I’m so excited to announce PITCH LIVE! What is it, you ask? It’s a video of your best elevator pitch to an agent. I wanted to give you guys enough time to produce a video of an elevator pitch for your finished novels, so I’m posting this now. We already have a couple agents signed up to view the top 30 videos (if we get that many), but there will be more agents. I’ll announce the agents in a post soon. The contest is for Adult, New Adult, Young Adult, and Middle Grade fiction. The elevator pitch should be creative, as if you ran into an agent at a conference.
The blogfest…
Sign up on the linky below by October 15 at 8AM EDT. From October 15 to 17 judges will be hopping to each blog to pick the most creative and exciting pitches (content is important, too) that will make it into the agent round. Hop around the blogs and view your fellow competitors’ videos, comment, and make friends. Participating in the blogfest is important, because if you don’t make the top 30, you could have an agent or editor not participating (or participating) in the contest hop around the blogs offering to read more. It has happened in contests past.
The contest…
The top 30 videos will go live on the hosts’ blogs on October 18. Agents will view and request to read more of their favorites from October 18 to 19.
Formatting…
All videos must be accessible on YouTube and the recommended size of no larger than 854 x 480 (51.79 MB). Please make sure your videos are set to public viewing (not private). The video shall be no more than two minutes (there maybe an added second when transferred to Youtube – we will take it with that added second or two) in length. No obscene content (I will remove the blog from the linky). Make sure to title it “Pitch Live!“. Your posts should have the following heading above the embedded video:
Title: TITLE OF FINISHED MANUSCRIPT
Genre: The Genre of your manuscript
Word Count: The word count of your manuscript (round up or down to the nearest thousandth)
Remember to include these things in your pitches: Character, Inciting Event, Goals, Obstacles, Conflict, and Stakes.
Check out this site here for some samples on how to create a video pitch.
Here’s some videos from your hosts for hints on what to put into your pitch (warning: mine is awful, but hopefully it will make you feel better about your own)…
Brenda’s gawd-awful video (Can you guess the skyline I didn’t know?)…
Erica Chapman’s very informative video…
Leigh Ann Kopans’ video on how to create a video pitch…
Remember you can be as creative as you want, but your pitch must be there and we must see your face. It’s about your personality. Good luck!
So what are you waiting for? Sign up now!
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Coming up on the blog…
The Teenaged Nitpick’s critiques go up next week on the blog. Two a day for five days. Come back and see what he has to say about these very brave writers’ first pages.
Win a copy of TWO AND TWENTY DARK TALES: Dark Retellings of Mother Goose Rhymes coming from Month9Books this October. Go here for details.
Pitch your “Swoon” worthy novella to Month9Books October 1. For details, go here.
81 Comments
Tamara · September 22, 2012 at 12:01 am
Okay. This sounds super cool but I have a question. I don’t suppose you guys are going to have any sample videos online, just to give us an idea how to do this? I mean, it’s pretty self-explanatory, but I still want to watch someone else actually do an elevator pitch. It would make me feel so much more like I knew what I was doing. haha.
Brenda Drake · September 22, 2012 at 8:28 am
Giving a example would hinder the creativity behind this. We want everyone to be creative and reach into themselves to come up with their best pitch. Just think about a conference any where in the world and all the different places you can bump into an agent.
Laura Hughes, MittensMorgul · September 22, 2012 at 7:05 am
Okay. I just signed up for this. It absolutely terrifies me. And that’s why I signed up. I’m one of those people who don’t think there’s such a thing as a good still photograph of myself, let alone video with moving pictures and sound. EEP! I’ve been on tv before, and I still had to cover my eyes every time I was on the screen. Pitching to a live human agent is one thing, this is an entirely new level of terror for me! Thanks for creating an opportunity for me to do something so frightening! 😀
Brenda Drake · September 22, 2012 at 8:29 am
I was terrified to post my video above. You just have to dive in. When you become a famous writer, you’ll be thrust into the public eye, so this is great practice.
Brenda Drake · September 22, 2012 at 8:29 am
I had a thought, you could dress in a costume and bump into an agent at a Halloween party.
Petre Pan · October 5, 2012 at 10:30 pm
I like that thought! I wish I had a costume…or ideas that weren’t totally whacky and/or impossible to film with my mac book. 0_0
Ink in the Book · September 22, 2012 at 7:12 am
Stepping outside my comfort zone with this! Like Laura, I don’t like pictures of my self. Or videos. Take a look at my blogger pic. Check out my blog. NO PICS! But also like Laura, sometimes doing something that scares the fire out you is the perfect boost to creativity. Who knows, this may be something I really enjoy.
