You’ve done it! Your breakout novel is complete. Your critique group raves, and you think your book has that “IT” factor, too.
You’re proud, but you’re also nervous. Will the publishers and readers out there recognize what you have accomplished? Are you even sure yourself?
So, who or what decides whether this is indeed your breakout book? Your agent? Your editor? Social media? The sales force? The bookstore chains? Amazon?
I have some good news and some bad news, and they are the same: the jury that will decide whether you’ve written your breakout book is the PUBLIC.
That’s the bad news because publication is a year or more away; plus, there are many other factors that influence a book’s success in the retail marketplace—cover, promo, season, timing, competition.
The good news is that if you have written your breakout book, chances are some people along the road to publication are going to think so, too.
⭐ CRAFTING A PITCH THAT DOESN’T GET LOST IN THE SLUSH PILE ⭐
Most often, I ask writers to reach out to me by email and include the first three chapters of their book.
Don’t be intimidated by the legendary volume of agents’ query mail—otherwise known as the “slush pile.” A well-written email and a solid premise will always stand out.
So, how do you make your book too good to ignore (or reject)?
I’m telling you now—it pays to practice the art of the pitch. A good query letter has four components: introduction, summary, credentials, and closing. The first and the last should be, and usually are, short. It is the middle two that give people problems.
1. The Summary: Summarizing your book in 100-200 words is challenging, but it’s crucial to focus on getting me to read your manuscript without sharing the whole plot. Remember, the query letter’s goal is to pique my interest, not to prove you’re the hottest new writer.
2. The Setting, Protagonist, and Problem: To hook your reader, nail down the setting, protagonist, and problem with brevity and impact. Be brief in conveying your story layers. Focus on what makes your story plausible, original, & emotionally gripping.
👎 AVOID IN YOUR PITCH
Drop the adjectives, superlatives, and all that junk about your novel’s audience size. Your ambition, years of effort, professional attitude, willingness to promote, are unnecessary, too. ONLY your story matters.
👍 ITEMS TO INCLUDE (if available)
Publishing credentials and short story sales to recognized magazines can be helpful. Referrals from a reputable mentor are pluses. Mention your role models.
Pitch slap me! Because ‘Please love my book’ isn’t enough.
Any questions? I’m here to help! info@omerapress.com.
photography by: nbtcreative /Neal Burstyn
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