Moderators/Facilitators Mindy Lewis, Writer’s Voice instructor and author Charles Salzberg, Writer’s Voice instructor and author Stephanie Lehmann, Writer's Voice instructor and author

Pitch Workshop Leaders

Rita Rozenkranz, Rita Rosenkranz Literary Agency Priya Doraswamy, Lotus Literary Agency Thomas Flannery, Vigliano Agency Jo Ann Miller, Independant Editor Jane Dystel, Dystel Agency Julia Kardon, Mary Evans Inc Stephanie Kelly, Penguin Random House Allison Malecha, Grove Atlantic

How to Write a Pitch Seminar Leader

Learn from an expert how to write a killer pitch to send to agents and editors. Susan Rabiner, Susan Rabiner Literary Agency

Agents Panel

Rita Rozenkranz, Rita Rosenkranz Literary Agency Priya Doraswamy, Lotus Literary Agency Thomas Flannery, Vigliano Agency Jane Dystel, Dystel Agency

Authors and Editors Panel

Beth Bauman, Author and Writer’s Voice instructor Thad Rutkowski, Author and Writer’s Voice instructor Stephanie Kelly, Penguin Random House Allison Malecha, Grove Atlantic

Conference Schedule: 10 AM-10:30 AM 10:30 AM-11:45 AM 12 PM-1 PM 1 PM-2:15 PM 2:15 PM-2:30 PM 2:20 PM-3:45 PM 4 PM

Coffee, meet and greet, networking (PARKSIDE LOUNGE) Agents Panel Lunch (PARKSIDE LOUNGE) 2 options: Pitch Workshop or How to Write a Pitch Seminar Coffee Break Author and Editor Panel End of Day

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CONFERENCE REGISTRATION FORM

There are 3 parts to the conference; Parts 1 & 3 are panels in the theater. For part 2, please select from one of the following options:

[ ] Pitch Workshop (Participants of this workshop must prepare a written pitch in advance – see guidelines that follow) Submit a pre-written pitch for on-the-spot feedback from publishing professionals in roundtable discussion with your peers. Or just observe. Either way, you’ll sharpen your self-promotion skills. Guidelines and resource packet included. Note: You must sign up in advance to share your pitch. Please indicate whether your genre is fiction or non-fiction/memoir.**SEE ATTACHED PITCH GUIDELINES

What genre will your pitch be in? (pick one)

[ ] Non-Fiction

[ ] Fiction

**If you selected this workshop, please see guidelines on next page

[ ] How to Write a Pitch Seminar (No preparation necessary) Learn how to write a killer pitch to send to agents and editors.

Payment Information

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I hereby authorize the West Side YMCA Community Arts Department to charge my credit card upon completion of this form for the amount listed above.

Are you a YMCA of Greater NY Member? YES [ ] NO [ ] How did you hear about this event?

[ ] I am a Writer’s Voice student and my instructor told me

[ ] I am NOT a Writer’s Voice student, but I saw marketing

around the YMCA

[ ] My publisher/editor/agent told me about it

[ ] Social Media

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Notes:

Please return this completed form to Megan Pirron, Program Assistant

212-912-2635 | mpirron@ymcanyc.org

**GUIDELINES TO PREPARE YOUR PITCH FOR THE WORKSHOP The Writer’s Voice 2018 How to Get Published Conference / Pitch Workshop

Dear writers,

Welcome to the Writer’s Voice 2018 Pitch Workshop. Participants will bring pitches of up to 250 words for critique. Depending on your genre (fiction, nonfiction, memoir, magazine nonfiction), you will be assigned to a table with peer participants and a publishing expert who will lead the critique/discussion of each pitch.

WHAT IS A PITCH? A pitch is a brief description of your writing project used to get the interest of agents or editors. In short form, it can be used in a query letter; expanded, it can be part of a book proposal. As a sell-ing tool, it should succinctly and specifically convey the essence of your book or article in a clear, compelling voice.

ASSIGNMENT: Write a pitch of no more than 250 words. Bring at least 10 copies to distribute.

GUIDELINES: Here are some points you may want to include:

• WHAT is the subject of your book or article? What is the dramatic story?

• WHEN does it take place? What is the time frame / era?

• WHERE does the story take place?

• WHAT else is the book about? Narrative threads, themes, the story within the story?

• Is there a central thesis? Does the book/article take a position or ask a question?

• WHO are you? Why are you the person to write it?

• WHO will read your book/article? Why will they want to read it?

• WHY is NOW the time to publish this book or article?

• What are the cultural touchpoints or related current events? Relevant statistics?

• WHICH books are similar to yours? Cite comparative titles to show where your book fits in the currentmarket. HOW is your book similar to / different from other books in its genre or subject area? Whatmakes it different?

SUGGESTIONS:

• The opening line is important. Make it a compelling, engaging “grabber” that communicates the dramaticimpact or particular nature of your project.

• Avoid flat, passive phrases like “My book/story/article is about…” or “The themes are….”

• Use precise language and active verbs.

• Be clear and direct.

• Avoid repetition.

NOTE: This is a workshop, for feedback only. Please do not pitch your work directly to the agents or editors present at the event.