I’m so excited to announce PITCH LIVE! What is it, you ask? It’s a video of your best elevator pitch to an agent. I wanted to give you guys enough time to produce a video of an elevator pitch for your finished novels, so I’m posting this now. We already have a couple agents signed up to view the top 30 videos (if we get that many), but there will be more agents. I’ll announce the agents in a post soon. The contest is for Adult, New Adult, Young Adult, and Middle Grade fiction. The elevator pitch should be creative, as if you ran into an agent at a conference.
The blogfest…
Sign up on the linky below by October 15 at 8AM EDT. From October 15 to 17 judges will be hopping to each blog to pick the most creative and exciting pitches (content is important, too) that will make it into the agent round. Hop around the blogs and view your fellow competitors’ videos, comment, and make friends. Participating in the blogfest is important, because if you don’t make the top 30, you could have an agent or editor not participating (or participating) in the contest hop around the blogs offering to read more. It has happened in contests past.
The contest…
The top 30 videos will go live on the hosts’ blogs on October 18. Agents will view and request to read more of their favorites from October 18 to 19.
Formatting…
All videos must be accessible on YouTube and the recommended size of no larger than 854 x 480 (51.79 MB). Please make sure your videos are set to public viewing (not private). The video shall be no more than two minutes (there maybe an added second when transferred to Youtube – we will take it with that added second or two) in length. No obscene content (I will remove the blog from the linky). Make sure to title it “Pitch Live!“. Your posts should have the following heading above the embedded video:
Title: TITLE OF FINISHED MANUSCRIPT
Genre: The Genre of your manuscript
Word Count: The word count of your manuscript (round up or down to the nearest thousandth)
Remember to include these things in your pitches: Character, Inciting Event, Goals, Obstacles, Conflict, and Stakes.
Check out this site here for some samples on how to create a video pitch.
Here’s some videos from your hosts for hints on what to put into your pitch (warning: mine is awful, but hopefully it will make you feel better about your own)…
Brenda’s gawd-awful video (Can you guess the skyline I didn’t know?)…
Erica Chapman’s very informative video…
Leigh Ann Kopans’ video on how to create a video pitch…
Remember you can be as creative as you want, but your pitch must be there and we must see your face. It’s about your personality. Good luck!
So what are you waiting for? Sign up now!
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Coming up on the blog…
The Teenaged Nitpick’s critiques go up next week on the blog. Two a day for five days. Come back and see what he has to say about these very brave writers’ first pages.
Win a copy of TWO AND TWENTY DARK TALES: Dark Retellings of Mother Goose Rhymes coming from Month9Books this October. Go here for details.
Pitch your “Swoon” worthy novella to Month9Books October 1. For details, go here.
Okay. This sounds super cool but I have a question. I don’t suppose you guys are going to have any sample videos online, just to give us an idea how to do this? I mean, it’s pretty self-explanatory, but I still want to watch someone else actually do an elevator pitch. It would make me feel so much more like I knew what I was doing. haha.
Giving a example would hinder the creativity behind this. We want everyone to be creative and reach into themselves to come up with their best pitch. Just think about a conference any where in the world and all the different places you can bump into an agent.
Okay. I just signed up for this. It absolutely terrifies me. And that’s why I signed up. I’m one of those people who don’t think there’s such a thing as a good still photograph of myself, let alone video with moving pictures and sound. EEP! I’ve been on tv before, and I still had to cover my eyes every time I was on the screen. Pitching to a live human agent is one thing, this is an entirely new level of terror for me! Thanks for creating an opportunity for me to do something so frightening! 😀
I was terrified to post my video above. You just have to dive in. When you become a famous writer, you’ll be thrust into the public eye, so this is great practice.
I had a thought, you could dress in a costume and bump into an agent at a Halloween party.
I like that thought! I wish I had a costume…or ideas that weren’t totally whacky and/or impossible to film with my mac book. 0_0
Stepping outside my comfort zone with this! Like Laura, I don’t like pictures of my self. Or videos. Take a look at my blogger pic. Check out my blog. NO PICS! But also like Laura, sometimes doing something that scares the fire out you is the perfect boost to creativity. Who knows, this may be something I really enjoy.
I agree wholeheartedly. There’s nothing to fear, we’ll be here to hold your hand!
Wow, this is such an AWESOME idea. What a wonderful concept. Okay, totally terrifying, but yeah…great! I agree with Tamara, Laura and Ink in the Book – getting people out of their comfort zones is a brilliant idea. After all, published authors have to promote their work, so it’s best to get the practise in early! See you on the videos, all shaky-kneed and sweaty palmed just like me! Good luck!
