By Terry Whalin (@terrywhalin)
In the rush to show a literary agent or editor your idea, many writers forget a simple yet important truth: You only get one chance to make a good first impression. As an editor and former literary agent, I’ve read thousands of written proposals and pitches. For over 35 years, I’ve taught at writer’s conferences and had short 15 minute sessions with writers who show their ideas. When an editor asks for your proposal or manuscript, are you sending it? If you follow through with an excellent submission, you will be among the few who do so. It may be surprising to you, but many people do not submit their requested materials. No wonder they don’t get published because they do not get into the process,
Let’s begin with some good news. I’ve been with some of the top publishers and literary agencies in New York City. Without exception, every single agent and editor is actively reading and speaking with writers. They are searching for the next bestseller. Whether you write a novel or nonfiction, every writer needs a book proposal or pitch. Why? Imagine receiving over 100 pitches a day (not uncommon for a well-connected literary agent). The title and first few sentences are critical to catch their enthusiasm.
There are a number of keys to making a great proposal.
1. Create a memorable book title. Many writers are worried that someone else will take their title. Instead you need to try it out on others and test it and make sure it pulls in your reader.
2. Read and re-read your opening paragraphs. Have a trusted writer friend read it and give feedback. If an oral pitch, then practice it. You’d be surprised at the difference it will make.
3. Write to a well-defined target audience. No book is for everyone.
4. Detail your competition. Every book competes in the marketplace—no matter what you believe about the uniqueness of your idea. You need to include four or five specific competitive titles to your book.
5. Present a realistic marketing plan of what you will do to partner with the publisher to sell books into the market. Your plans need to be practical and clearly defined.
Your writing and story is unique and I know you have something unique and special to give to the marketplace. As an editor, I’ve met authors who have created a negative first impression. At a large writers conference, I was in an indepth conversation with an author. Suddenly another author interrupted and thrust his poorly designed, self-published children’s book into my hands, then turned and left to find another editor or literary agent. I do not remember what I did with that book or author but I never spoke with him again. His first impression made a lasting negative impact. What type of first impression will you make today?
Here’s three resources to learn more detail:
1. Book Proposals That Sell, 21 Secrets To Speed Your Success which I wrote as a frustrated acquisitions editor and has 150 Five Star Amazon reviews. You can also download a free copy of the full book at this website: https://bookproposals.ws.
2. Get my free Ebook, Some Book Proposal Insights and teleseminar at: www.AskAboutProposals.com
3. Consider taking my online Write A Book Proposal course where I have step-by-step teaching how to make your best impression.
If you use these resources, then you will make the right type of lasting first impression. As I said at the beginning of this article, we only have one opportunity for a good first impression. Which one will you make? Let me know in your comments.
Tweetable:
4 comments:
Terry, your post is chock full of sage advice on how to win over gate keepers. Thank you!
Linda, thank you for this feedback. It's not easy to break through the noise in our world but we need to keep knocking on new doors. Opportunity is everywhere if we are looking for it.
Terry, thanks for this advice on following through when you receive a request or feedback from a literary agent or publisher. And excellent example of what authors shouldn't do at writing conferences.
Karen, thanks for this comment. I'm always surprised at the authors who do not follow-up or send the requested material. I've always tried as an author to follow-up on requested material. It doesn't mean I get published but because I submitted, I gave myself a chance to get published.
Post a Comment