This past weekend I attended my first ever writing related workshop called ‘Pitch Perfect’, run by the New England Writer’s Centre (in Australia). The workshops include talks by many successful, local authors and will be held over three weekends, ending in a face to face, private 10 minute pitch with a real, big name Australian publisher!
You won’t believe it, but I’m going to have the chance to pitch my novel to a publisher from Allen & Unwin! I even included Allen & Unwin in my Submitting your manuscript to the big Aussie publishers post. It’s my absolute dream to be published by them, and getting the chance to pitch to them face to face will be an incredible opportunity.
I joined NEWC a few weeks ago after stalking them for a few years (never had the courage as a writer to join or attend any of their events). I first heard of the annual Pitch Perfect event last year, but unfortunately didn’t have a complete manuscript at the time. But I do this year!
The first workshop held on Saturday 15th October began with an editing spiel by author Beattie Alvarez. After lunch we had ‘Synopsis and Query Letter Writing’ with author Bronwyn Parry, followed by ‘Preparing to Pitch’ with author Sophie Masson.
The talks were very informative and interesting (yes you can include adverbs in your manuscript on the odd occasion) and I learned the do’s and don’ts of pitching to a publisher. For example, I’m writing a trilogy but I will not be pitching all three books. When it comes to new authors, publishers are keener to take on standalone novels – which makes a lot of sense.
During Bronwyn Parry’s workshop I discovered that my query letter writing was pretty bad. To think of all the amateurish query letters I’ve sent off in the past! I’m surprised anyone responded at all. Note to EVERYONE – when you write the ‘about yourself’ section do not include a funny story about the fat cat that sleeps at the end of your bed.
At the end of the day I requested a photo with Sophie Masson and Bronwyn Parry, they were both so lovely! Authors seem like very happy, friendly people, and I really hope to one day to join their ranks – writing full-time must be awesome.
First thing I’m doing in preparation for my face to face pitch is get my hair done! I look like a brunette in this photo… also, I’ll make sure to keep you updated on what happens at the face to face pitch later this month!
The Cat's Write 
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