Practically Painless Pitching

The very successful author, Christina Dodd once said, ‘Submitting your work is like getting on stage, pulling down your pants, and asking for comments.’ That is never truer than in face-to-face pitching. Let’s face it; the thought of it is enough to make the strongest shudder and run.

So why do it? Because you believe in what you’ve written, and want to give it the best chance to be sold, right? RIGHT.

First, who am I to teach this class? I have twelve books out now, as well as having won a RITA Award for Best First Book, but back when, I was struggling to sell, too. I had 417 rejections before I sold, and I pitched a bunch.

I realized that pitching can be learned systematically and professionally, just as querying or any other aspect of submitting. I have tools to help you do this with poise and confidence.

What you will learn:

How to create a logline that sizzles, and turn it into an elevator pitch
How to create a compelling ten minute pitch
How to practice effectively
Pitch tips for the day of
Etiquette
Follow up

Who should take this class?

Anyone who has a competed, polished manuscript ready to submit, and anticipates having an opportunity to pitch in person.

BONUS:

By the end of class, you’ll have the building blocks for your query. AND you’ll be able to talk about your book without rambling or sounding neurotic!

How the class will work:

There will be lessons and homework to create your pitch.

You will then practice, and submit a video for critiquing, by myself and the class. Lather, rinse, repeat, until you are a star! Don’t be nervous, everyone in class will be in the same boat, rowing to the same destination: SUCCESS!

Teacher

Laura Drake is a New York and self-published published author of Women's Fiction and Romance.

Her romance series, Sweet on a Cowboy, is set in the world of professional bull riding. Her debut, The Sweet Spot, was a double-finalist, then won the 2014 Romance Writers of America® RITA® award. She’s since published 11 more books and is under contract for two more. She is a founding member of Women’s Fiction Writers Assn, Writers in the Storm blog, as well as a member of Western Writers of America and Women Writing the West.

Laura is a city girl who never grew out of her tomboy ways, or a serious cowboy crush. She gave up the corporate CFO gig to write full time. She realized a lifelong dream of becoming a Texan and is currently working on her accent. She's a wife, grandmother, and motorcycle chick in the remaining waking hours.