If you had to hook an editor in 100 words, how would you do it? Remember that editors have heard many pitches. How is your story different? What is the conflict of your story?
Here are a few tips for creating that perfect pitch:
- Start out simple and expand:
Example: A heroine finds love while on vacation in Nice.
Better: A pregnant travel writer experiences wild “no strings” passion with her late husband’s arch enemy while on vacation in Nice…until an earthquake forces them to choose between their old lives and what could be the greatest adventure of all…love.
- Think about capturing an editor’s attention.
- Make your pitch direct, not too gimmicky.
- Show your knowledge of the line you are targeting.
- Include the juiciest elements of your story.
- If you can’t find those elements, your story might need rethinking.
- What are the best hooks in your romance?
- What excites you about your romance?
So, now that you’ve done some pondering and crafting, it’s time for you to send us your pitch. Make us—the editors—enthusiastic about your story and the directions it could take. Take us on a short journey of 100 words. Please submit to us at ucanwrite@harlequin.ca by 10:00 a.m. EST, today, September 18, 2015. Be sure to include in the subject heading: SYTYCW: The Pitch Challenge. We’ll randomly pick five to critique by today at 2:00 p.m. Good luck!
Join the conversation on Twitter with the hashtag #SYTYCW15, and follow @HarlequinSYTYCW.
3 replies on “Today’s Challenge: Write Your Pitch”
Please tell us where to find this on the blog – and also the first page challenge? Can’t find them! TY x
Do you ever have a need for romantic poetry? I have been told that I am gifted in that area and I would like to submit a few if you have a market or need for them. Thanks very much.
faint heartbeat, distant screams, tired breath…let me die…
Comments ( 7 )
I spent the entire shutdown working. Had no time to wind down. I didn’t see my son much when school shutdown. My one co worker was told to stay home for 3 weeks so I picked up her hours. This year has been really crappy.
Ugh, Janell. Here’s hoping the rest of your summer is better.
Thanks for the info, Carol! Everyone is different in how they deal with the shutdown! I stay at home all the time since I don’t work so I haven’t been too effected but my shopping and errands sure have been effected!
Valri, I’ve been doing most of my shopping online. My local Target is still low on some items – mostly cleaning supplies. Grocery store is pretty much back to normal. Most of the dining in our town is outdoor. I can’t imagine have school-age kids!
Wow–getting your creative process on track must have been daunting–especially with “extra-large dog” glad to have you home. You don’t like coffee–I love coffee and have enjoyed my fortifying 2 cups in the morning even more than usual! How as COVID affected your story lines and characterizations? Best Wishes for all releases!
Interesting question, Virginia. You’ll have to tell me if the tone of my “COVID” books changed any! LOL
Life has changed so much! My dad passed Feb 2. The assisted living facility my folks were at went into hardcore lockdown the beginning of March. Mom couldn’t leave her apartment for 4 months! She was on the third floor, Will be 89 in two months & doesn’t use the phone. My husband and I remodeled the lower level completely and moved her in with us July 1. What a life change and difficult transition for the 3 of us! But we’re working thru it!