One thing that I have accomplished since last speaking to you is that I have begun to pitch and query Iron Thirst. I participated in my first face-to-face pitch with an agent (who did ask for a partial), and I have started sending out query letters. I find that I actually enjoyed pitching the book in person, much more than sending out query letters. I talked a little bit about it HERE. Unfortunately, I can't go to conferences every weekend and mingle with agents. So query letters will have to do.
Which brings me to this week's Watcha Say Wednesday.
Do you prefer to send out query letters, or do you prefer the in-person pitch? When you query - how many do you keep outstanding at a time? Do you have an "elevator pitch" ready to go, or do you wing it?
Answer what speaks to you and ignore the rest. But do tell, curious minds want to know.
Ugh, wisdom teeth. I had a roommate get hers out a week before me and it went so smoothly--she was back to normal the next day. Me? I was knocked down and in serious pain for DAYS. Horrible.
ReplyDeleteAs for pitching, I am absolutely terrified of the in-person pitch. I've been to so many conferences and have never taken advantage of the agent appointments. I'm a big chicken.
I'm so glad you had a positive experience! I'm (hopefully) doing the pitch thing for the first time in three weeks and am terrified. That said, I HATE QUERIES. I go nowhere with them except deeper into debt and despair. I don't think any of the agents there will likely want my ms, but we'll see.
ReplyDeleteAs for wisdom teeth, here's my husband's experience: He decided to be a tough guy and go with local anesthetic. He realized his mistake when he heard a sharp crack in his mouth and the dentist said: "D**n."
I'm not a fan either, but like wisdom tooth extraction, understabnd it is a pain that most people must go through. I haven't tried a face-to-face pitch, but I'd have to say that I'd probably not like it all that much.
ReplyDeleteWelcome back! Now it's my turn to post something.. I'm goin on a sold three week hiatus.
I don't like to pitch in person, nor do I like to talk on the phone because when I write a query or an email, at least I can take time to compose my thoughts.
ReplyDeleteMind you, if an agent wanted to discuss things in person or by phone, I'd do it.
Roni- I'm on round two w/ wisdom teeth. I went about a month ago and had one pulled. It hurt, but I got over it pretty quickly. Then I went back for another two teeth. This time it was awful.
ReplyDeleteVictoria- Thank you! And youch!!!
JM- Get to postin, mister! Your fans miss you. :-)
Sierra-I hear you. I normally screen my phone calls, but now that I have queries and partials out there - I pick it up like I'm waiting on "cute boy" to call.
I'm noticing a lot of fear surrounding the pitch. Mmmm... looks like a much needed post about my experience - and why pitching in person could be your "in".
I haven't done either, but I imagine I'd prefer querying. The thing is, you can learn more how to fine tune your pitch in person. So.......
ReplyDeleteGood luck querying! I do both and I like both. And before conferences, I have an elevator pitch ready.
ReplyDeleteI've never pitched in person, never gathered up enough money to pay for a conference. But if one comes my way, I'd hope to try it. I think I was rather pitch in person than send out query letters. I know myself and the more I pitched, the better I'd get. Hopefully it'll be the same with query letters too. Good luck with querying.
ReplyDeleteSince I'm basically a shy person, I'd much rather query via e-mail than talk in person. But I do have an elevator pitch (I just haven't gotten it MEMORIZED yet - guess I should do that!).
ReplyDeleteLike you, I'm also in the query process and I'm taking it slow. I've only sent out 4 at a time. When they all got rejected, I sent another 4. Now, when I get my synopsis completed, I'll send out more (since some agents want more than just a query). It's scary, though, so I'm glad I'm taking it slow to start.