|
|
Post by Richenda on Feb 6, 2020 9:23:16 GMT -5
Please submit your pitch to the appropriate thread. Threads will open to submissions for 24 hours 3 days before the scheduled event (ex: for a Friday event the submission window will be the 24 hours of Tuesday, EST). These windows will be publicized on Twitter and via our mailing list. Complete details for each event will be on the linked threads as they become available. This post will be updated with a summary of details and the links.
Events:- Natalie Lakosil + Patricia Nelson
Bradford Literary (Lakosil) and Marsal Lyon Literary (Nelson)
Pitch type: Query
Restrictions: Kidlit only; no genre restrictions
Pitch Thread Open Tuesday 2/18 from 12:00am to 11:59pm
Live Event Friday 2/21 at 6pm EST
- Erin Clyburn
Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency
Pitch type: Query
Restrictions: Kidlit only; no genre restrictions
Pitch Thread Open Wednesday 2/19 from 12:00am to 11:59pm
Live Event Saturday 2/22 at 12pm EST
- Devin Ross
New Leaf Literary & Media
Pitch type: Query
Restrictions: YA only, no sci-fi
Pitch Thread Open Wednesday 2/19 from 12:00am to 11:59pm
Live Event Saturday 2/22 at 8pm EST
- Kelly Van Sant
Red Sofa Literary Agency
Pitch type: 250 words
Restrictions: YA & MG only
Pitch Thread Open Thursday 2/20 from 12:00am to 11:59pm
Live Event Sunday 2/23 at 12pm EST
- Hannah VanVels
Corvisiero Literary Agency
Pitch type: 250 words
Restrictions: Kidlit only; no genre restrictions
Pitch Thread Open Thursday 2/20 from 12:00am to 11:59pm
Live Event Sunday 2/23 at 6pm EST
The submission threads are being created and opened manually, so there should be no delay in when they are accessible for anyone. Pitch guidelines will also be posted in the first post of the submission thread. Event Rules- Each user can post one manuscript per pitch event. If multiple pitches are posted, only the first will be accepted.
- Incomplete WIPs are allowed, but please include "(WIP)" with the title. "TITLE OF BOOK (WIP) is a MG suspense..."
- Once posted, the pitch is final and cannot be edited.
- Pitches to be used in the actual pitch event will be selected by random number generator after the submission thread is closed.
- Once a writer's pitch has been selected for a pitch event, it is disqualified from being selected in future pitch events, to give everyone a chance to participate.
- We will post the list of selected pitches/users for each event.
- Agents will try their darndest to get through the whole list, but please understand if they run out of time and don't get to yours. If another agent is very fast with their list, they will pick up any pitches that a previous agent didn't get to, and then any remaining time will be filled by drawing additional pitches.
Ready for the live event? Please leave your questions and comments in this thread and we will try to address them quickly.
|
|
|
|
Post by marzi on Feb 14, 2020 8:05:27 GMT -5
Hello,
Can you please clarify what exactly happens in a pitch session. I understand we pre=post our pitches, but do we also include a short author bio? and does the agent express interest and subsequently ask for full manuscript submissions? Or is it just a way to get some feedback on the pitch and whether the story sounds interesting enough?
This is my first conference and I'm super excited to participate
Best
Marzieh
|
|
|
|
Post by Richenda on Feb 14, 2020 9:05:11 GMT -5
Hi Marzieh,
These are mostly a learning experience for everyone, as agents will be commenting on what works and what doesn't. If their reaction is positive you can query them normally and mention the pitch event.
The details for each pitch type are on the threads. No bio for the query or first 250 words (good catch, I'm updating the instructions!). So no salutation, personalization, etc.
Thanks!
|
|
|
|
Post by katydid on Feb 17, 2020 16:12:12 GMT -5
I have two questions:
1. Does New Adult count as kidlit?
2. You mention that once a writer's pitch has been selected for a pitch event, it's disqualified from future pitch. If I have more than one MS, then does one pitch getting accepted disqualify a pitch for a different MS aimed at a different agent from being critiqued? That answer will help me decide if I should only try one book or switch between my two books based on the agent's manuscript wish list.
