Experience the Pitch Slam—a rare opportunity to pitch your book directly to professional agents and editors actively looking for new voices (check back soon for the start of our agent list)! Advocate for your book in a high-energy environment, and you might just become another Pitch Slam success story.

“The highlight for me was the Pitch Slam, where I had the chance to pitch my book to seven amazing agents. I had requests for a partial or full manuscript from all seven agents, which felt like a great success. Then came a Christmas surprise: an offer of representation from Stacy Testa of Writer’s House on December 25th! It was a great way to end the year, and she has been wonderful to work with at every step of the publishing process.”

SANDI WARD| WDC15 ATTENDEE
Author of The Astonishing Thing (Kensington, 2017), Something Worth Saving (Kensington, 2018), What Holds Us Together (Kensington, 2020)

HOW IT WORKS

We put together a diverse roster of best-in-class agents and editors who are looking for new authors of fiction and nonfiction, and are ready to hear your pitch and offer feedback. Prior to the Pitch Slam, you'll be able to identify those who are a match for your work and customize your pitch based on what they're looking for.

On the day of the event, you’ll meet one-on-one with as many of your preferred agents and editors as possible in your assigned 60-minute pitch session. Each pitch typically lasts three minutes, composed of your 90-second pitch ( or less) and a 90-second response from the agent/editor with feedback. Occasionally, conversations will extend longer than 3 minutes so be sure to prioritize your list and keep an eye on the line for your next prospect.

WHAT YOU GET

• Immediate feedback on the merits of your pitch directly from agents and editors working in that genre or category
• Actionable advice on improving your pitch, and/or ways to improve your storyline or nonfiction premise
• Inclusion of your query letter in the WD Annual Conference Query Letter Directory, supplied to all attending agents and editors after the conference
• Virtual Pitch Perfect session to be held a couple weeks before the conference so attendees have time to prepare their pitch
• An opportunity to submit your work for consideration, land representation, or perhaps even get a deal—it can happen!

KEYS TO PITCH SLAM SUCCESS

• DO YOUR RESEARCH There will be a list of agents and editors on hand, and some will be a better fit for your pitch than others. Be sure to review the list of attending agents, check out their websites and client list, and target those who match your genre or interest.
• PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT This is your chance to sell your book, so write it out, practice it and perfect your pitch. Use a stopwatch so you can keep time and their attention! Connect with fellow attendees and practice your pitch on each other.
• GET EXPERT ADVICE To help you prepare, be sure to attend the virtual Pitch Perfect session pre-conference. Date TK. You’ll learn how to hone your pitch and get more comfortable with presenting it. You’ll also gain the confidence you need to make a great impression.