AgentFest Results!

Posted by Jen on Thursday, July 10th, 2008 @ 9:46 pm

I’ll tell you what. I am exhausted. Pitching takes a lot out of a timid writer. But you know what? I actually did it!

There were over 40 agents and something like 100 writers. We were introduced to the agents and then let loose to stand in line to pitch our selected agents who were scattered about the room at their own individual tables. Three minutes each. Before I went, I had 7 agents selected to pitch. All targeted with specialties in young adult, fantasy, paranormal or urban fantasy.

My first pitch went a little…shaky. I was nervous, and I was rushing words together and had to pause once to remember what I was trying to say. But I picked a brilliantly sweet agent, and she put me right at ease. Especially when I mentioned a client of hers that I’m a huge fan of. She requested materials and said the idea sounded like something she would enjoy.

A blur of 7 more pitches went by. I added another agent to my list after another writer there recommended him. I got a lot of questions about my background. I got questions about being a member of any writing groups. Romance Writers of America! I also got questions on whether or not there are any romantic plot threads. Of course, there is! And apparently that’s important in today’s market. I also got asked to list a couple of writers in the genre or subgenre I’m trying to break into that I admire and want my books alongside. So, the agents were very interactive and wanted to know more about me.

I wasn’t sure how much I wanted to share on here about requests and rejections, but I am so completely excited by all this, I’m going to give out the results. Out of the 8 agents I pitched, 7 of them requested materials. One declined saying he doesn’t represent my type of book, but gave me a referral to a colleague of his and told me he thought I had a very marketable idea.

All in all, this went way better than I expected. I’ve heard some agents request materials from everyone at pitch sessions, but even if that is the case, it’s a foot in the door. And it was an amazing experience. Just meeting these agents I admire face to face and listening to their comments and reactions was worth it. Plus, maybe it will end up getting me an agent? *Fingers crossed*

Comments

By Jaekaebee on July 11th, 2008 at 3:32 am

This sounds brilliant, well done!

One question - were these people you had already submitted to, before you went to the conference? I am really interested in that.

But so well done! Congrats!

By Dan on July 11th, 2008 at 8:03 am

Congrats! That’s really awesome. I always enjoy hearing about a fellow writer’s successes. I told you that you’d find the courage when you needed it.

I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you.

By B.E. Sanderson on July 11th, 2008 at 9:02 am

Way to go! I knew you could do it. Which book did you pitch - finished or WIP? This should net you an agent. (Crossed everything for you.) =o)

By Heidi on July 11th, 2008 at 9:57 am

Fantastic! I am so excited for you! It sounds like a hair-raising three minutes, but what a rush!

Thanks for writing about what the agents asked, too. If I am in this position someday, I want to be prepared to answer their questions, and not just stumble over my own idiocy!

Also, would you consider sharing what your pitch was? I don’t write YA or fantasy but I am always interested to see what it is that grabs an agent’s attention.

Thanks again for this, and CONGRATS!!!

By Xdpaul on July 11th, 2008 at 1:20 pm

Hey! I like your approach! I normally sit there, saying nothing, calmly pounding the handle of a hammer into my palm as I await their decision. But your way sounds a little more effective!

I’m really glad you got encouragement. Good for you! (But did you bring a hammer? That’s my tip. Always bring a hammer.)

By cindy on July 11th, 2008 at 1:21 pm

/bootay shake!!

fingers and toes crossed that you get
a wonderful agent to rep you! =DD

By JenWriter on July 11th, 2008 at 4:49 pm

Wow! Thanks everyone! I’m going to go ahead and post more on how I actually pitched since there were a couple of questions. I’ll do that later tonight.

And thanks so much for the support! You guys are great.

By Lisa Molson on July 17th, 2008 at 6:55 pm

Just wanted to offer my encouragement and congrats also Jen. That is a huge step, and I can’t wait to hear the latest updates regarding getting your novel published.

By JenWriter on July 22nd, 2008 at 10:20 pm

@Lisa: Thanks so much! I hope it comes to that.