Brenda Drake · September 22, 2012 at 8:31 am
I agree wholeheartedly. There’s nothing to fear, we’ll be here to hold your hand!
Book Omnivore · September 22, 2012 at 7:22 am
Wow, this is such an AWESOME idea. What a wonderful concept. Okay, totally terrifying, but yeah…great! I agree with Tamara, Laura and Ink in the Book – getting people out of their comfort zones is a brilliant idea. After all, published authors have to promote their work, so it’s best to get the practise in early! See you on the videos, all shaky-kneed and sweaty palmed just like me! Good luck!
Brenda Drake · September 22, 2012 at 8:31 am
I look forward to it!
Angelica R. Jackson · September 22, 2012 at 7:29 am
I would recommend that everyone check out the archives on Pitch University.com. There are tons of video pitches on there, which were agent and editor critiqued. As well as tips on writing and filming pitches. You’ll see my name all over that site; I had so much fun making them. Mine are also on the Novels page on my blog.
Brenda Drake · September 22, 2012 at 8:32 am
Great! Thanks for sharing this!
Book Omnivore · September 22, 2012 at 9:09 am
Thanks for the link tip! 🙂 *eyes her webcam with severe mistrust* lol
Angelica R. Jackson · September 22, 2012 at 12:19 pm
I wish Crow’s Rest was finished! The Pitches on Pitch U were meant to be professional rather than creative and this sounds like so much fun. But then, speaking to groups or on video doesn’t bother me. Just don’t ask me to sing–I get those shaky knees from that!
One more tip to offer: Your pitch can start to sound flat or rote after you’ve practiced it a number of times. Use those practice takes that no one else will see (trust me, it helps to do those) to experiment with emphasizing different words. Go so far as to use an exaggerated “movie trailer” voice and then borrow some of that energy for the real pitch.
Ellie Heller · October 8, 2012 at 12:58 pm
I’m usually facil with website, but can’t seem to find the ‘tons of video pitches’. !? Can anyone link directly to a page I might find them? I saw a lot of articles on video pitches, but no videos. 🙁
Bryce · September 22, 2012 at 9:40 am
This comment has been removed by the author.
Kristy Shen · September 22, 2012 at 9:43 am
Erica: “Feel free to go pantsless..”
BWAHAHAHAHAHA! Love it.
NO PANTS NO PANTS NO PANTS!!!*whips pants off and spins it in the air*
Me + pants = sad.
Brenda, Erica, Leigh Ann, this is a super creative idea and I’m so excited to see everyone’s videos!
(sorry for deleting the comment above. I posted using my hubby’s account by accident)
House of Walcott · September 22, 2012 at 12:22 pm
I’m scared but I’m going to do this thing.
Robin Weeks · September 22, 2012 at 6:31 pm
Okay, so I’m being a total chicken, but maybe if I had some sort of step-by-step list to follow, I could comprehend how to create a vlog. *Has never created a vlog, ever* I’d especially like tips on editing the vlog to minimize the stupidness. As much as possible.
Then all we have to worry about is my fear of looking stupid forever online….
Brenda Drake · September 23, 2012 at 8:21 am
Here’s some samples and a how to for you: http://www.pitch-university.com/school-is-in-session/2011/6/18/how-do-you-pitch-your-novel-step-4-savvy-author-pitch-video.html
Jami Montgomery · September 23, 2012 at 4:51 pm
This is absolutely terrifying, but hopefully it will be fun, too!
Karen lee Hallam · September 24, 2012 at 6:28 am
Very in-ter-es-ting. Should be a challenging adventure. You gals are always up to somethin’ 🙂
Carrie-Anne · September 24, 2012 at 10:24 am
For our videos, do we have to state title, genre, etc., if we’re supposed to put that info above the embedded video anyway? I remember the video pitches at Pitch University had that requirement, but it would probably take up extra time here if that info is already included in another avenue.
Brenda Drake · September 24, 2012 at 7:11 pm
This is an any thing goes, however you want to do it. The information will be above the video, so I think it isn’t needed. You can go the more creative route or the more straightforward route.
Karen lee Hallam · October 1, 2012 at 10:02 am
Is it wrong–if we pretty much read from our query? o.O
rlynn-solomon · September 25, 2012 at 9:59 am
Super pumped for this! The ideas are already spinning…
Thank you Brenda, Erica and Leigh Ann for hosting and setting it up! Such an awesome, awesome contest idea.
cstuarthardwick · September 25, 2012 at 7:31 pm
Thanks Brenda. Another brilliant idea.
laurenswrittenword · September 26, 2012 at 5:21 pm
I am also enjoying the no pants pitch idea! Hahaha… Strip pitch?
