It is just as possible to make a powerful connection with an agent or editor virtually as it is in person. Some of our agents and editors simply aren’t able to make the trip to New York that day, as much as they would like to. Pitching to them virtually may be your only opportunity to connect with that agent. Remember to speak clearly, pitch succinctly, and smile, just as you would in real life.

The most common path to publication is to secure a contract with an agent who then sells your work to an editor at a publishing house. That said, if you can get an editor at PitchFest interested in publishing your work, you can use that interest as leverage when approaching an agent. Some editors at the event don’t require authors to be agented, providing you with an opportunity to sell your book to them directly, but this is an exception, not the rule.

If this happens, simply let the agents know when you email them that their colleague also requested your materials from PitchFest. They’ll work it out internally.

Every agent and editor who attends is actively seeking thriller manuscripts, and many are looking for other genres, including mystery, suspense, true crime, and supernatural. Review the participating agent/editor bios and photos on the ThrillerFest website to learn what each expert is looking for and what they are NOT looking for. Note: some agents may be closed to queries on their website but open to queries to the pitches they connect with at PitchFest. Those agents may give you a specific way to contact them.

We strongly recommend you have a completed, polished manuscript before signing up for PitchFest (unless your manuscript is a non-fiction project). We know from experience that if agents like what they see, they will want to sign you as a client immediately and try to sell your book to a publisher. You want that, too. They cannot sell your book unless it’s finished, and they may not be as interested in your idea/book months from now when you do finish. Do your best to type THE END before coming to PitchFest–and pitch your best book, not several books. It’s fine to mention to an agent that you have written other books, especially if they ask about other projects you are working on, but with limited time to pitch, it’s best to focus on just one. You can pitch a self-published book, although you’re better off pitching a fresh, new manuscript that has not been published. The agents and editors love unique voices, new concepts, and books that haven’t already been on the market. If you want advice on how to complete your novel or whether you’re headed in the right direction, please sign up for QueryFest instead.

From renting the conference rooms, the pitch rooms, and the book room to securing hotel staff, refreshments and air-conditioning and keeping the bathrooms fresh and breezy, there are many costs associated with ThrillerFest. Although our main purpose is to help writers make the necessary connections with people in the industry, providing a venue in New York City requires a large investment. Even the board of directors pays to attend the conference just like you do, which helps keep the costs down for everyone.

Sometimes, but not always. Some of those who have secured representation have shared their success stories with us. While there’s NO GUARANTEE, REAL OR IMPLIED, that any agent will like your work, the opposite is equally true: they may all love your work. Some writers secure representation, but never get a publishing deal. There is no definitive outcome here other than one: If you don’t attend PitchFest, those agents and editors will miss an opportunity to hear you pitch.

Even if no agents are interested in your story (which is rare), going through the process of pitching is still an enormously valuable opportunity. You will have met the top agents in the business, experienced the pitching experience, made important contacts, received feedback on your presentations, and learned a lot of things about the business. And you’ll have the inspiration needed to improve your book and return next year.

If the agent or editor is interested, they will request a partial or, in rare cases, the entire manuscript, to read. This will always be something you email them after the event, per the instructions they will give you. If there is no interest, the agent or editor will not request any material. If they do not request material or let you know it’s a “pass” for them, be courteous. A simple, “Thank you for your time” is all that’s needed before moving on to another line.

Three minutes. Occasionally, an agent or editor will take longer with a writer, and we appreciate that when a match is being made, it may require more time. Agents and editors, along with the PitchFest organizers, appreciate your patience. This is all about match-making, and your time will come.

No. Keep these pitch package materials in your hotel room, or better yet, leave them at home. The agents will ask you to send this via email if they’re interested. They don’t want to haul a hundred pounds of manuscripts on the subway when the day is over. And please don’t hand agents a flash drive. Agents will not insert flash drives into their computers, for fear of viruses.

Instead, focus on preparing a one-page synopsis for after your session, in case an expert asks you to email a synopsis along with sample pages. If you want to learn how to write a synopsis, check out Writer’s Digest Synopsis Writing Basics or advice from industry blogs by Jessica Faust or Janet Reid.

Although it’s always a good idea to have business cards with you, please don’t force your business card on an agent or editor unless they ask for it. If you do have business cards, make sure your contact information is prominent, especially your email. You can get cards printed online, or at a local print shop. Remember that less is more.

