What is PitchPerfect?
PitchPerfect is your opportunity to pitch (sell) your idea or completed book to top agents, editors and publishers in attendance at Love is Murder. These high-powered, influential decison-makers are looking for new authors, great ideas and outstanding manuscripts -- and yours might be just the one they're looking for!
For each conference, Love is Murder seeks out publishing professionals from Chicago and New York and brings them to the conference so LiM attendees can meet them, and pitch their ideas and books. For just $75, you'll meet one-on-one with the agents, editors and publishers you choose, based on your genre and the work these folks are looking for. To date, more than a dozen authors have won contracts through contacts they made at Love is Murder's PitchPerfect -- you could be next!
PitchPerfect is open ONLY to registered attendees. Be sure to add PitchPerfect to your registration as slots fill up fast. If you've already registered and have now decided you want to add a PitchPerfect session, email HanleyKanar@gmail.com to be sure you get a seat at PitchPerfect!
To meet some of the publishers, editors and agents coming to LIM 2013, go to the Who's Who page
How to Fast Pitch
- Practice your pitch to include the salient points—definitive type or sub-genre of mystery; what sets your manuscript apart from others in this category; etc. Make your platform “slick and quick.”
- Be prepared to list any previously published work if asked.
- Don't chitchat; pleasantries take up valuable time.
- When the doors open, take a place in line at the table of the person to whom you want to pitch.
- When the lights flash, begin your pitch. When the lights flash again, move quickly to the next line. Continue around the room in this manner until the pitch session ends.
- Bring business cards with your contact information and give them to the agents or editors with whom you meet. If you don't have business cards, use small index cards with your information and include a short sentence describing your manuscript.
- Try pitching to all the agents and editors. Be aware that some lines may be longer than others, so take that into consideration as you move from table to table. Don’t be discouraged if you’re unable to speak with someone during the first pitch session; there will be 3 sessions, giving you sufficient time to speak with everyone present.
- LIM volunteers will be on hand to help keep the lines moving and the center of the room clear. Please be considerate if you're asked to do something by a volunteer. They are there to help everyone get their fair chance to pitch.
- Lastly, have fun! Be creative, but not bizarre!
To date, almost three dozen writers have found agents, editors, or publishers for their books at LIM. It could happen to
you!