WHAT’S THE SPRING 2012 PITCH BOOK COVER LOOK LIKE? Check it out:
http://writerspitchbook.com/2012/05/15/spring-2012-writers-pitch-book-cover/
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MORE AGENTS INVITED TO GET WRITERS PITCH BOOK!
We’ve sent emails to more agents to invite them to request and review the Spring 2012 Pitch Book. See the story: http://writerspitchbook.com/2012/05/11/more-agents-invited/
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AGENTS AND EDITORS REQUESTING SPRING 2012 WRITERS PITCH BOOK:
Andrea Somberg, Harvey Klinger, Inc.
Mollie Glick, Foundry Media
Sandy Lu, L. Perkins Agency
Jill Marsal, Marsal Lyon Literary Agency
Andrea Machinist, Janklow
Nina Bruhns, Editorial Director for the Dead Sexy imprint of Entangled Publishing
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AGENTS REQUESTING WRITERS’ WORK!
A huge congratulations to all the writers who I’ve contacted April 25 and 26 with requests from agents to review their work.
As of April 26 we have 18 requests for submissions. Most of these were for a synopsis and first three chapters. Some are for a synopsis and first five pages of the manuscript.
We’ll be inviting more agents, editors and Hollywood producers to get the Writers Pitch Book and keep you updated.
Write on!
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SEVEN EDITORS INVITED TODAY! See the story: http://writerspitchbook.com/2012/04/26/seven-editors-invited-to-get-pitch-book-today/
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WRITERS PITCH BOOK IS NOW CLOSED FOR SUBMISSIONS. WE WILL BE OPEN FOR PITCH SUBMISSIONS AGAIN JULY 1, 2012.
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WHAT IS WRITERS PITCH BOOK?
Writers Pitch Book is a compilation of pitches from writers who want book agents, book editors, Hollywood literary agents and film producers to request their manuscripts and screenplays. The Pitch Book is an easy way for writers to connect with representatives and buyers of their work with hopes of signing with the right agent, making a deal to have books published and/or films produced. Forget about sending out cold query letters to agents, editors and producers. Let us contact them for you.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
1. You submit your pitches.
Writers submit pitches about their books, manuscripts and screenplays to us.
2. We find the right representatives and buyers for you.
We research and recruit the agents, editors and producers most likely to respond to your pitches.
3. Writers Pitch Books are sent to representatives and buyers.
We send pitch books to agents, editors and producers in the exact format they prefer: PDF file, MS Word file or hard copy sent via snail mail. Some may ask us to send pitches representing a specific genre and no others. We design a pitch book specifically for that Pitch Book recipient and send it to them.
4. When agents, editors or Hollywood producers like your pitch, they tell us.
As soon as we hear that an agent, editor or producer wants to see your manuscript or screenplay, we contact you and ask you to submit your work directly to the person requesting it.
5. If the representative or buyer wants to represent your work or buy/option your screenplay, you make the deal. We take no commission.
HOW OFTEN DOES THE WRITERS PITCH BOOK GO OUT TO REPRESENTATIVES AND BUYERS?
Twice annually.
FALL 2012 WRITERS PITCH BOOK
Writers Pitch Book Opens for Fall 2012 Submissions: July 1, 2012
Writers’ Submission Deadline: Friday, August 31, 2012, midnight
Distribution to Agents, Editors and Film Producers: Week of October 1, 2012
SPRING 2013 WRITER PITCH BOOK
Writers Pitch Book Opens for Spring 2013 Submissions: January 14, 2013
Writers’ Submission Deadline: Friday, March 14, 2013, midnight.
Distribution to Agents, Editors and Film Producers: Week of April 15, 2013.
WHAT TYPES OF PITCHES MAY WRITERS SUBMIT?
• Fiction
• Young Adult
• Romance
• Children’s Book (chapter and picture books)
• Sci-Fi/Fantasy
• Horror
• Any other fiction genre you like
• Non-Fiction
• Memoir
• Screenplays in any genre
• TV & Film Rights Available (for published and unpublished books)
WHAT IF I WANT TO PITCH MY MANUSCRIPT OR BOOK TO HOLLYWOOD AS A POSSIBLE FILM ADAPTATION?