I look forward to it!
I would recommend that everyone check out the archives on Pitch University.com. There are tons of video pitches on there, which were agent and editor critiqued. As well as tips on writing and filming pitches. You’ll see my name all over that site; I had so much fun making them. Mine are also on the Novels page on my blog.
Great! Thanks for sharing this!
Thanks for the link tip! 🙂 *eyes her webcam with severe mistrust* lol
I wish Crow’s Rest was finished! The Pitches on Pitch U were meant to be professional rather than creative and this sounds like so much fun. But then, speaking to groups or on video doesn’t bother me. Just don’t ask me to sing–I get those shaky knees from that!
One more tip to offer: Your pitch can start to sound flat or rote after you’ve practiced it a number of times. Use those practice takes that no one else will see (trust me, it helps to do those) to experiment with emphasizing different words. Go so far as to use an exaggerated “movie trailer” voice and then borrow some of that energy for the real pitch.
I’m usually facil with website, but can’t seem to find the ‘tons of video pitches’. !? Can anyone link directly to a page I might find them? I saw a lot of articles on video pitches, but no videos. 🙁
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Erica: “Feel free to go pantsless..”
BWAHAHAHAHAHA! Love it.
NO PANTS NO PANTS NO PANTS!!!*whips pants off and spins it in the air*
Me + pants = sad.
Brenda, Erica, Leigh Ann, this is a super creative idea and I’m so excited to see everyone’s videos!
(sorry for deleting the comment above. I posted using my hubby’s account by accident)
I’m scared but I’m going to do this thing.
Okay, so I’m being a total chicken, but maybe if I had some sort of step-by-step list to follow, I could comprehend how to create a vlog. *Has never created a vlog, ever* I’d especially like tips on editing the vlog to minimize the stupidness. As much as possible.
Then all we have to worry about is my fear of looking stupid forever online….
Here’s some samples and a how to for you: http://www.pitch-university.com/school-is-in-session/2011/6/18/how-do-you-pitch-your-novel-step-4-savvy-author-pitch-video.html
This is absolutely terrifying, but hopefully it will be fun, too!
Very in-ter-es-ting. Should be a challenging adventure. You gals are always up to somethin’ 🙂
For our videos, do we have to state title, genre, etc., if we’re supposed to put that info above the embedded video anyway? I remember the video pitches at Pitch University had that requirement, but it would probably take up extra time here if that info is already included in another avenue.
This is an any thing goes, however you want to do it. The information will be above the video, so I think it isn’t needed. You can go the more creative route or the more straightforward route.
Is it wrong–if we pretty much read from our query? o.O
Super pumped for this! The ideas are already spinning…
Thank you Brenda, Erica and Leigh Ann for hosting and setting it up! Such an awesome, awesome contest idea.
Thanks Brenda. Another brilliant idea.
I am also enjoying the no pants pitch idea! Hahaha… Strip pitch?
In all seriousness, this is a fabulous idea. Now, to think of a creative way to make my pitch sound awesome…
Great comp idea, Brenda 🙂
I signed up–Now, I have to video tape a pitch…waah! Okay, composure. Too much to think about right this second.
I’ll check out the other vids and see what I can come up with. I host a weekly live music show–shouldn’t be too hard, right? I’m so Nervous! …one sentence at a time…one sentence at a time.
Thanks Brenda, and Erica and Leigh Ann. You girls are rocking (the) pitches. 😉
Hahahaha! It is kind of overwhelming. You’ll do great!
This sounds like a lot of fun! I’m definitely signed up! Can’t wait!
Yippeeee!
I already thought my elevator pitch recording on my website was cutting edge. http://www.thewoodstockallstars.com I would love to go video a pitch, but would this event be interested in Picture Book pitches?
Aww, I tried to play it, but it wouldn’t work for me and I’m so not techy. I only have one agent who takes on PB.
Ok I signed up! I didn’t think I would but I did! To hide my weird accent I might just sing… I’m more comfortable singing most of the time anyway! Now I need to make a video. I’ll find my old performing arts buddies and see what we can throw together! 😀
I can’t wait to hear your accent or your song, whichever will be great!
What a great idea- I’m in and I’m excited! Now to figure out how to make the thing…
Yay! Good luck!
Really excited about this. It’s sure to be awesome!
Okay, I’m biting the bullet and entering. It’s gonna be awful! O_o
Aww, I bet it’ll be AWESOME!