Thank you!
|
|
|
|
Post by Richenda on Feb 17, 2020 16:29:44 GMT -5
1. Does New Adult count as kidlit? New Adult has become a marketing term used primarily in the adult romance and indie spheres, so a) what it means in 2020 doesn't fit within kidlit, and b) traditional publishing shies away from the term and would likely tell you to age your book up or down. If the book could be considered "upper YA" (or would with some revising) then you could pitch it that way. (On a personal note, I find the sidelining of New Adult very irritating and I wish there were more of a place for coming of age stories for people 18-26ish.) 2. You mention that once a writer's pitch has been selected for a pitch event, it's disqualified from future pitch. If I have more than one MS, then does one pitch getting accepted disqualify a pitch for a different MS aimed at a different agent from being critiqued? That answer will help me decide if I should only try one book or switch between my two books based on the agent's manuscript wish list. You should only pitch one manuscript per thread/agent, so go ahead and choose the one you think would most appeal to that agent. Our goal is to get as many writers in front of the agents as we can, so we remove usernames from the running, rather than manuscripts. If your pitch for Manuscript A gets selected, all your other pitches will get bumped, regardless of which manuscript they're for. Good questions, thank you! |
|
|
|
Post by katydid on Feb 18, 2020 19:15:29 GMT -5
Thanks so much for answering!
|
|
mimisstoryhour
Youngster
Working on a self published Children's PB, "Taking Turns", debut Summer 2020
Posts: 3
|
Post by mimisstoryhour on Feb 18, 2020 20:11:25 GMT -5
How do you actually post your pitch on the thread? Is it just hitting this reply button where I am writing to you now except on the agent's thread?
Also, we can only pitch one PB manuscript?
Thanks for your help! I am very new to this process!
Marianne
|
|
|
|
Post by Richenda on Feb 18, 2020 23:54:44 GMT -5
Yes, same process to reply.
Each thread is only open for 24 hours, so you won't see the reply box on locked threads.
|
|
karen
Youngster
Posts: 14 
|
Post by karen on Feb 19, 2020 10:48:02 GMT -5
I made a mistake and posted before entering the query. Can you please delete it and I will post again. It is for Erin Clyburn. So sorry.
|
|
|
|
Post by Netz on Feb 19, 2020 11:00:31 GMT -5
Karen, you can currently edit your own post and add your query (if admin don't get there first to delete the bit about the submission rules you posted by mistake!).
|
|
|
|
Post by cooperdog on Feb 19, 2020 15:59:13 GMT -5
Do we need to watch the live pitch event to know if agents are interested? Or will the agents message us to know they like the pitches? I am wondering if I need someone to watch for my pitch in the event I am unavailable to watch the live event.
|
|
|
|
Post by Richenda on Feb 19, 2020 16:12:08 GMT -5
Do we need to watch the live pitch event to know if agents are interested? Or will the agents message us to know they like the pitches? I am wondering if I need someone to watch for my pitch in the event I am unavailable to watch the live event. If you have a ticket that is Full Admission or above you'll have access to the recording until at least March 1 (March 22 for Extended and Time Traveler). The pitch sessions are primarily for education purposes, so it's unlikely you'll get a direct "send me this!" response, but if the agent seems enthusiastic you're welcome to query them and mention that they liked it during the event. An overview of tickets is available here: www.writeoncon.org/register/ and you can check your status on the new welcome page when you log in. |
|
|
|
Post by drnutsoda on Feb 19, 2020 18:10:49 GMT -5
I'm a bit confused by the instructions. I pitched a picture book for Natalie and Patricia and it was placed on their standby list.
My two questions are, 1) in one place it says “If another agent is very fast with their list, they will pick up any pitches that a previous agent didn't get to.” If Natalie and Patricia don't reach my pitch will it be redirected to Erin or Hannah (who are accepting PB) and not to Devin or Kelly (YA and MG only)?
And, 2) elsewhere the instructions say, “Standby selections can still submit to other pitch events.” So, should I submit the same pitch to Erin and Hannah now to make sure it gets critiqued, or do I submit a different pitch to them? If I pitch a new one does that mean that the first one would never get bumped to them?
