Pitching your novel can be a terrifying thing. There is the whole broccoli in your teeth worry. The forgetting what to say debacle. Oh, and don’t forget the sticking your foot in your mouth moment. Even the best presenters can have a pitch 
moment that leaves them screaming, “Mommy!”
Thankfully, we have a guest in the house today who has graciously recorded a video pitch for us. Beth K. Vogt is the author of Wish You Were Here, one of my favorite contemporary romance reads of the summer! If you haven’t read it yet, don’t miss out. One of the few books that has been able to surprise me. It is a reading delight.
Beth, thanks for your willingness to teach us the right way to pitch our novels.
What questions or suggestions do you have about pitching your novel?
Thoughts On Plot 
[…] visiting over at Michelle Lim’s blog Thoughts on Plot via a vlog about how to pitch your novel. I hope you drop by! This entry was posted in Fun, Romance, […]
So glad to have you here today, Beth! Fantastic example of pitching.
Thanks for the invitation to blog, Michelle. You know me — I love all things “pitchy.” 😉 I just won’t tell you how many takes I had on this blog!
Take lots of Valium. Seriously, though, Beth is so right. As someone who has pitched at many conferences, her advice is so good. So listen!
Well, meds always help too, Pat …
😉
Excellent video! I took a folder to my appointments last year and it made all the difference. Beth, you are so encouraging. I could have listened to you all day. And I love the llama picture in the background. It made me smile as I remembered your wonderful book!
Michelle, thanks for having Beth here today! Can’t wait to meet you both in person!
You know me: I love my llamas!
Awesome video, Beth! I’ll admit, I’m nervous about pitching, but I think you’re so right–pray, pray, pray! It’s only up to me to prepare well. What happens after that is in God’s hands.
Clarifying question, Beth: Do you hand the agent/editor the folder with the pitch sheet pulled out, or do you only hand them the pitch sheet and then hand them the folder if they request to see a sample of your writing?
Thanks, ladies!
I hand the editor/agent the pitch sheet (only). I hold onto the folder with the sample chapter and my business card. If they ask to see my writing, I give it to them then. Also, if they request a proposal, I offer them the folder if they’d like it. But I try to make sure they always have my pitch sheet and my business card.
Thanks for posting the video from Beth, Michelle. Great information. Can’t go this year, but learning…learning.
Julia,
I look forward to meeting you one day soon!
A great video, Beth! You make it look so easy, when it’s not. Hope to continue to learn the craft of writing with all of you at My Book Therapy. Love all of you! See you soon!
Thanks, Earleen. Pitching gets easier and easier as you go along. One day I’ll share my first experience of “where’s your pitch sheet?” LOL
I wasn’t even pitching …
🙂
Great video Beth! Thanks so much!
Thanks, Alena! Let me know when you’re pitching so I can be praying for you.
Great vlog, Beth. Your information is so helpful. Those folders are so inexpensive yet they leave a professional opinion with the industry professional. Thanks for sharing your wonderful suggestions.
I love those folders — and the little spaces for the business cards. So handy …
I use those folders as well. They seemed perfect to me. You are absolutely right about having it out and ready. At the conference, I didn’t have the one out I wanted to pitch. I had to fumble through a pile of pitch folders–all fabulous stories that I’m wildly enthusiastic about, by the way ; )– and it made me nervous. So… my lip starts to twitch as I pitch. She’s watching the lip vibrate with an “Oh my goodness, what is wrong with this woman?” expression. Of course that makes me more nervous and the ‘ol “less is best” adage goes out of my mind. Let’s just say it’s fortunate that I’ve learned to laugh at myself.
Awesome stuff!!!
Thanks, Cathy! Looking forward to seeing you soon!
Ohmigoodness! This video is soooo good! I think I just got ten times calmer about my pitch session. 😀
That was the goal, Casey. That was the goal.
🙂
Great advice, Beth. I hadn’t thought of being so organized. Last year I left my bag at my appointment’s table, which is how not to make a positive impression.
This advice sounds like something a wonderful friend said to me recently! Thank you so much for offering your time and sharing such simple, helpful tips for pitching. You’re a gem!
Thanks so much, Beth. I love the folder. (Adding “Go to Staples” to today’s errands list.) I also love your confidence This was a helpful video.
[…] week we had an incredible video pitch by Author Beth K. Vogt. She also gave us some fantastic tips on pitching your novel at conference […]
I missed so much being at my brother-in-law’s wedding over the weekend – this blog post was awesome! Thank you for the ideas and the insight, Beth. You’re a wealth of knowledge and I’m so happy you enjoy sharing that knowledge with us. 🙂 If I don’t have agent/editor appointments lined up (I chose mentor appt. this time), do I need a one-sheet? I’ve been working on my own, but I don’t know if it’s worth my money to have one designed professionally at this point. Any ideas?
Hi, Gabrielle. If you are planning for a mentor appointment it really depends on if you have a completed novel that you are ready to ptch. If so, you can bring your one sheet with you tot he mentor appt. and get some tips. I would do it yourself at this point unless you are really ready to sell your work. That is just my personal opinion. Be aware that you will have an opportunity to share with editors/agents over lunch and you should have something to say about what you’re working on. Chances are they won’t ask for a one sheet at that time. More likely a business card if anything at all. Hope this was helpful. If you have more questions, keep them coming and I will try to answer them the best I can.
Awesome advice! So great!
[…] visiting over at Michelle Lim’s blog Thoughts on Plot via a vlog about how to pitch your novel. I hope you drop […]