EAT UPpitch it. pitch it good.
Pitching a manuscript to a publisher is like trying to convince someone that your child is the brightest or your glass of water is the wettest. It’s nerve racking. How can you possibly convince a professional, who reviews manuscripts day in and day out, that yours is special – something different?
Well, step one is writing a pitch letter. For non-fiction manuscripts, this is a lengthy (10-40 page) document that proves that there is a need for your book in the marketplace. The pitch requires clear articulation of your idea, and quantifiable proof that you book will fetch an audience and make money for the publishing house. The pitch includes a snappy description of the book’s premise, the author’s qualifications, a market analysis, and excerpts from the manuscript. The key is to hook the reader with the intro line while effectively capturing the essence of the manuscript.
Step two is mailing the materials and step three is breathing. Yes, in that order. At this juncture, the manuscript and pitch letter are mailed, fingers are crossed, and sleep is finally attainable. Now let’s wait and see how everything unfolds…
I trust that you are pitching to LOTS of publishers… in fact every company that publishes anything remotely related to gardening, sustainability, or food. I pitched to 40 some publishers before one decided to do my book. Good luck to a fellow toiler in the prose garden.
sending positive vibes your way…..