In all seriousness, this is a fabulous idea. Now, to think of a creative way to make my pitch sound awesome…
Great comp idea, Brenda 🙂
Karen lee Hallam · September 27, 2012 at 8:59 am
I signed up–Now, I have to video tape a pitch…waah! Okay, composure. Too much to think about right this second.
I’ll check out the other vids and see what I can come up with. I host a weekly live music show–shouldn’t be too hard, right? I’m so Nervous! …one sentence at a time…one sentence at a time.
Thanks Brenda, and Erica and Leigh Ann. You girls are rocking (the) pitches. 😉
Brenda Drake · October 5, 2012 at 7:41 am
Hahahaha! It is kind of overwhelming. You’ll do great!
Amelia · September 28, 2012 at 11:39 am
This sounds like a lot of fun! I’m definitely signed up! Can’t wait!
Brenda Drake · October 5, 2012 at 7:41 am
Yippeeee!
Kevin Christofora · October 1, 2012 at 8:25 am
I already thought my elevator pitch recording on my website was cutting edge. http://www.thewoodstockallstars.com I would love to go video a pitch, but would this event be interested in Picture Book pitches?
Brenda Drake · October 2, 2012 at 7:25 am
Aww, I tried to play it, but it wouldn’t work for me and I’m so not techy. I only have one agent who takes on PB.
Katie Teller · October 2, 2012 at 8:03 am
Ok I signed up! I didn’t think I would but I did! To hide my weird accent I might just sing… I’m more comfortable singing most of the time anyway! Now I need to make a video. I’ll find my old performing arts buddies and see what we can throw together! 😀
Brenda Drake · October 5, 2012 at 7:42 am
I can’t wait to hear your accent or your song, whichever will be great!
Amy · October 3, 2012 at 10:29 am
What a great idea- I’m in and I’m excited! Now to figure out how to make the thing…
Brenda Drake · October 5, 2012 at 7:40 am
Yay! Good luck!
Authoress Anonymous · October 3, 2012 at 8:40 pm
Really excited about this. It’s sure to be awesome!
Robin Weeks · October 4, 2012 at 7:18 am
Okay, I’m biting the bullet and entering. It’s gonna be awful! O_o
Brenda Drake · October 5, 2012 at 7:39 am
Aww, I bet it’ll be AWESOME!
Ellie Heller · October 4, 2012 at 8:07 am
I’m biting the bullet and entering too. Where is that paper bag… 🙂
Brenda Drake · October 5, 2012 at 7:39 am
Hahaha! Wasn’t there a comedian who performed with a paper bag over his head?
Authoress Anonymous · October 4, 2012 at 11:37 am
Woops I entered twice. Can someone delete my other link? That was my bad.
Brenda Drake · October 5, 2012 at 7:38 am
Thanks for the heads up. I removed the extra entry. 😉
Karen lee Hallam · October 5, 2012 at 10:06 am
Already have one created. It’s so-so, perhaps I can stellar her out in a few minutes. Perhaps.
myupsndowns · October 9, 2012 at 12:47 pm
I signed up… I’m terrified. I hate the way my voice sounds on tape. But I will try. 🙂 I have a cute idea anyway!
Nazarea Andrews · October 10, 2012 at 8:54 am
I just posted mine! Quick question: my CP says on her phone the video is 2mins exactly, her husband said its 2:01 and mine says its 1:59. Its the same video so I’m not really sure what the issue is but….is that gonna disqualify me for any reason?
Brenda Drake · October 10, 2012 at 12:21 pm
I just checked yours on YouTube and it’s 1:59 and that’s what we’ll go by. I’ll take in consideration time variances.
Nazarea Andrews · October 10, 2012 at 1:18 pm
Awesome! Thanks so much 🙂
Elizabeth Prats · October 10, 2012 at 12:38 pm
Okay guys my video is officially UP!
http://dormroomdreamer.blogspot.com/2012/10/pitch-live.html
Miriam Greystone · October 11, 2012 at 12:37 am
Love this idea! It is so amazing to have an alternative to real live conferences, that are always so expensive!! Will have to see if I can put together an entry…
Meagan · October 11, 2012 at 12:30 pm
Whoops! I think I might have signed up twice on the Linky, I should just be Meagan, not Happy Owl Books. I hope my blog didn’t write a book without me :3
Brenda Drake · October 14, 2012 at 8:19 pm
I’ve erased the Happy Owl Books one. Thanks for the heads up!