Thanks!
|
|
|
|
Post by Admin on Feb 19, 2020 19:16:20 GMT -5
I'm a bit confused by the instructions. I pitched a picture book for Natalie and Patricia and it was placed on their standby list. My two questions are, 1) in one place it says “If another agent is very fast with their list, they will pick up any pitches that a previous agent didn't get to.” If Natalie and Patricia don't reach my pitch will it be redirected to Erin or Hannah (who are accepting PB) and not to Devin or Kelly (YA and MG only)? And, 2) elsewhere the instructions say, “Standby selections can still submit to other pitch events.” So, should I submit the same pitch to Erin and Hannah now to make sure it gets critiqued, or do I submit a different pitch to them? If I pitch a new one does that mean that the first one would never get bumped to them? Thanks! 1) Yes, if we need to provide additional pitches to an agent who happened to be very fast with their list (hasn't happened yet in three years of running things, but there's always a first time!) we'll stick to the agents' submission guidelines. PB submissions will only go to agents who are open to PB pitches. 2) Yes, you can provide the same pitch to Erin and Hannah and we'll make sure it gets selected for inclusion in one of theirs! Or you can choose to submit a different pitch, it's up to you. We prioritize the writer, not the specific pitch, so that each writer is guaranteed to be chosen for at least one pitch event. Once a writer has been chosen, they will be placed at the bottom of the priority list regardless of whether additional submissions are the same pitch or different. That said, by the 4th and 5th pitch events we usually have fewer submissions from writers who haven't been chosen yet, and as much as half of the agent's list can be "repeat" writers/submissions. Hope that helps! |
|
|
|
Post by jabwrites on Feb 20, 2020 0:10:41 GMT -5
Update: Never mind, I figured it out. Thanks anyway! /// I'm not entirely sure the structure of posting the first 250 words. Am I supposed to include a short longline for the MS as well as the first 250, or just the first 250? Thank you!
|
|
|
|
Post by sifiso on Feb 20, 2020 1:12:51 GMT -5
Hello,
Will we know in advance if our pitch was selected? Also, when my pitch posted it changed the format for some reason which throws off what I'm saying. Is there a way to fix this?
|
|
|
|
Post by Netz on Feb 20, 2020 1:43:27 GMT -5
sifiso, there should be the option to edit your post in the top right corner.  ETA: The selected queries are named in the last post of the thread once the thread is closed. |
|
|
|
Post by Richenda on Feb 20, 2020 6:38:38 GMT -5
Hello, Will we know in advance if our pitch was selected? Also, when my pitch posted it changed the format for some reason which throws off what I'm saying. Is there a way to fix this? Yes, as Netz said, we post a list of selected pitches at the end of each thread. To edit a post you can click on the Edit button or gear icon in its top-right. |
|
petertaylor
Youngster
Author, calligrapher and occasional illustrator - Past SCBWI Queensland Coordinator
Posts: 11
|
Post by petertaylor on Feb 20, 2020 8:09:35 GMT -5
I have just posted my pitch for Hannah VanVels - the pitch paragraphs I would send to an agent in a query. I hope this is what is expected. Please note - I think all other posts are the first 250 words of the text of their authors' stories.
|
|
|
|
Post by Richenda on Feb 20, 2020 10:37:08 GMT -5
I have just posted my pitch for Hannah VanVels - the pitch paragraphs I would send to an agent in a query. I hope this is what is expected. Please note - I think all other posts are the first 250 words of the text of their authors' stories. Hannah ValVels is indeed critiquing the first 250 words of stories, with no query or other introduction. You can edit the post by clicking the Edit button or the gear in the top-right of the post itself. |
|
|
|
Post by michaelholiday on Feb 20, 2020 14:00:33 GMT -5
Hello WriteOnCon Moderators,
Firstly, thank you so much for putting together this wonderful event. I attended last year, but did not participate, and I'm trying to get more involved this time round. I do have a bit of a humiliating question: if we missed a pitch window, is there any other opportunity to query the agents with our work?
