How to pitch your story to an agent or publisher

 

When you are done writing your book or screenplay you begin to start looking for an agent. So why do you need an agent? An Agent has the contacts within the publishing or movie industry to help make your work go public by advertising it worldwide, making it get in front of movie producers looking for a fresh new story to produce, so you have to have your ducks in a row so that you make a good first impression.

First off you need to create what is called a query letter. However, before you produce that query letter you will need to compile and create your synopsis and decide on sample chapters of your book. That’s if you are looking to get a book published by a famous publishing house. 

Your synopsis is a mini version of your book or screenplay, that lays out the storyline providing any twists and turns the agent would find in the book. In other words, you are creating a buzz in your synopsis that builds up the tension to your story so that the agent is intrigued enough to want to read the entire book or screenplay in its entirety. How do you do this, simple write up a short storyline blurb that gives the reader the plot points and a little bit of the backstory, so they understand the premise of the entire book.

Once you are done with your synopsis create your sample chapters fleshing out what your synopsis demonstrates in your writing style. Your purpose here is to show the agent or publisher that you know how to write and the potential you have in the future.  Your sample chapters should not be longer than two chapters and your synopsis shouldn’t be longer than a page and a half. Now this is only if you’ve done your research and know what your chosen agent or publisher wants as a submission. That’s right, one agent might want just a synopsis another might want a synopsis plus 10,000 words worth of writing. Another might want the entire manuscript plus synopsis submitted while another might want just a quick blurb instead of everything above at first, then if they like what they see and read, they will ask for the rest accordingly. Do your research first and know what you’re sending to each agent or publisher.  Yes, you can submit to various agents and publishers at the same time. Don’t just write to one and wait a few months for a response. That will be a waste of time and energy. Submit to at least 5-10 agents or publishers at the same time. This will help you to maximize your efforts and if necessary, play one against the other should you get offers from more than one agent or publisher.  

 

Artist and Author Elizabeth Kilbride is a former political operative, author, scriptwriter, historian, and journalist. business professional, creative artist, and life coach consultant. Ms. Kilbride holds a Master's in Criminology and a BS in Business Management she stepped out of the loop for a while but is now back with a powerful opinion and voice in the direction of this country and our economy. As a life coach, she is available to counsel individuals to enjoy their dreams and a better life. Ms. Kilbride loves to travel, and photograph her surroundings and is also a gourmet cook who loves to garden and preserve food for the winter months.

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