Pitching your book at a live event is like stepping into the spotlight with your creative soul on display. You’ve got minutes to capture the attention of literary agents, each one looking for the next big thing.

It’s an adrenaline rush—a mix of public speaking and storytelling—with the tantalizing hope of hearing, “I’d love to see more.”

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to pitch live? Are you gearing up for your own moment in the spotlight? Here’s what you need to know!

Cold Querying Versus Live Pitching

Cold querying involves sending your submission packet to an agent you’ve never met. It will probably be the primary way of getting your work out there. Cold querying is free to authors. However, it does involve a ton of research. You must find which agents are open to cold queries and are looking to represent what you write. Additionally, agents can receive hundreds of submissions per month meaning your submission must really grab their attention.

Most live (or virtual) pitch events are costly. But, instead of your work being buried for months in a slush pile of other submissions, you meet face-to-face with an agent. The agent is listening to only your pitch. For those few minutes, the agent is your captive audience.

The Numbers Tell a Story

In cold queries, only 5-10% of authors get requests for additional materials with only 1-3% receiving an offer of representation.

In live pitch events, approximately 20-30% of authors get requests for additional materials with 5-10% receiving an offer of representation.

The numbers alone, show why live pitch events are a worthwhile investment for querying authors. But the benefits don’t stop there.

Building Personal Connections

Live events offer face-to-face interaction with agents, allowing authors to create lasting impressions.

Agents are more likely to remember a face and a conversation than a name on query letter.

Real-Time Feedback

Unlike query letters, live pitches allow immediate feedback from agents.

Authors can gauge an agent’s interest based on their questions and reactions.

Authors can also learn to refine their pitch or manuscript based on constructive input.

Standing Out From the Crowd

Live events offer a chance to shine in a way a query letter cannot.

Agents may prioritize authors they’ve met in person. They’ve had a chance to meet and decide if they’d work well together.

Authors have the opportunity to demonstrate passion and confidence in their work which can make a strong impression.

Enhancing Pitch Skills

Practice and feedback can improve an author’s ability to present their work effectively.

Even if an agent doesn’t request the manuscript, the experience builds essential pitching skills. It helps authors learn to articulate their story’s essence in a compelling and concise way.

Broadening Industry Knowledge

Live pitch events often feature panels, workshops, and networking opportunities.

Authors can learn about market trends, agent preferences, and the publishing process.

Additionally, connecting with other authors and industry professionals can help to build the writing community.

What Next?

I encourage you to research live pitch events in your area and put yourself out there in 2025!

One conference I attend regularly is the Writing Day Workshop. They offer multiple conferences across the country both in person and virtually.

I encourage authors to not miss the chance to bring their stories to life by connecting with the right agent in person (or virtually.)

Free Template!

Now for what you’ve been waiting for—my free pitch template!

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Thank you! You got this!

One important key to success is self-confidence. An important key to self-confidence is preparation.

-Arthur Ashe