As a debut novelist, I’ve quickly learned that one of the
key skills required, as well as writing a darned good read, is the ability to
pitch a novel, both in writing and, perhaps more dauntingly, in person.
I’ve read self-help books, blog posts, writing magazine
articles, all designed to teach writers how best to develop a pitch. But
although there’s loads of help out there, it still feels tricky to do!
THE OPPORTUNITY
So imagine my apprehension when my writing friends from the
Aberdeen Writers’ Studio, suggested that I pitch to a panel of publishers and
agents at XPO North.
I already had experience of pitching work on a one-to-one
basis (at a Romantic Novelists’ Association conference – but that’s another
blog post!), which was, to say the least, butterfly inducing. But would I have
the confidence required to pitch to a panel of industry experts?
I’d never know, it I didn’t try. So I followed the
guidelines, forwarding a synopsis and first five chapters of my debut
novel, Food Bank Baby, and anxiously waited for
a reply.
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| Emily Utter (front left) and me (front right) with our Aberdeen Writers' Studio friends on the bus to Inverness |
Within days I’d been invited to pitch at XPO North!
XPO NORTH
XPO North, held on Wednesday 7th and Thursday 8th
June this year, is billed as Scotland’s leading creative industries festival;
a two-day event in the picturesque highland city of Inverness, in northern
Scotland, on the banks of the River Ness, where it’s fun to keep a look out for
the famous Loch Ness Monster.
Held at the Eden Court Theatre and Arts' centre, entry to the event is free – always
attractive to Scots!
As well as the opportunity to pitch to publishers and
agents, XPO North also offered such varied workshops as:
The BBC Writers Room: Starting Your Television Writing
Career
The Birth of a Book: Dream, Plan, Do - How To Crowdfund Your
Novel with Patricia van den Akker
Discover How To Make The Most of Instagram... and more…
But my attention at XPO North was firmly focused on the literary pitching sessions.
THE PANEL
Chaired by world-renowned literary agent Jenny Brown, of Jenny Brown Associates - one of the
leading literary agencies in the UK - the
panel was extremely supportive and encouraging of all the writers pitching. Jenny
explained that after receiving a whooping 120 submissions, the shortlist was
then
narrowed to 18, in the panel’s hunt for best new fiction and
non-fiction.
The highly experienced publishing panel members included:
Francine Toon - literary fiction editor at Sceptre Books, also representing
Hodder & Stoughton
Vikki Reilly – literary fiction editor at independent
publisher, Birlinn Books, also representing Polygon Books.
Andrea Johnstone – literary fiction editor at
independent publisher, Canongate Books.
Moira Forsyth - author of The Treacle Well and editorial Director of Sandstone Press.
THE SESSIONS
Pitching was broken up into three sessions – non-fiction,
literary fiction and commercial fiction (including crime).
I write commercial women’s fiction but attended all three
pitching sessions, which were both hugely interesting (remember I LOVE books!) but
also extremely helpful, in terms of learning from the suggestions offered and advice
given by panel members.
FEEDBACK
Not only was I thrilled to have bagged a much-sought after
place on the pitching short-list, but was
 |
| Moral support from Aberdeen Writers' Studio friends |
Rachelle’s debut novel, Shedding
Skin, offers ‘an unsettling glimpse into a father-daughter bond as they
embark on a curious trip across the Southern Hemisphere’.
Whilst, Emily’s debut, Wedgewood,
explores the question ‘is the biggest lie a family can tell itself is that it
is perfect?’
And so it came to my turn.
 |
| Me - mid pitch! |
Although nervous, I was also buoyed by the excellent quality of
pitches delivered by Emily and Rachelle, and felt determined not to let them down.
‘Two
hungry little girls. One violent father.
How
far would you go to save a stranger’s family from danger?’
And so began my pitch for Food Bank Baby…
I gave it my best shot and was overjoyed with the feedback
received from both the publishers and Jenny Brown.
Will my pitch to lead to anything further? – Only time will
tell.
Was I glad I quashed my fears and accepted the opportunity
to pitch? – you bet!
YOUR PITCHING STORIES
Pitching at XPO North was a fantastic experience and one I’d
strongly recommend, particularly for debut writers. So, if you’ve yet to pitch
to a panel and would like feedback on your work, then why not enter next year?
And if you already have experience of pitching to a panel, or simply
have a fab pitching tale to share, then I’d love to hear your story in the comments below.
Rae
P.S. - and I promise to let you know if my pitching to a panel story has a happy
ending!
