I was just online looking at some information being put out there about pitching to editors and agents. There are some good things I found about things to remember, but there was one piece of advice I saw that was utterly horrible! This author said to sign up for a pitch session to practice and just to talk to the agent/editor.
"a pitch session is an opportunity to have uninterrupted time with an agent. Even if you’re not looking for an agent now, if you think you might one day, this is a way to get the inside scoop."
I am sorry to say this but I STRONGLY disagree with this person.
There are several things wrong with this.
First of all, conferences have a limited number of openings for pitching to editors and agents. If you have ever tried to get a pitch session at a major conference, you know how hard it can be. Now, I want you to think about this. You lost out on an opportunity to pitch a book that IS ready and YOU are ready to make the jump to professional writing. But nooooo, you lost out to someone who just sucked up your space to have a casual conversation.
Secondly, this author talked about this being a great way to "get the inside scoop." Does this author not do their research? Does this person not read? Editors and agents are out there all of the time giving advice. Conferences even have editor and agent panels where we give you the inside scoop. I would also add that editors and agents are available to visit with your writing chapters, to do guest blogs, and to do workshops. At conferences, we are all out in the lobby available to "just chat."
Finally, this is a job interview. Do you go out, apply for a job "just to get a chance to talk to that employer" even though you aren't ready to really work there? I THINK NOT!!!!
Sucking up this time IS NOT professional.
Please, if you hear authors suggesting this is a great thing to do, please remind them of these other points to consider.
Scott - I agree. You can never undo the first impression you give someone so I would never recommend this with someone you want to someday work with. I had an encounter with a person once who was asking me for a job interview at my company. She said "And if you interview me, you will see how really incompetent I really am." I told her I believed her. I still laugh as she then sent me a bouquet for talking to her in the store, and it was of flowers I am allergic to. I hired someone else.
ReplyDeleteWhile you are on this subject, how long of a letter do you recommend when someone is approaching an agent? Thanks!
You should be able to wrap up a letter in a solid page.
ReplyDelete