We are happy to say that Writers Pitch Book has a special section called “Film Rights Available” specifically to pitch your traditionally published and self-published books to producers. You may also submit pitches for e-books and unpublished manuscripts.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
You may submit a pitch for $50 and it will be featured in the Pitch Book for six months. You may submit as many pitches in as many genres as you like. If you submit multiple pitches, you receive a 10% discount on each pitch after the first pitch.
1 Pitch $50
2 Pitches $90
3 Pitches $135
4 Pitches $180
5 Pitches $225
Submissions for the Spring 2012 Writers Pitch Book will begin in January 2012.
DO I REALLY NEED WRITERS PITCH BOOK?
No. If you enjoy taking the time to research the right markets and agents for your work and you write compelling query letters, you should continue sending cold queries out. But if you prefer to have us do the research and use our contacts to help connect you with the right agents, editors and producers, try Writers Pitch Book. It just takes a small investment in your career (fee for your pitch/es) and a little time to write a great pitch (with our guidance). Then you can go back to writing your next book or script.
I like that and I want to get my scripts to Hollywood. I have been writing for 10 years but do not understand how to approach Hollywood. I hope God will do something for me.
Hi Pankaj, Hollywood is a fascinating place to live and work. It sounds like you’ve been doing the right thing by writing. Now comes the next step, optioning or selling your script to producers. Most writers find it very difficult to get their screenplays to agents or producers since they don’t live in LA and usually do not know people at the agencies or production companies. When I was living in LA, I personally saw how talented writer friends couldn’t get their scripts read by producers because they didn’t know how to approach them and didn’t have agents. That’s the primary reason I created Writers Pitch Book…to give writers access to agents and producers.
This is a book that needs to get into the write hands. The story in itself would explode if this book was made into film. We’re talking about a substance that drug American families literally through the mud through the mid 80′s and all of the 90′s, and families all over the world, talking about Crack Cocaine. A fantastic story and informative as well. Published in late December 2010. Available at Barnes and Noble,Google books as well. Read a few pages and let me know what you think. Reach me at keithnorton1966@gmail.com
Hi Keith, Thanks for the info on your book. The Spring 2012 Writers Pitch Book will be going to agents in mid-April. You may want to consider submitting under “Film Rights Available.” The deadline for submission is March 16.
Write on,
Sharon
I like the concept you have described above — it’s quite the common sense approach for writers to expose their works to the right people via the Writers Pitchbook. Many thanks for the opportunities you have provided — I definitely plan to utilize this wonderful resource. Sue Frederick
Hi Ayoola, We all want to sell our manuscripts to the right publisher. A good way to start is to find the right agent. Maybe you should consider submitting a pitch for the September 2011 Pitch Book. I’ll have a PayPal page up on this website soon to take pitches. I’ll email you then.
My book, MY KINGDOM FOR A GRAHAM PAIGE, is a nonfiction story about the drama and conflict in families during the Great Depression. Tempers flared, children were heavily disciplined. The weight of a wrong decision by the father in purchasing a luxury automobile just before the Depression took its toll on everyone. Jobs were scarce, pay was low, friend fought against friend to get a few dollars. With intense work and long hours, farming paid well considering the times. Devotion to work was the key.
The book describes the the ever present vendors who tried to make a living off the farmers. Most of these vendors provided much appreciated conversation, news outlets, and some provided badly needed humor.
Hi Cy, Your book sounds really good. It sounds like the type of story Hollywood loves to buy film rights for and call in screenwriters to pitch a “take” on the story for a movie. Hope you’ll consider submitting a pitch to the Writers Pitch Book. I’ll be accepting pitches soon and, with your permission, I’ll email you about that.
Dear Sharon
What if one is on a limited income and they don’t have the $50 dollars? In these times that is steep money for some esepcially to be told no time after time is there an alternative to having spend that much money.
