Pitchapalooza

Last night I attended an event by The Book Doctors, a husband-wife team who offer services and a book to help authors improve their chances on getting published.  They let attendees have 1 minute each to pitch a book, and the winner gets a free consultation and an introduction to an agent and a publisher.

I pitched CROSSING THE WILDERNESS.  It went well, with the husband particularly excited about the concept.  They thought I needed to paint a better picture of the main character and be more clear on the timeframe of the story (present day), but they liked it.

I was impressed by how many of the pitchers were good.  There were many children's stories, a few memoirs, a child-rearing book, and general fiction.

Two other from our writers group pitched as well - Charles and Gary.  Charles' zombie idea was well received.

The Book Doctors noted that there were far more good pitches at this event than usual, and that picking a winner would be much tougher.  The husband put stars next to his favorites and the wife picked the winner.  She picked a children's book about baking French bread (it was a great pitch).  Afterwards, he told me that mine was one of the ones he had put a star next to.

By buying the book (Clinton Book Shop owner was there to sell the book) I am entitled to a 20 minute consultation with them.  I was impressed enough by their comments and feedback throughout the event that I decided to buy the book and receive a consultation.