Thank you in advance.
|
|
|
|
Post by Richenda on Feb 20, 2020 14:13:08 GMT -5
Hello WriteOnCon Moderators, Firstly, thank you so much for putting together this wonderful event. I attended last year, but did not participate, and I'm trying to get more involved this time round. I do have a bit of a humiliating question: if we missed a pitch window, is there any other opportunity to query the agents with our work? Thank you in advance. Not humiliating, everyone has busy schedules! You can get your work in front of industry pros (authors, agents, and editors) by posting it to the Supers District. This is primarily an opportunity for critique, but agents have been known to send private messages about work they want to see more of. It's a good space to get feedback. |
|
|
|
Post by sifiso on Feb 20, 2020 22:54:21 GMT -5
Hello, Will we know in advance if our pitch was selected? Also, when my pitch posted it changed the format for some reason which throws off what I'm saying. Is there a way to fix this? Yes, as Netz said, we post a list of selected pitches at the end of each thread. To edit a post you can click on the Edit button or gear icon in its top-right. Hello, I tried pressing on the gear icon, but there was no option to edit the post. |
|
|
|
Post by Richenda on Feb 21, 2020 4:03:14 GMT -5
Yes, as Netz said, we post a list of selected pitches at the end of each thread. To edit a post you can click on the Edit button or gear icon in its top-right. Hello, I tried pressing on the gear icon, but there was no option to edit the post. I'm afraid that option becomes disabled once a thread is locked. |
|
|
|
Post by cgross on Feb 21, 2020 15:23:00 GMT -5
Hi,
by book was chosen for the Hannah VanVels event but disqulified. Would just like to know what I did wrong.
Thanks,
CGross
|
|
|
|
Post by Richenda on Feb 21, 2020 15:42:13 GMT -5
Hi, by book was chosen for the Hannah VanVels event but disqulified. Would just like to know what I did wrong. Thanks, CGross Hi CGross, Hannah ValVels is only accepting First 250 Words pitches and your entry was in the format of a query so it was disqualified. If you can provide us with your first 250 words we can swap that in instead. I would need it by today (Friday) 11pm EST. |
|
|
|
Post by Justine Manzano on Feb 22, 2020 11:56:08 GMT -5
Hi!
Has the Erin Clyburn event been canceled? I’m not seeing it on the schedule and it’s about to begin.
Thank you so much!
|
|
|
|
Post by Richenda on Feb 22, 2020 12:05:25 GMT -5
Hi! Has the Erin Clyburn event been canceled? I’m not seeing it on the schedule and it’s about to begin. Thank you so much! Unfortunately Erin has come down with strep and can't present. She will be leaving feedback on some pitches, which we'll post to her thread when it's ready. The replacement event is Queries & Pitches That Worked with Alyssa Hollingworth: www.writeoncon.org/queries-and-pitches-that-worked/ |
|
|
|
Post by Justine Manzano on Feb 22, 2020 12:06:50 GMT -5
Hi! Has the Erin Clyburn event been canceled? I’m not seeing it on the schedule and it’s about to begin. Thank you so much! Unfortunately Erin has come down with strep and can't present. She will be leaving feedback on some pitches, which we'll post to her thread when it's ready. The replacement event is Queries & Pitches That Worked with Alyssa Hollingworth: www.writeoncon.org/queries-and-pitches-that-worked/Okay, totally understood. Maybe you guys should announce that on Twitter, since Twitter just posted to attend her session. Hopefully she feels better soon! <3 |
|
|
|
Post by Richenda on Feb 22, 2020 12:09:30 GMT -5
Unfortunately Erin has come down with strep and can't present. She will be leaving feedback on some pitches, which we'll post to her thread when it's ready. The replacement event is Queries & Pitches That Worked with Alyssa Hollingworth: www.writeoncon.org/queries-and-pitches-that-worked/Okay, totally understood. Maybe you guys should announce that on Twitter, since Twitter just posted to attend her session. Hopefully she feels better soon! <3 Whoops! We schedule a lot of posts in advance and sometimes we don't catch them all when things change on the fly. Our social media team has been alerted. Thank you! |
|