Hi Lauren, I totally understand about the limited income. A lot of writers are feeling that these days. I assume you’ve been sending out cold queries to agents. That’s still a way to get your work out there if the agents like your query letter. I was talking with a writer today who believes Writers Pitch Book will be a good alternative to query letters because he’d rather send one email to me and pay $50, than to spend the time and postage to send query letters to agents. He also said it seems to him the Pitch Book will be received by agents more positively than individual query letters. So, I understand your dilemma and hope you’ll join us with a pitch when you can afford it. Meantime, keep on writing and sending out query letters. Best, Sharon
Will you consider books of poetry in the future?
Hi Peggy, Yes, if agents and publishers are interested in books of poetry, we are too. Anything agents and editors are considering would work in the Pitch Book. When we get pitches in, we begin searching for the best agents and editors for that genre or style of writing. Meaning, we’d look for agents and publishers who want poetry if you submitted a pitch for your book of poetry. Thanks for asking.
I have trailers on two books I have written, would they be suitable to submit for the writers pitch in September.
What a great trailer for the Legend of the Black Orchid, Ian. Also it sounds like the type of story that could be of interest to Hollywood producers. This is definitely the type of books to submit to the Writers Pitch Book.
What a great trailer for the Legends of the Black Orchid, Ian. Also it sounds like the type of story that could be of interest to Hollywood producers. This is definitely the type of books to submit to the Writers Pitch Book.
Hi There.
Rik Feeney just sent me your link. He published my first paranormal/fantasy novel, ‘Among Other Edens’ (2010) which is the first in the ‘Legends of Eden’ series. There are five, possibly six books in the series and I am under contract to do all of them with him. Presently, I am in the final stages of the second book. Should be ready for publication early next year.
As it is a series, I am absolutely interested in your pitch process. I have heard great things about you from Rik and he is very keen to see the series move forward. I have worked with agents before and know the level of work and commitment involved. I certainly don’t have stars in my eyes.
I shall be following your link to the Pitch Book process and have it to you before the deadline. I look forward to working with you and appreciate you offering this service. At this point, as I continue to write and plan my marketing, I am looking to the next level, which includes building some strong industry connections and also, continuing to learn.
Take Care.
Guinevere
Hi Guinevere, Wow this series sounds very promising. You’re definitely in the right hands with Rik. He knows what he’s doing and doesn’t take no for an answer. I hope you will submit your pitch for the Fall Writers Pitch Book. I love the title.
Sharon
Good Morning, Sharon….It has been years since my wife and I saw you at Fast Buck Freddie;s in Key West but I remember you fondly from there and from Jacksonville.
I am glad to see you are doing this. I hope it is a great success.
I am retired and living in PV Beach, retired from the PGA TOUR after years with the city. I am a widower having lost my wife to breast cancer three years ago.
I am glad you are having a great life and doing the things you want to do. And I so much like UNF, one of my sons went all the way through to a Master’s there. I hope you are having a great week. Warm regards, Richard Bowers
Hi Richard, Thanks so much for your kind words. I haven’t been back to Key West for 20 years until last April. Fast Buck’s was still fabulous and Key West was still hot as heck. I appreciate hearing from you. Sharon
Sharon – I have an idea for a series of children’s picture books. How far along or developed should my stories be in order for them to be eligible for your Pitch Book?
Hi Patrick, For fiction books and screenplays, you should have your manuscript completed and submitted for copyright before you send your pitch. If you don’t have your manuscript ready for this pitch book, consider waiting until we launch the Spring 2012 Writers Pitch Book. The deadline for that is Friday, March 16, 2012, midnight with the Pitch Book going to buyers and representatives the week of April 16, 2012. Sharon
Hi Sharon,
A friend of mine in Jax saw the Times Union article and sent it to me. I have been looking for months on how to reach the publishing world, with limited funds, and see if my fiction books meet the grade. I’m 71, retired and have been house/bed bound for the last three years with Diabetes. My mind is clear as a bell, so those three years were not wasted. I got into writing with my Autobiography of my war in Vietnam. I wanted to leave my family something about that war. Then I started getting ideas for fiction books. I have completed four and have about six more in the mill. I don’t read anymore, I write.
