pay five cents to get some pointers. Or a swift kick in the tush. She's good at that, too.



Did you know there is a ton of advice out there about how to pitch an agent? Of course, there is a ton of advice about everything nowadays with the mighty Internet. There's lots of do's and don'ts for the agent pitch, and weeding through it all and finding what is best for me has been the tough part.

But I've also realized something. This is one agent, one conference, one pitch. If it doesn't work out, all is not lost.

In the end, I figure I have to do three things: be professional, communicate to the agent how much I love my novel, and be myself.

13 comments:

  1. Awww... this is so exciting! I hope all goes well... :)

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  2. Just remember agents are people too and chances are they are nervous as well.

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  4. Ah, 5 cents... the good ol days. I'm sure Lucy would be charging $5.00 now.

    I have no real experience with pitching yet, but my approach (when I was still planning to go this conference) was to pitch using a few highlights from my query! rooting for you!

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  5. That last paragraph says it all, especially those last two words. Can't wait to hear how it goes! Sending prayers your way for smooth travel, a successful pitch and a whole lotta fun!

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  6. Yes, just be yourself. That's the best thing. The agents and editors know writers are nervous. That's to be expected. You're in good company! Have a blast at the conference. Best of luck to you with the pitch.

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  7. Melissa,

    You will be awesome, because you ARE awesome, my dear!

    Hugs!! xx

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  8. Praying all goes well for you daughter - I am sooo excited for you - God Bless - Love you!

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  9. You will do fine. Just whisper a prayer for calmness, confidence, wisdom, and His will.

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  10. I think that's some great advice to yourself. Good luck with it, you'll do great.

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  11. Good luck, and I look forward to hearing about the experience! You're right that this isn't your only shot. Relax. No one knows and loves your book like you do, so just let that come across.

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  12. Oh - I'm going to thinking positive thoughts for you! Go get 'em! And you know what? I need to speak with Lucy too. ;-) All the best with the agent pitch and conference!!!

    Ps: I've just reviewed ' Limitless' on my blog - do pop by for a gander when you can. x

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  13. Thanks, all of you, for your awesome support. I read all your comments just before I went to my appointment!

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