I never thought that actually writing a novel would be the easiest part to publication (hopefully). At least that is what I am thinking thus far. I wrote and wrote and re-wrote and re-wrote for a long time and I finally came up with a novel that I feel is both very funny and quite sincere. So now what? Do I start writing query letters to publishing agents and/or publishing houses? Seems like a waste of time since everyone I meet seems to be writing a book these days. Start a blog and promote myself? Okay. Trying that now…along with the rest of the galaxy.

So, in direct contrast to my introverted tendencies, I decided to join a writing group. This one in particular is called Liberty States Fiction Writers, which meets every second Saturday of the month at the Edison Public Library in Edison NJ. And guess what? I learned more after just one meeting than I have my entire time wandering around the internet.

Like I mentioned previously, I know now that I really need an editor. Even if I decide to self publish, I do not want to release anything but my best effort. This will require saving up some money or finding an editor willing to represent me. I’d rather try to convince someone in believing that I am worthy of them putting their reputation on the line. And since I can’t just fling a full manuscript at someone and hope for the best, I was told that I need to come up with a pitch. I received more good news by learning that the Liberty States Fiction Writers Conference I signed up for is going to have pitch sessions with agents and editors. Needless to say, I am more than determined to hit this pitch thing out of the park. It all seemed easy at the time…until I started writing it.

Trying to squeeze my entire book into a few paragraphs turned out to be harder than I thought. I did have some very helpful guidance (see links below) but for some reason, my comedic/touching work wound up sounding like an abysmal/depressing tale. Not what I wanted. Fortunately, I had my very talented wife read it over and she was able to help me see the light. In the end, we came up with a pitch that I hope is able to properly summarize my story while making the person I am pitching to want to know more about it. However, my wife and I are not professionals in this field and although I am really proud of the results, I still do not know if it is good or not. I am very confused and nervous. I do not want to botch up my best opportunity next month to stand in front of industry professionals by giving them a pitch that…sucks. Also, am I supposed to memorize this by heart or do I read it to them? Or do I hand it to them and they read it while I awkwardly smile and judge their shoes? I really hope I don’t have to memorize it.

Tomorrow is the second Saturday of the month and I am going back up to Edison for my second meeting with my new group. I am hoping to pick their brains and see if I can bother someone enough to have them look over my pitch and give me their opinion. It’s really scary to be the new kid on the block who knows absolutely nothing about the publishing industry, yet it is also exciting to learn something new as well.

I will keep you posted on my progress. Until then, please check out these links. I found them to be enlightening and very useful. If you are in the area, maybe I will see you tomorrow or at the conference next month?

As always, I hope you enjoy my choice of image. It pretty much summarizes how I am feeling at the moment while fulfilling my goal of adding a cheesy visual with all of my posts. 🙂

http://www.lgoconnor.com/site/how-to-pitch-your-novel-to-agents-and-publishers/

http://www.lgoconnor.com/site/first-draft-dont-submit-yet/

http://jamigold.com/2017/01/the-ultimate-guide-to-pitch-writing-2/