I’m biting the bullet and entering too. Where is that paper bag… 🙂
Hahaha! Wasn’t there a comedian who performed with a paper bag over his head?
Woops I entered twice. Can someone delete my other link? That was my bad.
Thanks for the heads up. I removed the extra entry. 😉
Already have one created. It’s so-so, perhaps I can stellar her out in a few minutes. Perhaps.
I signed up… I’m terrified. I hate the way my voice sounds on tape. But I will try. 🙂 I have a cute idea anyway!
I just posted mine! Quick question: my CP says on her phone the video is 2mins exactly, her husband said its 2:01 and mine says its 1:59. Its the same video so I’m not really sure what the issue is but….is that gonna disqualify me for any reason?
I just checked yours on YouTube and it’s 1:59 and that’s what we’ll go by. I’ll take in consideration time variances.
Awesome! Thanks so much 🙂
Okay guys my video is officially UP!
http://dormroomdreamer.blogspot.com/2012/10/pitch-live.html
Love this idea! It is so amazing to have an alternative to real live conferences, that are always so expensive!! Will have to see if I can put together an entry…
Whoops! I think I might have signed up twice on the Linky, I should just be Meagan, not Happy Owl Books. I hope my blog didn’t write a book without me :3
I’ve erased the Happy Owl Books one. Thanks for the heads up!
My post/video didn’t go up when I scheduled it to! I’m apparently a walking disaster with this contest. I think you can delete my from the linky list so I don’t waste anyone’s time. Sorry about that!
I’m a little confused. We use Linky to sign up right? We sign up once we have the pitch done and completed and that’s what we link to? I ask because I’ve noticed many of them just link to the writer’s blog, so I think I’m missing something here lol.
This is a great idea and I hope, once I get un-confused, that I can enter!
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I got confused too and just entered a youtube link for my pitch. Hopefully it’s not a problem
As long as we can see your video, you’re fine. The sign up is to your blog and then you do a post with the youtube link embedded for us and others to see. We also need the information (name, title, word count) listed.
Finally signed up! Had fun making mine, and I look forward to posting it and watching all the other pitches come Monday!
John
#40
I took the plunge and did it. With a little push from John to help. 🙂
This is perfect preparation for my conference pitch next weekend! Thanks for hosting!
All signed up! Thanks for the opportunity!
Think I’m signed up, but linked right to youtube video instead of blog. Should I do it over? What a great contest and opportunity! Thank you, Brenda!!
As long as we can find your video and the information we need (your name, title, & word count), it’s okay. The blogfest is for you all to hop around and comment and meet other bloggers.
Okay, I’m signed up, & the whole family helped me come up with my video idea. 🙂 Do I post my video to my blog now, or wait until tomorrow morning to post it?
You post at any time as long as you have it up by tomorrow.
I put my pitch on YouTube, but how do i see how large the file is? I edited it on YouTube, so I don’t know how to see how the file size changed.
I think you when you update it, it asks you what size you want to upload it as. It’s fine we’ll figure it out when we embed it into our blogs.
Thank you for the opportunity! Looking forward to viewing everyone’s videos. 🙂
Wow! I just saw this through AQC. I’m recording a video now. 🙂 Can’t wait!
Comment from Tybush and Tybush here. Just leaving a comment in accordance with the sign-up rule! 🙂 I hope we can have our video ready in time. 🙂
Let’s say we get chosen and receive offers of rep. How will the agents contact us? I’m wondering if I should include information in our video, but I’m hesitant to do that for obvious public-viewing reasons.
I will have instructions up on Oct. 17th regarding submissions.
Thank you! 🙂
I finally decided to enter–despite how making a video of myself makes me feel! Haha And I totally procrastinated but I did it. 🙂
Before the sign up went down, there was a list of everyone who entered the contest with a link to their video. It may just be me, but now I don’t see it. How can we check out everyone’s videos? Only by clicking on those who left comments? What if the person linked to youtube, but their name on the comments section only links to their blog?
It’s still up. I’m not sure why you’re not seeing it. I did have to refresh my page for it to reload. You might try that.
Oh geez. Spent all day making my video. Thought it said to enter between October 15-17. Duh. I’m such a dummy. Let me know if there is an “alternate” group for late entries… 🙂 Good luck everyone!
Oh, I’m so sorry. Post it to your blog, anyway. There are rogue agents stalking the blogs and viewing videos.
Thanks for the love, Brenda. I didn’t sign up in time, so there’s no link to my blog… :'( Guess I’ll catch you on the next one.