When writing, I become the main character and just use my 71 years of life to fill in the story. I tried looking for a style, but gave up. I write for a reader and for a viewer; if it were ever made into a movie/TV program. Writing has become a highlight of my day. I have down times, and then hot flashes. One night while getting a snack, I sat there for more than an hour at the kitchen table and completed two chapters of my new book…..all in my mine. When I got up to go back to bed, it felt like it had been only a few minutes. The next moring, I started writing from memory.
Thank God….and a lot of great people for the computer….. The word processing is awesome….it checks my spelling and grammar. What a new world.
I will start working on my pitch for one of my books……called “My Father’s War.”
Robert J. Wells
Edgewater Florida
August 23, 2011
Hi Sharon,
I wish I had met you during my undergrad studies at UNF. I have been writing for years, but I’ve never honestly thought I could get the attention of anyone who could help me get published or even noticed. I think you have created a much needed bridge here. I’m sending you my first screenplay pitch! Thank you.
Karen Smith
Awesome, Karen. I look forward to your pitch and am very happy to have another screenwriter to promote to Hollywood producers! Sharon
Hi Sharon,
I sent in a pitch earlier this week. Thanks so much for this service. I have a few questions:
–You say that you research the agents best suited for a writer’s particular work and send it to them. How does the assembly of the pitchbook work? Do you put together several pitches that might be a good fit for a particular agent, thus creating an individualized pitchbook? That’s my understanding; I just wanted to make sure that’s how it worked.
–Will you let pitch contributors know which agents and/or how many you sent their pitches to? That might be helpful, in the event that we (writers) are considering querying an agent (or meeting with one at a conference) that might have already received our pitch.
Thanks,
Carl
Thanks for your questions, Carl. I’m finishing up various versions of the Pitch Book right now. Each agent gets what they want…meaning if they want fiction and NO non-fiction, they get a Pitch Book with fiction only. If they specialize in mystery but also accept other genres, I design a Pitch Book with mystery and the other genres they specialize in, plus fiction. Some agents only want non-fiction. So I design a Pitch Book with non-fiction only. I could go on and on, but need to get back to the agents. Yes, every agent gets the material they want. That way they don’t have to scan pitches they are not interested in.
Yes, agents requesting the Pitch Book will be listed on the Writers Pitch Book website when all the Pitch Books go out. You can see what type of writing they are interested in and know they got your pitch if your work falls in those categories. Also, I add agents, etc. as they request the Pitch Book even after the original batch goes out.
I’ll keep everyone updated on this website!
very helpful (and great service), thanks!
Hi, Sharon. What a joy to receive notification from you that my submission to The Writer’s Pitch, The Unwilling Spy, was picked up by literary agent Harvey Klinger in New York. As requested, I will submit a synopsis as well as the first five pages of my manuscript this week and, hopefully, the agent’s next request will be for the complete manuscript. Thanks again for the opportunity to participate in Writer’s Pitch. For the spring submittal, I plan to send “Sanctuary of the Heart” – a gripping story about life during the Great Depression in north Georgia. Hooray for Writer’s Pitch!! Sue Frederick
I have been going around in circles and literally screaming at the top of my lungs just for a chance to be heard. I have had my first first novel published in June 0f 2010 and have since completed the sequel (not published). My story is quite diverse as it has many twists and turns. It is a paranormal romance consisting of reincarnation. It is about altering life forms from one state to another, from one lifetime to another. I truly believe this is something the viewers would welcome as it is unique in its own way. I have had great reveiws from family and friends young and old alike, male and female. The biggest thing I can see happening with this tale is having it hit the big screen. It would be truly enhanced with the benefit of very tasteful 3D adaption. What is the statistics as far as success with a venture of this nature? And, is there a big demand for work of this sort?
