Writer's Digest Conference Pitch Slam

The Pitch Slam is your chance to pitch directly to agents and editors actively looking for new talent to represent. This high-energy experience is both an incredibly useful tool and ultimately, a very real opportunity. Come prepared to knowledgably pitch your book, take a deep breath and then go. Be your book’s advocate! Advance your story.

---

How it works

Click here to research the editors and agents who’ll be coming to Pitch Slam. Find those looking for submissions in the genre(s) in which you work, and plan to pitch directly to them.

On the day of the event, you’ll meet one on one with as many of the agents/editors you’ve selected as you can fit into the 1-hour time slot. You’ll have 90 seconds to pitch your work to each agent or editor.

What You Get

• 90 seconds of immediate feedback on the merits of your book directly from editors working in that genre.
• Actionable advice on perfecting your pitch or ways to improve your storyline.
• A tangible, one-on-one connection to the agents and editors you meet.
• The opportunity to land representation or even get published!

Tips for Pitch Slam Success

• Do your research. There will be more than 50 agents eager to meet new writers at the Pitch Slam. Some of them will be a better fit for your writing than others, so be sure to study the list of agents you’ll receive before the conference, and target only those who represent the kind of writing you do. Even better, look for agents who represent authors you particularly admire and emulate; you’ll know those agents share your taste in writing and are more likely to be a good fit.
• Practice your pitch ahead of time. If you’ve never had to develop a pitch or “elevator speech” for your writing, this is a great opportunity to develop a succinct, compelling description of what makes your work unique and desirable. Write it out, and then practice your pitch with a timer to make sure you stay within the 90-second limit. The time enforcers at the Pitch Slam will be strict!
• Give your nerves the heave-ho. If the idea of pitching your work to agents makes you nervous, remember that the agents at the Pitch Slam are just people, each with his or her own tastes in writing. One person’s rejection only means you’re that much closer to finding the right fit for you. By the end of the event, your jitters will be history and you’ll be an expert at extolling the virtues of your work.
• Get expert pitching advice. Don't miss the Pitch Perfect session on Friday. You’ll hear tips for honing your pitch and being more comfortable with presenting, and get the confidence you need to make a great impression.