Meagan · October 15, 2012 at 10:11 am
My post/video didn’t go up when I scheduled it to! I’m apparently a walking disaster with this contest. I think you can delete my from the linky list so I don’t waste anyone’s time. Sorry about that!
efjace · October 11, 2012 at 1:02 pm
I’m a little confused. We use Linky to sign up right? We sign up once we have the pitch done and completed and that’s what we link to? I ask because I’ve noticed many of them just link to the writer’s blog, so I think I’m missing something here lol.
This is a great idea and I hope, once I get un-confused, that I can enter!
The Kiva Project: CHS IB Economics · October 11, 2012 at 5:51 pm
This comment has been removed by the author.
Authoress Anonymous · October 11, 2012 at 5:53 pm
I got confused too and just entered a youtube link for my pitch. Hopefully it’s not a problem
Brenda Drake · October 12, 2012 at 8:36 am
As long as we can see your video, you’re fine. The sign up is to your blog and then you do a post with the youtube link embedded for us and others to see. We also need the information (name, title, word count) listed.
John Krissilas · October 12, 2012 at 11:17 am
Finally signed up! Had fun making mine, and I look forward to posting it and watching all the other pitches come Monday!
John
#40
Tamara · October 12, 2012 at 7:47 pm
I took the plunge and did it. With a little push from John to help. 🙂
Sarah J. · October 13, 2012 at 12:04 am
This is perfect preparation for my conference pitch next weekend! Thanks for hosting!
Katrina Sincek · October 14, 2012 at 8:44 am
All signed up! Thanks for the opportunity!
ferris · October 14, 2012 at 9:58 am
Think I’m signed up, but linked right to youtube video instead of blog. Should I do it over? What a great contest and opportunity! Thank you, Brenda!!
Brenda Drake · October 14, 2012 at 8:18 pm
As long as we can find your video and the information we need (your name, title, & word count), it’s okay. The blogfest is for you all to hop around and comment and meet other bloggers.
Veronica Bartles · October 14, 2012 at 3:30 pm
Okay, I’m signed up, & the whole family helped me come up with my video idea. 🙂 Do I post my video to my blog now, or wait until tomorrow morning to post it?
Brenda Drake · October 14, 2012 at 8:17 pm
You post at any time as long as you have it up by tomorrow.
Sarah J. · October 14, 2012 at 5:22 pm
I put my pitch on YouTube, but how do i see how large the file is? I edited it on YouTube, so I don’t know how to see how the file size changed.
Brenda Drake · October 14, 2012 at 8:16 pm
I think you when you update it, it asks you what size you want to upload it as. It’s fine we’ll figure it out when we embed it into our blogs.
Peacehart · October 14, 2012 at 6:14 pm
Thank you for the opportunity! Looking forward to viewing everyone’s videos. 🙂
Anonymous · October 14, 2012 at 8:48 pm
Wow! I just saw this through AQC. I’m recording a video now. 🙂 Can’t wait!
Anonymous · October 14, 2012 at 8:59 pm
Comment from Tybush and Tybush here. Just leaving a comment in accordance with the sign-up rule! 🙂 I hope we can have our video ready in time. 🙂
Tybush and Tybush · October 15, 2012 at 12:30 am
Let’s say we get chosen and receive offers of rep. How will the agents contact us? I’m wondering if I should include information in our video, but I’m hesitant to do that for obvious public-viewing reasons.
Brenda Drake · October 15, 2012 at 10:21 am
I will have instructions up on Oct. 17th regarding submissions.
Tybush and Tybush · October 15, 2012 at 10:32 am
Thank you! 🙂
Lindsey Frydman · October 15, 2012 at 2:04 am
I finally decided to enter–despite how making a video of myself makes me feel! Haha And I totally procrastinated but I did it. 🙂
Peacehart · October 15, 2012 at 6:59 pm
Before the sign up went down, there was a list of everyone who entered the contest with a link to their video. It may just be me, but now I don’t see it. How can we check out everyone’s videos? Only by clicking on those who left comments? What if the person linked to youtube, but their name on the comments section only links to their blog?
Brenda Drake · October 15, 2012 at 8:10 pm
It’s still up. I’m not sure why you’re not seeing it. I did have to refresh my page for it to reload. You might try that.
White Gardenia · October 15, 2012 at 10:46 pm
Oh geez. Spent all day making my video. Thought it said to enter between October 15-17. Duh. I’m such a dummy. Let me know if there is an “alternate” group for late entries… 🙂 Good luck everyone!
Brenda Drake · October 16, 2012 at 1:11 am
Oh, I’m so sorry. Post it to your blog, anyway. There are rogue agents stalking the blogs and viewing videos.
White Gardenia · October 16, 2012 at 1:53 am
Thanks for the love, Brenda. I didn’t sign up in time, so there’s no link to my blog… :'( Guess I’ll catch you on the next one.
Comments are closed.