Hi Cindy, We all know how you feel about trying to get attention for your work. Been there, hated that. Okay…Hollywood producers are always looking for new projects…meaning scripts, unpublished manuscripts, books, blockbuster books. It trick always is: how do you get your book to the right producer. It’s not easy, but not impossible. You can personally research producers online and call them up to pitch your book. That strategy is not for the faint of heart since “pass” is a word they’ll use a lot…meaning “No thanks.” We have a section in Writers Pitch Book called “Film Rights Available” and have pitches for authors’ books. Consider submitting your pitch to the Spring 2012 Writers Pitch Book and see what happens.
Dear Sirs, I am sixty-two-year old grandmother who has just written her first fiction novel in an effort to help support my little grandchildren. The book has an African theme to it. The book is in the process of being published and I desperately seek assistance in marketing it as widely as possible, and if it is suitable material to pitch for movie production, who do I contact, please?
Hi Betty, Thanks for your question. Writers Pitch Book has a “Film & TV Rights” section for writers who have books published. If you would like to have your book considered by Hollywood producers for a film or TV adaptation, just submit your pitch according to the guidelines on the website. If you have any questions at all, just email me: Sharon@WritersPitchBook.com.
I’ll be surprised if this message gets posted but here goes–why in the world would agents/editors take the time to read this book? This is a wonderful idea in principle but doubtful it will work in practice any better than the multitude of similar online sites that purport to “connect writers with publishers/agents/editors, et al.” Sorry, folks, but IMO this is not a productive way to get your work noticed. Nor is it a way to get your movie scripts pitched to Hollywood studio execs.
Yes, you will get your pitch published in this book which I have no doubt will be done very well, but editors and agents already receive thousands of unsolicited queries and pitches. Why would they be eager to receive this collection and sift through to find your hidden gem?
Sharon has a brilliant idea–for creating a book and income for the WritersPitchBook site, and I wish her success. But it is very doubtful this will do for the authors what it purports to do.
Yes, this is my own opinion and other’s millage may vary. *s* For what it’s worth, I’m the author of 23 nonfiction titles (traditionally pub’d with an agent) and now self-publishing my own work–because even for multi-pub’d writers, it’s harder than ever before to get work noticed. There is no magic wand–or magic book–that will do the job for you! Best wishes on all your publishing projects.
Hi Amy, I totally understand your skepticism. I’ve been a writer for over 20 years and know how hard it is to get attention for your work. I also have been lucky enough to be repped by ICM, Paradigm and Gersh. Yes, the book publishing and film business is really tough. I created the Writers Pitch Book in 2009 to feature pitches only for writers attending the 2009 University of North Florida Writers Conference because the conference did not have a travel budget to bring agents to Florida. So I thought…why not bring the pitches to the agents. Soon afterward, I expanded the Pitch Book to include everyone. I have been happy with the response from reps and buyers. I list them on this website. So it’s great that they’re requesting the Pitch Book and then requesting work from writers, but what I really want is to have agents, editors and producers who love our writers work so much, they want to sign them or offer an option or purchase. I’m still working on that part of it. If you have any suggestions or ideas about how I can serve our writers better, please let me know. I really appreciate you taking the time to comment and give input. Sharon
Hi Sharon, I took your “How to Publish Your E-Book” at UNF in January. I am writing a nonfiction book entitled, “PLANNING TO PARTY – How not to get a DUI.”
This book is for those who ocassionally partake of alcoholic beverages. I know that there is a need for the information and insite that is in my book. And that there is a a target audience that need the information and knowledge. Most don’t know how badly they need to avoid getting their first DUI. Those who have been convicted of DUI will agree that the process, cost and inconveniences that comes with A DUI will definitely “suck.”
My computer and word processing skils are very mediocre and I seem to have problems keeping my equipment operational. In your honest opinion would my book be likely to get exposure to the appropriate people and markets? I haven’t the time or inclination to do it on my own.
