Pitch Perfect: How to Sell Your Story in Minutes, Episode 59
- Donna Carbone
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Ready to pitch your book? Pitch events can be nerve-wracking, but they’re also one of the best opportunities for writers to connect with literary agents. In this episode, we break down everything you need to know about the 10-minute pitch: what it is, how to prepare, and how to make the most of those precious few minutes.
You’ll learn how to research agents before you pitch, craft a clear and compelling hook, and present yourself with confidence. We’ll also cover common mistakes to avoid, tips for turning your pitch into a conversation, and how to use feedback—even a rejection—to your advantage.
Whether you’re attending your first conference or polishing your pitch for a big event, this episode will help you walk in prepared, stay calm, and maximize your chances of making the right connection with an agent.
SHOW NOTES:
What is a 10-Minute Pitch Event?
Our Experience
How to Prepare
Using the pitch to your advantage
Take-aways
What a 10-Minute Pitch Event Is
Usually hosted at writer’s conferences or online events.
Writers meet with agents/editors in short, scheduled sessions.
It’s not just about the manuscript—it’s about you as a writer, your professionalism, and your ability to communicate your story clearly.
Agents are looking for:
A compelling story concept.
Market awareness (genre, audience, comps).
A writer they’d want to work with long-term.
Our Experiences
How to Prepare & Research the Agents
Know who you’re pitching: what genres they represent, what books they’ve sold, and what they’re actively seeking.
Tailor your pitch—don’t pitch a sci-fi epic to someone who only takes memoir.
Listen to “Query Basics: How to Attract the Attention of the RIGHT Agents and Publishers,” Ep 19
Refine Your Pitch
30-second “elevator pitch”: The hook of your story in one or two sentences.
2–3 minute story summary: Introduce main character, conflict, stakes, and unique angle.
Be ready to answer: What’s your target audience? Comparable titles? Word count?
Practice, but Stay Natural
Rehearse out loud so you’re comfortable and concise.
Avoid sounding scripted—think conversation, not speech.
Prepare Your Materials
Have a polished query letter and first pages ready (in case they request them).
Bring a notepad or digital way to take notes.
Using the Pitch to Your Advantage : Make it a Conversation
Ask the agent questions about what they’re looking for. Come prepared with a few questions that are agent specific:
How much are you involved in the editing process?
What’s your communication style?
How do you handle subsidiary rights (film, foreign, etc.)?
What is your submission strategy?
What is your general timeline from submission to publication?
Show openness to feedback.
Sell Yourself, Not Just Your Book
Agents sign writers, not just projects.
Show that you’re professional, adaptable, and someone they’d want to work with.
Handle Feedback Gracefully
If the agent passes, ask what didn’t connect. That feedback is gold.
If they request pages, follow up promptly and professionally.
Network Beyond the Pitch
Even if the agent isn’t a fit, they may introduce you to others or remember you later.
Stay connected via conferences, social media, or future submissions.
Closing Takeaways
A 10-minute pitch event is an opportunity, not a test.
Success = clear, confident communication of your story and yourself.
Whether you walk away with a request or feedback, you’ve gained valuable experience.
Encourage listeners to view it as a chance to practice, connect, and move one step closer to finding the right agent.
SOURCES & LINKS
Related ATB Podcasts Episodes:
“Pitch it To Me!” Save the Cat Writes a Novel, Jessica Brody
Before and After the Book Deal, Courtney Maum
DO NOW: Script your pitch. Practice saying the words. Edit out what seems unnatural to say. Once your script is polished, practice saying it in front of a mirror until you’ve memorized it. Next, practice in front of people: family members, friends, bookish community.
Next Episode: Tension & Conflict: The Writer’s Secret Weapons
Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com
Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/
Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com
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