A website is not required for pitching. You may want to consider having one anyway, so people can find you easily. If you’re not ready to build a website, consider  reserving the domain name you’ll want to use as a writer so you’re prepared when you become a published author.

We request that you do not practice your pitch while you’re in line, at least out loud. The pitch room(s) will be full of people simultaneously hearing and making pitches. If you want to talk, please go into the hall. When you’re sitting in that pitch chair and can hear the agent saying clearly, “I love this idea! Can you email me the manuscript?” you’ll thank us.

In order to attend PitchFest, you must also sign up for Master Class, CraftFest, or ThrillerFest. Although you can sign up for Master Class, CraftFest, or ThrillerFest without also doing PitchFest, we don’t allow you to sign up ONLY for PitchFest.

Again, we want to make sure you are as prepared and professional as possible before pitching. Agents’ and editors’ time is valuable, so please prepare accordingly. Making Master Class, CraftFest, or ThrillerFest a prerequisite for PitchFest helps ensure that only authors who are making a serious commitment to their craft will be pitching, which provides everyone with a better experience. After all, if the agents stop coming because the quality of pitching is poor or the writers are not professional, they’ll never hear great ideas from serious writers like you.

While we recommend business casual, there is no formal dress code for PitchFest. Consider that you’re trying to sell your work to major agents who are professional and expect you to take this process seriously. Dress like you respect them and the process. Make sure you’re wearing comfortable shoes, as you’ll be on your feet a lot. 

Pitching will occur from 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM. When the PitchFest event is over, please feel free to take a break before the ThrillerFest Opening Cocktail Hour at 6:30 PM. Many of the agents and editors will be attending the cocktail hour too, so remember to be courteous. Please don’t follow an agent or editor into a bathroom, to their room, or out onto the street. What you may see as passion or ambition might be interpreted as ‘creepy stalker’ behavior, and we know that’s not what you intend to put across.

In the current market, agents are often receiving more submissions than they can respond to in a timely manner. While PitchFest offers you a chance to stand out from the crowd by enjoying time with an agent in person, it does not guarantee that your manuscript will be a good fit for them. Many of our agents — if they do request additional material from you — will respond to you very quickly. But some may not. Check the agents’ websites to see if they have a process in place after a certain time has passed. Also, remember that this process works in both directions: if you value quick responses in general, an agent that doesn’t respond quickly may not be the right fit for you.

Because so many writers wanted more time with experts to ask advice rather than pitch a completed manuscript, we created QueryFest. While PitchFest is about making connections and pitching, QueryFest–where pitches are strongly discouraged–is more about preparing the writer for an eventual opportunity to pitch. QueryFest will be available throughout CraftFest and ThrillerFest where attendees can meet one-on-one with an industry expert for 15 minutes. Writers can get instant feedback on query letters or the first two pages of a manuscript. Due to the overwhelming popularity of QueryFest, we limit the number of sessions you can purchase to five, but you will only be allowed a maximum of two sessions with the same agent or editor. Eligibility for QueryFest requires registration to CraftFest, Master Class, or ThrillerFest. Again, no pitching during QueryFest, please.

For writers interested in honing their craft, Master Class on Tuesday is an excellent opportunity to have a bestselling author review and critique your work and/or impart pearls of wisdom that you just can’t get anywhere else. The classes are intensive and intimate, with ten or fewer writers assigned to one instructor.

CraftFest is another amazing opportunity to learn from bestselling authors and experts in the industry, and it is highly recommended if you attend PitchFest. PitchFest cannot be purchased as a single item (you must either sign up for CraftFest, Master Class, or ThrillerFest) because we want you to be as prepared as possible for the pitching sessions. This is a professional business, and agents/editors expect you to conduct yourself accordingly. CraftFest is held on Wednesday and Thursday morning, just before PitchFest.

ThrillerFest takes place on Friday and Saturday, and provides a unique opportunity to meet readers, authors, the media, and many others. And of course, the Thriller Awards Banquet, held on Saturday night, is our last hurrah before closing the conference for another year.

Remember: All of the agents/editors attending PitchFest are excited to find their next great story, and they just want to hear a little bit about your project. Introduce yourself and say a quick hello, keep your pitch short and sweet, and answer their questions about your story. And remember to have fun and breathe! 🙂