Ray E. Holmes
Hi Ray, I still think this is a terrific idea for a book and you’re an expert! Here’s what I would suggest: since it’s a great idea and would take very little time for you to write a pitch, you could pitch it and see what happens. I’m not an agent, but it seems like a non-brainer for a fiction book targeted to college markets.
Write on!
Sharon
My first book “The Curious Pilgrim” is published and copyrighted, with a trailer.
The second book “Corridors in Time” is at the publishers. Can books be submitted instead of manuscripts? Both can be sent email or snail mail for the Pitch Book? I am interested in a possible submission for films. Alvan St Jacques
Hi Alvan, First of all congratulations on your first book. Also having a trailer is a great idea and wonderful marketing tool. A second congrats on having Corridors in Time at the publishers. Yes, you may submit pitches for both books. If you like, I can put them in the TV & Film Rights Available section of the Writers Pitch Book. I’ve extended the deadline until Friday, March 23, midnight. Please read details on this website and submit your pitches by then to be included. Thanks for your interest. Sharon
Hi Sharon,
I am looking forward to sending in my pitch. Let me know the next step.
Hi Larry, I noticed you submitted your pitch through a comment on our website, so I just copied into my Pitch Book file in the fiction section. In the future, you can send pitches in the body of an email directly to me: Sharon@WritersPitchBook.com. No worries about this one, since I already have it. Write on, Sharon
Thanks Sharon, it was nice to meet you and chat. My dad was the Olds dealer in Gainesville. I got to drive one day in the infield at Daytona when Cadillac tried the Cimarron experiment. No wonder GM had problems. Let me know what I can do from here. I think my novel would make a good action movie. a.k.a. Eagle, Last Legion.
etc.
Best
Larry
Dear Ms. Cobb:
I recently self published a book that I know will one day be a movie ( how’s that for confidence) ! What are your thoughts on attending a pitchfest in California where I would be able to pitch my book directly to a number of movie producers, for a fee. I do not have a screenplay but feel confident after thirty five years in sales/marketing that I could present a winning pitch/logline. They give you five minutes to pitch your material, however I understand that most of the producers prefer screenplays. Now that you have thrown me an interesting and cost saving curve on your website, I would appreciate your thoughts. Also, if you are located in north Florida, would it be possible to meet with you personally if that can be arranged. We live in South Carolina. Check out my website and I’ll look forward to hearing back from you.
Sincerely,
Henry Hixson
Author: “The Adventures of Thomas Pilgrim and Barney High Tail”
Hi Henry, Thanks for your question. There are some terrific pitch fests in LA. If you enjoy pitching face-to-face, it could the right thing for you. One of the reasons I created the Writer Pitch Book is because most writers I know love writing and dislike pitching. For some, it can be nerve-racking. Sounds like you would be good at it since you’re in sales. Whatever you do, do something. Meaning, pitch at a pitch fest or in Writers Pitch Book. You have to get your book concept out there or nothing will happen, right? If you want to submit a pitch for the Spring 2012 Writers Pitch Book, I’m leaving the PayPal button up until I begin sending the Pitch Book out. Write on! Sharon
Sharon. I have completed a Screen Play version of my novel. If there is any interest in that I can provide it to the agent. Best
Larry
Congrats, Larry. Good for you. I’ll make a note of that. You never know. Of course, Hollywood producers option lots of books and unpublished manuscripts to adapt into films.
Write on!
Sharon
Hi, I’m wondering about submit my novel to become a movie in Hollywood.
The problem is my novel is using Indonesian language, it’s my countr.
So how can the producer from Hollywood read my novel? If I have to translate it to English, I can’t do it because I’m not clever enough to speak in English.
What should I do?
Wow, this is an interesting question, Tania. We are getting more and more pitches from outside the U.S. All have been written in English. Can you find an editor who could translate and edit your manuscript for you? Maybe trying Googling Indonesian English translation editor??? Please let me know how it goes. Sorry I can’t be of more help.
Sharon